7K to spend.

DankU

Long time reader on motors setction, seems to always answer question have.

So, I have 7 grand to spend. Im lost to what to buy. Im looking for a reliable car with a bit of speed to it.
Have a full licence with 3 years NCB.
Suggestions would be great. Was think Honda Accord 2.2 Diesel. But heard they have engine problems. Around 2L engine be the biggest I would go.

Thanks.

El Guapo!

What about something like this? http://www.carzone.ie/search/BMW/3-Series/318-COUP/201051200615688/advert?channel=CARS

The mileage is a little bit high but if its well looked after it may suit.

What sort of car are you after? Saloon/hatchback? 3/5 door etc.

DankU

I really like that. Aint the parts on BMWs very expensive? I was thinking of an Audi a4 but heard expensive to repair.
Would like a saloon or coupe.

Thanks for that suggestion really like that.

El Guapo!

They don't give a hell of a lot of trouble tbh. I had a 318 and it didnt give me any bother, and I now have a 320ci and i only had to do servicing work. Although the alternator did need to be replaced but its not a common issue.
They give the usual BMW problems with wishbone bushes etc but these arent massively expensive and can be easily diagnosed on the test drive so you could use this as a haggling tool when buying. Bring a mechanic along with you and give it a good going over. A service history is always good with these cars so look out for that.
There's actually a really good sticky on buying used cars at the top of the motors page so you should also have a good read through that.

DankU

Thanks again for the reply. Will have to consider the BMW so thanks.

bazz26

That 03 E46 coupe is very expensive given that it has a pretty basic spec and high mileage. This one looks better value:
http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=201106201155922

The Lexus IS200 might also be worth having a look at:
http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=201108201350066

El Guapo!

bazz26 wrote: »

That 03 E46 coupe is very expensive given that it has a pretty basic spec and high mileage. This one looks better value:
http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=201106201155922

The Lexus IS200 might also be worth having a look at:
http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=201108201350066

Id say the reason the 03 is that price is because its the facelift model and its an Msport

DankU

Is there a big differene in the sport and standard model?
The Lexus was one 1st cars thought of, but heard its too heavy on petrol.

bazz26

Basic model is called the ES which has manual air conditioning, no mulit- function steering wheel, smaller alloy wheels, etc.

SE adds climate controlled air conditioning, multi-function steering wheel, rear parking sensors, etc.

M Sport adds front and rear deeper bumpers, lowered sports suspension, sports seats, larger alloy wheels and leather steering wheel.

Apart from the M Sport bumpers, alloy wheels, side skirts and sports seats on that 03 it could easily be mistaken for an ES model. Pretty basic on the inside.

Compton

this is fairly cheap on fuel and doesn't break down much

http://www.google.ie/imgres?imgurl=http://benshooffamily.org/pblog/images/IMG_0621.jpg&imgrefurl=http://benshooffamily.org/pblog/index.php%3Fy%3D06%26m%3D08&usg=__EPFcpkoUv7h_lImYLzCyC-Hi950=&h=600&w=800&sz=310&hl=en&start=0&sig2=p2OuNj0Qk2vVa13egML31Q&zoom=1&tbnid=2LAHj5GGzcuCcM:&tbnh=136&tbnw=167&ei=aPR_TYO7CsSwhAe6hcG2Bw&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dkids%2Bcar%2Bred%2Band%2Byellow%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26hs%3D7Ne%26sa%3DX%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-GB:official%26biw%3D1366%26bih%3D575%26tbs%3Disch:1&um=1&itbs=1&iact=hc&vpx=123&vpy=78&dur=1&hovh=194&hovw=259&tx=189&ty=72&oei=N_R_TfGvMMqHhQfQ7PWoBw&page=1&ndsp=21&ved=1t:429,r:0,s:0