330d?

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I'm looking at getting a new car, and the BMW 330D seems to be quite a nice looking and efficient car.. Is there anything I need to know?

I'm looking at THIS one or THIS one in particular.. I don't have much knowledge at all, so I'm hoping Fox or someone will either tell me to put up or shut up Price reasonable? That kinda mileage OK? £8k is max budget.

EDIT: If you know any better..? Must be automatic, ideally diesel.. Black or dark grey with xenon headlights preferred

 

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None of those look that great, do you really want to be spending £8k in an 8 year old near 100k mile car with no iDrive just because its a diesel BMW?

Well, that's where I'm hoping for some advice! What would you spend £8k on that's automatic as necessity?

Edit again: A 5 or 6-series of the same kind of power and efficiency will also do the trick if necessary, doesn't have to be a 3-series.

 

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If you want efficiency then presumably you are after low running costs. For this reason I can't think why an 8 year old 330d is the right choice. I'd be after something much, much newer otherwise you will just end up spending the fuel savings (not that there will be much on a 330d automatic) on repair bills and maintenance costs.

What about a diesel Passat?

They're lovely cars, and I'll have a look around. However, if you were going to go £8k on the BMW route, which would you recommend?

 

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Are you after size, economy, performance or status?

At least 3-series size, and economy, performance and status are all factors.

I think Fox is trying to say that for £8k, and if running costs were a concern, he wouldn't spend £8k on a BMW of any type.

What about a Skoda Superb? http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classif...w,new/price-to/8500/price-from/7000?logcode=p

Doesn't fulfil the status part of my needs unfortunately Although I know Skoda's are good car's nowadays..

 

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You're asking a bit much then, in my opinion.

Realistically, an old BMW will cost a fair whack in extended warranty/repair - you may as well add that onto the initial lump sum you are prepared to pay, to get a far newer and more efficient model. Too many colleagues, friends and I bet folk on this forum (although they'd be too proud to admit, perhaps) have bought a 'steal' that turned out to be too good to be true. An initial £10-12k up front to save them £5-6k on a newer model turned out to be weeks of carless inconvenience and untold expense at gearbox, suspension and electrical issues. (not BMW specific here).

I'm sure people will be sick of me saying it, but i've got a new 330D and it is quite an incredible car. I've not driven any 3-series older than 2yrs, so cannot comment on much about their comparison, but i'm managing upto 58MPG in mine. Performance is pretty mental too for what is a diesel engine!

More money in = less hassle down the line (within limits).

A warranty hasn't been in my thoughts... I've never bought a car with one (Albeit not as expensive and/or BMW). How essential would you consider this to be..?

How many miles are you going to be doing per year?

Depends on my job.. At the moment, a lot, but hopefully around 15k in the near future.

I'd take the Superb over a Passat any day of the week.

I think you may need to forgo either the badge, the gearbox, or the performance if you want to fit it all in under £8k, and it not have interstellar mileage, be a rubbish spec, or be old.

Hmm.. It may sound silly to many, but I don't want to say I drive a Skoda... I'm 23... Doesn't feel right

 

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Status? A lot of new 3 series seem to be sales rep company cars.
Some status, that

Ha, well maybe I'm a sales rep?! I'm not, but..

Regarding the other cars: My Dad has a Passat and my neighbour (~60 years old) has a Superb! I don't know anyone under 30 with a Superb actually!

 

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Thanks everyone for all the advice, I've taken it all on board and looking round as possible alternatives too! No doubt I'll be back here soon with more questions

 

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YOLO

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifi...11/bmw-m3-replica-335i-white-one-off/1824519#

or

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifi...dr-auto-autovogue-edition-navigation/1811588#

Both a little too 'chavved up' for my liking.. I'm not a huge fan of the 'police magnet' look I prefer quality from manufacturer