7kish budget, 1 series?

[Josh93]

Mr Tidy said:

OP, I hope you find something that suits you.

My local BMW indy told me to avoid any 4 cylinder BMW, especially the petrol ones (and he is ex-Sytner so has some experience of them!

I had a 2007 123d that I bought in Jan 08 pre-registered and kept for 6 and a half years and 81K miles. I sold it because I was no longer doing business miles, fancied a change and was a bit worried about the cam-chain issues. Since then BMW seem to be picking up the tab if it has full S/H, which mine did.

It was a great car - other than servicing and tyres it only had a battery and a starter motor (and I think the letting the stop/start operate may have contributed). It was still on original wiper blades and brakes when I sold it (in June 2014 for £6,600).

But I replaced it with a Z4 Coupe (same N52 engine as the 130i) and realised what I had been missing all those years! It is a fantastic engine, and pretty economical for the performance it offers (but you don't have to use) - mine is averaging over 32 mpg.

I was so pleased with the straight 6 petrol experience that when I bought a daily driver 18 months ago I got a 325ti Compact! I wouldn't even consider another 4 cylinder BMW.

In your position I would only be looking at 130i, 125i, 325i or 330i.

If insurance isn't a huge expense, why not try one (and maybe a 118i or 120i for comparison purposes)and see what you think - you don't have to buy it!

now that I've been more informed I wouldn't consider any other engines, but I'm finding the car to be out of my budget and so I'm looking at other options.

Even strayed as far as to looking at this:
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...

[gizlaroc]

Josh93 said:

what sort of mileage and stuff are you considering a good model? The only 130i I could see were really high mileage examples and that's up to 8 grand.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201604213181869?page=2&radius=1500&sort=default&searchcontext=default&onesearchad=used%2Cnearlynew%2Cnew&postcode

70k miles.

You do 7k miles a year, even if you do 10k miles a year and keep it for 7 years it will still be under 150k miles. Which is nothing for that sort car.
That is the later facelift car as well.

Depends what you call higher miles, BMWs with the straight six will do 250k miles if oil is swapped every 10k miles no problem at all.

If I was buying something like a Hyundai then yeah, I would want to find one with 30-40k on it at most.

[Mr Tidy]

Josh93 said:

now that I've been more informed I wouldn't consider any other engines, but I'm finding the car to be out of my budget and so I'm looking at other options.

Even strayed as far as to looking at this:
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...

TBH if you are even considering a newish Hyundai i30 as an alternative to a 1 Series, then you probably might as well buy the Hyundai (or a Kia C'eed or Proc'eed).

They are good cars (based on my experience of rentals) - at least comparable with a Golf/Focus.

Rear-wheel drive is the 1 Series USP, but if you aren't bothered about that there are loads of options open to you! (Even if they are mostly a bit "white goods" for my liking)!

But then the world would be a sadder place without choice!

[Gompo]

Josh93 said:

what sort of mileage and stuff are you considering a good model? The only 130i I could see were really high mileage examples and that's up to 8 grand.

Define high mileage? I'd not expect much more than £6.5k for my 3 door 2008 model, but it is on 88k; which I am sure could be considered high. However, an older 5 door with less miles I'd expect for 6ish, if a private sale.

[Antony Moxey]

Seat Leon? For a snip under £8k I picked up a 61 plate 1.6 with 21k miles on it. New MOT, serviced and new cam belt fitted too, includes sat nav, DAB, auto lights and wipers, Bluetooth, lots of electric stuff and doesn't have a dent or scratch in sight. Cruises fine at motorway speeds, mpg in the 50s, tax is £20. Lots of win.

[Josh93]

I think the bmw is a dead case now really, gotta rule it out until a later date where I could maybe look at the newer shape as well. Yeah, the problem with the hyundai i30 is although it may be good I think it's a bit of a vanilla car, basic and good value but perhaps not what I'm looking for. I've moved my attention to the 06-11 model (1.8 type s) honda civic. Perhaps a more sensible and reliable option with decent economy and performance for everything I need it for.

[iSore]

Josh93 said:

I've moved my attention to the 06-11 model (1.8 type s) honda civic. Perhaps a more sensible and reliable option with decent economy and performance for everything I need it for.

Good shout!

[daemon]

culpz said:

Typical PH comment. Recommend the fastest and biggest engine within budget despite the OP not making any sort of mention about wanting a performance oriented or a dynamically engaging car.

And that surprises you on a driving enthusiasts forum because?

[daemon]

walm said:

Just got into a '59 118d manual 50k miles as a station car.
£30 tax.
45mpg and I rag it - it's slow.
Wife insisted on leather but the only one I could find has the "grey" which is really white and looks horrible but you don't really notice while sitting in it.

On run-flats so it doesn't really like going round corners.
Cruises at 85 leptons without much complaint.

If you know how BMWs work, then it's all fine - auto wipers, OBC options, tells you when the next service is due etc... also options like adjusting how the lights flash when you lock, 3-flash lane change signals, and home lighting are all nice.

However, if I could over-rule my better half, I would have a 130i M Sport in a heartbeat!

Things I miss:
Overtaking.
Heated seats.
Non-auto dimming rear view mirror is surprisingly annoying!
Sports seats - the leather is REALLY slippy!
Xenons. (Dipped beam regular lights is very dim.)
Some base.

Stick a good tuning box on it or get it remapped. They respond very well to that.

[daemon]

iSore said:

Josh93 said:

I've moved my attention to the 06-11 model (1.8 type s) honda civic. Perhaps a more sensible and reliable option with decent economy and performance for everything I need it for.

Good shout!

+1

My son had a 1.8i Civic and my sister has had one too. Great cars. Extremely reliable. Took a serious amount of abuse with my son driving his and never flinched or gave any trouble at all.

[Josh93]

daemon said:

+1

My son had a 1.8i Civic and my sister has had one too. Great cars. Extremely reliable. Took a serious amount of abuse with my son driving his and never flinched or gave any trouble at all.

Great news! I can get a really clean example with a really high spec comfortably under my budget so it's appealing there too. Only thing is i'd quite like parking sensors with in because I can imagine it could be a nightmare to park! I'm looking for around 2010-12, should be achievable.

[daemon]

Josh93 said:

daemon said:

+1

My son had a 1.8i Civic and my sister has had one too. Great cars. Extremely reliable. Took a serious amount of abuse with my son driving his and never flinched or gave any trouble at all.

Great news! I can get a really clean example with a really high spec comfortably under my budget so it's appealing there too. Only thing is i'd quite like parking sensors with in because I can imagine it could be a nightmare to park! I'm looking for around 2010-12, should be achievable.

You can get parking sensors retrofitted these days. We got them on my FILs car - you'd swear they were factory fitted

[culpz]

gizlaroc said:

I don't even own a BMW. I just appreciate they do some things better than other marques. As a boring every day car they tend to make it more fun than many others.

Post up your car history, I would be interested to see where your VAG vs BMW knowledge comes from?

All I know is from 30 odd VAG and BMWs that I would never recommend a VAG to anyone.

I await your reply with great interest.

You "HAVE" owned i said. Past tense. Probably a good idea to actually read what i put before commenting, no?

I don't dispute that at all. I put that i prefer VAG. You put that you prefer BMWs. That's not the issue here and that's not what we're arguing about. Do you even know what or who you're defending here? You seem very confused.

I never advised i had a wealth over knowledge of either manufacturers did i? Where have you even been since commenting? I gave my opinion and then advised the best way for the OP to proceed might not be the fastest model. That's all. You're the one who threw your toys out of the pram.

You can view my car history on here you know? You're not doing very well on the PH quiz right now my friend.

That's fine that's your opinion. Mine differs to yours which is the whole point.

[culpz]

daemon said:

And that surprises you on a driving enthusiasts forum because?

It doesn't. The fastest, biggest engine'd car is not always the best choice that's all. Especially when the OP doesn't mention anything about desiring a car with such qualities.

[Devil2575]

culpz said:

gizlaroc said:

culpz said:

Typical PH comment. Recommend the fastest and biggest engine within budget despite the OP not making any sort of mention about wanting a performance oriented or a dynamically engaging car.

No. It was said as it is the only bullet proof version of the car he wants.

Which I explained.

Nothing's bulletproof. That's a statement which gets thrown about way too much. It might be the most reliable but there's too many factors that could quite easily make your statement false.

This.

I wonder on what basis people make the statement that any engine is bulletproof?

Is it based on some facts and figures such as warranty claims, or is it something as simple as that you here a lot more about faults with the smaller engines so mach the assumption that this means they must be less reliable?

[bodhi]

culpz said:

daemon said:

And that surprises you on a driving enthusiasts forum because?

It doesn't. The fastest, biggest engine'd car is not always the best choice that's all. Especially when the OP doesn't mention anything about desiring a car with such qualities.

Yes, but in this case, it is.

Hence why it was suggested.....

[gizlaroc]

culpz said:

You "HAVE" owned i said. Past tense. Probably a good idea to actually read what i put before commenting, no?

I don't dispute that at all. I put that i prefer VAG. You put that you prefer BMWs. That's not the issue here and that's not what we're arguing about. Do you even know what or who you're defending here? You seem very confused.

I never advised i had a wealth over knowledge of either manufacturers did i? Where have you even been since commenting? I gave my opinion and then advised the best way for the OP to proceed might not be the fastest model. That's all. You're the one who threw your toys out of the pram.

You can view my car history on here you know? You're not doing very well on the PH quiz right now my friend.

That's fine that's your opinion. Mine differs to yours which is the whole point.

No, you called me a fanboi for saying go with the BMW and also said typical PH comments going for the biggest engine.

I explained to you that it was purely based on it being known as a bullet proof engine* with no real penalties in running costs and it is depreciating a lot less as well now.

I looked at your garage, and I was interested to know why you thought the 1.4 Golf was better than the 1 series? It seemed a strange opinion that tends to go agains the grain, I could only see...

Audi A4 1.4 TFSI 150 Saloon

Ford KA

Ford Fiesta Zetec

Volkswagen Scirocco 1.4 TSI 122

Nothing wrong with any of them, and as I said I liked the idea of the 1.4Tfsi myself, just wondered why you didn't like the 1 series, which is one of my favourite cars that I have owned so far, and leagues ahead of the Golf GTi I had.

I wasn't the one to start having a little snipe mate, you were.

I am guessing that me saying 'if you're just looking for something dull and boring I am sure the 1.4tfsi will be fine.' got your back up a bit?
Hence you coming in with the "Typical PH comment".

I did however explain that I nearly got one myself, and you yourself said "The fastest, biggest engine'd car is not always the best choice that's all. Especially when the OP doesn't mention anything about desiring a car with such qualities." which makes me think you sort of agree?


To be honest with you, I really couldn't give a crap what he buys, or what you think, and the fact I am answering your nonsense is even more frustrating, however if you keep having a pop, a little dig at me here and there of course I will feel the need to fight my corner.

But you know what? If you think posting on here is a 'quiz' or you think "I'm very confused" (about what?) or "that's not what we're arguing about" (I didn't know we were arguing to be honest?) than I think I might just stop following the thread, as I seriously don't want to get dragged into this sort of crap. I just suggested that if he was looking at a 1 series vs a Golf go for the 1 series, it is a gem if you can get over the looks, and if you are looking at the 2 litre 4cyl you might just be better off going for the 3 litre 6cyl, it has a great history and is incredibly economical too.

• Bullet proof in car terms to me means it is about as good as you can get, and that engine is about as reliable as you will get from anyone.

[culpz]

gizlaroc said:

No, you called me a fanboi for saying go with the BMW and also said typical PH comments going for the biggest engine.

I explained to you that it was purely based on it being known as a bullet proof engine* with no real penalties in running costs and it is depreciating a lot less as well now.

I looked at your garage, and I was interested to know why you thought the 1.4 Golf was better than the 1 series? It seemed a strange opinion that tends to go agains the grain, I could only see...

Audi A4 1.4 TFSI 150 Saloon

Ford KA

Ford Fiesta Zetec

Volkswagen Scirocco 1.4 TSI 122

Nothing wrong with any of them, and as I said I liked the idea of the 1.4Tfsi myself, just wondered why you didn't like the 1 series, which is one of my favourite cars that I have owned so far, and leagues ahead of the Golf GTi I had.

I wasn't the one to start having a little snipe mate, you were.

I am guessing that me saying 'if you're just looking for something dull and boring I am sure the 1.4tfsi will be fine.' got your back up a bit?
Hence you coming in with the "Typical PH comment".

I did however explain that I nearly got one myself, and you yourself said "The fastest, biggest engine'd car is not always the best choice that's all. Especially when the OP doesn't mention anything about desiring a car with such qualities." which makes me think you sort of agree?


To be honest with you, I really couldn't give a crap what he buys, or what you think, and the fact I am answering your nonsense is even more frustrating, however if you keep having a pop, a little dig at me here and there of course I will feel the need to fight my corner.

But you know what? If you think posting on here is a 'quiz' or you think "I'm very confused" (about what?) or "that's not what we're arguing about" (I didn't know we were arguing to be honest?) than I think I might just stop following the thread, as I seriously don't want to get dragged into this sort of crap. I just suggested that if he was looking at a 1 series vs a Golf go for the 1 series, it is a gem if you can get over the looks, and if you are looking at the 2 litre 4cyl you might just be better off going for the 3 litre 6cyl, it has a great history and is incredibly economical too.

• Bullet proof in car terms to me means it is about as good as you can get, and that engine is about as reliable as you will get from anyone.

When i was making comparisons i was doing it on my own experiences. I recently had a 118i M Sport for a bit which i was not impressed with at all as i genuinely thought my old 1.4 TSI Scirocco felt better in every way. I wasn't comparing it with a 130i.

I'm not really bothered either tbh with you. I'm aware the 130i might be the most reliable out of the lot but i get the general idea that the OP is not looking for speed, power and a big engine from a car. So, however good it may be, it might not be the car for them.

That's all. You're the one grouping up with others saying things like "that's why he went for the dull-as-dishwater Audi over the BMW". Which is where you look like an BMW fanboy seeing as both cars i compared are very similar.

[culpz]

bodhi said:

Yes, but in this case, it is.

Hence why it was suggested.....

Despite it not falling under the OP's budget? Not including the higher insurance costs, fuel costs etc? Lets all just suggest cars we can't afford and see how far we get

[bodhi]

culpz said:

Despite it not falling under the OP's budget? Not including the higher insurance costs, fuel costs etc? Lets all just suggest cars we can't afford and see how far we get

2 Seconds on the Classifieds throws up : http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/b...

Looks to be less than the original budget, and as explained by people who actually know about these cars, the difference in insurance and petrol costs is negligible, and will be easily balanced out by reduced maintenance costs.