New car advice needed

[Dyson]

I'm in the market for a sub £2000 saloon or estate. I've narrowed my choices down to either a Passat 2.0 SE, or maybe a late '90s vintage 5 series, namely the 523i so far (also seen a rather nice 530 estate too...). Also quite like the S80.

I know buying a car is always a gamble, especially at this end of the market, but what do people think. My head thinks the Passat would be the sensible choice for running costs, but I've seen a particular BMW that has got me interested, it's a '99 523i, with 90k miles, one owner, and full main dealer history, for £1300. Potential money pit?

 

[Dyson]

Just what I thought, thanks for the replies. 2 litre Passat the one to go for, or the 1.8T? Also, any thoughts on the S80? Looking at the 2.5, non-turbo mostly.

 

[Dyson]

Well, I've ended up with something completely different to what I started out looking for, but felt it was too good to turn down. I bought a '99 Saab 95 estate, 2.3T SE, with a full history, 2 owners, new tyres, discs and pads all round, 8 months mot, 3 months tax, unmarked leather interior, 150k miles, £900.

At that money, if it goes wrong I can just bin it

 

[Dyson]

It's quiet and comfortable, all I needed.