Car Choice - Please Help: BMW / Ford

specialist1

Hi guys, spent the day looking at BMW's and we'll all I can say is that there is a lot of rubbish out there unless you really are prepared to pay through the nose. Anyway, I have identified two which are at opposite ends of my spectrum.

Both are in very good condition from my viewpoint at least (would be having a mechanic check either in any event) but here is the two options

• '05 320i new model 4 cyclinder; with just under 40k miles; 4 dr; 2 owners; no major extras; fsh = 13k
• '02 318Ci with 65k;2 owners; sunroof, new tyres and 18 inch alloys; leather (no steering controls or elec seats) = 8k

Or at this point I'm toying with the idea of a '08 Focus 45k 1.4 = 10k

Please give me your opinions....?

-Corkie-

Stay away from the 1.4 focus anyway. The 05 bimmer sounds good.

unkel

The strong points that BMW cars have to offer are mostly not in their small 4 cylinder engined petrol models. But why compare a 3-series with a much smaller Ford Focus? The current Ford Mondeo is in the same size class as a 3-series. Excellent car, the Mondeo. Check it out!

Ricardo G

02 318ci for 8k:eek: that is daylight robbery i dont care how clean she is, half that and your somebit close to its value

Stevie Dakota

Were there not a lot of engine problems with early E90 320's? Might be worth looking into. Any BMW that age can cost big money if you are unlucky, a 08 Focus would certainly be a more prudent approach. Focus is a lovely car but not with a 1.4, 1.8TDCi or 2.0TDci much better.

specialist1

Ricardo G wrote: »

02 318ci for 8k:eek: that is daylight robbery i dont care how clean she is, half that and your somebit close to its value

Thanks Ricardo, I agree but trust me I've been all over and can't see anything. I could show you a 04ci similar with just under 40k for 11k?

specialist1

unkel wrote: »

The strong points that BMW cars have to offer are mostly not in their small 4 cylinder engined petrol models. But why compare a 3-series with a much smaller Ford Focus? The current Ford Mondeo is in the same size class as a 3-series. Excellent car, the Mondeo. Check it out!

Thanks Unkel. I just like the look of the Focus. Afraid the look of the Mondeo deosnt do it for me. One of the reasons I like the BMW is how well it drives and its look... . The Focus I also like the look of but to be fair I have only driven one or two in my time, none recently. '08 Vs '02ish car.

changes

the 05 BMW would be nice, 13K and yearly tax of at least 600 will cost a bit.

If you like the focus could you look for a bigger engine, the low road tax on the 08 models is a real attraction too.

I don't know what its like where your from but in donegal souped up 00, 01, 02 BMW's are the car of choice for boy racers now.

The newer model 05 BMW is a classy car tho

specialist1

Stevie Dakota wrote: »

Were there not a lot of engine problems with early E90 320's? Might be worth looking into. Any BMW that age can cost big money if you are unlucky, a 08 Focus would certainly be a more prudent approach. Focus is a lovely car but not with a 1.4, 1.8TDCi or 2.0TDci much better.

Cheers Stevie, +1 for the Focus with the bigger engines so.

Just to mention its a 320 IES Z3SA in case that changes anything

Ricardo G

This is what i'd have if spending that kinda mula. 2004 320d with m pack 150bhp six speed box with f/s/h and 96k miles all in for 8k

specialist1

Ricardo G wrote: »

This is what i'd have if spending that kinda mula. 2004 320d with m pack 150bhp six speed box with f/s/h and 96k miles all in for 8k

Looks like a beauty but high millege and turbo's notoriously go on 02'; '03 and some of the '04 models. This would be a big worry. Not sure if it says anything about a service history either so not to be negative but that would be my reasoning. Thanks tho

bazz26

OP this might be worth a look at:
http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=201029198887990

1.4 TSi engine with 122bhp.

or if you prefer something quicker:
http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=201017197789445

specialist1

bazz26 wrote: »

OP this might be worth a look at:
http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=201029198887990

1.4 TSi engine with 122bhp.

or if you prefer something quicker:
http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=201017197789445

Thanks Bazz, just wouldnt be me I'm afraid, good value tho for defo

Idbatterim

IF you are going for a 318ci make sure it is atleast 02. Also get any Bmw checked by AC car sales or any independent bmw specialist. I own a 318ci and so does the bro. I have also owned a mondeo. The mondeo is a great car. would you consider an E39 5 series m sport?, if get one from 01 and on as that is when the received a facelift and the 520 went from 140 to 163 bhp... I saw the one you looking at on carzone. It would not be my cup of tea, taste wise, i.e i dont like the colour of the leather or the price. What year mondeo are you looking at? From reading wiki, if going for a mondeo, go for an 03 and on.

Idbatterim

the spec of the new mondeo's from 07 on is great and i cant believe how reasonable they are!

maidhc

Having seen friends be nickel and dimed by modern (04+) BMWs I'd go for the Focus, but again get a diesel.

pajo1981

e90 320i by a mile.

With only 40k on the clock the car will be like new.

Idbatterim

http://www.carzone.ie/search/BMW/5-Series/M-SPORT-/201022198285782/advert?channel=CARS

change the interior trim and that is one good looking car! ok mileage is highish, but with a 2.5L engine and if its been well serviced, should have alot left in it...

maidhc

Idbatterim wrote: »

http://www.carzone.ie/search/BMW/5-Series/M-SPORT-/201022198285782/advert?channel=CARS

change the interior trim and that is one good looking car! ok mileage is highish, but with a 2.5L engine and if its been well serviced, should have alot left in it...

The engine is only one component of a car, and not necessarily the most vital one.