Test drive 645 tomorrow
Discussion
Ive been looking around for a new car for weeks and months now as ive been storing cash away for a few years and could afford to get something nice now. The BMW 645 has taken my eye and i'll be test driving one tomorrow, ive never driven a BMW or anything with these 'run flat tyres' and i'd like to ask your thoughts on them and the car itself. I really want to like the car because if i dont i always feel ive wasted the dealers time and i tend to pressure myself into trying to justify buying it but for this amount of money surely im allowed to be a bit more picky?
Does anyone here own one of these? One of my reasons for liking it is its one of the few BMW's which isnt as common as an Essex slapper. What sort of thing should i be looking for? Ive heard the i-Drive can take some getting used to.
Any thoughts appreciated.
Does anyone here own one of these? One of my reasons for liking it is its one of the few BMW's which isnt as common as an Essex slapper. What sort of thing should i be looking for? Ive heard the i-Drive can take some getting used to.
Any thoughts appreciated.
Don't pressure yourself - just spend time looking through the iDrive to see the features, and watch for jerky downshifts when breaking.
If the autobox is smooth there too, then there's no transmission issue.
If you don't know the area, ask them for a route which will let you experience all road types to see how the car feels.
It may not have RFTs on it, look at the sidewall or ask if they fitted some.
Put the reg in www.freecarvaluations.co.uk and mileage to get the book price, then allow whatever you feel is a decent profit, bearing in mind VAT out of it, and any other spends.
£2000 would be my level, for a straight deal, a bit more for trade-in against it - but confirm that by looking a prices of others.
If the autobox is smooth there too, then there's no transmission issue.
If you don't know the area, ask them for a route which will let you experience all road types to see how the car feels.
It may not have RFTs on it, look at the sidewall or ask if they fitted some.
Put the reg in www.freecarvaluations.co.uk and mileage to get the book price, then allow whatever you feel is a decent profit, bearing in mind VAT out of it, and any other spends.
£2000 would be my level, for a straight deal, a bit more for trade-in against it - but confirm that by looking a prices of others.
Thanks for that. That website values it at £7,000-£9,800. Its priced at £13,995. Its on an 04 plate so its getting on a bit but full BMW service history and around 50k on it only. Ive seen these things sitting on forecourts for months and i cant imagine the phone rings off the hook for them so is it worth trying to get them down by quite a sizable chunk? I saw another one not far away on a 54 plate for £14,990 but can this really be the 'market price' if they're not selling?
Ive got my T Reg Mondeo Zetec which obviously isnt worth much at all even if it is a rarity in having faultless paintwork. Probably not worth the hassle of selling privately afterwards mind.
I'll have a good play with the i-Drive, and ive been told the driving position is a bit awkward and the ride very firm at low speeds so i'll look into that thoroughly.
I used to sell cars and know how frustrating tyre kickers are which is why when i go to buy a car i almost pressure myself into buying it as i dont want to seem like a timewaster.
Thanks!
Ive got my T Reg Mondeo Zetec which obviously isnt worth much at all even if it is a rarity in having faultless paintwork. Probably not worth the hassle of selling privately afterwards mind.
I'll have a good play with the i-Drive, and ive been told the driving position is a bit awkward and the ride very firm at low speeds so i'll look into that thoroughly.
I used to sell cars and know how frustrating tyre kickers are which is why when i go to buy a car i almost pressure myself into buying it as i dont want to seem like a timewaster.
Thanks!
Edited by martin84 on Thursday 6th October 02:14
Book values are useful, but ultimately worth nothing if the seller has bought in over the odds or resolute in keeping the margin high to make as much as possible from each sale.
Given that, if you're serious, and can show you're not a waster, then £12K-12.5K should take it.
I'd almost guarantee even these aren't making book either (if the E65 7's are anything to go by).
Given that, if you're serious, and can show you're not a waster, then £12K-12.5K should take it.
I'd almost guarantee even these aren't making book either (if the E65 7's are anything to go by).
Edited by PJ S on Thursday 6th October 10:26
So would you say £13,995 sounds a bit high for what it is? Ive never spent this sort of money on a car and i wont be buying it unless im 100% sure its right. Im accumilating quite a list of things to look for and i emailed the dealer earlier asking if its got RFT's on it and he says it hasnt, its got Michelin Pilot's. Run an insurance quote for it which came out at £575 which is not bad at all i thought.
Tomorrow should be interesting, he's been very helpful thus far so we'll see whats what.
Tomorrow should be interesting, he's been very helpful thus far so we'll see whats what.
There are a couple of suspension points here which will be worth bearing in mind: http://www.autocar.co.uk/News/NewsArticle/BMW-6%20...
Price is always going to be what you're prepared to pay, not what the rest of us think.
But.....have a look for what my suggestion of £12K gets you by comparison to the one you're looking at.
http://www.motors.co.uk/search/?location=SL3%206BS...
If the amount you're thinking of spending is a concern, then I would offer you don't discount the one listed there for £9995 with the mileage over the ton mark.
If properly looked after, the engines are as reliable as most other petrol ones out there.
Bit of extra money in your pocket to cover any issues - which could just as easily befall a £15K car with less miles.
If you want a laugh, and learn about dealer pricing, you need only look on Auto Trader. In particular, there's a Scottish reseller (non-franchised) with a 2006 Lexus GS 300.
Priced at £7795 with 80 something on it, which in itself seems quite reasonable......until you look at the price in the windscreen display!
Yes, it was listed at that price a couple of months ago, as the GS300 is my plan B if the right 7er doesn't materialise for the right price.
So be under no illusions some (not all) dealers will put a hefty wedge of profit across the nose of certain cars.
At the end of the day, you're not a waster, as you've every intention of buying instead of dreaming - but only if the price is right.
If the one you're looking at is the one you absolutely must have, then go in hard - the worst is you'll be knocked back.
Watch it for a week or so, then go back again to renegotiate, but don't give the dealer the impression this is the only one you've your sights on.
Some dealers are keen to deal, others would be happy to sit on it for some time - so there's no guarantee you'll be successful, and you might have to raise your price to persuade them it's worth accepting.
Meanwhile, keep your eyes peeled for the BBD (bigger, better deal).
But.....have a look for what my suggestion of £12K gets you by comparison to the one you're looking at.
http://www.motors.co.uk/search/?location=SL3%206BS...
If the amount you're thinking of spending is a concern, then I would offer you don't discount the one listed there for £9995 with the mileage over the ton mark.
If properly looked after, the engines are as reliable as most other petrol ones out there.
Bit of extra money in your pocket to cover any issues - which could just as easily befall a £15K car with less miles.
If you want a laugh, and learn about dealer pricing, you need only look on Auto Trader. In particular, there's a Scottish reseller (non-franchised) with a 2006 Lexus GS 300.
Priced at £7795 with 80 something on it, which in itself seems quite reasonable......until you look at the price in the windscreen display!
Yes, it was listed at that price a couple of months ago, as the GS300 is my plan B if the right 7er doesn't materialise for the right price.
So be under no illusions some (not all) dealers will put a hefty wedge of profit across the nose of certain cars.
At the end of the day, you're not a waster, as you've every intention of buying instead of dreaming - but only if the price is right.
If the one you're looking at is the one you absolutely must have, then go in hard - the worst is you'll be knocked back.
Watch it for a week or so, then go back again to renegotiate, but don't give the dealer the impression this is the only one you've your sights on.
Some dealers are keen to deal, others would be happy to sit on it for some time - so there's no guarantee you'll be successful, and you might have to raise your price to persuade them it's worth accepting.
Meanwhile, keep your eyes peeled for the BBD (bigger, better deal).
I hadnt thought much about mileage and its possible this one is slightly overpriced due to its low miles. That 9995 one you got there has different wheels to the one im looking at which has the 19" i believe but its probably stupid to overpay purely for lower mileage, ive come across cars with very low miles which have all sorts of problems, specifically automatics. Very low miles on an auto suggests its been lumping from 1st to 2nd in town for its whole life.
In my view this cant be the sort of car which has dealers phone's ringing off the hook and they should be willing to take a bit less to get rid of it. Another small issue is when i come to sell on in a couple of years time it might be a lemon in the marketplace by then (if its not already), the value of cars like this will only keep going down. If it was practically worthless i'd just keep it.
You're right i have every intention of buying one if its perfect, thats why i really want to like the 6 series. Ive looked at the CLK and even new Mondeo's but ive had three Mondeo's now and i love them to bits but im done with them i think.
In my view this cant be the sort of car which has dealers phone's ringing off the hook and they should be willing to take a bit less to get rid of it. Another small issue is when i come to sell on in a couple of years time it might be a lemon in the marketplace by then (if its not already), the value of cars like this will only keep going down. If it was practically worthless i'd just keep it.
You're right i have every intention of buying one if its perfect, thats why i really want to like the 6 series. Ive looked at the CLK and even new Mondeo's but ive had three Mondeo's now and i love them to bits but im done with them i think.
At the price point you're preparing to pay, these cars still have a way to go before bottoming out - so you will be taking a hit on further depreciation.
If you're looking for something that'll owe you nothing in 3-4 years time, then the current 6er isn't it. When the F version materialises, then you'll have the bottoming out, as owners swap for the new one.
That's why I've suggested not to view that cheaper one with distain, as that may be the one that owes you nothing in 2 years time, plus give you a chance to see if you like it enough to buy another then, if that's when the F models start to appear.
If you're looking for something that'll owe you nothing in 3-4 years time, then the current 6er isn't it. When the F version materialises, then you'll have the bottoming out, as owners swap for the new one.
That's why I've suggested not to view that cheaper one with distain, as that may be the one that owes you nothing in 2 years time, plus give you a chance to see if you like it enough to buy another then, if that's when the F models start to appear.
Thanks i'll have a good look around. Been looking at some slightly cheaper high milers and seeing 100k models going for 8-10k which to be honest look in just as good condition as the lower mileage examples. I'll see what its like tomorrow and i'll be in 'look for anything i dont like' mode so the car has alot to live up to.
Ive seen a black 630i for 10k not too far away but i was taken with the idea of the V8, is there really too much difference between the 630 and 645?
Ive seen a black 630i for 10k not too far away but i was taken with the idea of the V8, is there really too much difference between the 630 and 645?
Looking at its figures now even the 30 looks very impressive but ive got my heart set on one with a V8 engine as ive had cheapy cars for years now and its time to buy something nice. I only live 12 miles from where i work so its not like fuel economy is the biggest issue in the world anyway, and then i start asking myself 'do i really need a 4.4litre V8 just to pop to the shop' and the answer comes back 'yes....yes i do..actually.'
I'd love that. My local Spar where i pop to for the odd bits and bobs because you can actually park at it (shockingly) is around a mile away. The council would prefer i use a bicycle, the greens would prefer i go there when the Bus wants to take me and not when i want to go and general busybodies want me to walk for the exercise. But i'd get that warm fuzzy feeling inside that im pissing them all off as i just toodle down there on V8 power for some milk. Oh yes.
Ive never driven anything with more than 200bhp before so the quoted 333bhp might give me a bit of a shock!
Ive never driven anything with more than 200bhp before so the quoted 333bhp might give me a bit of a shock!
Hi again PJ S, well i went to see the car this morning and i have one thing to say about it.
What a car!
I said to the salesman upfront ive never been in one and want to spend some time with it and he had no problem with that at all, sat on the forecourt for about half an hour playing with all the buttons and toys. The salesman owns a 5 series and brought me some coffee and talked me through everything in the iDrive, very nice chap. Took it out for a spin and its like its got some sort of warhead under the bonnet when you slightly push it, its fantastic! Ride was a bit firm at slow speeds but the gearbox is great, its comfortable, the stereo is like a bomb. The iDrive will take getting used to but im sure i could get to grips with it.
I wasnt quite comfortable to make a firm offer today but he did say feel free to come back and discuss it after a good think.
What i do know now is that i want one. Very much so.
What a car!
I said to the salesman upfront ive never been in one and want to spend some time with it and he had no problem with that at all, sat on the forecourt for about half an hour playing with all the buttons and toys. The salesman owns a 5 series and brought me some coffee and talked me through everything in the iDrive, very nice chap. Took it out for a spin and its like its got some sort of warhead under the bonnet when you slightly push it, its fantastic! Ride was a bit firm at slow speeds but the gearbox is great, its comfortable, the stereo is like a bomb. The iDrive will take getting used to but im sure i could get to grips with it.
I wasnt quite comfortable to make a firm offer today but he did say feel free to come back and discuss it after a good think.
What i do know now is that i want one. Very much so.
martin84 said:
Hi again PJ S, well i went to see the car this morning and i have one thing to say about it.
What a car!
I said to the salesman upfront ive never been in one and want to spend some time with it and he had no problem with that at all, sat on the forecourt for about half an hour playing with all the buttons and toys. The salesman owns a 5 series and brought me some coffee and talked me through everything in the iDrive, very nice chap. Took it out for a spin and its like its got some sort of warhead under the bonnet when you slightly push it, its fantastic! Ride was a bit firm at slow speeds but the gearbox is great, its comfortable, the stereo is like a bomb. The iDrive will take getting used to but im sure i could get to grips with it.
I wasnt quite comfortable to make a firm offer today but he did say feel free to come back and discuss it after a good think.
What i do know now is that i want one. Very much so.
Well, even if you don't buy yours you've made me want one!! What a car!
I said to the salesman upfront ive never been in one and want to spend some time with it and he had no problem with that at all, sat on the forecourt for about half an hour playing with all the buttons and toys. The salesman owns a 5 series and brought me some coffee and talked me through everything in the iDrive, very nice chap. Took it out for a spin and its like its got some sort of warhead under the bonnet when you slightly push it, its fantastic! Ride was a bit firm at slow speeds but the gearbox is great, its comfortable, the stereo is like a bomb. The iDrive will take getting used to but im sure i could get to grips with it.
I wasnt quite comfortable to make a firm offer today but he did say feel free to come back and discuss it after a good think.
What i do know now is that i want one. Very much so.
650i would be even better if u can find one. Lighter engine than the 645 and is 4.8l so more power still at 360bhp. I have a 550 e61 and far prefer it's engine to the e39 540 I had before, which is the same engine as in the 645/545 e60s. The 4.8 revs higher and more eagerly and gives slightly better mpg.
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