3 Series Coupé (99-06 model)

[andrewdodd13]

Hi guys,

So after my last "I need a new car" thread from ages ago (which turned into a disaster) I gave up looking for a while and just fixed up my current car (Toyota Starlet). Anyway, the poor thing had an argument with a wall the other day and is looking a bit worse for wear, so I've been looking around for a new car again.

After trying my mate's MX-5. Well actually after *not* trying it because I could only drive it with the roof down, I found myself as the passenger in a nice '04 330Ci (which has since had a much worse prang than my Starlet had ). I loved it. Great fun.

Unfortunately after poking about with insurance I think the highest I can probably get away with is the 323, although I would consider smaller if it's recommended. I see that the 01-onwards 318 comes recommended...

My main question is really, can I afford one of these with about £4k for the initial shell out (not including insurance)? I've seen a few on the go for a bit cheaper, but they've got sky high milage - I've no idea how far these things run for. And what's corrosion, etc like on them? (Obviously _all_ cars rust, but is there anything specific to look for?)

Cheers

 

[[TW]Fox]

There are mild corrosion issues on these but nothing serious, oddly it tends to be bizarre cosmetic places like the bootlid and front wings.

A £4k or so 323Ci is going to be a 10 or 11 year old car, and 10 or 11 year old cars of any type need bits replacing on then, 6 pot BMW's are no exception to this and they are not bargain basement to run. It's a car best bought if you've got about £5k to spend on a car and can instead spend £4k on it and keep £1k aside.

 

[Gribs]

At the budget you'll likely get a much better 4 cylinder one than a 6 cylinder one and the running cost will be less. There doesn't seem to be much difference in terms of performance (140bhp vs 170bhp) between a 318ci and a 323ci. Imo the only 6 cylinder one that gives enough benefits to be worth the extra cost is the 330ci.