€6k car. Options?

duffman13

Time for a new car, I've a 6k budget which I could stretch slightly. I'm thinking of a BMW 3 or 5 series. I need something classy and presentable for work but doesn't cost a bomb. I've had some bad luck with cars, so really want to make a decent move on this one. I only drive about 80km - 160km per week so not massive distances. Anyone got any suggestions or reasons not too go for a BMW

Bigus

There's great value in petrol 3 series at the moment , just remember 316, 318 and 320 s are nearly all 2.0L with the same tax pre 2008. Get a history check done on any purchase .

duffman13

Bigus wrote: »

There's great value in petrol 3 series at the moment , just remember 316, 318 and 320 s are nearly all 2.0L with the same tax pre 2008. Get a history check done on any purchase .

Hmm I forgot about Tax pre 08, I'll have a look for those models.

Moneymaker

If you're looking for an alternative, 6k should buy a lovely Honda Accord.

bazz26

If you don't need a lot of space or rear doors then a E46 coupe would fit the bill:


http://www.driving.ie/used-cars/BMW/3-Series/318-CI/39113901437584640/

Idbatterim

you will be looking at 2005 and 2006 523 or 525 at your budget, E1080 to take the 2.5L. The 3 series will come in a 2L and cost E710 to tax.

http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/bmw-5-series-2-5-litre-petrol/6786382

http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/bmw-525-se-for-sale/6744570

duffman13

Idbatterim wrote: »

you will be looking at 2005 and 2006 523 or 525 at your budget, E1080 to take the 2.5L. The 3 series will come in a 2L and cost E710 to tax.

http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/bmw-5-series-2-5-litre-petrol/6786382

http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/bmw-525-se-for-sale/6744570

My budget started at 6 and is gradually rising. That 525 looks beautiful.

Idbatterim

yeah the thing is they are both a 2.5L engine, i.e both E1080 to tax, the 525 puts out 215hp and the 523 puts out 177bhp. So nearly 40 more bhp for the same motor tax!!!

To be honest I reckon you could secure that 525 for somewhere in the 6's...

duffman13

Idbatterim wrote: »

yeah the thing is they are both a 2.5L engine, i.e both E1080 to tax, the 525 puts out 215hp and the 523 puts out 177bhp. So nearly 40 more bhp for the same motor tax!!!

To be honest I reckon you could secure that 525 for somewhere in the 6's...

I'll talk to the missus, I'd be confident of getting one in the mid to high 6k range. I enjoy a but of haggling. I'm at the start of a hunt so I don't mind waiting a couple of weeks till the right one comes along.

Idbatterim

I'll talk to the missus, I'd be confident of getting one in the mid to high 6k range. I enjoy a but of haggling. I'm at the start of a hunt so I don't mind waiting a couple of weeks till the right one comes along.

Dont mention the motor tax to her, just what they cost new

Moneymaker

BMW straight six engines are pretty special. You won't regret buying one.

T.Sparkie

Yeah I agree with Monkeymaker, the straight six engines are very good engines such as 320, 323, 325. I wouldn't recommend 316 or 318 engines, they seem to have their fair share of problems.

Have you considered the lexus is250? I've driven a few of them and I'm a huge fan, they seem to be great engines also and they are very well priced!!!

wandererz

Why BMW? If buying an e46 make sure it's a late enough model which doesn't suffer from the chassis problem that needs re-welding/strengthening. And that the springs have been changed as they have a habit of breaking.

If you're after a bit of class, then how about this option below.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201403122457130


The way i figure it,
Cost of Vehicle: £5,000=€6,145
VRT: €460
NCT: €60
Flight over: €150
Ferry: €250
=€7,065

Not bad at all for a single owner vehicle with only 50,000 miles.

Even though it is a 2003, it seems in excellent condition, has leather/sat nav/touch screen, climate control, looks classy.

It also looks like it has 6 CD autochanger, electric seats, cruise control, park assist + more.

It's a diesel so it's economical, you just need to take it for a good spin every now and again and a few small maintenance bits initially (block off egr etc).

No timing belt to worry about as it has a chain.

However, it will fall under the old motor tax regime but that's still under €700 per annum.

To my mind this car will give you years of motoring joy, class/prestige, low maintenance etc.
Even though it is the "baby Jag" people still love it, you will still get a lot of compliments on it if well maintained and even if it does age, it will age well.

The engine IS a Mondeo TDCI engine, along with other parts. But this also means cheaper maintenance costs and decent reliability.

I know all this because i previously purchased an e46 for my wife (which she still has) and i currently drive (by means of a downgrade) a 04 XType which i imported.

If you can get it cheaper...then all the better.
If it peaks your interest, then continue looking for other models for sale depending on what goodies you want e.g. bluetooth, cruise control, tan leather rather than black etc.

In my opinion this is much better than some of the "paddy spec" cars available at the moment.

tvonasunday

Shameless plug. But if you don't need rear seats I am selling a 3.0I Z4. I can't link to it as a new user but it is on donedeal in Armagh.

The VRT is paid and it went through it's last MOT with no work and no advisories. Happy to answer any questions on it if you are interested.