Comfy beamer or a hot hatch

Mr Fake Mustache

Hey folks,

Looking at getting a new machine and need a little help. Been looking at done deal for hours lately and cant make my mind up. I was looking for something with a bit of go, currently drive a mazda 3 and it isn't up for the mileage I do and its dreadfully slow. I had a TT before but it was an animal on juice. I do a fair bit of driving I would say around the 20 k miles mark a year and have started a new job so was looking at spending around 12-15 k on something more up to the task.

I've been kind of drawn to a 3 series or a 5 series would love a 6 series but insurance looks to be much higher, I also keep hearing horror stories about maintenance timing chains, EGRs etc so its kind of off putting, plus you see them absolutely everywhere. The only other car which stands out is the fiesta St they have lots of go but are a bit small looking and might not be very comfortable for all the driving(mainly motorway).

Anyone have suggestions or feedback? fun and reliable ford or comfy pricey beamer.

Thanks.

James Bond Junior

Mr Fake Mustache wrote: »

Hey folks,

Looking at getting a new machine and need a little help. Been looking at done deal for hours lately and cant make my mind up. I was looking for something with a bit of go, currently drive a mazda 3 and it isn't up for the mileage I do and its dreadfully slow. I had a TT before but it was an animal on juice. I do a fair bit of driving I would say around the 20 k miles mark a year and have started a new job so was looking at spending around 12-15 k on something more up to the task.

I've been kind of drawn to a 3 series or a 5 series would love a 6 series but insurance looks to be much higher, I also keep hearing horror stories about maintenance timing chains, EGRs etc so its kind of off putting, plus you see them absolutely everywhere. The only other car which stands out is the fiesta St they have lots of go but are a bit small looking and might not be very comfortable for all the driving(mainly motorway).

Anyone have suggestions or feedback? fun and reliable ford or comfy pricey beamer.

Thanks.

Have a look at a D6 volvo S60/V60. Plenty pep, decent on juice, comfy and in budget.

shnaek

I drive a 5 series and I love it. Have had no problems with it so far. You're right about them being everywhere though! You shouldn't have a problem with the chain after 2015. Mine is 2012 but the chain was done by the previous owner.

James Bond Junior

I was thinking about this car. Maybe over budget but 2 year warranty and it was minded like a baby inside and out.

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/bmw/26137432

kona

If your mainly driving on a motorway why would ya bother with a fiesta st. A diesel bmw or audi is unfortunately what would suit you better.

Heres Johnny

kona wrote: »

If your mainly driving on a motorway why would ya bother with a fiesta st. A diesel bmw or audi is unfortunately what would suit you better.

I second this. You'd have more road noise from the fiesta no matter what engine or model it is and won't be as comfy. You'd really want to be into the twisty stuff to choose one over a big saloon. You will get a much newer fiesta for same money though.

Whocare

I wouldn't let timing chain put you off .to do timing belt on car is like €500 to do chain up around €1000 extra 500€ it not end of world in my eyes
Plus all bmw should have egr replaced for free by bmw so that a non issue

GavMan

Best of both worlds
https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/bmw-330d-xdrive-touring/25548235

The owner posts here too. Someone better buy this car before I do something stupid because I've a serious horn for it.

Homer

I am biased but how about A Skoda Octavia VRS diesel estate. Plenty of room and enough power/torque for most, certainly for motorway driving!

Mr Fake Mustache

Thanks for replies! I was looking at a red 320d on done deal from bloomfield garage (cant post links as im only new )

Although I think I would prefer the 330, has anyone driven both ? should I cough up the extra cash for the 330?

I like VRS especially in the grey but the RWD is drawing me in.

California Dreamer

Mr Fake Mustache wrote: »

Thanks for replies! I was looking at a red 320d on done deal from bloomfield garage (cant post links as im only new )

Although I think I would prefer the 330, has anyone driven both ? should I cough up the extra cash for the 330?

I like VRS especially in the grey but the RWD is drawing me in.

https://www.bloomfieldgarage.ie/vehicles/bmw/3%20series/dublin/2660466

Is this the one you are talking about?

While the mileage is not overly high for that engine, 20 miles/33k Kms a year there are a couple of other things that I would want to see first.

Are those alloys aftermarket? I bow to other experts in that regard.

Is there a full service history with it? Again I could be completely wrong but something tells me that you will not see a lot of main dealer history on that.

What is with that crack on the display screen surround? How does that even happen?

It may not be much but does it suggest hard driving from the previous owner?

Finally, based on the mileage and year, I think its a bit overpriced.

---

That 330D you also linked....
"New engine fitted by Conlans BMW, Naas @ 67,040 km. Currently has 3,000 km on it and comes with 2 year BMW warranty."

WTH!??!

James Bond Junior

California Dreamer wrote: »

https://www.bloomfieldgarage.ie/vehicles/bmw/3%20series/dublin/2660466

Is this the one you are talking about?

While the mileage is not overly high for that engine, 20 miles/33k Kms a year there are a couple of other things that I would want to see first.

Are those alloys aftermarket? I bow to other experts in that regard.

Is there a full service history with it? Again I could be completely wrong but something tells me that you will not see a lot of main dealer history on that.

What is with that crack on the display screen surround? How does that even happen?

It may not be much but does it suggest hard driving from the previous owner?

Finally, based on the mileage and year, I think its a bit overpriced.

---

That 330D you also linked....
"New engine fitted by Conlans BMW, Naas @ 67,040 km. Currently has 3,000 km on it and comes with 2 year BMW warranty."

WTH!??!

It's a members car as it happens. BMW replaced the engine and all ancillaries under warranty/goodwill.