Used BMW 3 Series for sale near Preston

CarGurus expert rating: 5 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.4 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 35.1%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.5 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 2,800
Average Price: Around £18,000

BMW 3 Series (2019-present) Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Sharp steering and agile handling	Sporty suspension makes for a firm ride
Fuel-sipping diesels and plug-in hybrid	Not as roomy as some cheaper mainstream rivals
Beautifully finished cabin	Restricted engine choice if you want a manual gearbox

Quick Summary

The BMW 3 Series (2019-present) is the benchmark mid-size executive saloon, combining understated style, rock-solid quality, and an upmarket image with a sporting drive. This generation delivers an involving driving experience with crisp, precise steering and excellent grip, making it stand out from increasingly competitive rivals. The beautifully finished cabin features plush materials and exceptional fit and finish, whilst the spacious seating and useful boot accommodate families with ease. A huge range of powertrains is available on the used market, including efficient diesels and the popular plug-in hybrid 330e, which offers up to 63 miles of electric-only range following a 2024 battery upgrade.

The main trade-off is the firm ride that comes with the sporty suspension setup, even on SE and Sport models, though optional adaptive suspension on M Sport Plus variants significantly improves comfort. Real-world fuel economy is impressive across the range, with the 318d achieving around 55mpg and the 330e averaging 65mpg with regular charging. Servicing costs are reasonable at £25 per month through BMW's pay-monthly plan, and all engines feature timing chains, reducing long-term maintenance expenses. The 3 Series remains the best small executive saloon available, offering an excellent balance of performance, efficiency, and refinement for those willing to accept a firmer ride.

Best for: Drivers seeking a sporty yet practical executive saloon, company car users, and those prioritising sharp handling and a beautifully finished interior.

Not ideal for: Buyers requiring maximum interior space compared to mainstream rivals, those seeking a softer ride, or drivers wanting a manual gearbox option.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the 3 Series if: You're seeking a sporty yet practical executive saloon, you're a company car user, or you prioritise sharp handling and a beautifully finished interior.

Consider alternatives if: You require maximum interior space compared to mainstream rivals, you seek a softer ride, or you want a manual gearbox option.

Competitive Position: The BMW 3 Series (2019-present) is the benchmark mid-size executive saloon, outperforming its rivals with superior expert ratings and an excellent balance of performance, efficiency, and refinement. Whilst the Audi A4 matches it on user ratings and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class offers premium appeal, the 3 Series delivers the sharpest handling and most engaging driving experience. Its beautifully finished cabin, impressive fuel economy across multiple powertrains, and reasonable servicing costs make it the most complete package in the segment. The main compromise is the firm ride that comes with its sporty suspension, but for drivers prioritising dynamic handling and quality, the 3 Series remains the best choice.

Read our full BMW 3 Series Review

*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from April 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.