Another help me decide thread.

Obelisk29

Hi, looking for a bit of guidance please.

Mrs O29 is looking to buy this 2005 BMW 316i. Comes with 12 month warranty, NCT till Jan 2013 and taxed to Sept. Dealer is looking for €8,995.

I like the look of this 2006 318i. NCT till April 2014, not sure of the warranty. Taxed to May. Higher milage but €8,450.

We do about 9k miles per annum and would be looking to hold on to it for 4 -5 years. I know the 316i would be cheaper to run but I prefer the look of the 2006 (newer model I beleive). Would the 318i be a lot more expensive to run / maintain?

Have an old (1999) 316i Compact to trade in.

Any advice greatly appreciated.

O29

challengemaster

A 320 will proably be better on petrol than a 1.6 or 1.8, as the engine won't labor as much with the weight of the car. As you're not doing major miles you can afford to go for a bigger engine.

As for spending 9 grand on a 2005 e46 316i, you should be laughing in their face. Avoid dealers, do your homework and knock about 3-4 grand off and you're in the proper territory.

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/3279617

bazz26

Both overpriced bog standard paddy spec ES models.

I'd much prefer something higher spec from one of the non "premium" brands than either of those. That kind of money will get you a newer Mazda 6 or Ford Mondeo which are great to drive too.