7kish budget, 1 series?
Discussion
I'm finding it hard to come up with an alternative to getting a 1 Series( 04-11), mk6 Golf, A3? Basically I'm looking to find any details or past experiences. I've read a lot of bad things, with regards to their reliability mostly. I'm looking at petrol models and thinking 118i is the best option. I do low mileage now (under 7k) and I'm trying to join the RAF this year so if successful the mileage could vary but will be inconsistent and will include a lot more motorway driving but also potentially around London and may have periods where it isn't being used so a diesel isn't really an option I don't think.
Anyway, anything you can share with me about my choices or my alternatives I would greatly appreciate it.
Anyway, anything you can share with me about my choices or my alternatives I would greatly appreciate it.
Edited by Josh93 on Wednesday 27th April 17:29
I recently sold my wife 2010 118d M Sport. It was an absolutely lovely car, great fun to drive, however she decided that she wanted to replace it with something with a slightly larger boot so now has a 335i.
The one thing to look out for on the 1 series is the timing chain rattle, i had mine replaced when i bought it as a precaution, can be very costly if they fail. I understand the BMW have now done a recall on this so now no reason not to change it.
As a buyer you should do well, mine was an absolute pain to sell, lots of whats your best price messages and traders saying that it was a time bomb even though the timing chain had been replaced, in the end i knocked the price down to 5500 (WBAC offer was 5400) just to get rid.
The one thing to look out for on the 1 series is the timing chain rattle, i had mine replaced when i bought it as a precaution, can be very costly if they fail. I understand the BMW have now done a recall on this so now no reason not to change it.
As a buyer you should do well, mine was an absolute pain to sell, lots of whats your best price messages and traders saying that it was a time bomb even though the timing chain had been replaced, in the end i knocked the price down to 5500 (WBAC offer was 5400) just to get rid.
For that budget I would be looking to see if you can find a 130i if possible. Hardly uses any more fuel in the real world, and has a much nicer (and more reliable) engine than the 116i.
I've had a 125i Coupe for 2 years now and it's been pretty much faultless, and is utterly superb to drive.
I've had a 125i Coupe for 2 years now and it's been pretty much faultless, and is utterly superb to drive.
RZ1 said:
I recently sold my wife 2010 118d M Sport. It was an absolutely lovely car, great fun to drive, however she decided that she wanted to replace it with something with a slightly larger boot so now has a 335i.
The one thing to look out for on the 1 series is the timing chain rattle, i had mine replaced when i bought it as a precaution, can be very costly if they fail. I understand the BMW have now done a recall on this so now no reason not to change it.
As a buyer you should do well, mine was an absolute pain to sell, lots of whats your best price messages and traders saying that it was a time bomb even though the timing chain had been replaced, in the end i knocked the price down to 5500 (WBAC offer was 5400) just to get rid.
Yeah I've read a lot about the timing chain rattle and it doesn't sound very good. I'm looking for one from 08-10 at under 60k miles really so I'm not sure if that makes a difference or not, should I ask for proof of the timing chain recall being done on each particular car? Also, I've heard about dealers not wanting to take them which was another worry, were his worries just on the timing chain issue? The one thing to look out for on the 1 series is the timing chain rattle, i had mine replaced when i bought it as a precaution, can be very costly if they fail. I understand the BMW have now done a recall on this so now no reason not to change it.
As a buyer you should do well, mine was an absolute pain to sell, lots of whats your best price messages and traders saying that it was a time bomb even though the timing chain had been replaced, in the end i knocked the price down to 5500 (WBAC offer was 5400) just to get rid.
bodhi said:
For that budget I would be looking to see if you can find a 130i if possible. Hardly uses any more fuel in the real world, and has a much nicer (and more reliable) engine than the 116i.
I've had a 125i Coupe for 2 years now and it's been pretty much faultless, and is utterly superb to drive.
As tempting as that is I'm gonna be a bit more sensible and go for the 118i (which I think is the same engine as the 120i just not tuned?) as I think it's got more than enough power for me, anymore and I'll just get myself in trouble, plus I'm coming from a 1.6 mk1 focus so the performance is gonna be a decent increase regardless. I've had a 125i Coupe for 2 years now and it's been pretty much faultless, and is utterly superb to drive.
Josh93 said:
Agent XXX said:
and ugly as sin
I must admit I used to find them really ugly now every time I see one I think they look unbelievably nice https://www.ebay.co.uk/ulk/itm/111979894150
Josh93 said:
It's a great option but I think it's quite ugly and also maybe a bit too big to justify when I don't need that extra place
A Civic is around the same size as a 1 Series but if you don't like them then get a 1 Series but you might as well get the 120120 M Sport
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...
118 M Sport
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...
I'd get anything BUT a 1 series tbh. Recently had a brand new 16 plate 118i M Sport as a hire car until my new A4 arrived. I nearly ordered the same car pretty much but the 2 Series and i'm glad i didn't. Felt cheap and nasty inside, the engine was rubbish, the manual gearbox and clutch was horrible, the controls for the whole car weren't intuitive; the list goes on.
I've never been keen on Beamers and I've driven a few now and they always disappoint. Think i'm more of a VW/Audi man. Each to their own but definitely try before you buy. My sister had an 06 116i and the interior was exactly the same apart from a few extra bits. I just can't fathom why you would get one over something VAG. My Scirocco felt more expensive, better built and a better car overall.
(Not mentioning the looks...)
I've never been keen on Beamers and I've driven a few now and they always disappoint. Think i'm more of a VW/Audi man. Each to their own but definitely try before you buy. My sister had an 06 116i and the interior was exactly the same apart from a few extra bits. I just can't fathom why you would get one over something VAG. My Scirocco felt more expensive, better built and a better car overall.
(Not mentioning the looks...)
Josh93 said:
As tempting as that is I'm gonna be a bit more sensible and go for the 118i (which I think is the same engine as the 120i just not tuned?) as I think it's got more than enough power for me, anymore and I'll just get myself in trouble, plus I'm coming from a 1.6 mk1 focus so the performance is gonna be a decent increase regardless.
You're missing the point. The 118i and 120i have some serious injector issues or coil packs or something, look at the 320i problem thread on e90post.com forums, UK section.
The 118d and 120d have some serious timing chain issues up to 2011.
The 130i is pretty much bullet proof, does pretty much the same MPG, and will last you years while being trouble free.
Plus I bet you don't get the upgrade itch anywhere near as quickly if you go 130i, and they seem to be holding their money now too. If you can afford one it is a no brainer for anyone considering a 118i or 120i.
The problem is, the more I read the more I'm put off by the initial charm of the 1 series. At this moment I'm thinking it would probably be more suitable if i scraped the idea and moved on to the more rounded and far more sensible mk6 golf (1.4 TSI).
I'm not a fan of the m3 compact, and I wouldn't consider a 130i as it's too much of a performance car, I don't want the power nor the insurance/fuel bill. With regards to the travel if I was to get into the RAF I would be travelling back every once in a while doing a 200 mile round trip and then 10 weeks later I would be even further away (400 mile round trip) so it definitely needs to be something comfortable on the motorway, i'm sure the golf would be excellent. I'm not sure if this usage will make it more justifiable to be looking at diesels?
I'm not a fan of the m3 compact, and I wouldn't consider a 130i as it's too much of a performance car, I don't want the power nor the insurance/fuel bill. With regards to the travel if I was to get into the RAF I would be travelling back every once in a while doing a 200 mile round trip and then 10 weeks later I would be even further away (400 mile round trip) so it definitely needs to be something comfortable on the motorway, i'm sure the golf would be excellent. I'm not sure if this usage will make it more justifiable to be looking at diesels?
Edited by Josh93 on Thursday 28th April 10:23
I recently sold a 123d hatch was a very nice example 2008 sport went for £8500 on 75k miles.
My advice would be to go for a 3 series at your budget, having owned lots of 3 series I think you will get a better car for your money and the early 1 series does not feel as well made as the 3 series ( things like quality of plastics used and wear and tear inside a 1 series the 3 series just feels better quality).
And if you can try and find a 6 cylinder version whether 130. 325 or 330i they are so much more special than any of the 4 cylinder models.
My advice would be to go for a 3 series at your budget, having owned lots of 3 series I think you will get a better car for your money and the early 1 series does not feel as well made as the 3 series ( things like quality of plastics used and wear and tear inside a 1 series the 3 series just feels better quality).
And if you can try and find a 6 cylinder version whether 130. 325 or 330i they are so much more special than any of the 4 cylinder models.
Josh93 said:
The problem is, the more I read the more I'm put off by the initial charm of the 1 series. At this moment I'm thinking it would probably be more suitable if i scraped the idea and moved on to the more rounded and far more sensible mk6 golf (1.4 TSI).
I'm not a fan of the m3 compact, and I wouldn't consider a 130i as it's too much of a performance car, I don't want the power nor the insurance/fuel bill. With regards to the travel if I was to get into the RAF I would be travelling back every once in a while doing a 200 mile round trip and then 10 weeks later I would be even further away (400 mile round trip) so it definitely needs to be something comfortable on the motorway, i'm sure the golf would be excellent. I'm not sure if this usage will make it more justifiable to be looking at diesels?
Have you had insurance quotes?I'm not a fan of the m3 compact, and I wouldn't consider a 130i as it's too much of a performance car, I don't want the power nor the insurance/fuel bill. With regards to the travel if I was to get into the RAF I would be travelling back every once in a while doing a 200 mile round trip and then 10 weeks later I would be even further away (400 mile round trip) so it definitely needs to be something comfortable on the motorway, i'm sure the golf would be excellent. I'm not sure if this usage will make it more justifiable to be looking at diesels?
The difference between the 20d's I have owned and the 35i's I have owned have been sweet fa.
The 130i is super relaxed to drive, at under 3000rpm it is one of the most refined of all, the gearing and everything about it makes it far smoother and more relaxing that the 120d even.
It is quite fast when you really rag it, but not silly powerful, many who test it from the 120d say they find it feels slower.
It is hardly a performance car.
I'm sure if you are looking for a dull and boring car the 1.4T VW will be perfect though. I considered the new A4 with the 1.4T engine for work, I even looked at the 1.4T Sportback A3, they are nice enough, I just knew that I would be bored after the honeymoon period wore off.
Why don't you go and test a couple out and see which one you like most?
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