New/used car choice...BMW 1-series diesel or what else?

catt_2

I thought I would share my recent experiences of car choosing and get some advice from regular posters before I buy.

The time has come to replace my 2-seater sports convertible MGF 1.8i with a more practical 4-seater hatchback or coupe with boot storage space.

I also want to make the transition from medium-high petrol consumption to a more economical diesel, hopefully being greener in the process and being rewarded for that by a lower car tax band. I don’t much want to exceed my present insurance group of 12.

My MGF brochure of 2000 reads urban/extra/combined of 27.8/49.3/38.3 mpg. Anyway, I don’t think I have come anywhere close to these figures. The car has been fun though and more reliable than the brand.

Not having bought a car for some years and having no idea what I wanted, I got hold of Top Gear magazine and Which?Car magazine. The latter was more useful and enabled me to compile a shortlist from its “medium cars” range. These were the BMW 1-series, Honda Civic and Mazda 3.

By coincidence, my OH had to borrow a car from work which turned out to be a BMW 1-series120d SE. We both liked the look, the interior comfort and the driving experience.

I went ahead and got the manufacturers’ brochures. At Honda, we sat in a Civic and admired its futuristic body styling. Got a coffee but no pressure. The sales staff thought I should consider an R-Type or S-Type. I don’t want to go to the R’s insurance group 17 though! I had trouble-free motoring with a Civic years ago that was reliable, rust-proof, etc. so was already inclined towards buying one again. However, I’ve since read not just about design compromising the rear visibility but also recent recalls due to mechanical issues so this time around Honda has lost my custom.

I popped into Mazda by myself and by contrast, the sales consultant targeted me for a particular car on the forecourt immediately. He was so pushy that I found this off putting. The car was a 56 plate, Mazda 3 2.0 5 door sport diesel 143ps. This is the top of the range car and has a new on-the-road price of £17,930 and was for sale at £13,995 and was metallic (worth £350) and has barely covered 2,000 miles. Its figures are 39.8/52.3/47.1 mpg, 143ps and insurance group 9, though the car tax is D £140. I haven’t ruled out a Mazda 3 but would probably go to a different dealership.

I haven’t been to the BMW showroom as I got the brochure online. I think the BMW will cost more but is a superior build, luxury brand. The 118d does 52.3/70.6/62.8 mpg, 105ps and insurance group 11 and tax B £35. The car gets good reviews.

To be honest, I’m a bit overwhelmed by all the figures and stats in the brochures! For me it comes down to what I like and what’s available if I’m buying pre-owned
and maybe test driving a few different engined cars in the range. Would it be reasonable to ask to drive more than one?

I ought to sell my car in the spring as demand will be highest then for a convertible. Can anyone offer any advice on selling, choosing and buying please?

harveybobbles

the BMW 120d is better. Though the 130d is even better still...!
The 2.0 oil burner should get late 40's to early 50's - all dependant on driving style of course.

Rear leg room in the 1 is very poor and the boot is small too.

The Audi A3 is similar car, but offers more rear leg room, bigger boot and feels more solid. 2.0TDi Sport can get late 50's. Even driving with a heavy right foot...

kitchpoo

Try and get hold of the 120 engine with the stop/start facility to improve economy (I'm not sure if it went in all 1-series as it was only introduced in the 3 series late last year)

goldspanners

catt wrote: »

I went ahead and got the manufacturers’ brochures. At Honda, we sat in a Civic and admired its futuristic body styling. Got a coffee but no pressure. The sales staff thought I should consider an R-Type or S-Type. I don’t want to go to the R’s insurance group 17 though! I had trouble-free motoring with a Civic years ago that was reliable, rust-proof, etc. so was already inclined towards buying one again. However, I’ve since read not just about design compromising the rear visibility but also recent recalls due to mechanical issues so this time around Honda has lost my custom.

to be honest most newly designed models get recalled,even a few years down the line.
i wouldnt let this put you off buying a honda.

catt_2

Hi Harvey

Thanks for your comments.

Yes, it was the 120d that we drove and OH said that it had plenty enough acceleration for me. So no idea how the 118d drives as I haven't tried one yet....Just checked the brochure & the 130 is petrol...there a 123d though but it has insurance group 16 so I must rule it out. Do they burn oil then?

I will check legroom and boot room too. When I was stopping in traffic today I saw a small BMW coupe labelled up 118d. Is there a coupe version? It doesn't feature in the brochure but would almost certainly have a larger boot capacity.

Yes I notice the car magazines say also consider the Audi A3. Seems these cars are in the same price category which the Mazda 3 is not. I note what you say about more solid but the BMW gets top 5*category in Euro NCAP crash tests where the A3 gets 3*. My OH used to have an Audi A3, not sure which model. Will discuss it with him when he gets home.

catt_2

Thanks Kitch, Al, Gold....so many posters whilst I was replying to Harvey!

Newer engines on BMW from Sept 2007 I believe...

OH has had a Golf in the past too and still raves about it.

I will have the car for a number of years and so wouldn't want to buy a lemon. The Honda looks good for sure.

goldspanners

speaking personally i find bmw's the obvious boring choice,even although they drive well and handle great,i couldnt see myself in one,they just seem so middle aged.
i dont mean to offend you or anyone who is middle aged,just giving my opinion.

harveybobbles

I prefer Audi's...

The 130 is available as petrol or diesel. Anyway, Yes the Golf, Leon and Sku's are just as good, but you get better build quality from the Audi. More time and effort goes into putting them together.

And yes, BMW have brought out a rather odd looking 1 Series Coupe!

goldspanners

harveybobbles wrote: »

I prefer Audi's...

i'll agree with that.

harveybobbles

If I see a BMW trying to nose it's way out of a road end I ignore them, but I always make space for a four ringed motor...

Doozergirl

I had stop/start on my 55 plate 1 series.

Out of the Civic and the 1 series I would choose the one series too. I just rejected the Honda Civic as it's replacement as the build quality just wasn't up to it and for the money, you get a far more solid feel from the BMW. The Civic was plasticky, had really tinny sounding doors and the second one I drove (the S-type) had a really dodgy windscreen that appeared to be warped :eek:

I always try to accommodate people nosing their way out of a side street. It makes the world a better place and you feel good for doing it .