Advertisement
If you have a new account but are having problems posting or verifying your account, please email us on hello@boards.ie for help. Thanks :)
Hello all! Please ensure that you are posting a new thread or question in the appropriate forum. The Feedback forum is overwhelmed with questions that are having to be moved elsewhere. If you need help to verify your account contact hello@boards.ie
Please note that it is not permitted to have referral links posted in your signature. Keep these links contained in the appropriate forum. Thank you.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2055940817/signature-rules
Hi there,
There is an issue with role permissions that is being worked on at the moment.
If you are having trouble with access or permissions on regional forums please post here to get access: https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058365403/you-do-not-have-permission-for-that#latest

10k-ish to spend

  • 09-10-2008 1:51am
    #1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,525 ✭✭✭


    My basic requirements are Full leather and fairly sporty and comfortable place to be. I like the look of BMW 325Ci and the Merc C-230k Coupe but i'm open minded. Doesn't have to be a coupe but i do find myself leaning that way. I won't pretend to know a lot about cars here so for the two i've mentioned should i be any more worried with thses cars about possible future costs people always say it costs more to keep BMWs and Mercs is it true? Is it worth while importing them from UK in my price range.

    10kish, i might be tempted to stretch but i'll keep it there for now.


Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,704 ✭✭✭Mr.David


    You should consider the Alfa Romeo GT its sexy and well built too (compared to Alfa's of old). It also is a bit of a change from the usual Merc/BMW/Audi good as they are, and they always say a petrolhead should own at least one Alfa.

    You can pick up a '06 one in the UK with a high spec for about 8k sterling. :)


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 4,091 ✭✭✭Biro


    Mr.David wrote: »
    You should consider the Alfa Romeo GT its sexy and well built too (compared to Alfa's of old). It also is a bit of a change from the usual Merc/BMW/Audi good as they are, and they always say a petrolhead should own at least one Alfa.

    You can pick up a '06 one in the UK with a high spec for about 8k sterling. :)

    They'd be around 16k cleared and all, so well outside the OP's budget.
    OP, is power a concern?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 51,479 ✭✭✭✭bazz26


    I would not rule out buying these type of cars here either. Due to the associated above average running costs they tend to be good value on the second hand market:

    328ci:
    http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/BMW/3-Series/328/1211222/

    325ci:
    http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/BMW/3-Series/323-323M/1045084/
    http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/BMW/3-Series/325-Ci/850726/

    Alfa Romeo GTV:
    http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/Alfa-Romeo/GTV/2.0-T/1222432/

    Mazda RX-8:
    http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/Mazda/RX-8/230bhp/1183002/


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 22,815 ✭✭✭✭Anan1


    I'd forget about any Mercedes with the 2.3K engine - it marries the fuel consumption of a petrol to the refinement of a diesel, IMO. The 3.2 is nice, though.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,038 ✭✭✭kuro_man




  • Advertisement
  • Closed Accounts Posts: 7,338 ✭✭✭the drifter


    for 10k get an octavia vrs....


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,525 ✭✭✭DanGerMus


    Biro wrote: »
    OP, is power a concern?

    Yes but i'd like to keep it limited to 2.5, 2l would be a bit more sensible just for tax and insurance purposes and running costs. I have to draw the line somewhere. So i dunno 150+bhp.
    bazz26 wrote: »
    I would not rule out buying these type of cars here either. Due to the associated above average running costs they tend to be good value on the second hand market:

    328ci:
    http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/BMW/3-Series/328/1211222/

    325ci:
    http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/BMW/3-Series/323-323M/1045084/
    http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/BMW/3-Series/325-Ci/850726/

    Alfa Romeo GTV:
    http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/Alfa-Romeo/GTV/2.0-T/1222432/

    Mazda RX-8:
    http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/Mazda/RX-8/230bhp/1183002/

    That 325 seems ideal but out of my rang really want to stick to 10k the 328 looks lovely but maybe a 2.8 is a bit to big. But that GTV is gorgeous i hadn't considered them are they not a bitch to keep though?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 51,479 ✭✭✭✭bazz26


    DanGerMus wrote: »
    Yes but i'd like to keep it limited to 2.5, 2l would be a bit more sensible just for tax and insurance purposes and running costs. I have to draw the line somewhere. So i dunno 150+bhp.



    That 325 seems ideal but out of my rang really want to stick to 10k the 328 looks lovely but maybe a 2.8 is a bit to big. But that GTV is gorgeous i hadn't considered them are they not a bitch to keep though?

    I cannot imagine a 328i being that much more expensive to run over a 325i to be honest, ok road tax is slightly higher but fuel consumption should be marginal imo.

    Another nice example (I like this colour):
    http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/BMW/3-Series/328COUPE-CRUISEBEIGE/1224145/

    And it's taxed and NCT'd to next May too.

    Regarding the GTV, don't have the best rep for reliability but considering the purchase saving and if you buy from an enthusiast, have it checked out by an Alfa specialist prior to buying you will have a very nice motor, plus you will have saved a few quid for any possible surprises.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,525 ✭✭✭DanGerMus


    TBH i had started out with 2l in mind then i said sure 2.3 would'nt be to bad and then 2.5 isn't much worse than 2.3, you know yourself i have to draw a line somewhere. But i do like the look of them 328 now :). Where/how would i get someone to check out the alfa?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 51,479 ✭✭✭✭bazz26


    DanGerMus wrote: »
    Where/how would i get someone to check out the alfa?

    Gerry Campbell, Ti Autos if your in or around Dublin.


  • Advertisement
  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,062 ✭✭✭cjt156


    DanGerMus wrote: »
    Where/how would i get someone to check out the alfa?

    +1 on TI Autos.
    Have to say I've made up my mind I'm buying one of these next. In red with tan leather. But that one has a dodgy line between the bumper & rear quarter, suggests a rear end shunt.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,525 ✭✭✭DanGerMus


    I'm actually in Clare but i'd imagine chances are i'd be buying from Dublin so they could check it out for me. Does the check cost much?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,364 ✭✭✭✭cantdecide


    I thought that size wise, drawing a line somewhere was important but I realised hte bigger the engine, the better the value for money. I have a 2.8 and its grand. I've been thinking about a BMW 540 or 740 next time. 10k is still a cheap car for what you'll end up with


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 66 ✭✭paddy316i


    I would be wary of the early E46s. they were dogged with handling problems up until the '03 facelift model came along. If you were looking for a 328 I would go for a late E36. Much better handling car.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,623 ✭✭✭milltown


    paddy316i wrote: »
    I would be wary of the early E46s. they were dogged with handling problems up until the '03 facelift model came along.

    First I've heard of it.
    Care to elaborate?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 447 ✭✭superjosh9


    milltown wrote: »
    First I've heard of it.
    Care to elaborate?

    was just about to ask the same.

    I've never driven one, can't imagine bm effin that bit up though..?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 567 ✭✭✭stretchaq


    paddy316i wrote: »
    I would be wary of the early E46s. they were dogged with handling problems up until the '03 facelift model came along. If you were looking for a 328 I would go for a late E36. Much better handling car.


    rubbish had a 318ci and drove several 325 and 328 cracking car handling problems on a BMW dont be ridiculous!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 250 ✭✭mydogjack


    bmw 320d.serious bargains to be had at the min.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 4,147 ✭✭✭E92


    325is have the almost same amount of power as the 328i but lower road tax and that newer M54 engine is around 5-10% better on mpg than the older M52 engine in the 328i. The 328i would have more torque though - 206 lb ft ass opposed to 181 lb ft so that's the advantage of the 328i over the 325i. The 328i has 1 bhp more as well FWIW(193 bhp).

    So yes the 325i is a smart choice. Similarly the 320i with the 2.2 engine develops the same amount of power as the 323i and the advantages/disadvantages of it over the 323i are exactly the same as above just different bhp and torque!

    Then there is always the 330i with 231 bhp and 221 lb ft of torque for those who want that extra bit of oomph.

    The 3 series is one of the few cars you can get away with the bigger engine on depreciation wise - of course the lowly and crappy 4 cylinder models go for more but the 6 cylinder models still find a relatively high number of buyers, particularly the ones with the smaller engines and are desirable to any BMW enthusiast. If you're after a coupé that's great to drive but still perfectly sensible than a 6 cylinder E46 is the car you'll want.

    And yes early E46s do have a reputation for not being as good to drive as the later models.

    The later models have a quickened steering rack amongst other things, to remove the criticisms(by some) that this car didn't drive the way you'd expect a BMW to do. There were other mechanical changes too, but I've completely forgotten what they were; either way the later models have better steering and are more engaging in corners.

    These changes were introduced along with the changes to the engine line-up the company made to the 3 series in 2001 AFAIR but I'm not 100% certain when exactly it was they did.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,393 ✭✭✭Climate Expert


    You will not get an Alfa GT for near the OPS budget. Crazy suggestion.


  • Advertisement
  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 327 ✭✭cps_goodbuy


    How about a Toyota MK2 MR2?

    Mr2 Sw20 1999yr "Beams"

    Coupe
    Comfortable seats and very much a sports car (compared to a merc or bmw)
    Cheap insurance (compared to the larger engined or turbo'd cars)
    200psi 2 Litre (compared to 2.5 to 4 litred) Btw, Tax :-)
    0-100km/h in 6.5s

    I'm selling one


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 528 ✭✭✭Drexl Spivey


    How much and what is the mileage?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 327 ✭✭cps_goodbuy


    Pm'd

    40k miles
    67k kilos Approx


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,394 ✭✭✭Pac1Man


    Buy a Lotus


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 327 ✭✭cps_goodbuy


    Maybe an early Elise?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,891 ✭✭✭Kersh


    How about a Jag XK8, I know where there is a lovely 1...:D


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 60 ✭✭406C


    DanGerMus wrote: »
    My basic requirements are Full leather and fairly sporty and comfortable place to be.

    Just saw your post and answered this on another thread...
    this looks good 2.0, 1 owner and low miles (11750). There never was an ST version so I can only assume it is the SE version with leather interior, auto lights, auto wipers, fully amped 8 speaker JBL stereo set up etc. I have a diesel version of this car and it is fine.

    http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/Peugeot/406/2.0-ST/1193008/

    CB4_1193008_1_767676.jpg

    also check out http://www.peugeot406coupe.com/phpBB2/


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 3,412 ✭✭✭HashSlinging




  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,525 ✭✭✭DanGerMus


    Hey guys thanks for all the replys. Still not quite sure what i'd like. I was looking at this http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/Alfa-Romeo/156/1.9-16V/975888/
    What you think are they a good car. Is their diesel up to much?

    Hash that audi was lovely sold now unfortunately. I was looking at those for a very long time before but just kind of went off the idea. That car has sparked my fancy again though.


  • Advertisement
  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,525 ✭✭✭DanGerMus


    hey guys just to revive this. Think i'm pretty much set on a 325ci now. Still hoping to have it here for under 10k. Something like this? http://search.autotrader.ie/www/cars_advert?country=IE&modelexact=1&make=BMW&model=3+Series&keywords=325+c&min_pr=4000&max_pr=8000&min_year=1999&max_year=&source=&currency=GBP&county_list=&sort=19&SUBMIT.x=0&SUBMIT.y=0&id=200846190861308

    What you think price wise i'd get it for? Also i've only looked in the auto trader can you guys suggest other websites or publications maybe? Want to buy asap now while the sterling exchange is still good. Getting one down from the north would be a good option for me as my dad goes up there every few weeks.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,525 ✭✭✭DanGerMus




  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,525 ✭✭✭DanGerMus


    Anyone any advice on my last two posts at all. Could do with some for peace of mind.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,525 ✭✭✭DanGerMus


    http://www.carzone.ie/search/BMW/M3/M3/200846190873728/advert

    Eh, if this is real i would deffinately go for it!!?!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 66,392 ✭✭✭✭unkel


    Jaysis, DanGerMus. You're giving me hypertension. The coupe E46 with the six pot petrol engine is a great car by all means. If you're thinking of buying one, have it checked out by a trusted mechanic first (or much better, by a sound independent BMW garage)

    And please, please, please, check the number of digits in the phone number of a carzone ad that looks good value. 7 digits means a Dublin number, 8 digits means a Lagos number or worse...

    Lotus Elan turbo for sale:

    https://www.adverts.ie/vehicles/lotus-elan-turbo/35456469

    My ads on adverts.ie:

    https://www.adverts.ie/member/5856/ads



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,525 ✭✭✭DanGerMus


    Sorry about that unkel. Got a bit excited there. Anxiuos about buying something as i really haven't any confidence in my knowledge and my lack of experience. But really want the car.

    That M3 a no no then, if it's too good to be true it probably is and all that.:o. I should know better.


  • Advertisement
  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 66,392 ✭✭✭✭unkel


    DanGerMus wrote: »
    if it's too good to be true it probably is and all that.:o. I should know better.

    No need to beat yourself up. But it might be an idea to look at the new sticky

    But I like your thinking. E46 M3s are very very good value at the moment. Sure they'll cost you a good bit more to run than the lower end six pot you were aiming for, but that said, why not do the sums?

    Never a better time to buy a performance car :D

    And drive it :D

    Lotus Elan turbo for sale:

    https://www.adverts.ie/vehicles/lotus-elan-turbo/35456469

    My ads on adverts.ie:

    https://www.adverts.ie/member/5856/ads



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,525 ✭✭✭DanGerMus


    Well i know what i want is a quick and sporty e46 coupe. I just love the shape of it. I don't do a lot of milage as i live exactly 5mins from work (maybe i can get it down to 3 :Dlol). So petrol cost while i'm not completely ignoring it is not a huge worry. Main thing is Tax and insurance. I'm 26 with 2 years licence no claims but 5plus named driver so insurance isn't much. I'm paying cash that i've saved so i'll have no loan repayments.

    So i'm quite happy to put myself in a 325ci 330ci or even an m3(not possible for 10k i think) if it comes in around the 10k mark (12 at a push but it would have to be special and include a years tax). Sport trim prefered. Must be full leather and Cannot be Blue.

    One question though is that they're are a lot of these cars in auto or tiptronic. Are all the autos tiptronic as well. Will auto detract from the car?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,747 ✭✭✭✭galwaytt


    DanGerMus wrote: »
    So i'm quite happy to put myself in a 325ci 330ci or even an m3(not possible for 10k i think) if it comes in around the 10k mark (12 at a push but it would have to be special and include a years tax). Sport trim prefered. Must be full leather and Cannot be Blue.

    One question though is that they're are a lot of these cars in auto or tiptronic. Are all the autos tiptronic as well. Will auto detract from the car?

    My sister in law did the same thing: mind you, I heard she was looking to change her 323Ci a while ago...........must check.

    Anyhoo - it's a gorgeous car - and I'm not a BeeEmm person, tbh. It is miles, miles, better than her 318Ci she had before that. I dunno, maybe when they make the cheaper one..........they just make them........cheaper !

    As for the Auto/Tiptronic thing - actually, in a car of that class, it's a plus. (My 0.02....) Your forgetting that it's still a big powerful engine, and imho the Tip box just adds to the civility of it.

    Ode To The Motorist

    “And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, generates funds to the exchequer. You don't want to acknowledge that as truth because, deep down in places you don't talk about at the Green Party, you want me on that road, you need me on that road. We use words like freedom, enjoyment, sport and community. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent instilling those values in our families and loved ones. You use them as a punch line. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the tax revenue and the very freedom to spend it that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it. I would rather you just said "thank you" and went on your way. Otherwise I suggest you pick up a bus pass and get the ********* ********* off the road” 



  • Closed Accounts Posts: 447 ✭✭siralfalot


    BMWs??? pah...

    you want one of these!!! link :p:p:D ;)


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 2,837 ✭✭✭S.I.R


    http://www.carzone.ie/search/Lotus/Elise/locost-7/200847190933823/advert

    who needs a roof or practicality anyways when you can be racing driver lal day long ??


  • Advertisement
  • Closed Accounts Posts: 447 ✭✭siralfalot


    S.I.R wrote: »
    http://www.carzone.ie/search/Lotus/Elise/locost-7/200847190933823/advert

    who needs a roof or practicality anyways when you can be racing driver lal day long ??

    dear god thats fabulous! :eek::cool:


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 3,412 ✭✭✭HashSlinging


    Did you see that guys selection of transport!! amazing choice..


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 51,479 ✭✭✭✭bazz26


    DanGerMus wrote: »
    http://www.carzone.ie/search/BMW/M3/M3/200846190873728/advert

    Eh, if this is real i would deffinately go for it!!?!


    Lowlife scammers. Are those photos of Cyrus's M3? Surely that interior is fairly unique in this country anyway?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,525 ✭✭✭DanGerMus


    http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=1262629

    Lads what do you think would be absolute best price i could hope to pay for this?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,525 ✭✭✭DanGerMus


    go on will ye.


Advertisement