help with picking a car

Omega28

Hey guys and dolls!

I have around 4k and need to pick myself up a new jamjar:D
I'm a 25yo male btw

I'm torn between the following; BMW 318i convertible or coupe or Honda Civic Sport

BMW: I suppose the problem with the BMW is the maintenance and finding a decent one for in and around the 4k bracket. I've also heard they give nothing with problems with electrics, head gasket etc I also have to factor in the petrol on a 2 litre!

Honda: Reliable and particle, good all round motor. But the BMW is more classy!

decisions

as I said I have around 4-4500 max

what would u guys go for?

Jimbob 83

If you were willing to get a 318 saloon or coupe at the very elast it would improve your options for the right car

Omega28

are the convertible ****?

Jimbob 83

Haven't driven one but convertibles always have more flexible/softer chassis and are heavier in order to stiffen them, you probably already know this though.

Main reason i would not go for the convertible is that they are rarer though

Omega28

Well I was getting a 318i convertible for 4400 with 67k on the clock, she had no service history so it put me off it. I had it up on a ramp and she losing a bit of oil from somewhere as well

Jimdagym

Insurance can be dear enough on a convertible too. Make sure you are happy with a few quotes before you make a move.

Omega28

i know!

I'm so unsure what to do, civic vs 318 vs ? A4? TT?

bazz26

With no service history available to back it up I'd take that 67k miles with a dose of salt.

Strange list though, a BMW convertable and a Honda Civic.

Omega28

bazz26 wrote: »

With no service history available to back it up I'd take that 67k miles with a dose of salt.

Strange list though, a BMW convertable and a Honda Civic.

the more I think about that car the more im gonna keep away from it!

I'm looking at an Audi TT, all extra 2001 model, 3 month warranty from a garage, now were talking more sense

anyone know anything about these?

bazz26

The TT is based on the VW Golf of the same era. The TT had a 1.8 litre 20 valve turbo charged engine, two versions of that engine were available, 180bhp and 225bhp. I think the 180bhp had the option of Quottro (4wd) and it was standard on the 225bhp version afaik. I think you need to examin the body work of any car closely as it could have seen the wrong side of a ditch at some time given the nature of them. Make sure you can insure one before even thinking of buying it.

BTW I would not have much faith in the warranty from a garage on an 11 year old car. I'd rather find a well cared for one being sold privately.

Omega28

after doing a bit of searching online about these TT's and they have huge problems, turbos blowing, instrument cluster problems, coil packs etc

spiggotpaddy

Dylanmc111 wrote: »

after doing a bit of searching online about these TT's and they have huge problems, turbos blowing, instrument cluster problems, coil packs etc

The thing is though, you can say that about pretty much any car, if you search hard enough. There's a thread on every dedicated forum about
"why I'll never buy another *******"
You just have to pick one you like and then try to get one that has been properly looked after.

Omega28

I agree mate.

I was originally thinking the BMW, I got a car tell report, got a mechanic to look at it etc and it seemed fine, problem is, there's no service history, which has me very concerned!

I was thinking a civic since there pretty much bomb proof!

now im onto the tt! ha

bazz26

You are looking at 11 year old cars, imo at age nothing is guaranteed to be bomb proof especially by reputation. I'm sure there are plenty of 11 year old Civics that are dogs too. Judge each car's reliability by it's current condition and how it was looked after by it's owners, not by the reputation of the brand.

Omega28

i know but when your handing out 4k u want it to be straight enough without any major problems for a yr or two!

Jimdagym

Dylanmc111 wrote: »

i know but when your handing out 4k u want it to be straight enough without any major problems for a yr or two!

We all hope that, whether spending 20k or 200. Its the used car lottery, although it can be more like russian roulette

Omega28

I'm really thinking more about the bmw but is it too much of a gamble, no service history, needs a few bits and pieces like bushings, links etc