Advertisement
If you have a new account but are having problems posting or verifying your account, please email us on hello@boards.ie for help. Thanks :)
Hello all! Please ensure that you are posting a new thread or question in the appropriate forum. The Feedback forum is overwhelmed with questions that are having to be moved elsewhere. If you need help to verify your account contact hello@boards.ie
Please note that it is not permitted to have referral links posted in your signature. Keep these links contained in the appropriate forum. Thank you.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2055940817/signature-rules
Hi there,
There is an issue with role permissions that is being worked on at the moment.
If you are having trouble with access or permissions on regional forums please post here to get access: https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058365403/you-do-not-have-permission-for-that#latest

Used petrol coupe - BMW 320/5 or Audi A5, or...?

  • 24-05-2017 10:03am
    #1
    hidinginthebush
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,679 ✭✭✭


    Hi lads,

    Looking for a new car. Thinking of getting something fun while I don't have the need for kids to be climbing in and out of the back, and really like the look of a BMW 320 / 325, or Audi A5. I will be getting a petrol so that makes the choice quite limited. I've earmarked a few different cars and am setting up test drives.
    - Budget is around 10k.
    - Have a 07 Mazda 3 saloon for trade in / resale.
    - Not concerned either way as to whether I get an auto or manual.
    - I'll get a mechanic to look over the car before committing to anything.

    Have people any comments either way on something else that I should consider? I'm trying to stay younger than 08 models for the tax purposes, and also so I'm not buying an older car than my current.

    What do people think about buying private vs dealer? I feel that not knowing much about cars, dealer could be safer, as you've a bit of a warranty, but on the other hand, a smooth dealer will not have much trouble pulling the wool over my eyes, plus private works out cheaper generally.


Comments

  • #2
    bmwguy
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,006 ✭✭✭bmwguy


    hidinginthebush wrote: »
    Hi lads,

    Looking for a new car. Thinking of getting something fun while I don't have the need for kids to be climbing in and out of the back, and really like the look of a BMW 320 / 325, or Audi A5. I will be getting a petrol so that makes the choice quite limited. I've earmarked a few different cars and am setting up test drives.
    - Budget is around 10k.
    - Have a 07 Mazda 3 saloon for trade in / resale.
    - Not concerned either way as to whether I get an auto or manual.
    - I'll get a mechanic to look over the car before committing to anything.

    Have people any comments either way on something else that I should consider? I'm trying to stay younger than 08 models for the tax purposes, and also so I'm not buying an older car than my current.

    What do people think about buying private vs dealer? I feel that not knowing much about cars, dealer could be safer, as you've a bit of a warranty, but on the other hand, a smooth dealer will not have much trouble pulling the wool over my eyes, plus private works out cheaper generally.

    Buy the car you want but get it checked by a mechanic you trust. There are a few 08 petrols in your price range for both. It's down to personal preference between BMW or Audi. And down to condition you find them in. Lovely thing about looking for a petrol is there are some nice spec low mileage around compared to diesel and much cheaper too.
    Beware some 08s are still on C C based tax and will be higher. You could negotiate a hefty price reduction though because I can tell you now they are not in demand at all.


  • #3
    bazz26
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 51,360 ✭✭✭✭bazz26


    Anything over 2.0 litre petrol in the A5 is very rare on these shores unless you count the S5 which is going to be big money to buy and run. Most petrol A5s you find for sale here will be 1.8 or 2.0 TSi models and even those are thin on the ground.

    In the BMW 3 Series you have the 325i which up to about mid 2007 was a 2.5 litre engine. From mid 2007 onwards the 325i became 3.0 litre however they are not as reliable as the older 2.5 litre. So a 08 325i on the cheaper tax potentially might be more troublesome than a 07 325i with the older 2.5 litre engine and higher tax. The 08 will cost a good bit more to buy too because of the cheaper tax.


Advertisement