Discussion
I've just been through this process myself. Finally found the car I'd like to buy tonight and it's going through its pre purchase inspection next week.
There are so many out there and they come up so often that you will be able to find the exact spec you want if you're patient. The prices varied wildly. I saw an 05 3.0d Sport with 110k clocked which was £1500 more than an 03 model with 70K. You really just need to get out there and be prepared to travel a little bit.
My own research suggests that the panoramic roof can be a very costly extra to repair if it goes wrong. Also the TV only works when the vehicle is stationary and the ignition is on. Which makes me wonder whether it's worth getting excited over. Not that I would watch it while I'm driving. I'm sure no one would want to do that...
There are so many out there and they come up so often that you will be able to find the exact spec you want if you're patient. The prices varied wildly. I saw an 05 3.0d Sport with 110k clocked which was £1500 more than an 03 model with 70K. You really just need to get out there and be prepared to travel a little bit.
My own research suggests that the panoramic roof can be a very costly extra to repair if it goes wrong. Also the TV only works when the vehicle is stationary and the ignition is on. Which makes me wonder whether it's worth getting excited over. Not that I would watch it while I'm driving. I'm sure no one would want to do that...
I went with the 53 plate (although registered in Jan 04 so I missed out on the 04 plate which is irritating as I suspect may affect resale value) Space Grey 3.0d Sport with black interior, and 19" standard alloys, 218bhp (not anymore I bet). At 70k miles and very little, if any, scratches or dings I was satisfied it was a fair deal although not a spectacular one. It doesn't have the side rails which funnily enough I preferred when I actually saw it. Not sure why. Just thought it looked a bit cleaner cut.
I have gone with an AA inspection which I believe will actually be conducted by DEKRA. If anything comes up in the written report (I intend to wait for the full report before proceeding) that worries me I might get a local BMW specialist to go and take a look into that aspect. I don't understand the report to do any more than say "coolant levels low" which without further investigation means I won't know if there is a head gasket issue for example.
Paying for an additional report might seem a bit OTT but I do like the car and I'm still in budget even with the extra £200 (odd) spend.
Sorry I didn't reply sooner. I thought I might get an email notification when a post was submitted in the thread but don't appear to have got one. Is that something I can turn on does anyone know?
I have gone with an AA inspection which I believe will actually be conducted by DEKRA. If anything comes up in the written report (I intend to wait for the full report before proceeding) that worries me I might get a local BMW specialist to go and take a look into that aspect. I don't understand the report to do any more than say "coolant levels low" which without further investigation means I won't know if there is a head gasket issue for example.
Paying for an additional report might seem a bit OTT but I do like the car and I'm still in budget even with the extra £200 (odd) spend.
Sorry I didn't reply sooner. I thought I might get an email notification when a post was submitted in the thread but don't appear to have got one. Is that something I can turn on does anyone know?
Thanks. I am a bit nervous about how few miles it has done if honest. I would expect more than that if the car has been used for motorway journeys where the wear, tear and engine temperature are constant. As you say hopefully the inspection goes well.
BTW I used the autotrader app and typed in the exact specs I was interested in, saved the cars and then whittled them down over a period of about 3 weeks. If you havent done something similar it might be worth a try. It was quite painless, almost fun, doing it that way. I also used the ebay and motors.co.uk apps in a similar way. Its a shame pistonheads doesnt have an app like that.
BTW I used the autotrader app and typed in the exact specs I was interested in, saved the cars and then whittled them down over a period of about 3 weeks. If you havent done something similar it might be worth a try. It was quite painless, almost fun, doing it that way. I also used the ebay and motors.co.uk apps in a similar way. Its a shame pistonheads doesnt have an app like that.
I tend to limit the distance I will travel to look at a car, I do not have much time these days and keep hoping the right car will pop up close by. Obviously if a perfect car came up I would travel, but it tends to limit your negotiations especially if you get a one way ticket somewhere. I will look out for your updates, and I will continue searching.
We were in a similar position 6 months ago and ended up upping the budget and going for a 07 plate gen 2 car
It's a huge step up in terms of the interior and styling IMO (particularly as the Lci version was still being sold until recently it doesn't look overly dated either)
Now we bought a terrible spec one in immaculate condition (no Bluetooth or nav) so god knows if I'll ever be able to sell it, however it's bloody fantastic and we haven't looked back once, lovely cars :-)
It's a huge step up in terms of the interior and styling IMO (particularly as the Lci version was still being sold until recently it doesn't look overly dated either)
Now we bought a terrible spec one in immaculate condition (no Bluetooth or nav) so god knows if I'll ever be able to sell it, however it's bloody fantastic and we haven't looked back once, lovely cars :-)
Chr1sch said:
We were in a similar position 6 months ago and ended up upping the budget and going for a 07 plate gen 2 car
It's a huge step up in terms of the interior and styling IMO (particularly as the Lci version was still being sold until recently it doesn't look overly dated either)
Now we bought a terrible spec one in immaculate condition (no Bluetooth or nav) so god knows if I'll ever be able to sell it, however it's bloody fantastic and we haven't looked back once, lovely cars :-)
Chris, which engine/gearbox combo, and what's the fuel consumption like?It's a huge step up in terms of the interior and styling IMO (particularly as the Lci version was still being sold until recently it doesn't look overly dated either)
Now we bought a terrible spec one in immaculate condition (no Bluetooth or nav) so god knows if I'll ever be able to sell it, however it's bloody fantastic and we haven't looked back once, lovely cars :-)
VerySideways said:
Chr1sch said:
We were in a similar position 6 months ago and ended up upping the budget and going for a 07 plate gen 2 car
It's a huge step up in terms of the interior and styling IMO (particularly as the Lci version was still being sold until recently it doesn't look overly dated either)
Now we bought a terrible spec one in immaculate condition (no Bluetooth or nav) so god knows if I'll ever be able to sell it, however it's bloody fantastic and we haven't looked back once, lovely cars :-)
Chris, which engine/gearbox combo, and what's the fuel consumption like?It's a huge step up in terms of the interior and styling IMO (particularly as the Lci version was still being sold until recently it doesn't look overly dated either)
Now we bought a terrible spec one in immaculate condition (no Bluetooth or nav) so god knows if I'll ever be able to sell it, however it's bloody fantastic and we haven't looked back once, lovely cars :-)
Mpg is pretty awful in town, 22mpg on he school run, on the way to the airport earlier this month it averaged 30pmg at a steady 75ish
I absolutely love the car, it's everything I hoped it would be, big, surprisingly agile, comfy and perfect for the family.
That said ours has the dynamic pack which whilst I like the anthracite headlining etc the suspension is a tad on the firm side down a bumpy lane scenario
No doubt the x3 goes well and that's what we originally set out to buy but they are very dated inside and not very big...
Out of the other 2 I'd be torn. I had a pre-Lci 56 plate 530d MSport which was fantastic and more fun to drive than the x5 for sure. I guess it comes down to how many B road blasts you want to enjoy...
Out of the other 2 I'd be torn. I had a pre-Lci 56 plate 530d MSport which was fantastic and more fun to drive than the x5 for sure. I guess it comes down to how many B road blasts you want to enjoy...
Chr1sch said:
No doubt the x3 goes well and that's what we originally set out to buy but they are very dated inside and not very big...
Out of the other 2 I'd be torn. I had a pre-Lci 56 plate 530d MSport which was fantastic and more fun to drive than the x5 for sure. I guess it comes down to how many B road blasts you want to enjoy...
Indeed, just been checking the figures and the E61 is longer but no wider (i live in the land of B roads) and has comprehensively more space inside than the E83. Add the dual zone climate (which will save arguments!) and the fact it weighs a lot less means the E61 will have better performance and economy for any given engine.Out of the other 2 I'd be torn. I had a pre-Lci 56 plate 530d MSport which was fantastic and more fun to drive than the x5 for sure. I guess it comes down to how many B road blasts you want to enjoy...
Thanks for the nudge in the right direction
sumo69 said:
My 05 carbon black 4.4v8 with comms and pano roof which is a 2 owner and 53k with full BMW history and an ongoing Mondial warranty is going in the next couple of months if anyone is interested?
David
Damn it. WHY DOESNT PISTONHEADS TELL YOU WHEN THERES A POST!? I'd have linked to see your car David but I pulled the trigger on a 3.0d Sport Le Mans with 79k this evening. David
sumo69 said:
My 05 carbon black 4.4v8 with comms and pano roof which is a 2 owner and 53k with full BMW history and an ongoing Mondial warranty is going in the next couple of months if anyone is interested?
David
David,David
Do you have any photos you can share? I still have not made a purchase, and have found myself looking at 3l petrols. A nice v8 is always on the list tho.
porkathewhale said:
Damn it. WHY DOESNT PISTONHEADS TELL YOU WHEN THERES A POST!? I'd have linked to see your car David but I pulled the trigger on a 3.0d Sport Le Mans with 79k this evening.
You sound like you got a nice onshore, the Le Mans are all out my budget, but look really good. Did you get a private sale? Photos?
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