Am I crazy?

TerryFayed

Ok I have about 12 -14k to spend on used diesel? Was considering a Mazda6 but put off by reported DPF problems and they are not cheap either. I have been looking at 2010 BMW 320 d in the uk. I have an uncle in London who will put in the legwork and negotiation for me. Problem is we are talking mileage at about 90000. Am I completely crazy and if yes any other recommendations would be appreciated.
PS I drive to work 5 days per week at about 15 Miles each way but once or twice a week I drive to different towns on poor roads and could clock up about another 100 mls on these trips. Thanks in advance for any tips

djimi

You need to do some research into the running costs of a BMW if you are worried about the cost of a Mazda.

TerryFayed

Ya I know you're right. It prob doesn't make much sense going for a BMW over a Mazda if I am worried about running costs/ reliability etc

moby2101

Hey Terry,

Mind if I pick your brains as well?
I'm in the same boat, I'm looking at bringing in either a 320 or 520 in March from UK... I had planned doing some legwork over there in Jan..
What kind of prices are you seeing for the 320D?

Cheers

Mike

TerryFayed

Have not looked too much but you are talking about 15 k including VRT/exchange rate etc for '10 320 d SE. Like I said prob is the high mileage. There are loads of ex fleet available but I would be worried about the mileage etc. should be cheap for diesel and tax though.

PauloMN

I'd imagine you'd be right at the top of your budget (or maybe more) for a '10 320D, after taking exchange rate and VRT into account, even on a car with 90k miles. As for DPF etc. issues, it seems pretty much every diesel cars suffers these to some degree. Probably best to concentrate your search on a car with lower miles and a really good service history.

The other point I'd make is that I personally would never let someone else buy a car for me, because what might be fine for your uncle might not be fine for you. I'd be pretty fussy when buying a used car, and I doubt many of my family would be as fussy as me. I'd probably end up being pissed off at the car for years, looking at every tiny stone chip and scratching thinking "I'd never have bought this myself"!!!

Edit: you got there before me, €15k is what I had roughly calculated for such a 320D.

TerryFayed

I know what you are saying but my uncle is fairly OCD about these things. He is obsessed with cars and changes his every year. I think he would upset if he didn't get me a very good deal

PauloMN

TerryFayed wrote: »

I know what you are saying but my uncle is fairly OCD about these things. He is obsessed with cars and changes his every year. I think he would upset if he didn't get me a very good deal

Ah ok, an OCD'er is who you want looking at the car!

TerryFayed

Ya he's retired so he can spend his time picking the right one for if he wants no problem!

bazz26

DPFs are the least of your worries with a BMW, I'd be more concerned about the cost of having to replace the timing chain on the 320D's N47 engine. I'd only consider one if the chain has already been replaced.

Your €15k would get you a decent spec Mondeo, Insignia, Accord or Passat CC.

Or go crazy and buy one of these:
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/alfa-romeo/159/alfa-romeo-159-1-9-jtdm-16v-ti-4dr-low-mileage-black-leather/1844182#

advertsfox

OP, your only doing at max 13,000 miles a year (150 miles weekly for your 15 miles EW for 5 days + a 100 mile trip, 250 x 52 weeks) - I don't think you need to go for a diesel at all.

toyotaavensis

If the chain is replaced the new one can still snap.

Oafley Jones

Out of curiosity, have the problems been solved with those engines. I see people saying mid 11 on is okay, but are people confident the design flaw has been fixed.