About to buy this car - anything more to check?

ImDave

Hi Guys,

I have a deposit down on this 316i and finalising the purchase this evening. I have given it a good test drive and inspection and very happy all round with it. I ran a Cartell report on the car and everything came back in the clear, including no discrepancy found in the mileage. Going by the condition of both interior and exterior, the mileage seems bang on. Have checked all the main points (looking for signs of previous accidents or damage, oil leaks etc.) and couldn't find anything suspicious.

http://www.carzone.ie/search/BMW/3-Series/316I-M-S/50214006872208850/advert?channel=CARS

Starting to get nervous now, not because I have found anything suspicious with the car or it is a massive amount of money, just the fact I have had bad luck with cars so far and don't want to get landed with a lemon.

Any comments appreciated!

bazz26

Have you had the car inspected by a mechanic or someone who knows their way around BMWs? What sort of warranty are the garage offering?

Moneymaker

Personally i'd look at a 320 or even a 318i. A 316 is a not a nice car to drive and feels under powered imo.

A 320 is leagues ahead and much better equipped. In fairness that particular car looks to have a decent amount of kit.

As for that car, it looks fairly spotless and generally E46s are pretty much bulletproof. I think 5,000 is over priced, despite the condition.

yop

Moneymaker wrote: »

Personally i'd look at a 320 or even a 318i. A 316 is a not a nice car to drive and feels under powered imo.

A 320 is leagues ahead and much better equipped.

As for that car, it looks fairly spotless and generally E46s are pretty much bulletproof. I think 5,000 is over priced, despite the condition.

Car is much too under powered for that body so I would have to agree, though it depends on the mileage the OP is doing, small city miles and it won't be noticeable.

Ryano87

Hi OP,

Just bought an e46 myself in a private sale - very happy with it.

Just wanted to let you know a work friend of mine bought a 2008 BMW 3 series in that garage last month - 2 weeks ago it gave injector trouble (He had it diagnosed in BMW Blackrock) and Kudos to the Motorvation they took it back next day (Gave him replacement car for the day) Fixed it and has had no issues since - he's extremely happy with it.

Best of luck with it - looks lovely condition.

Ryano87

Meso Harney

Buy it and pay it if you feel it's a car that suits you and you're going to keep for at least two years. If youre the sort of person who changes car more regularly, you're going to feel cheated at trade in time, because that is overpriced.

ImDave

Guys,

Thanks for all the replies.

I went ahead with the purchase this evening, and must say I couldn't be happier with it! The car seems to be very well equipped for its age, parking sensors, cruise control etc.

I took it for a good spin tonight, was stuck in traffic for a good while, later drove south through town and back up the M50.

As regards power, I test drove a 320i 2005 (new shape) last week from the same garage and whilst it certainly had a bit more punch than the 316i, I found it not enough to justify the higher purchase cost along with tax etc. Most of my driving would be short trips in and around town, only motorway driving every second weekend or so. The smaller engine (1798cc) I figure would be better in terms of economy than the 2.0L.

I'm going from having a 1.4L Megane Saloon, which was an incredibly underpowered car, so the move up to a 1.8L is a huge jump in drive for me.

Got a 3 Month Engine, Box and major component warranty as well, which is fine. The price was certainly at the higher end for a 2004 316, but given the condition of the car (interior in particular would almost pass for new), low mileage and how solid it seems (so far anyway), I'm happy with the price - paid €4,700 cash plus a half tank of fuel. I would hope to keep it for two years, so trade in price won't be much of an issue at that stage.

Thanks again for all the comments and feedback, much appreciated.

Stella Virgo

Moneymaker wrote: »

Personally i'd look at a 320 or even a 318i. A 316 is a not a nice car to drive and feels under powered imo.

A 320 is leagues ahead and much better equipped. In fairness that particular car looks to have a decent amount of kit.

As for that car, it looks fairly spotless and generally E46s are pretty much bulletproof. I think 5,000 is over priced, despite the condition.

way,way, over priced....this car will be 11 years old in 6 months time :eek:

bmm

Low mileage, nice clean looking car, well wear!

yop

Well wear, if you love the car then feck it

Moneymaker

Stella Virgo wrote: »

way,way, over priced....this car will be 11 years old in 6 months time :eek:

I wouldn't go that far, 04-05 E46s still fetch decent money. Especially one in that kind of condition. I think 4500 or so is a fair price but 4700 isn't crazy.

Not everyone wants a car with a ton of power, 115bhp is more then fine for everyday motoring and it looks a lovely car.

Happy motoring.