IS €11k a reasonable budget for a 2008 BMW320?

v638sg7k1a92bx

I'm in the market for a second hand car, 2008 with €10k to spend. When I run a search on carzone I get huge disparities in asking prices for same model, same year cars. In alot of cases the difference seems to be driven by the price. For example, this seems like a reasonable buy http://www.carzone.ie/search/BMW/3-Series/320i-SAL/34713662074933550/advert?channel=CARS

But then there's also this http://www.carzone.ie/search/BMW/3-Series/320-E90-/201310212869242/advert?channel=CARS

The difference in price seems to be driven by mileage but does mileage have that much of an impact on the price?

George Dalton

11k will get you a reasonable 08 320i but forget about a 08 320d for that budget.

Top Dog

Lyanna Poor Quirk wrote: »

The difference in price seems to be driven by mileage but does mileage have that much of an impact on the price?

The difference has very little to do with mileage - one is petrol and the other is diesel

goz83

Thinly veiled "i'm buying a bmw" thread

v638sg7k1a92bx

goz83 wrote: »

Thinly veiled "i'm buying a bmw" thread

Thank you for your valuable contribution.

unkel

Lyanna Poor Quirk wrote: »

But then there's also this http://www.carzone.ie/search/BMW/3-Series/320-E90-/201310212869242/advert?channel=CARS

20k for a 5 year old boggo 4-pot 3-series tractor. That has a bit of a chance to blow its engine in the next year or two? Crazy

Well less than half that money will see you a 6/7 year old far superior 5-series with a proper 6 cylinder (petrol) engine.

Gumbo

Lyanna Poor Quirk wrote: »

Thank you for your valuable contribution.

In fairness, it's about as valuable as comparing prices between a 320i and a 320d......

MidlandsM

...indeed, and that 20k diesel one, has a "rare" sunroof, but no fcuking leather........................?!?!?

bazz26

Lads, that advert for the 320d is 107 days old. There are plenty of higher spec 320ds out there for less than that.

ironclaw

MidlandsM wrote: »

...indeed, and that 20k diesel one, has a "rare" sunroof, but no fcuking leather........................?!?!?

I'm actually shocked as to the cost of the 2008 3-Series market in Diesel. They seem to be off the wall.

bazz26

ironclaw wrote: »

I'm actually shocked as to the cost of the 2008 3-Series market in Diesel. They seem to be off the wall.

A little cheaper than similar Audi A4s though.

v638sg7k1a92bx

kceire wrote: »

In fairness, it's about as valuable as comparing prices between a 320i and a 320d......

Isn't that the reason why users post questions on this forum to get answers to these type of questions?

Gumbo

Lyanna Poor Quirk wrote: »

Isn't that the reason why users post questions on this forum to get answers to these type of questions?

Questions, yes, but you are never going to reliably compare a 320i and 320d cost wise.

what you are trying to do is ask why is my neighbours porsche priced higher than my Ford Focus....

They are quite simply 2 complete opposite cars, value wise, running cost wise etc etc

v638sg7k1a92bx

kceire wrote: »

Questions, yes, but you are never going to reliably compare a 320i and 320d cost wise.

what you are trying to do is ask why is my neighbours porsche priced higher than my Ford Focus....

They are quite simply 2 complete opposite cars, value wise, running cost wise etc etc

I can't tell if you're being sarcastic or not but my question referred to the same model and sized car, one had the letter i and the other had the letter d. What's the problem?

Gumbo

Lyanna Poor Quirk wrote: »

I can't tell if you're being sarcastic or not but my question referred to the same model and sized car, one had the letter i and the other had the letter d. What's the problem?

They are different models.........And priced accordinally.

Without being too smart, if you are not aware of the differences between a 320d and a 320i, please for your own sake bring a mechanic or somebody that knows about cars when buying to make sure you dont buy a lemon.

Toyotafanboi

Lyanna Poor Quirk wrote: »

I can't tell if you're being sarcastic or not but my question referred to the same model and sized car, one had the letter i and the other had the letter d. What's the problem?

the letter "D" is representational of the 2.0 diesel engine which returns most likely between 50 and 60mpg and €156 a year road tax. the letter "i" represents the 2.0 petrol which returns roughly half the fuel economy (25-30mpg) and at least double the road tax.

in short, the "D" is much more desirable in Ireland and if a small bit overpriced, is priced somewhat accordingly.

bazz26

Comparing the price of a petrol model against the price of a diesel model is like comparing the price of an apple against the price of an orange.

DipStick McSwindler

This post has been deleted.

Tea 1000

Toyotafanboi wrote: »

the letter "D" is representational of the 2.0 diesel engine which returns most likely between 50 and 60mpg and €156 a year road tax. the letter "i" represents the 2.0 petrol which returns roughly half the fuel economy (25-30mpg) and at least double the road tax.

in short, the "D" is much more desirable in Ireland and if a small bit overpriced, is priced somewhat accordingly.

While that petrol model is basic spec and quite long in the tooth, and that diesel model is over priced and a UK import, it is worth pointing out that the petrol is tax band C, so not that much more to tax and will do around 40mpg if careful, so say around 12mpg difference.
You'll be a long, long time getting your extra 10 grand spend on the diesel back. The engine will have long since eaten itself!!

To the OP, if you're not doing high mileage, then petrol would be the better option.
Although coil packs and injectors are frequent failure points on the newer ED petrols in BMW, so someone like George would know what engine code to avoid or otherwise.

Tea 1000

IrishFeeney92 wrote: »

My dads selling his 08 D 320 BMW if anybody is Interested

He's leaving the country? That's pricey for a petrol.

bazz26

IrishFeeney92 wrote: »

My dads selling his 08 D 320 BMW if anybody is Interested

That's a very nice, clean looking car indeed, no offence but that is very strong money for a 2008 petrol model. Diesels are going for similar money:
http://www.driving.ie/used-cars/BMW/3-Series/318-E90/201325215477083/

Toyotafanboi

Tea 1000 wrote: »

While that petrol model is basic spec and quite long in the tooth, and that diesel model is over priced and a UK import, it is worth pointing out that the petrol is tax band C, so not that much more to tax and will do around 40mpg if careful, so say around 12mpg difference.
You'll be a long, long time getting your extra 10 grand spend on the diesel back. The engine will have long since eaten itself!!

To the OP, if you're not doing high mileage, then petrol would be the better option.
Although coil packs and injectors are frequent failure points on the newer ED petrols in BMW, so someone like George would know what engine code to avoid or otherwise.

i see your point i'm no diesel fanboi. but to the irish population in general, no motorist is careful and higher tax (albeit relatively small) is higher tax.

v638sg7k1a92bx

OP here again. Maybe someone can correct me if I'm wrong but the cockpit's on the BMW 3 series to me look very standard? There doesn't seem to be much of a difference between the internal specs of a 3 series versus a Passat or Mondeo for example?

DipStick McSwindler

This post has been deleted.

bazz26

Lyanna Poor Quirk wrote: »

OP here again. Maybe someone can correct me if I'm wrong but the cockpit's on the BMW 3 series to me look very standard? There doesn't seem to be much of a difference between the internal specs of a 3 series versus a Passat or Mondeo for example?

Spec depends on how many factory optional extras the original owner decided to buy at the time. Most 3 Series are basic enough in this department unless you get one with the idrive in the centre console which will add a large menu driven screen which includes sat nav and other bits. This is a €2k/3k option from the factory, similarly leather seats are expensive too.

Passat/Mondeo are not rivals really to the 3 Series. Passat/Mondeo are larger mainstream family cars whereas the 3 Series is a junior executive car similar to the A4. They are not competing directly against each other.

Tea 1000

bazz26 wrote: »

Spec depends on how many factory optional extras the original owner decided to buy at the time. Most 3 Series are basic enough in this department unless you get one with the idrive in the centre console which will add a large menu driven screen which includes sat nav and other bits. This is a €2k/3k option from the factory, similarly leather seats are expensive too.

Passat/Mondeo are not rivals really to the 3 Series. Passat/Mondeo are larger mainstream family cars whereas the 3 Series is a junior executive car similar to the A4. They are not competing directly against each other.

Also worth bearing in mind that the E90 dash is quite spartan looking, regardless of how it's spec'd. It's that way by design. Some manufacturers love throwing buttons around the place. Looks well kitted but in reality just ergonomically messy.

bazz26

Indeed, I have one though mine has idrive which makes a huge difference imo.

Gumbo

IrishFeeney92 wrote: »

Nah hes just being an idiot and showing his age with that statement, might do him a favour and remove it. Is it pricey for a petrol yeah? as far as he told me there was the same model in Joe Duffys for 20K....but then again is is Joe Duffy

The one in Joe Duffy BMW is most likely a diesel.

Idbatterim

20k for that in a private sale! no cruise control, no leather ba ha ha! thats one of the best laughs I have had in quite some time. Its also the problematic diesel engine. Op what kind of mileage do you do?

I'm in the market for a second hand car, 2008 with €10k to spend. When I run a search on carzone I get huge disparities in asking prices for same model, same year cars. In alot of cases the difference seems to be driven by the price. For example, this seems like a reasonable buy http://www.carzone.ie/search/BMW/3-S...t?channel=CARS

But then there's also this http://www.carzone.ie/search/BMW/3-S...t?channel=CARS

The difference in price seems to be driven by mileage but does mileage have that much of an impact on the price?

there are a number of factors that come into play! let me tell you one thing though, say you buy and 08 car now and sell tomorrow, ask yourself what you would get on donedeal or as a trade in. To me a car is worth what the cheapest reasonable example is going at, plus a slight premium for lower mileage, better spec etc...

from a quick check on carzone if 10k is your budget, this looks the best bet. What is the point of buying a "luxury car" and paying luxury money, if the bloody thing doesnt even have leather and cruise control at the very least. The base spec of the bm's up to very recently was fairly appalling and this is coming from a bm driver and fan...

http://www.carzone.ie/search/BMW/3-Series/**-JUNE-/36113705263731020/advert?channel=CARS

Without being too smart, if you are not aware of the differences between a 320d and a 320i, please for your own sake bring a mechanic or somebody that knows about cars when buying to make sure you dont buy a lemon.

get the car inspected regardless. I can recommend a bmw specialist of two if you like Op. I wouldnt touch a car without it being properly inspected by someone with a ramp, diagnostic etc...

v638sg7k1a92bx

Idbatterim wrote: »

20k for that in a private sale! no cruise control, no leather ba ha ha! thats one of the best laughs I have had in quite some time. Its also the problematic diesel engine. Op what kind of mileage do you do?

there are a number of factors that come into play! let me tell you one thing though, say you buy and 08 car now and sell tomorrow, ask yourself what you would get on donedeal or as a trade in. To me a car is worth what the cheapest reasonable example is going at, plus a slight premium for lower mileage, better spec etc...

from a quick check on carzone if 10k is your budget, this looks the best bet. What is the point of buying a "luxury car" and paying luxury money, if the bloody thing doesnt even have leather and cruise control at the very least. The base spec of the bm's up to very recently was fairly appalling and this is coming from a bm driver and fan...

http://www.carzone.ie/search/BMW/3-Series/**-JUNE-/36113705263731020/advert?channel=CARS

get the car inspected regardless. I can recommend a bmw specialist of two if you like Op. I wouldnt touch a car without it being properly inspected by someone with a ramp, diagnostic etc...

Thanks for the detailed reply and your sentiments regarding the spec on bmws' reinforces what I was saying in my earlier post. I do approx 10,000 miles per year (if even).

Also, the BMW you linked was mentioned by someone in another thread comparing it to a Volvo S80 and the general consensus was to go for the S80?

Idbatterim

I cant see the reference to the S80. It really depends on what you want from the car... Maybe test drive a few and see which tickle your fancy. Generally though. How long do you plan on keeping the car?

v638sg7k1a92bx

Idbatterim wrote: »

I cant see the reference to the S80. It really depends on what you want from the car... Maybe test drive a few and see which tickle your fancy. Generally though. How long do you plan on keeping the car?

Plan on keeping the car for at least 5 year.

Idbatterim

right, and is there any particular reason you like the 3 series bmw?

v638sg7k1a92bx

Idbatterim wrote: »

right, and is there any particular reason you like the 3 series bmw?

Not overly enamored by the 3 series, would also look at a Passat or even the S80.

galwaytt

Lyanna Poor Quirk wrote: »

Not overly enamored by the 3 series, would also look at a Passat or even the S80.

...the Passat CC is nice imho. The std one is equally meh as a 3-series imho.

Idbatterim

Id test drive a few if I were you op... the 3 series is a god all rounder though... Nice badge, decent poke (assuming its the newer 168bhp engine, not the old 143bhp one), reasonable tax, decent spec in the one I sent you. you will find reviews on the E90 3 series and any other car at the below link...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-reviews/bmw/3_series/29823

v638sg7k1a92bx

Idbatterim wrote: »

I cant see the reference to the S80. It really depends on what you want from the car... Maybe test drive a few and see which tickle your fancy. Generally though. How long do you plan on keeping the car?

Hi again, this was the post re the S80. http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2056977220

General consensus was to go for the S80.