318i Running Costs

Steve2000

Steve2000

Steve2000

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Quick question really for the more initiated than I.

Would I notice much difference in running costs upgrading from a Focus 1.6 (78000 miles) to a '56 318i (42000 miles), other than the initial cost to buy it (from a BMW main dealer)?

I know obviously things will be dearer when/if they break and the tyres etc, but is the difference that massive?

The only reason for trading up is I fancy something a bit newer, nicer, bigger, less mileage and more reliable if possible.

Also do these horror stories I've been told carry any truth - like having to get BMW to service it as only they can turn the service/oil indicators off and not being able to drive them in winter etc?

Or are there any other nightmarish costs to consider?

These might be daft questions but you lot know about cars and I don't so any advice is much appreciated.
 
Focus is an 05 model Zetec (with a few things that need doing to it).

I'm not really after loads of power just something a bit better/nicer to drive really.

£8k it's going for at a BMW dealer.
 
So long as you realise its a brand upgrade really...
If I was you i would go for a large engine as the biggest hit so going to be the "BMW ownership" costs as opposed to the engine size factor etc, might as well get something out of the change imo..
 
As with the others its not much of an upgrade really, depends what you want I guess but the 3 series is no bigger and the 318 is no performer whilst not even having the 6 cylinder soundtrack.
 
A 325i would be a better option imo. Probably less mileage on them as they dont fall in the business use type car as much as a 318i or 320d might
 
2005 Focus is hardly a bad car, id be tempted to stick to it

there is no garantee that the replacement 318 wont need "a few things doing" either and youll be back at square one.
 
I might just stick with the Focus for a bit. I think I'll have a look round the newer Mondeos sometime next year but I'm open to other suggestions etc.
 
In what way is a 318 appreciably better other than its got nice seats?
I suppose its a tool of rwd drive precision is it?

It would be a pointless change lets not pretend otherwise. If your going to do it you might as well get a bigger "More than 200cc" engine at the same time.
The focus is probably just as nippy and its hardly a Ka on the motorway either.
He says he doesnt want power but wants something better /nicer to drive.
Nicer... Maybe? Depending on spec, if it has all the gubbins and leather seats.
Better? i'm not that sure.
Its not a car chage i would make. But hey I like big upgrades.....

This isnt a T reg focus we are talking about. The 06 model is the same as you would have bought 6 months ago in many ways.
 
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I've got an '09 318i Touring pool car today, it feels dog slow! Trim isn't very good level, seats are okay, not that impressed with it to be honest. It's got an M badge on the wheel, but It doesn't really have any 'features' or toys.

I'd prefer the Focus for the money, unless you can get a nice 325/330! (not in that price range I guess!)
 
PMKeates said:
Just a "brand upgrade"?!

Yeah 'cause a Focus practically out-competes a 3 Series...
Click to expand...

Whens the last time you drove a 4 cylinder 3? They're absolutely dog slow and tend to be very poorly specced so the interior is hardly a big improvement over the focus. If anything there's less space /practicality offered with the saloon too, not what id call an upgrade in any way other than the badge
 
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