Advice on 3 Series / A4 / IS220

paulanthony

Hi all - just looking for a bit of advice regarding upgrading. I was thinking of spending something in the region of 8-11K (depending on what kind of value I can get), probably on one of the above.

Diesel v petrol isn't really a priority in the sense that I walk to work.

Looking at something in the region of:

http://www.carzone.ie/search/BMW/3-Series/318-I-SE/25113422811153570/advert? channel=CARS

http://www.carzone.ie/search/BMW/3-Series/318-I-M-/201220208191660/advert? channel=CARS

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Lexus/IS220/Executiv/201225208717749/advert? channel=CARS

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Audi/A4/1.8T-163/201232209508338/advert?channel=CARS

at the lower end

or

http://www.carzone.ie/search/BMW/3-Series/320-I-M-/6213346092907060/advert? channel=CARS

http://www.carzone.ie/search/BMW/3-Series/I-ES-(4D/413267049683070/advert? channel=CARS

at the upper end.

I really like the M Sport to be honest.

Does anyone have any opinions on which is the better in that general area, or any suggestions of something similar but different in that price range?

From what I have seen, it wouldn't make financial sense to go to the UK.

Thanks a mil.

paulanthony

colm_mcm

No way I'd take the Lexus diesel if I couldn't justify it. You can't anyway.


What bout some sort of coupe or do you need back doors?

paulanthony

colm_mcm wrote: »

No way I'd take the Lexus diesel if I couldn't justify it. You can't anyway.


What bout some sort of coupe or do you need back doors?

Would probably prefer back doors but not an absolute must. The 06 3 series coupe seems to be the older model though?

Tea 1000

A4 is no fun to drive. I'd look for a nice 3 series, or how about the petrol IS?
http://www.carzone.ie/search/Lexus/IS250/EXECUTIV/29213438399630860/advert?channel=CARS
Manuals in the IS250 are few and far between, but patience could find one.

PassMoz

Tea 1000 wrote: »

A4 is no fun to drive. I'd look for a nice 3 series, or how about the petrol IS?
http://www.carzone.ie/search/Lexus/IS250/EXECUTIV/29213438399630860/advert?channel=CARS
Manuals in the IS250 are few and far between, but patience could find one.

Is that car 1k a year to tax....

pippip

Do not get a BMW without leather seats. Resell will be harder.

cozzie55

Of all the cars you've mentioned the two 3 series M sports are the way to go. Especially in that colour, definitely the nicest 3 series colour out there

I'd go for the 320i over the 318i, put thats just to get an extra 30 bhp. I know its a bit expensive by comparsion to the 318i mentioned. I guess its up to you if you want the extra power or not.

As for the lexus and audi, the lexus has a great spec but it doesn't sound like you'll justify diesel, plus that engine isn't the best reliability wise or so i've heard. As for the audi its bog spec by comparsion to all the other cars mentioned.

cozzie55

pippip wrote: »

Do not get a BMW without leather seats. Resell will be harder.

I wouldn't say that. the M sport seats are sports fabric which is far more comfortable than leather. You'd have no issue selling an Msport either way seats or not.

PassMoz

I wouldnt go for any of these, the BMW in particular drinks petrol.

I would get the Skoda octavia 1.9. Great car.

Tea 1000

PassMoz wrote: »

I wouldnt go for any of these, the BMW in particular drinks petrol.

I would get the Skoda octavia 1.9. Great car.

Oh dear...

cozzie55

PassMoz wrote: »

I wouldnt go for any of these, the BMW in particular drinks petrol.

I would get the Skoda octavia 1.9. Great car.

Seriously is there not one tread on here where a Skoda is not mentioned

Foxhole Norman

PassMoz wrote: »

I wouldnt go for any of these, the BMW in particular drinks petrol.

I would get the Skoda octavia 1.9. Great car.

Not everyone in Ireland is concerned about tax or fuel economy.

OP - I'd go for the M-Sport 3 series.

PassMoz

On top of this, the BMW takes a looooot of money to maintain and keep running.

Just be prepared.

ofcork

That A4 is also the older model some of the newer models may be in your price range,what about a c class merc?

Leonard Hofstadter

PassMoz wrote: »

On top of this, the BMW takes a looooot of money to maintain and keep running.

Just be prepared.

It may have escaped your notice, but this is the Motors forum, where we are a bit more aspirational when it comes to cars. There is more to life than owning a poverty spec car just to save a few quid a year on tax.

PassMoz

captainspeed wrote: »

It may have escaped your notice, but this is the Motors forum, where we are a bit more aspirational when it comes to cars. There is more to life than owning a poverty spec car just to save a few quid a year on tax.

A 1.9 octavia 2008 is a poverty car now.

Not sure what world you live in there buddy.

pippip

PassMoz wrote: »

A 1.9 octavia 2008 is a poverty car now.

Not sure what world you live in there buddy.

Maybe not but its not in the same league as the cars the op is looking at.

bazz26

PassMoz wrote: »

On top of this, the BMW takes a looooot of money to maintain and keep running.

Just be prepared.

Sorry but that is not always the case and sounds like pure pub talk from someone with no experience of the brand. My 3 Series has cost no more to maintain than any of my previous non BMW cars. The most expensive thing I have had to fork out for has been tyres because they are sitting on large wheels which are not unique to BMWs. Parts and servicing from a good indy are normal.

OP, a 3 Series M Sport is what I looked at and ended up buying, just be aware that the sports suspension is very firm on them and matched with large wheels you might find it uncomfortable if you have any sort of back trouble. I suggest you give one a good test drive to make sure you are happy with the firm ride.

Leather or Alcantara interior really is a personal thing but personally I prefer the upgrated leather as it is easier to clean. The Le Mans blue is a nice colour too and the beige leather make a nice colour combo imo.

cgal093

Why are most standard model E90 3 Series so over-priced? There is no way in hell I'd pay anywhere near €10k for that one!

Leonard Hofstadter

PassMoz wrote: »

A 1.9 octavia 2008 is a poverty car now.

Not sure what world you live in there buddy.

It actually is, since it was the cheapest way of getting a diesel Octavia for many, many years. The 1.6 has taken over that role of the poverty spec diesel now.

bazz26

cgal093 wrote: »

Why are most standard model E90 3 Series so over-priced? There is no way in hell I'd pay anywhere near €10k for that one!

M Sports are not bog standard models, they cost a hefty price over lesser models in the range. They are not that common either and are well sought after, this combo dictates the market price on them.

People pay silly money for sought after cars all the time, just look at the price of your typical VW Golf.

cgal093

bazz26 wrote: »

M Sports are not bog standard models, they cost a hefty price over lesser models in the range. They are not that common either and are well sought after, this combo dictates the market price on them.

People pay silly money for sought after cars all the time, just look at the price of your typical VW Golf.

Nah, I'd have no problem paying near the asking for this http://www.carzone.ie/search/BMW/3-Series/320-I-M-/6213346092907060/advert

But wouldn't pay anywhere near the asking for this http://www.carzone.ie/search/BMW/3-Series/318-I-SE/25113422811153570/advert

bazz26

Totally agree with you on the SE.

PassMoz

captainspeed wrote: »

It actually is, since it was the cheapest way of getting a diesel Octavia for many, many years. The 1.6 has taken over that role of the poverty spec diesel now.

Well an 08 would cost the poor poverty stricken buyer 10k.

LOL, some people are clueless.

paulanthony

Thanks for the feedback guys. I'll have a look at a few over the weekend hopefully.

The M Sport 3 Series seems to be getting a lot of good feedback.

I agree that the 3 Series ages better than the A4 and probably would be my first choice.

Just out of interest does anyone know if the standard 318i M Sport is 127 or 140 bhp?

bazz26

PassMoz wrote: »

Well an 08 would cost the poor poverty stricken buyer 10k.

LOL, some people are clueless.

I think you have showed yourself to be the one in this thread as being clueless.

You have totally missing the point or choose to ignore it. Not everyone with 10k wants a diesel Octavia just because it seems like value for money to you. There are many better options out there, age, cheap tax and better fuel economy are irrelevant to alot of people. It is daft to even mention an Octavia in this thread given what the OP asked for advice on.

Leonard Hofstadter

paulanthony wrote: »

Thanks for the feedback guys. I'll have a look at a few over the weekend hopefully.

The M Sport 3 Series seems to be getting a lot of good feedback.

I agree that the 3 Series ages better than the A4 and probably would be my first choice.

Just out of interest does anyone know if the standard 318i M Sport is 127 or 140 bhp?

It's 129 bhp if it doesn't have Efficient Dynamics (i.e. before September 2007 and this is the one you want), and 143 bhp if it does have Efficient Dynamics (which you don't unless you want to be changing coil packs and injectors quite frequently, these came out in September 2007).

Easiest way to tell if it's got a manual gearbox is to see does the car automatically cut out at idle - then you know it's got Efficient Dynamics and like I say, those models should be avoided at all costs.

bazz26

The ED models have a on/off button below the climate control system.


There is also a gear shift arrow indicator next to the odometer.

PassMoz

bazz26 wrote: »

I think you have showed yourself to be the one in this thread as being clueless.

You have totally missing the point or choose to ignore it. Not everyone with 10k wants a diesel Octavia just because it seems like value for money to you. There are many better options out there, age, cheap tax and better fuel economy are irrelevant to alot of people. It is daft to even mention an Octavia in this thread given what the OP asked for advice on.

Im only giving the guy the correct car to buy.

If he makes a mistake and buys the wrong one theres not much I can do after that.

bazz26

PassMoz wrote: »

Im only giving the guy the correct car to buy.

If he makes a mistake and buys the wrong one theres not much I can do after that.

How in God's name did you come to the conclusion that a diesel Octavia is the "correct" car for someone looking at a BMW/Audi or Lexus?

Or are you just trolling?

Gumbo

PassMoz wrote: »

Im only giving the guy the correct car to buy.

If he makes a mistake and buys the wrong one theres not much I can do after that.

ha ha, i hate IS220d's, really hate them, but i'd still have one over your octavia.

Seriously, between this thread and the Audi s6 thread, you gotta ask yourself the question, does this poster live under a bridge?

paulanthony

From posts here and general research really leaning towards the 3 Series - particularly a 320 M Sport.

The question then turns to petrol or diesel - a lot of people I talk to in general have recently gone very pro diesel and say they wouldn't even consider a petrol.

I'd probably be buying a 06 or 07 so the tax would be the same.

For someone doing lower mileage like myself would I be better off going for a petrol model?

Probably a little cheaper and might even be able to stretch to a 320i M Sport Coupe.

bazz26

paulanthony wrote: »

From posts here and general research really leaning towards the 3 Series - particularly a 320 M Sport.

The question then turns to petrol or diesel - a lot of people I talk to in general have recently gone very pro diesel and say they wouldn't even consider a petrol.

I'd probably be buying a 06 or 07 so the tax would be the same.

For someone doing lower mileage like myself would I be better off going for a petrol model?

Probably a little cheaper and might even be able to stretch to a 320i M Sport Coupe.

The Irish are diesel stupid at the moment so I would not pay much attention to clueless average joe. People buy diesel cars because they are cheaper to tax or save a few cent on a litre at the pump rather than buying them to use them for their intended purpose.

If you are doing low milege then I don't see how you are going to benefit from cheaper fuel when the diesel model will initially cost a premium over a similar petrol model, it will most probably also have alot more miles on it. How many years of you driving would it take you for the diesel car to actually pay for itself over the petrol model?