Opinions please - BMW 320

colettew

Hi,

Looking for opinions on the cars below. Need to get an economical car for long commute asap and haven't a clue what to get, what's good and what causes the least amount of trouble but like the look of the 320.

Thanks
http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/2327246

Or this one
http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/2431244

heate

colettew wrote: »

Hi,

Looking for opinions on the cars below. Need to get an economical car for long commute asap and haven't a clue what to get, what's good and what causes the least amount of trouble but like the look of the 320.

Thanks
http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/2327246

Or this one
http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/2431244

The first one has very high mileage and doesn't look to be in great shape.
Te second looks fine but don't expect these cars to be as cheap to run as they are to buy

colettew

Thanks heate,

Changing from a merc -2.6 l petrol which of course is costing a fortune in fuel.

Presuming the 320 would be a good bit cheaper to run than that... Hate selling it but no choice.

L-M

Lol yes, it will save you alot on fuel alright, but you have to take into the account the amount you will get for your Merc (Not alot I'd imagine) and take that away from the cost of the Bmw, then work out how long it will take you to save that amount.

What year is the Merc?

colettew

It's 02. Only worth 3k so can't afford much more than that on the next one.

L-M

colettew wrote: »

It's 02. Only worth 3k so can't afford much more than that on the next one.

Jesus I'd say you'll find it hard got to get 3k for it. Is it the new or old shape?

colettew

Sold it for that yesterday so have the money now but no car for work!!!

unkel

colettew wrote: »

Sold it for that yesterday so have the money now but no car for work!!!

You did well!

The running costs for a 320d would be similar to that of your Merc. The 320d is a good diesel engine (one of the best in the market) but it does have a known issue that can easily and cheaply be fixed (if it hasn't been done already). Google "swirl flaps"

A diesel engine is a more complex setup than a petrol engine and more things can go wrong and they are more expensive when they do go wrong. But buy a good one and you will save a fortune on fuel

Bring a mechanic when you buy the car. Ask him first about the swirl flaps and if he doesn't know what you mean, bring another mechanic

colettew

Great, thanks for that.

aujopimur

Buy a rover 75cdt more comfort less problems, autos are best, if it's man. make sure its complete clutch master cyl. and slave cyl. have been replaced .

heate

Have a gander at this - low mileage for its vintage and a good spec to boot.

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/2332865

colettew

Will check out the rover price. I had a rover 75 years ago- lots of problems with the clutch but otherwise was a good car.

Heate, saw that one on done deal but was worried as it has no NCT ...

heate

colettew wrote: »

Will check out the rover price. I had a rover 75 years ago- lots of problems with the clutch but otherwise was a good car.

Heate, saw that one on done deal but was worried as it has no NCT ...

That bit I failed to notice mea culpa - would wonder what was preventing it's NCT!

The rover isn't a bad idea. I've no idea what the story is on parts now they've gone out of business.

Theboinkmaster

heate wrote: »

Have a gander at this - low mileage for its vintage and a good spec to boot.

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/2332865

could that be clocked? the condition is atrocious for the apparent low mileage

L-M

:eek: you got nearly 3k for it? Wow, that's impressive!

@unkel, how would the running costs of a 2.0 diesel be anywhere near the cost of running a 2.6 petrol doing high mileage O.o

heate

I feel very bad for even clicking into that ad let alone presenting it as an option!

The bolster on the seat is a 250k plus issue - I had an alcantara/stiff silver-black fabric - Its nice to behold and I found it lasted well but things like this = alarm bells! The radio looks beat up as well no I've given it a good look!

L-M

Theboinkmaster wrote: »

could that be clocked? the condition is atrocious for the apparent low mileage

Looks very, very suspicious alright...

unkel

Limerick man wrote: »

@unkel, how would the running costs of a 2.0 diesel be anywhere near the cost of running a 2.6 petrol doing high mileage O.o

Wrong wording, my bad. I meant maintenance costs.

colettew

What about this alfa Romeo

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/2482750

Or this rover
http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/2405890

Or this but mileage is high
http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/2430327

cadaliac

heate wrote: »

I feel very bad for even clicking into that ad let alone presenting it as an option!

The bolster on the seat is a 250k plus issue - I had an alcantara/stiff silver-black fabric - Its nice to behold and I found it lasted well but things like this = alarm bells! The radio looks beat up as well no I've given it a good look!

Off Topic, but front licence plate has lots of wear and tear and engine bay was washed too.

@ OP the Rovers have the same diesel engine as the BMW's, which could mean the same problems. (Please correct me if the Turbo's are different someone?)
The lower mileage one looks better value to me.
Can't comment on the Alfa.

Col200sx

colettew wrote: »

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/2327246

Going back a bit here, but that 320d in your first post in Galway has been for sale all summer long, numerous adds for it have been up, I'd avoid

L-M

Col200sx wrote: »

Going back a bit here, but that 320d in your first post in Galway has been for sale all summer long, numerous adds for it have been up, I'd avoid

Bang on

VEHICLE
Vehicle Registration Number 01MN1159
Vehicle Details BMW / OTHER
Change Of Vehicle Ownership
Transferred to an Individual on :

Notified on : 23/07/2011

27/07/2011
Vehicle Registration Certificate
Most recent Vehicle Registration Certificate issued on : 03/08/2011

colettew

Good to know as I've only started looking. Going to see the Roscommon rover 75 on above link this evening. Anything in particular to be wary of or ask about it???
Thanks for all the advice so far. I'm clueless!

unkel

colettew wrote: »

Will check out the rover price. I had a rover 75 years ago- lots of problems with the clutch but otherwise was a good car.

And the good news is that the Rover 75 diesel has the same engine as the BMW 320d

Very good value for money they are. As someone said already, go for the automatic though. The automatic gearbox is a simple and reliable Japanese design.

aujopimur

The rover 75 has a jap turbo and gearbox, both are fairly reliable.
Parts new and used are plentiful.
Make sure everthing works.
Check for knocks and clunks from steering and front suspension,check air con if makes a jet taking off sound it needs
a fan repair (cheap but time consuming diy job)
Check passenger footwell area for dampness, this could indicate ECU has got wet (expensive job)
Check condition of aux belt and main pulley for wear.
These have a timing chain which are trouble free unless you can hear it rattling.

colettew

That's a great help. Thanks a million

unkel

Keep us posted, we like updates

colettew

Well, it was nice to drive but a few small things wrong - radio doesn't work, no cd player (wouldn't mind this if radio worked). Dash was nice, interior plain. Owner said there's problems with the bushings ??? Would need a mechanic to look at it with me if don't find something else.

heate

colettew wrote: »

Well, it was nice to drive but a few small things wrong - radio doesn't work, no cd player (wouldn't mind this if radio worked). Dash was nice, interior plain. Owner said there's problems with the bushings ??? Would need a mechanic to look at it with me if don't find something else.

Excuse my manners - but how much is the car?
Bushings are an issue with all cars. Could cost couple of hundred to put right
Can you live without a radio!

bazz26

You could get a second hand OEM cd player from a scrap yard or ebay. Would not be a deal breaker. Bushings are little rubber bits in the suspension, they are not expensive but cost to replace depends on which part of the suspension they are worn.

As with any car you are interested in buying always have it checked by a mechanic.

colettew

Thanks for that. Wouldn't mind replacing the radio. Thanks for info on bushings. Going to see this later

http://www.carzone.ie/search/BMW/3-Series/320-D/201135204209905/advert?channel=CARS

And was talking to the guy today who owns this one. Car in garage getting turbo replaced. Bushings and wishbone were done on the last month and price negotiable.
http://www.carzone.ie/search/BMW/3-Series/320-D/201131203692116/advert?channel=CARS

Col200sx

colettew wrote: »

Thanks for that. Wouldn't mind replacing the radio. Thanks for info on bushings. Going to see this later

http://www.carzone.ie/search/BMW/3-Series/320-D/201135204209905/advert?channel=CARS

And was talking to the guy today who owns this one. Car in garage getting turbo replaced. Bushings and wishbone were done on the last month and price negotiable.
http://www.carzone.ie/search/BMW/3-Series/320-D/201131203692116/advert?channel=CARS

Both pretty basic spec to be honest on both. What's your budget? Could you stretch a bit more?

Cos if you could, you could pick up a facelift 320d, with 150bhp and a few extras.

I got my '02 320d SE for not much more than those.........

Oral Surgeon

colettew wrote: »

Will check out the rover price. I had a rover 75 years ago- lots of problems with the clutch but otherwise was a good car.

Heate, saw that one on done deal but was worried as it has no NCT ...

Did they make Rovers 75 years ago?? How old are you??

colettew

I'm 99, oral surgeon, got the first one on the market!!!

Col200, thanks for looking. Budget is €3300 max, trouble is I need something asap as mine sold a couple of days ago - living in Galway and working all weekend so a little restricted on when I can get to Dublin etc.

Col200sx

colettew wrote: »

Col200, thanks for looking. Budget is €3300 max, trouble is I need something asap as mine sold a couple of days ago - living in Galway and working all weekend so a little restricted on when I can get to Dublin etc.

No problem, see what you mean

You may be able to stretch to a facelift, sure all they can say is no if you offer them your budget

colettew

Well, good or bad, I've bought one - http://www.carzone.ie/search/BMW/3-Series/320-D/201135204209905/advert?channel=CARS

Paid just under 3k, with 3 month warranty and a service in 5000 miles. Mechanic checked it and said it has a new wishbone and engine in good condition. Also passed it's NCT just yesterday.

Will save nearly €500 on tax, €200 on insurance and lots on fuel!! So hopefully will get 2 years out of it til money is more plentiful.

Thanks for all the advice

Col200sx

Congrats on your purchase, well ware

aujopimur

Good luck with it.

colettew

Cheers

L-M

What year? The link is gone!

Best of luck with it either way

colettew

It's 01. 123k miles
Thanks