Best place to buy a used BMW?

force_ten

neilmcl wrote: »

Define "poverty spec eco box".

in the eyes of dark matter any BMW that is not an M3 is a poverty spec eco box, the person that comment was aimed at will know what it means

and the last comment

gilberto wrote: »

This exactly as poster above says. The ironic part is that if you look at the buyers of BMW cars from the likes of Car Giant, almost all are middle/lower class earners yet want the glitz and glam of having a "prestige" car.

made me think of DM,s harping on about people buying a 318D so they can be a BMW badge snob

Fat_Walt

gilberto wrote: »

I don't necessarily have to be a fan of BMW, but I do consider myself a petrol head and I think most petrol heads even who aren't BMW fans are aware that they have a number o very powerful and capable cars.
Back to the OP, asking questions about BMW reliability and maintenance costs as well being reluctant to purchased an approved used BMW from the main dealer shouldn't be the initial thoughts of a consumer looking to buy such cars. What is your annual mileage and what do you need the car for? Maybe we can think of alternatives

Hello darkmatter :hello:

Crazystar

Guys, Thanks a lot for your replies and apologies as I was not able to follow the thread(was on a travel).

As some of you said, I am looking for a basic spec X3 which is well maintained from the previous owner...I am actually a big fan of Hondas for their reliability but want to experience the BMW engine once....

Crazystar

A friend of mine suggested to go for a PCP scheme for BMW X3, I did some research and it seems to have pros and cons...

Any thoughts on PCP scheme please? Is it really worth it financially?

gilberto

Crazystar wrote: »

Guys, Thanks a lot for your replies and apologies as I was not able to follow the thread(was on a travel).

As some of you said, I am looking for a basic spec X3 which is well maintained from the previous owner...I am actually a big fan of Hondas for their reliability but want to experience the BMW engine once....

I don't quite understand you here. You want the experience of a BMW diesel engine designed for economy and commuting? That too a basic spec...
Spend your money on something better....a 1.8 litre VTEC petrol engine in the Civic will be 10 times more exciting as a driving experience than the rough, rev unhappy diesel.

motorguy

Crazystar wrote: »

A friend of mine suggested to go for a PCP scheme for BMW X3, I did some research and it seems to have pros and cons...

Any thoughts on PCP scheme please? Is it really worth it financially?

On a used car - no I wouldn't. They are subsidised (generally) with "manufacturer contributions", etc on new cars and have a low interest rate. On a used car the rate will be higher to the point generally of not being worthwhile.


Put it over a longer period on a loan is probably better if the payments are unpalatable.

motorguy

gilberto wrote: »

I don't quite understand you here. You want the experience of a BMW diesel engine designed for economy and commuting? That too a basic spec...
Spend your money on something better....a 1.8 litre VTEC petrol engine in the Civic will be 10 times more exciting as a driving experience than the rough, rev unhappy diesel.

If the O/P wants an SUV type of vehicle, that's their prerogative.


A Civic type of car doesn't suit a lot of people as its low slung.


My system had a Freelander 2.0TDI and bought a Civic 1.8i. Found it far too low slung and needed revved to do anything. Changed it within six months to a Ford Kuga 2.0TDI

A 2.0 TD with its low down torque band and 180BHP+ engine is far better suited to an SUV type of vehicle (unless (a) you do very small miles or (b) you're considering running an SUV with a huge petrol engine)

DoaM

or (c) are simply posting nonsense like your many other alter-egos have done.

(That's NOT directed at you, motorguy).

AnotherJoe

I had an x3 on a weekend test drive 2 years ago, very unimpressed (and FWIW found the seats very uncomfortable) be sure you have an extended test drive before you buy.

Also, diesel is going out of favour which will depress resale values I think now is a poor time to buy one as in 3-4 years time you'll see values plummet as extra city centre congestion charges and extra tax on cars and fuel have come in.

motorguy

AnotherJoe wrote: »

I had an x3 on a weekend test drive 2 years ago, very unimpressed (and FWIW found the seats very uncomfortable) be sure you have an extended test drive before you buy.

Also, diesel is going out of favour which will depress resale values I think now is a poor time to buy one as in 3-4 years time you'll see values plummet as extra city centre congestion charges and extra tax on cars and fuel have come in.

I think you're adding two and two together there and making five RE: values "plummeting"