test drive in a 320 msport, buying advice needed.

[pimpin gimp]

Guys, i've just had this mail from a mate who's going to splash some cash ona new motor. i can't really answer his question having never had the best part of 25g's to spend on a car, or bought a beemer.

could you possibly offer some advice to him regarding this purchase and/or answer his questions?

many thanks.

Ryan

[quote]Just got off phone from BMW, got a test drive on Thursday in ex demo M sport 320 diesel. 07 plate 3000/4000 miles, heated leather seats and few other extra's apparently.

Price tag though is £24,850. What books do I get to check out second hand price.(cos' that's what it is after all, am I right to think in this way ?)...do what car do this literature as well as new cars ?. He said he couldn't move a lot on price, possibly £200-£300.

As said before, don't be afraid to give your honest opinion, the more info' I get the better position I will be in as I've never purchased a car with this prestige before, only cars from Arthur Dailey and the like. Is it true that they look after their customers as they rely on their reputation and repeat trade in the future. Or, is this a load of twoddle and look to screw as much as they can from a BMW virgin.
[/quote]

Cheers

ryan

[Olf]

Is he going to finance it through BM? If so, get a quote on the table from them and then try to hammer it down. Usually you can secure a reduction of 30-40 pounds per month on the intial quote a car like that.

If buying cash just comment that you have a few different cars at a few different dealers, you prefer this one but if the money isn't right you'll go elsewhere. etc. Get the price down. Don't worry about trying to build up a relationship with the dealer - it'll do you no good on a car like that.

[CommanderJameson]

If I had 25K to spend on a BMW, you can bet your bottom dollar a 4-pot diesel wouldn't be on the list...

Dunno about the finance. That's voodoo to me.

[anonymous-user]

Screw that, you could get a brand new one for slightly less than that from www.drivethedeal.com

Ex-demo cars are not good value any more. Only go that route if you need the car very quickly.

[Dino D]

I now this is not really a 'what car' thread but this might be useful info to your mate.
Check out this article on the B3 Alpina (320d tweaked by Alpina, sold by BMW with full warranty etc).It is only about £24,300 NEW with a bodykit, big wheels etc. Not sure about what bits it has inside though: http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?f=72&...

Edited to say that in this more recent article by EVO the D3 retails for £26,995 so not any cheaper than the one is looking at. Still a good buy I reckon because of the better residuals (being a rare Alpina with only about 100 a year planned)and driver appeal.
http://www.evo.co.uk/carreviews/evocarreviews/2019...

Edited by Dino D on Monday 1st October 15:39

Edited by Dino D on Monday 1st October 15:40

[davehart59]

I wouldnt buy that, one i dont like diesels secondly 2litre isnt very exciting. Get a 330i sport for around 16K upwards - saloons are great fun - iv got one!

[Dino D]

davehart59 said:

I wouldnt buy that, one i dont like diesels secondly 2litre isnt very exciting. Get a 330i sport for around 16K upwards - saloons are great fun - iv got one!

Indeed it's a great motor. I had a 2002 facelift model like yours. Converted it to LPG because I was doing big miles. Cost me about the same to run as a 320d!

But I think the OP's mate is really looking for the new shape and can't afford to run 3,0 petrol! But if he a bought a nicely depreciated e46 he could do with all the change....used 3 series are just such good bargains!