BMW320i coupe opinions

Piriz

hi,

I'm seeking educated opinions on the value / reliability of the BMW320i coupe. Im particularly interested in the 2008 for reduced motor tax. I would not go above 2.0 model for fuel economy and i am partial to automatics.

I really like this car:

http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/bmw-3-series-320i-coupe-stunning-se-a/8044037

I own a 2003 honda civic coupe auto and it is a cool car and seriously reliable and trouble free... would I get the same reliability and trouble freedom with this type of BMW?

thanks...

Piriz

Piriz wrote: »

hi,

I'm seeking educated opinions on the value / reliability of the BMW320i coupe. Im particularly interested in the 2008 for reduced motor tax. I would not go above 2.0 model for fuel economy and i am partial to automatics.

I really like this car:

http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/bmw-3-series-320i-coupe-stunning-se-a/8044037

I own a 2003 honda civic coupe auto and it is a cool car and seriously reliable and trouble free... would I get the same reliability and trouble freedom with this type of BMW?

thanks...

€570 per year. Is this a reduced tax :eek:

Toyotafanboi

Deleted User wrote: »

€570 per year. Is this a reduced tax :eek:

yeah, if it was pre 2008 it would be €710.

Tilikum

Piriz wrote: »

hi,

I'm seeking educated opinions on the value / reliability of the BMW320i coupe. Im particularly interested in the 2008 for reduced motor tax. I would not go above 2.0 model for fuel economy and i am partial to automatics.

I really like this car:

http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/bmw-3-series-320i-coupe-stunning-se-a/8044037

I own a 2003 honda civic coupe auto and it is a cool car and seriously reliable and trouble free... would I get the same reliability and trouble freedom with this type of BMW?

thanks...

I bought the exact same car 4 months ago. Paid 4k less. 75,000 on the clock too.

Since then I've replaced a headlight bulb (€159). The bulb itself was €99 plus vat. think there's a shock that needs replacing at the front now.

The problem is if anything goes wrong it costs a fortune to fix, even at an Indy garage. Terrible on juice around town which has to be expected for a 2L petrol. Love the car though.

ba_barabus

Piriz wrote: »

I own a 2003 honda civic coupe auto and it is a cool car and seriously reliable and trouble free... would I get the same reliability and trouble freedom with this type of BMW?

I doubt it.

A friend made a very similar move last year and got a 325Ci and loves it. He had a Civic coupe for over 10 years before that which gave him no issues what so ever. The BMW has needed electrical work but he doesn't regret buying it. Most people I know have issues with their BMWs but all seem to like the cars overall.

Tilikum

Toyotafanboi wrote: »

yeah, if it was pre 2008 it would be €710.

Mine is late 2008 and the tax is €390.

Toyotafanboi

i'd agree. i'm not saying the BMW wouldn't be nice, but i can't see it holding a candle to the Hondas reliability, or repair costs.

Toyotafanboi

Tilikum wrote: »

Mine is late 2008 and the tax is €390.

your 320i?

Tilikum

Toyotafanboi wrote: »

your 320i?

Yes.

Op - if you're not in a rush, you'll get one a lot cheaper than that. I spent a few months checking sites. There was two or three priced at 10k back then.

Piriz

Tilikum wrote: »

I doubt it.

I bought the exact same car 4 months ago. Paid 4k less. 75,000 on the clock too.

Since then I've replaced a headlight bulb (€159). The bulb itself was €99 plus vat. think there's a shock that needs replacing at the front now.

The problem is if anything goes wrong it costs a fortune to fix, even at an Indy garage. Terrible on juice around town which has to be expected for a 2L petrol. Love the car though.

holy ****, i replaced a headlight on my Honda last weekend and it cost 5euro...
I like the idea of keeping my Civic for as long as I can but that particular BMW is beautiful...but i reckon it'd break me financially if something serious went wrong..

Toyotafanboi

Tilikum wrote: »

Yes.

Op - if you're not in a rush, you'll get one a lot cheaper than that. I spent a few months checking sites. There was two or three priced at 10k back then.

i think that might be the rate for a manual model, the OP has posted an auto.

Piriz

Tilikum wrote: »

Yes.

Op - if you're not in a rush, you'll get one a lot cheaper than that. I spent a few months checking sites. There was two or three priced at 10k back then.

I'm in no rush, I'm just toying with the idea and thought i'd get some info on the cars from people in the know.. it is silly to prioritise colour but the one in the link is what i really like... maybe in a few years...

Tilikum

Piriz wrote: »

I'm in no rush, I'm just toying with the idea and thought i'd get some info on the cars from people in the know.. it is silly to prioritise colour but the one in the link is what i really like... maybe in a few years...

The colour is nice alright but I wouldn't be a fan of the wheels at all. Honestly, you'll get a much nicer one & that price is a joke.

bazz26

Lads, the headlights in the 3 Series coupe are xenon. Xenon bulbs are not the same as ordinary €5k halogen bulbs. Xenon bulbs are expensive no matter what make of car they are fitted to but the light off them is superior to halogens and they last longer too. BTW a 320i on the new tax system costs €390.

Being honest, a BMW is probably never going to be as cheap to own as a Honda so if you are expecting that then maybe reconsider your choice.

Foxhole Norman

Get a 6 cylinder, 325 or above, there'll be minimal difference in economy or tax, thank me later

Rowley Birkin QC

Piriz wrote: »

holy ****, i replaced a headlight on my Honda last weekend and it cost 5euro...
I like the idea of keeping my Civic for as long as I can but that particular BMW is beautiful...but i reckon it'd break me financially if something serious went wrong..

I spent 2 years driving a Corolla that cost me peanuts while looking for the right E46.

Since then, literally all of my motoring costs have, at a minimum, doubled.

My only regret is not buying something with more grunt! Do your research on the car, do the sums and buy it if you can afford it. Life's too short to be worrying about what if's.