BMW 316 thoughts

gabhan16

Thinking of this but I do mostly town driving. Two kids so need a decent sized car.

http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/bmw-316i-2002/5480224

Any thoughts

ba_barabus

It depends what you want.

It won't be fast, economical or well specced.

But it will have a BMW badge.

gabhan16

That answers it then :cool:

Might go for a Focus, not as cool but more economical and cheaper to run.

Cheers

ba_barabus

gabhan16 wrote: »

That answers it then :cool:

Might go for a Focus, not as cool but more economical and cheaper to run.

Cheers

A Focus will have far more usable space in the cabin and boot.

I have a 318ci and love it but if you need space for two kids I'd be inclined to look elsewhere.

Whats your budget and requirements?

gabhan16

Budget is 2500, would like something spacious and family orientated that looks stylish and doesn't cost an arm and a leg to run. So should be easy to find something

I guess something economical and nice to drive with a bit of power really that will hold us

http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/audi-a3/5480699 maybe?

ba_barabus

What tax band can you afford?

I wouldn't rule a 3-series out altogether. I get mid 30's mpg from mine in town and used to get the same from a 1.6l Golf.

A quick search throws up this.

http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/bmw-316i-2004-bargain/5485890

Again it won't be fast but apart from the odd radio and carbon fiber trim it's well specced and has some space

The most economical car with space in town I've had was an old 99 Avensis but that probably older than you want.

gabhan16

1.8 engine would be my limit. The estate is nice but is the mileage up there a bit? I know if its looked after it won't matter.

Not sure how I feel about estates though to be honest. They are great family cars I guess.

ba_barabus

gabhan16 wrote: »

1.8 engine would be my limit. The estate is nice but is the mileage up there a bit? I know if its looked after it won't matter.

Not sure how I feel about estates though to be honest. They are great family cars I guess.

I think the estate looks smart and professional for a family car. It'll have far more space than the saloon and isn't any bigger for parking.

The mileage wouldn't put me off but you will have to look after the car. Similar with any car of it's mileage you will have parts wearing out.

As said what are your requirements apart from budget and engine size?

Do you want a saloon, hatch or estate? Cheap to run? Any brands you don't want? etc etc

gabhan16

Normally I would look for saloons or some hatch. I've stayed away from estates as I thought they were too big. Although last two cars were an older 00 Almera and a 03 Passat two big cars.

I do like saloons though and fancy something nice looking but I might get a drive off an estate and see what I think

Ideally something cheap to run, badge doesn't matter once its reliable.

bazz26

What about a Mondeo:


http://www.driving.ie/used-cars/Ford/Mondeo/1.8-ZETEC/201329216074292/

Plenty of space and a hatchback is more practical than a saloon.

Sebastian Dangerfield

My advise would be to avoid like the plague. I had one very similar to this and had nothing but trouble for a couple of years. It will leak oil, which will cost hundreds to fix. Every little plastic pipe in the engine that could go did. The electrics gave me no end of hassle etc etc etc.

Im sure I god a bad one, but everything I googled was a known problem with 316s of this vintage.

TBi

Only buy a BMW if you can afford to fix it and you know a good independent mechanic.

If money is tight i wouldn't touch one. I sold my 318, the model before that facelift, after years of expensive repairs. Lovely car to drive but not so nice to my wallet.

Cerco

gabhan16 wrote: »

Thinking of this but I do mostly town driving. Two kids so need a decent sized car.

http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/bmw-316i-2002/5480224

Any thoughts

Is the tax rate correct in this ad for a 1.8 2002 car?

draiochtanois

This post has been deleted.

gabhan16

I'm looking at ths tomorrow. But wondering how the 1.6 compares to the 1.4 focus mpg wise?

http://www.driving.ie/used-cars/Ford/Focus/GHIA-X/201316214436277/

ba_barabus

gabhan16 wrote: »

I'm looking at ths tomorrow. But wondering how the 1.6 compares to the 1.4 focus mpg wise?

http://www.driving.ie/used-cars/Ford/Focus/GHIA-X/201316214436277/

Afaik it's better as it isn't underpowered like the 1.4

gabhan16

I was thinking that myself. Looks a decent price for the car. Pics are a pic crap but ill take a look tomorrow. At least there a warranty.

holdmybeer

Toyota Avensis 04 are pretty decent saloon in that price range, also what about the Kia carens? They are **** ugly but efficient and full of space.