3 or 5 Series?

Apples2

worried_jim wrote: »

A three litre engine in a focus! I think you are talking billy bollox! I can't find any review of it, good or bad as it doesn't exist.

I'm not sure if that was sarcastic wit, in which case it was very funny, or a genuine comment, in which case it was very funny. :rotfl::rotfl:

worried_jim

I have to admit- it was a serious comment. I thought some one was claiming to have a Ford Focus with a 3.0 engine. I should have read it more carefully, it was me typing billy bollox.

sj999

A lot of BMWs are bought by young people, a 320 would be the same to insure as a 520 but faster. Therefore more desirable.

albionrovers

3-series driven by young = thrashed 2nd hand market

5-series exactly the opposite?

colino

OP, I'll let you into a little secret. If you find a 530d SE auto estate, with leather and electric pack, you'll buy it and keep it forever. They were very expensive new and rarely used as over-laden workhorses thumping around the A and B roads. More likely it will have been a perk company car or a genuine family car that will have been far better looked after than its lesser cousins.

MentalMinnie

Thanks for all the input. The husband thinks a 3 series is going to be better at the moment, especially with me only just (hopefully) passing my test.

The thing is, the car is going to be mainly a town car, so i think maybe a 5 would be a waste.

neilmcl

MentalMinnie wrote: »

The thing is, the car is going to be mainly a town car, so i think maybe a 5 would be a waste.

So too would a 320d and could prove costly should you have DPF problems. You're probably better off with the petrol.

BTW, I'm not sure you've mentioned what sort of age you're looking to buy?

almillar

I'd be worried about the costs of insurance for a recently passed driver on EITHER a 3 or 5 series - please check this before buying the car!
Love the idea of playing the depreciation game and getting the better car for the same money though.

sunshinetours

5 series much nicer overall car and much better value second hand. A well specced 5 series touring would have been £35k+ when new generally. As above larger 6/8 cylinder engone (diesel and petrol) will cost more to run but are "real" BMW's IMO. However this is MSE so go for a 520 or 318 / 320

As a town car then 3 series petrol best if that is what you are fixed on. persoannly I would say there are much better town cars in general

Consider a set of winter wheels/tyres for colder months also

MentalMinnie

We're looking at buying a 2-4 year old car. I e already checked the insurance for both types. It would £500 for a 3 series and £700 for a 5 series. Once we get the decent car we'll be travelling around more on a weekend, but Monday to Friday it'll be around town etc