BMW or Audi?

HiGlo

So I'm car shopping at the moment and looking at this 1 Series BMW
http://www.carzone.ie/search/BMW/1-Series/116i-NCT/37713872843772730/advert?channel=CARS

or this A3 http://www.carzone.ie/search/Audi/A3/1.6-102H/39913905752346890/advert?channel=CARS

Would the maintenance on the BMW cripple me?
Any thoughts on the cars? I have never driven either. What should I look out for?

Cleveland Hot Pocket

Go for the BMW for the RWD boi!!

(a little more info as to what you are looking for would give a better answer )

billie1b

Im in the process of getting ready to sell my BMW 116i sport, its the same year, Black, NCT til 07/15, tax 04/14 but 60,000km less than whats on that one. Was gonna try privately for €7250

Maintenance is not too bad, average service is about €160, add in brakes and its about €250. I get my tyres for €75 each, i've never had any problems with it in my 6 years owning it. Great car

HiGlo

Good to know billie1b. Thanks for that.

I guess I just want something easy to run that won't cost a fortune in upkeep. I have driven Ford's to date, but want something a bit more fun. I put in decent enough miles so prob should kinda look at a diesel but haven't seen something I like enough. I have previously had a 1.6 and drive a 1.4 (or did) at the moment.

Idbatterim

what kind of mileage you do? the bm being rear wheel drive will make it a bit more fun and it will have good handling, steering etc, but a 1.6L in any car isnt going to be too much fun...

HiGlo

My commute is about 40km round trip and then occasional long trips throughout the year.

Idbatterim

http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/2005-bmw-116/6184201

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_1_Series_(E87)

From 06 they came with a 6 speed box, which is what I would go for...

billie1b

HiGlo wrote: »

Good to know billie1b. Thanks for that.

I guess I just want something easy to run that won't cost a fortune in upkeep. I have driven Ford's to date, but want something a bit more fun. I put in decent enough miles so prob should kinda look at a diesel but haven't seen something I like enough. I have previously had a 1.6 and drive a 1.4 (or did) at the moment.

No probs, on the mileage end, if i'm driving and having 'fun' I get about 450km to 500km, if i'm driving economically I can get 600km per tank, full tank costs an average of €80, depending on the garage.
When you turn off the DTC in wet and slippy weather its great fun.
*im not condoning dangerous driving in anyway at all*

maryishere

HiGlo wrote: »

I guess I just want something easy to run that won't cost a fortune in upkeep.

Do not buy a BMW so. I had one and it broke my heart with the cost of upkeep: fuel, servicing and repairs.

Idbatterim

Do not buy a BMW so. I had one and it broke my heart with the cost of upkeep: fuel, servicing and repairs.

Im on agreement with you on AerLingus in after hours, but the fuel servicing and repairs on the bm, really depends on which bm it is and how it has been looked after, my first one, was a nighmare, my current 325ci only the starter motor has failed in nearly 3 years of driving, my brother also has a 325 and nothing has gone wrong in 2 years of ownership...

Im just going to say OP, that the car you linked to at that mileage in that colour with that reg, is overpriced. You have to keep in mind residuals too and what you will be able to sell it for in 2 /3 years, that is another expense that people over overlook...

Moneymaker

My dad's E46 has ran flawlessly for about 6 years now, superb car in every way.

I have my 525 2 days and nothing has gone wrong yet :pac:

billie1b

maryishere wrote: »

Do not buy a BMW so. I had one and it broke my heart with the cost of upkeep: fuel, servicing and repairs.

You were just unlucky, 6 years with mine and not a problem, friend has a 2002 520 about 5 years and no problems either.

Idbatterim

Op an E90 3 series would be another option for you...

maryishere

Idbatterim wrote: »

You have to keep in mind residuals too and what you will be able to sell it for in 2 /3 years, that is another expense that people over overlook...

Correct. Depreciation is a huge expense. Well worth doing a spreadsheet.
Some of the UK motoring magazines show what % a car is worth after the first 3 years depreciation. Would probably be similar depreciation % here imho. Some makes and models worse than others. Both BMW ans A3 not too bad depreciation wise. No point worrying about the difference in car tax or a few mpg when many cars lose €3000 - 4000 per year in depreciation.

r3nu4l

OP, do you plan on carrying anyone in the back of the car regularly? If so, forget the BMW imo.

If the Audi was Quattro I'd recommend it too over the BMW but right now it depends on the practicality issues. As the driver, either car is fine (even if the FWD Audi will be a bit less fun than the RWD BMW) but if you do have rear passengers then seriosuly, consider them...

HiGlo

Idbatterim wrote: »

From 06 they came with a 6 speed box, which is what I would go for...

Unfortunately I'm quite restricted with budget. My insurance payout is €5.3k and adding a couple of hundred I could scrape out of my wages this is all I have to play with.
Tried for a little top up with the bank, but no luck.

Idbatterim

ah ok, well that makes things easier, if the budget is rigid, because I always shop based on value, not price (within reasons).

An alternative would be to go for an E39, which is a different league of car, you can pick up a 2002-2003 for 2-3k and keep the rest for fuel and motor tax (which is E950 on the 520)...

http://www.carzone.ie/search/BMW/5-Series/520-MANU/30913505749159980/advert?
channel=CARS

http://www.carzone.ie/search/BMW/5-Series/520-I-SA/43313934311390170/advert?channel=CARS

rs mivec

I have the same model A3 2 years now, never had any problems with it and its cheap to run and service.

its not excatly fun to drive tho, a little under powered even but for normal driving its perfect

just make sure, what ever you buy, comes with service history

noelf

HiGlo wrote: »

Unfortunately I'm quite restricted with budget. My insurance payout is €5.3k and adding a couple of hundred I could scrape out of my wages this is all I have to play with.
Tried for a little top up with the bank, but no luck.

Get insurance quotes before you make your mind up

HiGlo

noelf wrote: »

Get insurance quotes before you make your mind up

Yeah, good point....
The cost is going to go up anyway considering the penalty points & a claim added...

wonski

HiGlo wrote: »

Yeah, good point....
The cost is going to go up anyway considering the penalty points & a claim added...

If you claimed then I would definitely look at the quote first since the budget is fixed. You might have few hundreds less to spend.

bazz26

Thinking outside the German box:



http://www.driving.ie/used-cars/Volvo/C30/1.6-SE**I/43413936769263720/

Idbatterim

nice volvo, looks like it has mfsw also.

HiGlo

Idbatterim wrote: »

Op an E90 3 series would be another option for you...

Yeah, I was looking at a few 3 Series too, but a 2.L Petrol would cost me a fortune to run. Couldn't find anything really decent in diesel in my price range.

HiGlo

Idbatterim wrote: »

nice volvo, looks like it has mfsw also.

Pardon my ignorance, what's mfsw?
Yeah, it's not bad alright. Funny looking arse on it though...

bazz26

Multi Function Steering Wheel - usually allows you to control the stereo on the steering wheel which is normally a rarity on German cars of that vintage.

Moneymaker

I'd say its more comfortable then a 1 series or an A3 too.

Idbatterim

Multi Function Steering Wheel - usually allows you to control the stereo on the steering wheel which is normally a rarity on German cars of that vintage.

I would have thought the volvo might have cruise control too...

R.O.R

That steering wheel on a Volvo usually gives Cruise Control as well as Radio Controls, so it looks like cruise is standard, as well as dual zone climate control.

Probably more comfort features in the C30 than the A3/1 Series, and being a Focus underneath, it's probably quite fun to throw around. Never driven a 1.6i C30/S40/V50 but it should be OK.

Only 2 seats in the back, and very cramped, and the boot is bordering on Mini size.

bazz26

Idbatterim wrote: »

I would have thought the volvo might have cruise control too...

The SE does but I just wanted to keep it simple for the OP.

Tea 1000

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Volkswagen/Polo/-GTI-1.8/36113693210912130/advert?channel=CARS

wonski

Tea 1000 wrote: »

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Volkswagen/Polo/-GTI-1.8/36113693210912130/advert?channel=CARS

It is a nice car, but looks a bit over the budget tbh.

That 1.8T in Polo is a nice combo:D

HiGlo

Tea 1000 wrote: »

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Volkswagen/Polo/-GTI-1.8/36113693210912130/advert?channel=CARS

Looks nice, but would they give a discount of €1k+ for a cash sale, no trade in??

wonski

HiGlo wrote: »

Looks nice, but would they give a discount of €1k+ for a cash sale, no trade in??

I doubt - the advertised price is a cash price, unfortunately.
Few hundreds maybe, but not that much.

HiGlo

wonski wrote: »

I doubt - the advertised price is a cash price, unfortunately.
Few hundreds maybe, but not that much.

Yeah, that was my point. But I just notice now that you had already pointed out the budgetary constraints. Cheers

I was chatting to someone in work today and we were saying it would be great if there was a service whereby you could pay someone to do car shopping for you.... Hahaha.... Here's my criteria & budget, find me a car....

wonski

HiGlo wrote: »

Yeah, that was my point. But I just notice now that you had already pointed out the budgetary constraints. Cheers

I was chatting to someone in work today and we were saying it would be great if there was a service whereby you could pay someone to do car shopping for you.... Hahaha.... Here's my criteria & budget, find me a car....

Here is the cars, where is our money:D

Wouldn't trust anyone to do the grocery for me, nevermind a car tbh

HiGlo

Idbatterim wrote: »

Im just going to say OP, that the car you linked to at that mileage in that colour with that reg, is overpriced. You have to keep in mind residuals too and what you will be able to sell it for in 2 /3 years, that is another expense that people over overlook...

Any suggestions as to what would be a fair offer on it? I was thinking/hoping to pay about €5.4/€5.5k. The mileage is pretty high all right. Will that bring more mechanical problems with it?
Yeah, I was wondering alright what kind of battering it would have gotten on Wexford roads. I'm not overly familiar with driving in that area.

OldMrBrennan83

This post has been deleted.

Idbatterim

Any suggestions as to what would be a fair offer on it? I was thinking/hoping to pay about €5.4/€5.5k. The mileage is pretty high all right. Will that bring more mechanical problems with it?
Yeah, I was wondering alright what kind of battering it would have gotten on Wexford roads. I'm not overly familiar with driving in that area.

at that mileage, suspension could be knackered, cooling systems on bm's can be a weak point too, engine gaskets, god knows what else. Ask yourself if you buy it and put it up on dondeal the next day what you would get for it... Im guessing about half of what that dealer wants...

http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/bmw-316i/6288402

HiGlo

I was too slow and the BMW is gone.. Had a quick look around today and this car caught my eye....
http://www.carzone.ie/search/Hyundai/Coupe/1.6cc-2D/38213921198900780/advert?channel=CARS
Worth considering??

I did find a 2006 BMW 1 series that I might go try look at. My sister has offered to top me up a little so might be able to stretch a bit... http://www.carzone.ie/search/BMW/1-Series/116i-5dr/42313929032135390/advert?channel=CARS

Idbatterim

Id avoid the hyundai coupe for a number of reasons, meant to be pigs on juice, given they are a 1.6, rear seats are near unusable, reliability not great from wha tI have heard either. I would definetly take you sister up on her offer, Id either up your budget a bit like you suggest or forget the 1 series...

bazz26

A Hyundai Coupe 1.6 isn't going to be any slower than an entry level 1.6 German hatchback either.

Idbatterim

Op, if you going to a car have it checked out by someone who knows what they are doing, if going for a BM, have it checked by a specialist prior to purchase, I can recommend a few if you go down that route...

HiGlo

Idbatterim wrote: »

Op, if you going to a car have it checked out by someone who knows what they are doing, if going for a BM, have it checked by a specialist prior to purchase, I can recommend a few if you go down that route...

Yeah, if you could maybe PM some contacts that would be great. I really don't know enough about these cars to make a decent decision.... Don't fancy getting screwed over!

Thanks to all for your help. It really is great.

HiGlo

Sorry, me again!
somebody was saying to me about run flat tyres on the BMW. That they're expensive to replace. Is it possible to just put standard tyres on the car instead? and if I keep the run flats (if the car has them already) do I need to buy winter tyres to change with the seasons?

I'm having to fight my corner against people trying to talk me out of it. It's getting annoying.
Do I buy the car I want and possibly end up with high maintenance costs and regret my decision? Or buy a "practical/sensible" car and spend the next number of years regretting my decision? ...... hmmmmmmmmm

billie1b

HiGlo wrote: »

Sorry, me again!
somebody was saying to me about run flat tyres on the BMW. That they're expensive to replace. Is it possible to just put standard tyres on the car instead? and if I keep the run flats (if the car has them already) do I need to buy winter tyres to change with the seasons?

I'm having to fight my corner against people trying to talk me out of it. It's getting annoying.
Do I buy the car I want and possibly end up with high maintenance costs and regret my decision? Or buy a "practical/sensible" car and spend the next number of years regretting my decision? ...... hmmmmmmmmm

Yes, its the first thing I did when I bought my BMW was change the tyres, my tyres usually cost €70-75 each, I have a guy that comes to my house to do it. The BMW has no spare, my advice would be to buy the bottle of foam so if you get a blow out you can spray it through the valve and it'll do you until you get to a garage. Also the sensors for the run flats works with the normal tyres to tell if your PSI goes below a certain amount.

HiGlo

Cheers for that. Good to know.


Also, IF I decided to be sensible - how about something like this?? http://www.carzone.ie/search/Opel/Astra/1.4-CLUB/38513922173979260/advert?channel=CARS

whomitconcerns

on your other question OP, you dont "need" to buy winter tyres in Ireland. I have them for my audi and I recommend them but in Ireland most people will say they are unnecessary...admittedly this season I only got limited use, but the few times I did, they made a difference.

Foxhole Norman

Would you not go back a few years and get the same car but with a better spec? Those 1 series/astras are horrible inside on the base model and the 1 series just looks terrible with blacked out fog lights, hub caps and a plastic steering wheel.

Idbatterim

Op sorry for the delay, will email you the specialists details later. Also this is a 1.6 bm 1 series we are talking about here, not an m5! go for it if its what you want, people here BMW and think $$$, I can guarantee you, I keep my 2.5L 325ci on the road cheaper than the average **** box driver, who cant do anything themselves or cant be bothered doing a bit of problem solving. Did the earlyish 1 series i.e. 05 , 06 etc even have runflats?!

billie1b

Idbatterim wrote: »

Op sorry for the delay, will email you the specialists details later. Also this is a 1.6 bm 1 series we are talking about here, not an m5! go for it if its what you want, people here BMW and think $$$, I can guarantee you, I keep my 2.5L 325ci on the road cheaper than the average **** box driver, who cant do anything themselves or cant be bothered doing a bit of problem solving. Did the earlyish 1 series i.e. 05 , 06 etc even have runflats?!

I have the '05 sport model 1 series, comes with runflats as standard