Buying a car around 4k max

snazy20

Hi,

I am looking to buy a car for around 4k as I recently got a new job. I have been wanting to get a BMW 1 Series but in this price range they are of course around 10 years old with usually greater than 100 000 miles. Some do have less though looking on auto trader. What do people think of these type cars? Am I asking for trouble?

Otherwise any recommendations would be much appreciated! I'm looking for something that isn't bargain bucket but reliable if possible ha. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

wba31

Stab in the dark here at your requirements, but Honda Civic. will get 8th gen for £4k, maybe an 2009 model.

Would recommend 1.8 petrol or 2.2 diesel. Bigger than a 1 series. not paying for a badge. definitely reliable...

snazy20

Cheers dude, will have a butchers.

Sorry no requirements really given - I will use for motorway every now and then but mainly in and around a city.

Looking for something better than the budget cars, and ideally with some badge lol!

foxy-stoat

snazy20 wrote: »

Cheers dude, will have a butchers.

Sorry no requirements really given - I will use for motorway every now and then but mainly in and around a city.

Looking for something better than the budget cars, and ideally with some badge lol!

You wont go far wrong with the Civic previously mentioned, I am rolling a £2000 '08 2.2d with 145K on the clock with no issues other than normal wear n tear and service items. Once the clutch goes then its a re-map and an uprated clutch for me.

Or roll the dice with the 1 Series you seem to want. A 1er thats been well looked after and serviced properly with 100,000 miles and 10 years old will be as good as one with half the mileage and newer that hasnt been looked after.

agrinnall

foxy-stoat wrote: »

You wont go far wrong with the Civic previously mentioned, I am rolling a £2000 '08 2.2d...

Although given the recent proposals to charge diesels for city use that engine might end up costing the OP rather more than expected.

foxy-stoat

agrinnall wrote: »

Although given the recent proposals to charge diesels for city use that engine might end up costing the OP rather more than expected.

Assuming the OP is driving in Central London and if the proposals are implemented.

agrinnall

foxy-stoat wrote: »

Assuming the OP is driving in Central London and if the proposals are implemented.

It's not just central London though:

"The government wants five major cities - Birmingham, Leeds, Southampton, Derby and Nottingham - to create clean zones which would charge some of the most polluting vehicles."

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-38814297

Tyler119

I have two of those cars and it still won't do me any damage. It is easier to use public transport in central areas of cities / large towns.

Perhaps the OP could have a similar approach.

agrinnall

Tyler119 wrote: »

I have two of those cars and it still won't do me any damage. It is easier to use public transport in central areas of cities / large towns.

Perhaps the OP could have a similar approach.

Could, but apparently doesn't at the moment.

snazy20 wrote: »

I will use for motorway every now and then but mainly in and around a city.

andrewf75

As the kind of car you’re after will be high mileage and fairly old, I think the most important thing is to look for something with full service history and if you know anyone who knows about cars take them with you to look at it. But BMWs are quality cars and can do way more than 100,000 miles. No reason why it shouldn’t be reliable.

System

snazy20 wrote: »

Sorry no requirements really given - I will use for motorway every now and then but mainly in and around a city.

Wants to be petrol then. Town/City and short journey driving kills diesels, mainly the DPF, EGR and the dual mass flywheel.