Thinking about a BMW E30?
Discussion
Ok i admit it, I am bored of my 306 HDI Estate. Its a good car but slow and with most cars nowadays has no character. I've had a Herald, Scimitar and a couple of GTI's in the past and I really don't like modern cars much!
I was thinking of selling the 306, much to my wifes discontent and buying a BMW E30 Touring. That way I get a great looking car, a bit of performance and i keep an estate - to keep wifey happy.
In the past I wouldn't have really considered a BMW (Sorry) but they have grown on me. I especially the E30's with round headlights. They remind me of my old MK1 Golf GTI.
I was wondering what they are like as everyday transport. Ideally I'd like a 325 Touring but the 318i seems a better bet. My budget is about £1700 and I do about 4000 miles a year.
I've seen a 318 Lux on a L Reg with 109k and FSH at £900 which looks like a good deal.
The alternative is possibly a compact? but I don't know how high the lip is to the boot and whether the dogs would get in ok. I'm not a big fan of the E36 touring.
Any comments would be appreciated?
Thanks
I was thinking of selling the 306, much to my wifes discontent and buying a BMW E30 Touring. That way I get a great looking car, a bit of performance and i keep an estate - to keep wifey happy.
In the past I wouldn't have really considered a BMW (Sorry) but they have grown on me. I especially the E30's with round headlights. They remind me of my old MK1 Golf GTI.
I was wondering what they are like as everyday transport. Ideally I'd like a 325 Touring but the 318i seems a better bet. My budget is about £1700 and I do about 4000 miles a year.
I've seen a 318 Lux on a L Reg with 109k and FSH at £900 which looks like a good deal.
The alternative is possibly a compact? but I don't know how high the lip is to the boot and whether the dogs would get in ok. I'm not a big fan of the E36 touring.
Any comments would be appreciated?
Thanks
The three or four biggest issues you need to look closely at are :
These cars are now pretty old and thus will suffer from rust (tin worm) especially under the windscreen (scuttle), around the wheel arches and the bootlid. Look closely under the car before buying and ask the seller about any bodywork repairs.
Look at the bills, what has been replaced recently and who has been doing the work. Electrics will be something to look closely at and you will find the ventilation and lights are not upto 2008 standards.
The engines are strong, but over time will be less so. How often is the oil changed, has the engine been rebuilt....look at valves / cylinder heads / timing chain and alternator / water pump.
Finally the interior, wheels, tyres, exhaust, panel alignment and does the car stop, feel secure under heavy braking, does the wheel shake and is the clutch still biting.
Find a good car and you will be a happy man, but DO NOT BUY until you have seen a fair few.
These cars are now pretty old and thus will suffer from rust (tin worm) especially under the windscreen (scuttle), around the wheel arches and the bootlid. Look closely under the car before buying and ask the seller about any bodywork repairs.
Look at the bills, what has been replaced recently and who has been doing the work. Electrics will be something to look closely at and you will find the ventilation and lights are not upto 2008 standards.
The engines are strong, but over time will be less so. How often is the oil changed, has the engine been rebuilt....look at valves / cylinder heads / timing chain and alternator / water pump.
Finally the interior, wheels, tyres, exhaust, panel alignment and does the car stop, feel secure under heavy braking, does the wheel shake and is the clutch still biting.
Find a good car and you will be a happy man, but DO NOT BUY until you have seen a fair few.
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