Considering a used A3 or bmw series 1 or 3 buying privately

[Inneedofhelp]

I’m looking for a car for daughter just missed out on a car nut selling his that

She has now decided on a Audi A3, Bmw 1 or 3 series

Bmw you seem to have more extras on A3s seem very basic ideally prefer leather

She loves white but told her when buying second hand colour is kind of last choice with cars now they need to be well maintained

The car will be around 7-10 yr old

Prices privately people asking more than dealers but don’t fancy buying from a dealer

Weird convertibles have been priced more atrractive

Will a bmw cost more than a a3 to maintain

How often should have service is yearly sufficient

Will all petrol engines have chains prefer belts but I think they mostly on a diesel



DPF frightens me as she does mainly short journeys

Is there any models that should be avoided, ideally no more than 2 litre for insurance purposes

[Baldchap]

Any particular reason to discount the Seat, Skoda and VW versions of the A3? Without paying badge premium, you'll likely be able to get a better equipped or newer car for the same money.

[Scootersp]

perhaps avoid any N47 engines?

[Shiv_P]

Avoid all 4 cylinder BMWs of the era
TBH I'd just buy a golf. Better car

[Inneedofhelp]

She had a Skoda Fabia and timing chain went so fancied a change no warning she gutted as loved the car

Vw prices seem on par with Audi

I think as she has ocd leather interior preferred and hard to find in the vw seat etc

Just after a good honest car been serviced when it should with no modifications

[Inneedofhelp]

Can I ask what cars are 4 cylinders

[Shiv_P]

Inneedofhelp said:

Can I ask what cars are 4 cylinders

Any model apart from 125i, 130i and 135i.

[Inneedofhelp]

Thanks wondering if buying a old bmw could just be a big headache

[ZX10R NIN]

How much are you looking to spend?

[Inneedofhelp]

Around 6k

[ZX10R NIN]

Get an S Line/Black Edition & you'll get a half leather interior:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

125 M Sport

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

[dmsims]

Inneedofhelp said:

Thanks wondering if buying a old bmw could just be a big headache

Toyota Auris then

[sparks_190e]

Inneedofhelp said:

Thanks wondering if buying a old bmw could just be a big headache

If it's a decade old 4 cylinder petrol, yes is a likely answer.

[Mr Tidy]

I read another post of yours on the BMW part of the forum!

The only 4 cylinder 1 Series I'd consider would be a pre-facelift 120d, but I'd much rather have a 130i (although I did forget the 125i)!