Should I get a 1 series?

[IknowJoseph]

Hi all, I'm new to the world of BM, am hoping you can help..

I currently own a Porsche 996 that is my only car, I've had it for a little over 3 years. I'm very happy with it, but due to family circumstances I've used it much more in the third year of ownership than the others. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, but the main cost of the car is petrol, and it's starting to get a bit expensive.

So, long story short, I've decided to get a slightly more practical, slightly more fuel economic, car for the long boring journeys. Budget of £10k +/- some percentage. I like the look of a 1series coupe, probably a 118d. But given practical concerns may be forced to get the hatchback or even, gulp, the 5 door. I don't want much from equipment / accessories apart from DAB and leather seats. I'd rather have a petrol too. Ex-fleet cars seem to be good and the BMW Approved Used site seems helpful. The man maths may not quite work out, but it's close enough.

Should I be looking at anything else, however? I've had a mk5 Golf and wasn't a big fan, this puts me off VAG in general, especially as the prices seem to be strong. I've not really looked around too much further.

Your thoughts greatly appreciated, thanks,

[IknowJoseph]

Really appreciate all the replies, has given me plenty to think about, so thanks all.

Craikeybaby said:

The 911 may cost more for fuel, but depreciation will be minimal, a 1 series around the £10k mark, may not offer that much of a saving.

This is going to be key, I think, and it's got me looking at cheaper barges that have already depreciated from higher levels to some much lower numbers. Of course then I'm not saving on fuel efficiency or road tax. Or maintenance, I'd guess.

Will give it more thinking.

[IknowJoseph]

Thanks again all,

I'll never sell my 996, but I'm starting to think that buying a nearly new 1 series, even on cheap finance, isn't going to save me much fuel money or running costs. At the end of the day, it's almost £10k, and I can buy a lot of things I'd like for £10k. I also need a new washing machine, oven and other items of no interest to anyone, least of all me.

And then it all gets a bit silly when I realise I could have a 6 litre W12 and go all out on the "well I wasn't really going to save anything anyway" excuse: http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/a...