Ideas please - £2k limit, what shall I buy? Other than an e36?

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Is this another case of an "ive decided on a car, but ill ask advice anyway, and then disagree with anyone who doest suggest what ive already chosen" thread?

The fact you started this thread saying things like "currently econimic climate" and "out of work" goes against the argument that an e36 is a better choice than a Mk3 Mondeo. If you concern is money and costs, then the Mondeo is the flat out winner, but you have confused us somewhat by going on to say things like "running costs arent an issue"... You cant want to buy a cheap car because you have an uncertain financial future, yet not be concerned about possible high running and repair costs?

Nobody is disputing the fact the e36 may be a more satisfying drive, but taking the details in your opeing post on their own, it is definately not the correct choice. Are you adjusting your initial criteria for a car to fit better with what you need, or just trying to adjust the thread to fit with the choice of an e36?

Yes, I'd pretty much decided on an e36 but wanted the Oc/Uk massive to spec me something as rewarding to drive - tbh a FWD Mondeo won't score as many driver points as a RWD BMW.

£2k should get me a decent e36 - I'd have thought £2k was the higher end of an e36's real value?

I remember being told a similar thing back when I initially bought my first e36 - that a newer Ford would be a better proposition blah blah - 3 years & 50k of use told me something different....

Decides he wants a cheap car with cheap costs, buys a Mondeo, Fox gets Internet Cool Points

Decides he wants a cheap car that is a hoot to drive and doesnt care about the running costs, buys an E36, Jez gets Internet Cool Points

Decides to get a new job, gets a 728i, Muffin gets Internet Cool Points

VOTE NOW! :)

Quite. :D

He could get another 728i for the money anyway! Wont be much different to a 328i in terms of costs :)

I'm not too sure about that one mate (as in running costs - the e38's exhaust purely as an example is a lot more than that of an e36, 328 or no).

So its looking like the Mondeo wins the day? well in that case I may as well stick with the Devil that I know & fix mine which brings me back to the start - I'm in a car that I don't like and don't enjoy driving.....


I say running costs is not an issue meaning, should something major break, I won't be scrapping it due to funds - £4k sat in the Bank (I was initially thinking of spending £6k on a 740i ) should be more than enough for the "Just in case" fund! (well, I'd hope so!)

A part of me is very tempted to buy my Dads e39 528i - He's ran it from new, full BMW SH etc, but, its getting close to 250k miles (not that you'd know it to look at it or drive it mind) but I think 250k is probably a bit far even for me - mileage is not the main thing I consider when buying.

Well, lets see what the weekends car treking brings......


Cheers again for the input.

[TW]Fox;13583363 said:
He'll end up with a 323i on 15 inch wheels and you know he will.

I thought 15's were OEM for the 323i? Oh well....
 
A part of me is very tempted to buy my Dads e39 528i - He's ran it from new, full BMW SH etc, but, its getting close to 250k miles (not that you'd know it to look at it or drive it mind) but I think 250k is probably a bit far even for me - mileage is not the main thing I consider when buying.

If he will virtually give it to you then that may be the best option, ok its mega miles but i doubt your dad would really be wanting much if anything for it if he wants to sell it anyway, which leaves a lot for the what if fund?
 
Agreed, for the fact the 528 is probubly worth as much as a couple of Mars Bars, it actually wins the day. Take that, save the rest of the money and ride out the 'current economic climate' untill you are more secure in your job, and then on the other side you will have a nice pile of money to spend on something more exotic without the fear of loosing your job.
 
If he will virtually give it to you then that may be the best option, ok its mega miles but i doubt your dad would really be wanting much if anything for it if he wants to sell it anyway, which leaves a lot for the what if fund?

Its the best option from my point of view by far - it's condition belies its age & miles and it drives beautifully.

But,I don't really want to effectively force his hand into selling it, saddling him with the outlay of a newer car.

Why?

He's over 70, and given what Gordon Brown's steerage has done to Pensions & shares of late, I frankly doubt (and I'm only guessing here) he really wants to shell out any more money at this moment in time.

Not forgetting he'd be daft to throw away the 528 - it still ticks all the boxes for him and owes him absolutely nothing!

Its Green which is quite apt....... :o ;):)
 
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[TW]Fox;13583363 said:
He'll end up with a 323i on 15 inch wheels and you know he will.

I've found this......
http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-u...97&vehicleRegLetter=P&loadVideoSlideshow=true
e36 323i SE 4 Doors, Manual, Saloon, Petrol, 121,000 miles, BLACK. Colour Coded Bumpers, Colour Coded Mirrors, Courtesy Lights, Digital Climate Control, Floor Mats, Front Fog Lights, Heated Rear Screen, Height Adjustable Drivers Seat, HPI Clear With Certificate, Power Steering, Sony CD Player, Adjustable seats, Adjustable steering column/wheel, Alloy wheels, Central locking, Child locks, Computer, Driver airbag, Electric mirrors, Electric windows, Head restraints. Very Nice Clean Car, Service History, HPI Clear, Runs & Drives Very Well, Full MOT Until 13th Feb 2010, Credit & Debit Cards Welcome. £1,695

Well? :D - Any reason (other than your hatred) why I should not consider a 323i then? - they seem an ideal compromise between a 320 & 328 - no?

And I also have found this one...

http://atsearch.autotrader.co.uk/ww...ry=cars&channel=DEALERPAGE&id=200902326589957
e36 328i SE 4 Doors, Automatic, Saloon, Petrol, 100,000 miles, Metallic Silver. Full Service History, ABS, Adjustable seats, Adjustable steering column/wheel, Air conditioning, Alloy wheels, Anti theft system, Central locking, Computer, Cruise control, Driver airbag, Electric mirrors, Electric windows, Foglights, Front armrest, Head restraints, Headlight washers, Heated seats, Lumbar support, Park distance control, Passenger airbag, Power assisted steering, Rear armrest, Sports seats, Tinted glass, Traction control, Wood/wood effect trim. Insurance Group:16, Stunning Car With Full Documented Service History, Fully Warranted, Finance And Part Exchange Available www.maclanmarsh.co.uk, £1,495


Pity the 328 isn't the one with the manual 'box.... Both seem priced a bit high, I'm sure cash & no p-ex will help there....

Going to check them out this after.....
 
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Tried the 328i today, it started 1'st time from cold (it was flat and needed a booster pack), the engine was quiet, strong, no signs of blue smoke or rough idling, the 'box was nice and smooth also, all good. :)

Going to offer the trader between £800 - £900 + My Mondeo and see what he says - assuming the BMW gets the Oil service its due, plus 12Mths MOT....

If he says no, I'll walk away and find another. :)

Anybody know the book value of a '96 328i SE with 110k?
 
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Anybody know the book value of a '96 328i SE with 110k?

I believe those fetch 1 mars bar these days?

Seriously..

As a friend of HPI, we would like to offer you a free HPI valuation* to use over the next three months, or pass on to friends and family. Click on the button below and enter the promotional code 'VALUE' when prompted, to receive your instant online free HPI valuation*.

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Might be of help, worked for me the other day.
 
No. At least he knows he can't afford an E46, unlike some......

Handbag.jpg
 
Presumption is a great thing, perhaps you should learn peoples full circumstances before shouting your mouth off?

Yep, you did the same thing with Morba. Is it a jealousy thing or something :confused:
 
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