Can you get a decent BMW for 6k?
Discussion
Been on the hunt for a new car for myself for about a month now (currently borrowing a family member's vehicle), 6k cash budget, family friendly (we have an 11 and a 13 year old), reliable and cheap to run (I do 300 miles per week). Difficult to predict where fuel prices are going right now but I have mainly been looking at diesels, not because I wanted a diesel specifically but because they look like the best option for the cars that I've been looking at, as I want a bit more of a relaxed driving experience and don't want a buzzy 3 cylinder petrol with questionable reliability. I have mostly been looking at Peugeot/Renault/Dacia (308/Captur/Scenic/Duster), as they seem to represent pretty good value for the money. Not much luck so far though, I looked at a 308, which drove really nice but seemed a bit overpriced (7k) for what it was ie it wasn't an exceptionally clean car, looked at a mk1 (17 plate) Duster dCi, which I should have bought but I hesitated and it had gone the next day and was going to see a Captur dCi last week but it sold before I got there. I also test drove another car which caught fire (so obviously I didn't buy that) but I won't go into that too much! I found a 4k Skoda Yeti TDI fairly locally to me and it drove OK but had done 133k and was very rough cosmetically. I quite like VAG stuff but it tends to be pricier like-for-like.
I thought that perhaps I could put 3-4k down and finance a newer/better car, so I also went to look at a mk2 Dacia Duster with the 1.3 TCe engine, which I really liked and offers a very decent-sized/specced car for the money but evidently Renault/Dacia can't finance it for me as I have been out of the country and only back since January, so even though I have a job and a decent income, they don't have a long enough UK address history for me.
So I'm back to my 6k cash budget and looking for other options. I quite fancy another BMW, as I haven't owned one since my E30 325i 20 years ago and the 2 litre diesel models seem to offer excellent performance/fuel economy for the money. 2 particular cars stood out in my search:
1) 2015 (so the facelift model) F20 BMW 118d M Sport 5 door manual in Estoril, 114k
2) 2013 BMW 320d M Sport automatic saloon in grey, 120k
They both look pretty tidy in the photos, the 1-Series is Euro6 (3-Series is Euro5), I think that I'd want an M Sport for aesthetics and I do like the practicality of a hatch but appreciate that the 1-Series isn't a particularly capacious one.
Maybe it's a terrible idea though, as I've heard that the 2 litre 4 cylinder diesel BMW engine (N47?) has some fairly serious reliability issues, although that 1-Series might be the updated engine (B47?), is that any better? 6k is at the lower end of the market for these 2 cars ie most 1-Series at this price are pre-facelift (which I thinks looks gopping) and my budget doesn't seem to stretch to an F31 320d Touring for example.
So are the reliability issues with these models overstated or are there other "practical" BMWs that are a better bet for the budget or am I right to be looking at brands like Peugeot/Renault where I can get a slightly newer, lower mileage car for my budget?
I thought that perhaps I could put 3-4k down and finance a newer/better car, so I also went to look at a mk2 Dacia Duster with the 1.3 TCe engine, which I really liked and offers a very decent-sized/specced car for the money but evidently Renault/Dacia can't finance it for me as I have been out of the country and only back since January, so even though I have a job and a decent income, they don't have a long enough UK address history for me.
So I'm back to my 6k cash budget and looking for other options. I quite fancy another BMW, as I haven't owned one since my E30 325i 20 years ago and the 2 litre diesel models seem to offer excellent performance/fuel economy for the money. 2 particular cars stood out in my search:
1) 2015 (so the facelift model) F20 BMW 118d M Sport 5 door manual in Estoril, 114k
2) 2013 BMW 320d M Sport automatic saloon in grey, 120k
They both look pretty tidy in the photos, the 1-Series is Euro6 (3-Series is Euro5), I think that I'd want an M Sport for aesthetics and I do like the practicality of a hatch but appreciate that the 1-Series isn't a particularly capacious one.
Maybe it's a terrible idea though, as I've heard that the 2 litre 4 cylinder diesel BMW engine (N47?) has some fairly serious reliability issues, although that 1-Series might be the updated engine (B47?), is that any better? 6k is at the lower end of the market for these 2 cars ie most 1-Series at this price are pre-facelift (which I thinks looks gopping) and my budget doesn't seem to stretch to an F31 320d Touring for example.
So are the reliability issues with these models overstated or are there other "practical" BMWs that are a better bet for the budget or am I right to be looking at brands like Peugeot/Renault where I can get a slightly newer, lower mileage car for my budget?
Edited by Starsky80 on Friday 20th March 08:22
The E30 325i is a heck of a lot of fun. IMHO alot of the newer BMWs cant match it for its easily fun accessible handling without breaking the speed limit too much.
The 118d is a good drive if you dont mind its looks and dont mind looking like a junior estate agent. Alot more comfortable than the E30. As quick roughly. Better ride quality than a E46 M3 in cities and is quite comfortable. The automatic gearbox is good too. Not sure about the 320d never driven one.
The 118d is a good drive if you dont mind its looks and dont mind looking like a junior estate agent. Alot more comfortable than the E30. As quick roughly. Better ride quality than a E46 M3 in cities and is quite comfortable. The automatic gearbox is good too. Not sure about the 320d never driven one.
Starsky80 said:
Been on the hunt for a new car for myself for about a month now (currently borrowing a family member's vehicle), 6k cash budget, family friendly (we have an 11 and a 13 year old), reliable and cheap to run (I do 300 miles per week). Difficult to predict where fuel prices are going right now but I have mainly been looking at diesels, not because I wanted a diesel specifically but because they look like the best option for the cars that I've been looking at, as I want a bit more of a relaxed driving experience and don't want a buzzy 3 cylinder petrol with questionable reliability. I have mostly been looking at Peugeot/Renault/Dacia (308/Captur/Scenic/Duster), as they seem to represent pretty good value for the money. Not much luck so far though, I looked at a 308, which drove really nice but seemed a bit overpriced (7k) for what it was ie it wasn't an exceptionally clean car, looked at a mk1 (17 plate) Duster dCi, which I should have bought but I hesitated and it had gone the next day and was going to see a Captur dCi last week but it sold before I got there. I also test drove another car which caught fire (so obviously I didn't buy that) but I won't go into that too much! I found a 4k Skoda Yeti TDI fairly locally to me and it drove OK but had done 133k and was very rough cosmetically. I quite like VAG stuff but it tends to be pricier like-for-like.
I thought that perhaps I could put 3-4k down and finance a newer/better car, so I also went to look at a mk2 Dacia Duster with the 1.3 TCe engine, which I really liked and offers a very decent-sized/specced car for the money but evidently Renault/Dacia can't finance it for me as I have been out of the country and only back since January, so even though I have a job and a decent income, they don't have a long enough UK address history for me.
So I'm back to my 6k cash budget and looking for other options. I quite fancy another BMW, as I haven't owned one since my E30 325i 20 years ago and the 2 litre diesel models seem to offer excellent performance/fuel economy for the money. 2 particular cars stood out in my search:
1) 2015 (so the facelift model) F20 BMW 118d M Sport 5 door manual in Estoril, 114k
2) 2013 BMW 320d M Sport automatic saloon in grey, 120k
They both look pretty tidy in the photos, the 1-Series is Euro6 (3-Series is Euro5), I think that I'd want an M Sport for aesthetics and I do like the practicality of a hatch but appreciate that the 1-Series isn't a particularly capacious one.
Maybe it's a terrible idea though, as I've heard that the 2 litre 4 cylinder diesel BMW engine (N47?) has some fairly serious reliability issues, although that 1-Series might be the updated engine (B47?), is that any better? 6k is at the lower end of the market for these 2 cars ie most 1-Series at this price are pre-facelift (which I thinks looks gopping) and my budget doesn't seem to stretch to an F31 320d Touring for example.
So are the reliability issues with these models overstated or are there other "practical" BMWs that are a better bet for the budget or am I right to be looking at brands like Peugeot/Renault where I can get a slightly newer, lower mileage car for my budget?
Not sure what issue you think the N47 has? Pre 2012 engines had timing chain issues, but these will have long since gone and 6K is going get around 2016 engines which I would say your biggest worries are Euro 6 or not. As with any car this age is DPF and ERG and that depends on usage. A good bet are the 520d which maybe high mileage but often can be found with good service history and 2/3 owners. I thought that perhaps I could put 3-4k down and finance a newer/better car, so I also went to look at a mk2 Dacia Duster with the 1.3 TCe engine, which I really liked and offers a very decent-sized/specced car for the money but evidently Renault/Dacia can't finance it for me as I have been out of the country and only back since January, so even though I have a job and a decent income, they don't have a long enough UK address history for me.
So I'm back to my 6k cash budget and looking for other options. I quite fancy another BMW, as I haven't owned one since my E30 325i 20 years ago and the 2 litre diesel models seem to offer excellent performance/fuel economy for the money. 2 particular cars stood out in my search:
1) 2015 (so the facelift model) F20 BMW 118d M Sport 5 door manual in Estoril, 114k
2) 2013 BMW 320d M Sport automatic saloon in grey, 120k
They both look pretty tidy in the photos, the 1-Series is Euro6 (3-Series is Euro5), I think that I'd want an M Sport for aesthetics and I do like the practicality of a hatch but appreciate that the 1-Series isn't a particularly capacious one.
Maybe it's a terrible idea though, as I've heard that the 2 litre 4 cylinder diesel BMW engine (N47?) has some fairly serious reliability issues, although that 1-Series might be the updated engine (B47?), is that any better? 6k is at the lower end of the market for these 2 cars ie most 1-Series at this price are pre-facelift (which I thinks looks gopping) and my budget doesn't seem to stretch to an F31 320d Touring for example.
So are the reliability issues with these models overstated or are there other "practical" BMWs that are a better bet for the budget or am I right to be looking at brands like Peugeot/Renault where I can get a slightly newer, lower mileage car for my budget?
Edited by Starsky80 on Friday 20th March 08:22
ashenfie said:
Starsky80 said:
Been on the hunt for a new car for myself for about a month now (currently borrowing a family member's vehicle), 6k cash budget, family friendly (we have an 11 and a 13 year old), reliable and cheap to run (I do 300 miles per week). Difficult to predict where fuel prices are going right now but I have mainly been looking at diesels, not because I wanted a diesel specifically but because they look like the best option for the cars that I've been looking at, as I want a bit more of a relaxed driving experience and don't want a buzzy 3 cylinder petrol with questionable reliability. I have mostly been looking at Peugeot/Renault/Dacia (308/Captur/Scenic/Duster), as they seem to represent pretty good value for the money. Not much luck so far though, I looked at a 308, which drove really nice but seemed a bit overpriced (7k) for what it was ie it wasn't an exceptionally clean car, looked at a mk1 (17 plate) Duster dCi, which I should have bought but I hesitated and it had gone the next day and was going to see a Captur dCi last week but it sold before I got there. I also test drove another car which caught fire (so obviously I didn't buy that) but I won't go into that too much! I found a 4k Skoda Yeti TDI fairly locally to me and it drove OK but had done 133k and was very rough cosmetically. I quite like VAG stuff but it tends to be pricier like-for-like.
I thought that perhaps I could put 3-4k down and finance a newer/better car, so I also went to look at a mk2 Dacia Duster with the 1.3 TCe engine, which I really liked and offers a very decent-sized/specced car for the money but evidently Renault/Dacia can't finance it for me as I have been out of the country and only back since January, so even though I have a job and a decent income, they don't have a long enough UK address history for me.
So I'm back to my 6k cash budget and looking for other options. I quite fancy another BMW, as I haven't owned one since my E30 325i 20 years ago and the 2 litre diesel models seem to offer excellent performance/fuel economy for the money. 2 particular cars stood out in my search:
1) 2015 (so the facelift model) F20 BMW 118d M Sport 5 door manual in Estoril, 114k
2) 2013 BMW 320d M Sport automatic saloon in grey, 120k
They both look pretty tidy in the photos, the 1-Series is Euro6 (3-Series is Euro5), I think that I'd want an M Sport for aesthetics and I do like the practicality of a hatch but appreciate that the 1-Series isn't a particularly capacious one.
Maybe it's a terrible idea though, as I've heard that the 2 litre 4 cylinder diesel BMW engine (N47?) has some fairly serious reliability issues, although that 1-Series might be the updated engine (B47?), is that any better? 6k is at the lower end of the market for these 2 cars ie most 1-Series at this price are pre-facelift (which I thinks looks gopping) and my budget doesn't seem to stretch to an F31 320d Touring for example.
So are the reliability issues with these models overstated or are there other "practical" BMWs that are a better bet for the budget or am I right to be looking at brands like Peugeot/Renault where I can get a slightly newer, lower mileage car for my budget?
Not sure what issue you think the N47 has? Pre 2012 engines had timing chain issues, but these will have long since gone and 6K is going get around 2016 engines which I would say your biggest worries are Euro 6 or not. As with any car this age is DPF and ERG and that depends on usage. A good bet are the 520d which maybe high mileage but often can be found with good service history and 2/3 owners. I thought that perhaps I could put 3-4k down and finance a newer/better car, so I also went to look at a mk2 Dacia Duster with the 1.3 TCe engine, which I really liked and offers a very decent-sized/specced car for the money but evidently Renault/Dacia can't finance it for me as I have been out of the country and only back since January, so even though I have a job and a decent income, they don't have a long enough UK address history for me.
So I'm back to my 6k cash budget and looking for other options. I quite fancy another BMW, as I haven't owned one since my E30 325i 20 years ago and the 2 litre diesel models seem to offer excellent performance/fuel economy for the money. 2 particular cars stood out in my search:
1) 2015 (so the facelift model) F20 BMW 118d M Sport 5 door manual in Estoril, 114k
2) 2013 BMW 320d M Sport automatic saloon in grey, 120k
They both look pretty tidy in the photos, the 1-Series is Euro6 (3-Series is Euro5), I think that I'd want an M Sport for aesthetics and I do like the practicality of a hatch but appreciate that the 1-Series isn't a particularly capacious one.
Maybe it's a terrible idea though, as I've heard that the 2 litre 4 cylinder diesel BMW engine (N47?) has some fairly serious reliability issues, although that 1-Series might be the updated engine (B47?), is that any better? 6k is at the lower end of the market for these 2 cars ie most 1-Series at this price are pre-facelift (which I thinks looks gopping) and my budget doesn't seem to stretch to an F31 320d Touring for example.
So are the reliability issues with these models overstated or are there other "practical" BMWs that are a better bet for the budget or am I right to be looking at brands like Peugeot/Renault where I can get a slightly newer, lower mileage car for my budget?
Edited by Starsky80 on Friday 20th March 08:22
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1A9d9LxLFjU&t=...
I had an F10 530d that I part exchanged in great condition (80-90k miles iirc) for a meagre £6,500. It was, in short, brilliant. I think the F11 estate version is becoming quite sought after and expensive, but the saloon has loads of boot space so unless you own a dog or going to the tip is your No. 1 concern in life (seemingly true for many a PHer), the F10 is much better value.
£50 a week in diesel, assuming 40mpg and the price not rising. That's around £2400 a year taking into account a few weeks off.
It's the kind of mileage where step up in economy will make a noticeable difference.
A 1.3TCe will do low 40's, I know that from experience. Don't some of the 2.0 diesel BMW's get nearer 60 or 70mpg?
In your situation and assuming drive space I'd be getting an old Model S. That's also assuming that the likes of Jonny Smith haven't already given that game away.
That would cut your fuel bill down 10 fold. £10k less in fuel over 5 years.
It's the kind of mileage where step up in economy will make a noticeable difference.
A 1.3TCe will do low 40's, I know that from experience. Don't some of the 2.0 diesel BMW's get nearer 60 or 70mpg?
In your situation and assuming drive space I'd be getting an old Model S. That's also assuming that the likes of Jonny Smith haven't already given that game away.
That would cut your fuel bill down 10 fold. £10k less in fuel over 5 years.
_Rodders_ said:
£50 a week in diesel, assuming 40mpg and the price not rising. That's around £2400 a year taking into account a few weeks off.
It's the kind of mileage where step up in economy will make a noticeable difference.
A 1.3TCe will do low 40's, I know that from experience. Don't some of the 2.0 diesel BMW's get nearer 60 or 70mpg?
In your situation and assuming drive space I'd be getting an old Model S. That's also assuming that the likes of Jonny Smith haven't already given that game away.
That would cut your fuel bill down 10 fold. £10k less in fuel over 5 years.
I've had a 2016 Model S for 2 years now and it's been brilliant. Go a bit older and there is free supercharging as wellIt's the kind of mileage where step up in economy will make a noticeable difference.
A 1.3TCe will do low 40's, I know that from experience. Don't some of the 2.0 diesel BMW's get nearer 60 or 70mpg?
In your situation and assuming drive space I'd be getting an old Model S. That's also assuming that the likes of Jonny Smith haven't already given that game away.
That would cut your fuel bill down 10 fold. £10k less in fuel over 5 years.
Starsky80 said:
Mainly this video but I've heard anecdotally that the six cylinder BMW diesels are significantly more reliable.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1A9d9LxLFjU&t=...
Yep, my lad has an N47 in his 1 series, and it is slowly choking itself to death. He loves the car though and it is good to drive. Get a B47 and you'll (mostly) be fine. Just make sure its been well maintained etc. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1A9d9LxLFjU&t=...
For a tool to do that mileage in I'd look for something reliable and economic rather than restrict yourself to a BMW. Avensis, Corolla, Accord, Civic etc. Dull as ditchwater but something thats not going to throw up any big bills potentially. I did 30k in 18 months once commuting (never again) and did it in a Mondeo ST. Was a superb thing for the job.
DaveyBoyWonder said:
For a tool to do that mileage in I'd look for something reliable and economic rather than restrict yourself to a BMW. Avensis, Corolla, Accord, Civic etc. Dull as ditchwater but something thats not going to throw up any big bills potentially. I did 30k in 18 months once commuting (never again) and did it in a Mondeo ST. Was a superb thing for the job.
If you read the OP, I kind of am branching out from other ideas (Peugeot/Renault/Dacia) with a BMW. Fair point but Toyota diesels are hardly reliable? Mazda definitely not. Not sure about Honda diesels but my 2013 Civic (petrol) was probably one of the least reliable cars that I have owned, maybe I was just unlucky...valiant said:
1 series is tight in the back for two growing lads and the boot ain t that big either. You may grow out of it before you re ready to change.
3 series is a lot better and in estate form, a very good family wagon. 320d estate is almost the perfect family car.
One daughter, one son. I'm 5'8" and my wife even shorter, so they're not tall kids! Probably just a stopgap for the next 2-3 years and then would get something a bit bigger. F31 330d Touring would be perfect (320d perfectly adequate) but I'm pushing to find a decent one of those in my 6k cash budget.3 series is a lot better and in estate form, a very good family wagon. 320d estate is almost the perfect family car.
I have a 2014 3 series, and prefer it to every 1 series I've ever been in! Agree with the points about including 5 series in your search. Also think about where you'll get it serviced, as BMW dealers are expensive!
Don't know much about them, but are Insignias worth a look, at your price point?
Don't know much about them, but are Insignias worth a look, at your price point?
If you want a reliable set of wheels for your 6k I'd be looking at these.
520d GT, well worth haggling & maybe spending a bit extra:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202602190...
520d:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202603070...
Touring:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202603100...
E220d:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202602250...
2.0d Insignia SRI Nav:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202603080...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202512118...
Previous gen:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202603060...
Q50 with its nigh on bulletproof mercedes 2.1d drivetrain:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202602280...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202603040...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202602159...
520d GT, well worth haggling & maybe spending a bit extra:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202602190...
520d:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202603070...
Touring:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202603100...
E220d:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202602250...
2.0d Insignia SRI Nav:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202603080...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202512118...
Previous gen:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202603060...
Q50 with its nigh on bulletproof mercedes 2.1d drivetrain:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202602280...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202603040...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202602159...
Ten years ago i briefly ran a 2012 BMW 118d M Sport to keep the miles off my then E Class, as I was doing 700 miles per week. I found it to be a nice car to drive although obviously not the last word in performance.
At this price point with any BMW try to find one with low ownership that has been serviced on an annual basis (or 10k) as opposed to every 20k or 2 years. I’d also find a decent BMW specialist. With the right BMW you’ll never be disappointed.
At this price point with any BMW try to find one with low ownership that has been serviced on an annual basis (or 10k) as opposed to every 20k or 2 years. I’d also find a decent BMW specialist. With the right BMW you’ll never be disappointed.
My niece recently bought a 2013 70kmile 120d for £3k. I was expecting a clocked s
theap tbh, but I was very nicely surprised. She got a tidy m trim, looks like new inside and out, mileage checked out, and had been upgraded with carplay and all electronic extras enabled (presumably remapped too).
Bargains do exist.
theap tbh, but I was very nicely surprised. She got a tidy m trim, looks like new inside and out, mileage checked out, and had been upgraded with carplay and all electronic extras enabled (presumably remapped too).Bargains do exist.
Swfc1889 said:
The problem is the type of people buying a six grand BMW tend to be more focused on how fast it ll go or if it looks like an M whatever. I rarely if ever see a 10 year old BMW being driven sensibly, it s usually getting the bks knocked out of it.
That's no more true of BMW than any other 10 year old carks knocked out of it. Gassing Station | Car Buying | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff