New car time :)

Desmo · 14-02-2011, 10:56

Finally, I can start to look at dumping the 206

To be fair, it's been an OK car over it's life time. Yes, it's had more than it's fair share of niggles, mainly in the electrical department with failing central locking and a couple of other things, but mechanically it's just thundered right on which is pretty good considering I treat it like **** and don't look after it.

So, what am I replacing it with? A 330i M-Sport hopefully.

I started to look at newer 5 series but after looking at the budget and seeing what I could get, I started to struggle. The more I thought about it the more I realised I didn't really need a 5 series so started looking at the 3's.

And then I came across this...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classifi...0048?logcode=p

It ticks all the right boxes for me. The mileage is a little higher than I wanted but that is made up by the impressive spec list. It's got almost everything you can have chucked on it.

It's a fair distance away which would be a pain in the backside for checking it out and picking it up so I've been given the name of a fairly local place that does vehicle inspections. Not knowing a huge amount about the mechanics of a car, it's something I'd probably have done anyway but at least this way it means that when I travel to see the car, I 99% know I'm going to buy it rather than turning up to see a lemon.

Only thing to do now is check the insurance premium change and see what happens. But fingers crossed, it should be OK

leowyatt · 14-02-2011, 11:07

Very nice mate

What is servicing on that like to be?

Desmo · 14-02-2011, 11:09

No different to our current 5 which hasn't been too bad over the years. If you go main dealer then it's ridiculous prices but I'll be going to a local well renowned specialist in Chelmsford which lessens the sting a little.

Burble · 14-02-2011, 11:15

Looks nice. Not sure about the gear shifter though, that looks a bit non standard.

Desmo · 14-02-2011, 11:26

Good spot, another thing to add to my questions list

It's deffo not standard, probably just another knob stuck on instead I'd imagine. Simple to change if I want to.

Justsomebloke · 14-02-2011, 11:41

That'll be a Massive change from your old Pug, Like Chalk & Cheese I'd say. I don't shop in that price bracket so can't really offer any advice on it though, You need Fox the Beema bible really.

My advice would be take somebody with you that owns one or has owned one in the past as they'll notice the bits you'll miss.

Desmo · 14-02-2011, 12:24

I don't normally shop in this bracket either. Well, I used to when living with my parents but not any more

Dr. Z · 14-02-2011, 12:44

Is £11k your budget?

Dont discount the 2007- 325i... The 325i also has the 3 litre engine that is in the 330i and I doubt most people would really take advantage of the extra 40bhp the 330i delivers.

The E90 was significantly facelifted in 2008 too, so a 2008 on 325i would be a smart choice, which can be had more or less your budget from a quick look on autotrader

Desmo · 14-02-2011, 12:51

Done plenty of looking around for different cars

£11 wasn't my budget but it's money I'm happier spending. I could have grabbed another £2k on top if I REALLY needed it but it's not something I wanted to go to unless it was the perfect car.

I know about the facelift, but I've not come across anything near my price bracket for one with a decent motor and spec, unless I've missed it.

The car I've listed, for me, is just about right. Miles are a little high but other than that, I really can't fault the spec at all.

Desmo · 14-02-2011, 13:33

Just for more info, the reason I'm being strict with the budget is this is being paid for through work. I could spend a bit more but it would mean paying out from my own pocket to make up the difference, hence the reason I want to try and stick as close to the £11k as I can

14-02-2011, 10:56	#1
Desmo The Last Airbender Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Pigmopad Posts: 11,915	New car time :) Finally, I can start to look at dumping the 206 To be fair, it's been an OK car over it's life time. Yes, it's had more than it's fair share of niggles, mainly in the electrical department with failing central locking and a couple of other things, but mechanically it's just thundered right on which is pretty good considering I treat it like **** and don't look after it. So, what am I replacing it with? A 330i M-Sport hopefully. I started to look at newer 5 series but after looking at the budget and seeing what I could get, I started to struggle. The more I thought about it the more I realised I didn't really need a 5 series so started looking at the 3's. And then I came across this... http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classifi...0048?logcode=p It ticks all the right boxes for me. The mileage is a little higher than I wanted but that is made up by the impressive spec list. It's got almost everything you can have chucked on it. It's a fair distance away which would be a pain in the backside for checking it out and picking it up so I've been given the name of a fairly local place that does vehicle inspections. Not knowing a huge amount about the mechanics of a car, it's something I'd probably have done anyway but at least this way it means that when I travel to see the car, I 99% know I'm going to buy it rather than turning up to see a lemon. Only thing to do now is check the insurance premium change and see what happens. But fingers crossed, it should be OK __________________

14-02-2011, 11:07	#2
leowyatt Chef extraordinaire Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Infinite Loop Posts: 11,143	Very nice mate What is servicing on that like to be? __________________ "Dr Sheldon Cooper FTW!"

14-02-2011, 11:09	#3
Desmo The Last Airbender Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Pigmopad Posts: 11,915	No different to our current 5 which hasn't been too bad over the years. If you go main dealer then it's ridiculous prices but I'll be going to a local well renowned specialist in Chelmsford which lessens the sting a little. __________________

14-02-2011, 11:26	#5
Desmo The Last Airbender Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Pigmopad Posts: 11,915	Good spot, another thing to add to my questions list It's deffo not standard, probably just another knob stuck on instead I'd imagine. Simple to change if I want to. __________________

14-02-2011, 11:41	#6
Justsomebloke The Night Worker Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 5,228	That'll be a Massive change from your old Pug, Like Chalk & Cheese I'd say. I don't shop in that price bracket so can't really offer any advice on it though, You need Fox the Beema bible really. My advice would be take somebody with you that owns one or has owned one in the past as they'll notice the bits you'll miss. __________________

14-02-2011, 11:15	#4
Burble Rocket Fuel Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 7,826	Looks nice. Not sure about the gear shifter though, that looks a bit non standard.

14-02-2011, 12:24	#7
Desmo The Last Airbender Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Pigmopad Posts: 11,915	I don't normally shop in this bracket either. Well, I used to when living with my parents but not any more __________________

14-02-2011, 12:44	#8
Dr. Z I'm going for a scuttle... Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 2,021	Is £11k your budget? Dont discount the 2007- 325i... The 325i also has the 3 litre engine that is in the 330i and I doubt most people would really take advantage of the extra 40bhp the 330i delivers. The E90 was significantly facelifted in 2008 too, so a 2008 on 325i would be a smart choice, which can be had more or less your budget from a quick look on autotrader __________________

14-02-2011, 12:51	#9
Desmo The Last Airbender Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Pigmopad Posts: 11,915	Done plenty of looking around for different cars £11 wasn't my budget but it's money I'm happier spending. I could have grabbed another £2k on top if I REALLY needed it but it's not something I wanted to go to unless it was the perfect car. I know about the facelift, but I've not come across anything near my price bracket for one with a decent motor and spec, unless I've missed it. The car I've listed, for me, is just about right. Miles are a little high but other than that, I really can't fault the spec at all. __________________

14-02-2011, 13:33	#10
Desmo The Last Airbender Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Pigmopad Posts: 11,915	Just for more info, the reason I'm being strict with the budget is this is being paid for through work. I could spend a bit more but it would mean paying out from my own pocket to make up the difference, hence the reason I want to try and stick as close to the £11k as I can __________________