£7.5k to spend - High Mileage E92 330i 09+

[swedge]

Hi all

I've got a mk2.5 MX-5 1.6 icon that just isn't practical enough for me, and horrible on fuel economy. I want to change up to something bigger and quicker but fairly sensible.

I only drive around 20 miles a day for work, with occasional trips ~ 300mile trips to Scotland (maybe once every few months). I can't seem to find any manuals in my price range, and would be alright with an auto provided it's not sluggish on the paddles.

Anyways, just looking for some advice on buying a high mileage one, from 2009+ (330i m-sport). Would prefer an LCI, but not too fussed. Is this scraping the bottom of the barrel at this price / do you have any other recommendations for under £7.5k ?

Thanks

[culpz]

If you half the budget, you could get a pre-LCI E90 330i. They're pretty solid engines on the whole. They do have a few weaknesses that can be researched and found very quickly, but nothing major and are just well-documented commons issues and have proved fixes. I'm not sure i'd go for the LCI just for the refreshed look. It doesn't really seem worth it for the jump in price, IMO.

[swedge]

yeah I had a look, I really don't like the look of the saloon. I've seen some diesels that are cheaper, and could be swayed, not sure how it feels, and how sluggish the autobox is?