Beemer 3 Series Coupe vs 306GTI-6

[brotherharry]

Been reading CarZee's good car for 6k posts and am in similar situation.

Thought I had it all wrapped up with a 306GTI but a slip of the mouse wheel on auto trader brought out '94 325 Coupes for around the 7k mark. Loads of car for bugger all money.

At these kinds of prices they've done big miles though. Anybody have experience or advice on buying high mileage BM's? Is the build quality/reliability good enough to go over the 100,000 mark? Popular wisdom says german machinery like this goes on forever, propaganda or experience?

I'd be buying on a PCP finance deal, so whatever I go for can't lose more than 3500 grand over the 2 years I'll run it...

I guess what it boils down to is low mileage 3 year 'greatest hot hatch in the world-ever' with life left or high mileage 8 year old straight 6 RWD prestige.

[moreymach]

My 318 1996 is just touching 150k and runs sweet and is as tight as most cars with 1/3 the miles .. well serviced and oil change every 5000 though !! 306 will be quicker and handle better than the 325 but wont stand the miles. My mother has a 1998 306 with only 30k on it and its already begining to fall apart!! remote radio doesnt work .. remote locking playing up.. trim loose.. You can get bits for both BM and Pug from Eurocarparts an d theyre dead cheap.

[Podie]

My grandad bought a K-reg 318 from new, and spec'd a few extras; notably larger wheels and an LSD. Said car has received BMW franchised servicing all it's life and a bit of TLC from a proud owner.

It's gets driven pretty hard (the old fella is pretty nippy!) but loves the car. It's now covered 150k and still drives as well today as it did when it was new. It's never had any problems and starts first time, every time - oh, and it lives outdoors.

So on that, if the car has been cared for, has a BMW service history to back it up, it would seem to be an OK decision...

[Spunagain]

My better half has a 1995 323i couple (2.5 litres) it had a new engine at 50k as the alloy bores can prematurely wear so look out for this. Other than that it has done 100k miles in total and is totaly rattle and sqeek free and goes pretty well. It is an excellent motorway muncher.

[raceboy]

Funnily enough I happen to know someone who wants to get rid of his 323i Coupe, 95 N, Metalic Black, Black Leather, 92k, Every Schnitzer extra you can get, full type 2 body kit, exhaust, gear shift, everything including S3 3.0 badges he's after about £8k anyone interested email me and I'll put you in touch with him (Sorry Ted, but it's not really an advert as such )

[mondeoman]

Not quite the same but my 2000 3 series has now got 98 on the clock and all it needs at the mo is new shockers - the trim etc is still squeak free....

I'd say that they can take the mileage, provided you have a fsh to go with the car.

[Mr E]

6-7K

That's about what I've got.

It'll stretch to an imported ST205 Celica GT4.....

230-240bhp & 4wd....

I'm still saving though. Supra or E36 M3 Evo please (fat chance....)

[M@H]

Bear in mind what CarZee actually bought with his 6k though

Cheers
Matt.

[CarZee]

indeed...

Arguably not as much motor as a '94 325, but bloody good fun nonetheless.. and so far as I can tell, people don't consider you a flash wakner in an S - certainly it doesn't bring out the worst in other road users..

[moreymach]

CarZee said: indeed...

Arguably not as much motor as a '94 325, but bloody good fun nonetheless.. and so far as I can tell, people don't consider you a flash wakner in an S - certainly it doesn't bring out the worst in other road users..

hmmm flash wn'ker in either conservative saloon car OR 2 seater convertible sports car with loud exhaust.... think even my old granny could answer that one mate !

[Fatboy]

Yep, it's the one with the BMW badge

[Captain Muppet]

With winter coming up the question you have to ask when deciding between the 306 and the 325 is - which one will do donuts on a snowy Tesco's car park? You need RWD, you know it.