Where would you go next...

MarkN · 01-09-2019 10:27PM

Heres Johnny wrote: »

There's a few sub 40k 2018 530e msport on done deal so don't think the gap is quite as big as you think. That said you've mentioned an msport plus, which to be honest I don't know what the difference is.

The other thing is, like for like I was sticking to BMW dealers for warranty, service history, how fussy they have to be in premium selection stock. Personally I wouldn’t be spending that kind of money with anyone but a main dealer really as you’d want decent peace of mind.

Heres Johnny · 01-09-2019 11:03PM

MarkN wrote: »

Heres Johnny wrote: »

There's a few sub 40k 2018 530e msport on done deal so don't think the gap is quite as big as you think. That said you've mentioned an msport plus, which to be honest I don't know what the difference is.

The other thing is, like for like I was sticking to BMW dealers for warranty, service history, how fussy they have to be in premium selection stock. Personally I wouldn’t be spending that kind of money with anyone but a main dealer really as you’d want decent peace of mind.

Ah fair enough so. Yeah it's quite a price gap if its 11k

MarkN · 02-09-2019 09:43AM

Being all sensible for a minute though, I'd imagine it's created a very bleak situation for some dealers and in turn, jobs. VRT has to shoulder some of the blame too.

Mickiemcfist · 02-09-2019 10:09AM

MarkN wrote: »

Being all sensible for a minute though, I'd imagine it's created a very bleak situation for some dealers and in turn, jobs. VRT has to shoulder some of the blame too.

Hows VRT blamed if you've to pay the same VRT whether importing yourself or through a dealer?

MarkN · 02-09-2019 10:43AM

Just in general, it’s still an overall cost factor which is driving people to the U.K. and it’s a rip off tax whatever way it’s looked at. If it was abolished, the gap between Irish and U.K. prices would be closer again and as a result, less people would be incentivised to travel.

The same with EVs and the governments ridiculously ambitious plan to have 1Mil EVs on Irish roads by 2030. If they were serious, the VRT on the cost of a fully electric car should be gone to boost confidence.

Mickiemcfist · 02-09-2019 11:09AM

Well you're correct in general, as in VRT would definitely limit the amount of new cars sold here, but in that specific example of the 530e it's probably the car which it affects the least. I think dealers here need a better margin due to the fact that the volume sold here won't be the same & a dealer network, plus finance arrangements still need to be in place.

mickdw · 02-09-2019 11:39AM

MarkN wrote: »

Being all sensible for a minute though, I'd imagine it's created a very bleak situation for some dealers and in turn, jobs. VRT has to shoulder some of the blame too.

If they stop taking the piss looking for 10 and 11k margin between trade in offer and retail price, things might be better for them.

MarkN · 02-09-2019 11:51AM

Yeah, absolutely.

Casati · 02-09-2019 01:10PM

MarkN wrote: »

Just in general, it’s still an overall cost factor which is driving people to the U.K. and it’s a rip off tax whatever way it’s looked at. If it was abolished, the gap between Irish and U.K. prices would be closer again and as a result, less people would be incentivised to travel

Don’t follow this logic at all - if we had no VRT then average Joe would be more inclined to buy in the U.K as they could clearly see a massive price difference. People often wrongly assume it’s not worth bringing in a car as they have to pay VRT

MarkN · 02-09-2019 01:32PM

If a regular person doesn’t want to go to the U.K. now I don’t think it would be any different without VRT. What I’m saying is, if it was gone, the price differential would be smaller and surely even less of those who are bothered travelling to the U.K., would travel.

Edit; Imported Used Cars for August saw an increase of 10.2% (9,708) on the same month last year (8,812) and year to date imports are up 5% (72,211) ahead of 2018 (68,784).

carsfan2 · 02-09-2019 03:57PM

I actually have sympathy for Irish dealers too.
Leaving aside vrt and sterling the market is a minefield of choice.
The average punter who doesn’t know cars was told to buy a diesel and the value of his old Petrol car was destroyed. Now diesel is the devils fuel and you have to choose petrol hybrid or electric and there is conflicting advice and no clear strategy from government. New cars are going up in price and have gotten too dear for many too so it is no wonder people are not buying but are waiting to see what happens.

bazz26 · 02-09-2019 05:06PM

It's catch 22, VRT is built into the market value of cars here now. If you were to reduce or take VRT away on brand new cars then resale values of all used cars would collapse including new cars that were bought up to recently. There is no easy solution to it now.

Mickiemcfist · 02-09-2019 05:12PM

bazz26 wrote: »

It's catch 22, VRT is built into the market value of cars here now. If you were to reduce or take VRT away on brand new cars then resale values of all used cars would collapse including new cars that were bought up to recently. There is no easy solution to it now.

Well it would work out for most, if you're driving a 20k car & trying to buy a new 30k car, the 30k car drops by 9k & yours by 6k so you're 3k closer to the car you want anyway. (using 30% as the VRT rate as an example)

bazz26 · 02-09-2019 05:24PM

Would it work out that way though? If 9k in VRT is written off a 30k new car then surely similar money is going to be written off say a 20k 2 year older model? Would someone pay 14k for a 2 year old model when you can then buy a brand new one for 21k?

Mickiemcfist · 02-09-2019 05:30PM

Even if it's like for like (i.e. 9k off each), it works out the same cost to change & less finance cost if that's how it's being paid for. In that case it'd be 21k & 11k for a 2 year old.

MarkN · 02-09-2019 05:34PM

On the driveway this week anyway! Interior is a big step up on the previous 3.

MarkN · 02-09-2019 05:44PM

And this was last weeks!

madds · 02-09-2019 05:47PM

Be interested to see your thoughts on the 330i Mark

mickdw · 02-09-2019 10:13PM

MarkN wrote: »

On the driveway this week anyway! Interior is a big step up on the previous 3.

Interior had to be a big Improvement. Last model was arguably dated when it was released.
Looking at a 4 series previously, the interior was a complete turnoff. It was a black leather msport with blue strip on dash but I thought it was shocking an I love bmw interiors generally.

mickdw · 02-09-2019 10:15PM

I'd love to know how you work insurance wise on the cars mark.

MarkN · 02-09-2019 10:45PM

mickdw wrote: »

I'd love to know how you work insurance wise on the cars mark.

All on the brands own fleet policies.

bazz26 · 02-09-2019 11:17PM

How much is that car retailing at Mark? Must to close to 70k new with those extras? New 3 Series pricing is nuts and puts it very close to 5 Series pricing spec for spec.

MarkN · 02-09-2019 11:27PM

330i M Sport

Prices∗ (incl. VAT and VRT)
G20 330i M Sport Saloon B48D 2.0i €53,460.00
Portimao Blue €0.00
Black with Blue stitching Vernasca
Leather €0.00
Sub Total €53,460.00

Options
Technology package €2,500.64
Head-up Display
Enhanced Bluetooth with wireless charging
BMW Gesture Control

Comfort package €1,375.36
Steering wheel heating
Bootlid operation, powered
Comfort Access
Extended storage

M Sport Plus package €3,056.35
19" Bicolour Jet Black 791 M light Doublespoke alloy wheels with runflat tyres
M sport differential
Adaptive M Sport suspension
Sun protection glass
M seat belts
M rear spoiler
BMW Individual high-gloss Shadow Line with extended contents

Speedometer w/ KMH readout €0.00
M Sport braking system €0.00
Sport seats, front €0.00
Instrument panel in Sensatec €694.62
Aluminium Mesh effect interior Trim €0.00
M Steering Wheel €0.00
M aerodynamic bodystyling €0.00
Exterior trim, High-gloss Shadowline €0.00
Headlining, Anthracite €0.00

Sub Total €7,626.97

Standard Options
M Sport Package - LED foglights, front
Run-flat tyres
Sport automatic transmission
Variable sport steering
Alarm system (Thatcham 1)
Acoustic glazing
First Aid Kit & Triangle
Exterior Mirrors - folding with anti-dazzle
Rear-view mirror, auto dimming
Split-folding rear seats
Seat heating, front
Ambient lighting
Automatic Air Conditioning
Cruise control with brake function
LED Headlights with extended contents
Active Guard Plus
Passenger airbag deactivation, front
Head restraints, rear and folding
Parking Assistant
DAB digital radio
Loudspeaker system - harman/kardon surround sound
BMW Online Services
Connected Package Professional
BMW Live Cockpit Professional

Total Vehicle Price €61087

MarkN · 02-09-2019 11:29PM

bazz26 wrote: »

How much is that car retailing at Mark? Must to close to 70k new with those extras? New 3 Series pricing is nuts and puts it very close to 5 Series pricing spec for spec.

The only thing I will say is the 5 doesn’t have the same level of 50/50 and there’s just something more nimble about how a 3 handles and feels over a 5 because if it.

bazz26 · 02-09-2019 11:34PM

Strong enough price especially when you start ticking the options. I see there is a similar 330i with 15k km for sale in Wexford asking 55k.

bazz26 · 02-09-2019 11:41PM

MarkN wrote: »

The only thing I will say is the 5 doesn’t have the same level of 50/50 and there’s just something more nimble about how a 3 handles and feels over a 5 because if it.

I'd agree with you there, I had an E90 M Sport years ago and it would do rings around my F10. The trade off is that the 5 Series will have the advantage in comfort and refinement.

I've a hankering for a more nimble car when the time comes to change so the G20 330i will certainly be on my list when used examples start falling to a more reasonable price.

mickdw · 03-09-2019 12:23AM

Looks great that 330i.
Wasnt too many 330i around in the last 10 years. Great to see the petrol stuff returning.
The number of people who commented back in 08 when I bought my petrol A5..... pity it's not a diesel.

carsfan2 · 03-09-2019 04:03PM

I thought this was an interesting comparison video as they are viable competitors here as well.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xpFe8k1vjcg

digiman · 03-09-2019 10:40PM

So have you a deposit down on the Model 3 yet?

carsfan2 · 04-09-2019 02:56PM

digiman wrote: »

So have you a deposit down on the Model 3 yet?

No deposit. I am intrigued by a performance model which appears to be great in many respects.
There are still too many unknowns for me overall.
Also I reckon the trade in offer on my 5 series would be very poor even compared to a BMW dealer thus outweighing any fuel saving electric would bring. Quality of the car and fit and finish is another issue that still seems to be a problem for them. Customer service doesn’t appear to be great in Ireland judging from the thread on the ev forum either which doesn’t augur well for the future.
I think for now I’ll sit on the fence and see how things pan out.
You still intend to buy one?

Where would you go next...

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