Buying a BMW or Audi at last!

sgds

I've been waiting a long time to buy a nice car for myself but at last the time has come that I can afford to.
We have a family car that my wife drives to work every day and I have a company van. I'm passionate about nice cars and for some years I've want to buy a BMW 320D Msport in White. In my opinion it's a fantastic looking car. I've mentioned this to a few friends and they say keep away from this model. I have 15k to spend and my first option would be the 320 Msport but I'm also looking at an A5 for the same budget or maybe the 5 series. I'd only be using at weekends so I wouldn't be putting up a lot of mileage. Any advice appreciated.

unkel

Don't buy diesel.

colm_mcm

What sort of driving will you be doing at the weekend?

sgds

Wouldn't be doing much at all at weekends, definitely not enough to justify diesel but wont the tax will be a lot cheaper?

bmwguy

sgds wrote: »

Wouldn't be doing much at all at weekends, definitely not enough to justify diesel but wont the tax will be a lot cheaper?

Oh no you broke motors forum number 1 rule. Tax is only part of cost of ownership. Look at overall cost

TimeToShine

sgds wrote: »

Wouldn't be doing much at all at weekends, definitely not enough to justify diesel but wont the tax will be a lot cheaper?

You'll offset that measly tax saving in repairing your DPF when you're using your beamer to potter down to the shop for milk.

166man

Take your €15k, cut the budget in half and buy a 2006/2006 325i (if it's BMW you're set on). You'll get a super clean one for €7k with low miles, and enjoy the straight six petrol engine.

Give the other €7.5k to the wife and she will leave you alone. Win win.

maddness

166MAN is right, buy an older car with a nicer petrol engine.
If it's your fun car for weekends a 320D isn't great tbh.
My wife has a 320D MSport which is lovely but not the most fun thing.
Might something like a mark5 Golf GTI be an option?

MojoMaker

The OP is buying a plate to create a perception of himself for other people, let him buy whatever he wants.

Idbatterim

you get the good looking, wolf in sheeps clothes, that is cheap to TAX. Or you get the car with the nice straight 6 petrol, much nicer overall and get done on tax, thats the option... You will be getting a far nicer car though and Id say it will be cheaper also, all in...

Trojan

I drive a 15 year old 525i, and I've recently driven a friend's 3 year old 320d. There is no comparison. Test drive some straight six petrols before committing to a 20d.