Advise please - Need to buy car Max budget 12k

darkmatter101

AdrianC wrote: »

Riiiight.



Have you seen the price of other parts? Consumables such as brakes are _considerably_ more expensive for an M than for a normal E46.

Again I disagree. If the OP buys an e46 M3, which, for £12k can easily get one that's in very good condition (it has had regular servicing, maintenance etc) the tyres and brake discs/pads are most likely to be in good condition and would not need replacing for a while. Especially only doing 4k miles/year. Also the brakes/pads and tyres on this type of car lasts ages, around 30k-40k.

When it does come to replacing, the OP can always get used discs/pads/tyres for a quarter of the price. Well worth paying a small premium for a comfortable, smooth luxury car.

Herzlos

I wouldn't equate an M3 with a comfortable, smooth luxury car. Nor one with a small premium, especially if you can only achieve that with 2nd hand consumables (I've NEVER heard of anyone fitting used discs/pads to a car, or using used tyres on something that high end).

A normal E46 (say a 330i) would give you a better ride with most of the performance and a fraction of the maintenance and insurance.

The same £12k would get him a much more suitable car elsewhere.

darkmatter101

I would agree with you here, yes a 330i or even a 325i would be more than enough of performance, handling and comfort for the OP.

As for the M3 servicing, I just take mine to a Toyota dealer which is right next to my house. They are always fascinated by my car and always provide a great service