bmw for under a grand

OldGregg1889

Hi all

I'm after a car for less than £1000. I do about 15000 miles a year but this will probably drop to 5-8 k in the summer. Most of my mileage is motorways and it is very hilly where I live so I really need at least 1.6 petrol or 1.9 diesel. Having scoured auto trader I've noticed that there's a lot of old 3 series knocking about in three figures, mostly around 12-15 years old with 120k to 200k on the clock. I'm finding myslef more tempted by one of these than a bottom end golf/astra/focus etc. Is getting involved with old beemers the work of a mad man? I know thay repairs and servicing can be pricey but I'd hope they would be still more reliable than other similar sized cars in the same price bracket or is that a misconception? I probably. Should have said sooner my main criteria are something not to small in either car or engine terms and reliability. Any opinions or advice would be very welcome. Thanks OG

s_b

buy a good 1.8 petrol mondeo
or a good petrol 1,8/2.0 litre focus
for a grand



bmw =money pit at this end



message ends

colino

Get a BMW, but don't get a gutless 1.6 petrol or diesel, and be prepeared for higher running costs. less economy and all the cheap shots under the sun.

bengalknights

Id say get a toyota corolla or honda civic, wont generally go wrong.

vax2002

Anything over 20mpg on the BMW and you are doing well.
Thats why they are so many for sale and they are so cheap.
At that end of the market MPG sets the price.

flang

I swear by BMW and their engines however what you don't spent in engine repairs you will pay elsewhere.
My 1993 E36 has 190k on the clock and still drives like new however Its had its fair share of replacement suspension wishbones, bushes, drop links etc etc

flang

Also like to add that parts for older BMWs are no different in price to fords, Peugeots etc.
Expect to pay more for tyres and oil though!

diable

Be careful on some of the pre 98 3 series BMW's as they had nikasil lined engines (opens a can of worms) I have a 1998 323i not a bad car but not that great on petrol but its a six cylinder and I still prefer driving it then the 09 Clio Expression that I also use.

blue_haddock

any beemer under a grand will be an old nail.

Much better cars to spend a grand on.

colino

You can now easily buy a decent 5 series (e39) in metallic, with leather, auto for less tan £1000. Just remember you pay for your pleasure (though not hammered by insurance anymore) and suspensions and tyres wear out remarkably more when you are enjoying driving a car!
If it is simply transport you need, a Mondeo or Vectra are perfectly respectable chairs to be in.

Weird_Nev

vax2002 wrote: »

Anything over 20mpg on the BMW and you are doing well.
Thats why they are so many for sale and they are so cheap.
At that end of the market MPG sets the price.

blue_haddock wrote: »

any beemer under a grand will be an old nail.
Much better cars to spend a grand on.

:rotfl:

Absolute rubbish.
I bought my BMW for under a grand two years ago. It's done 16,000 perfectly reliable miles and returned over 30mpg - from a 2.8 petrol. And I DON'T drive it like a geriatric.

Don't listen to people who don't know what they're talking about.

BMW's are very well engineered - particularly the E36/E39 series which are a joy to work on and by and large very reliable. There are PLENTY out there for under £1000 and they make exellent cars for the cash. They're well equipped, handle well and perform well, and if you buy with care it's hard to get more car for your money.

Do your homework and you can end up with an excellent car. Despite being a 2.8 my car has actually been the cheapest I've ever had to run, including diesels and smaller engined cars. It's also been lovely to own and go on long trips and holidays with.

good luck with the search!