is this a good buy?

sniperman

hi folks,some advice please,son has a 2011 avensis,he spotted this 2008 bmw 3 series,135000 miles on clock,nct up jan 23,3 months warranty,5 owners,2ltr diesel,320D M Sport Coupe,looks ok,from description video,so garage want 3000 with the avensis,....advice needed,are parts hard to get?are old bmws reliable?do ye think it would be worth trading the avensis?opinions welcome thanks,we dont want to make a boo boo

Phil.x

Keep away from high mileage diesel engines unless you've a pot of money and time to spend. Stop wanting the badge.

Larbre34

If its had all the requisite work done, sure why not.

It'll need its third waterpump around now, new clutch and flywheel, or torque convertor if automatic, new engine mounts too more than likely.

Shouldn't cost anymore than about €4,500 from a competent independent.

Mehaffey1

Would be in my opinion a risky year and mileage for a diesel BMW like that. The Avensis would probably save a lot in terms of servicing and maintenance over the course of a standard year.

Padre_Pio

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119753294#Comment_119753294

And thermostat, front and rear shocks and springs, new bushings which means new wishbones unless you want to wrestle with the old ones, likely new radiator hoses, check the brake lines too, they can rust etc etc etc.

If either you or your son is handy fixing cars then fire ahead. If not, then give it a miss. Old BMWs need a steady supply of new parts.

Murph85

That's the engine with dodgy timing chain...

bazz26

So let me get this right, a garage wants 3k along with an 11 year old Avensis for a 14 year 3 Series with a short NCT? Am I the only one who thinks that's crazy money. The dealer is practically buying your Avensis for next to nothing. You would also be going from a fairly reliable (granted boring Japanese car) to an unpredicable older German car that potentially can break your heart as well as your wallet. BMWs of that era were not very robust and that doesn't improve with age. I'd also question the low mileage on a 14 year old diesel car, were all 5 previous owners only driving it to and from mass on Sundays?

I think you would be nuts to take that deal and that's coming from someone who is driving BMWs for years.

Still stihl waters 3

Fools and their money

redlough

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058267770/is-this-a-good-buy

Run run run, as fast as you can

Plus 135k miles on a 14 year old diesel BMW with 5 owners, thats less than 10k miles per year. 😂 questionable

sniperman

thanks very much all for the comments,after he read them its turned him right off ,he gonna hang on to the avensis for a while now

greasepalm

How much a year is he spending on the Toyota ?

How much can he afford to spend on BMW with crappy service history as i would be looking in under oil cap and colour of dipstick.

Buddy Bubs

Its going to be a nicer car than the Avensis for sure but with less space.

Price is nuts. And I'd nearly guarantee bills of at least the purchase price again within 2 years of ownership.

I've owned older BMWs in the past, I understand the draw they have for younger guys but it's a big risk.

Mehaffey1

Wise enough head on him then. Few years ago when the price of motoring wasn't so sky high a BMW would be nice, be hard to have it breaking your heart and wallet every couple of months for bits here and there.

dontmindme

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058267770/is-this-a-good-buy

No