Discussion
After finally selling my Astra I have 4k in my pocket. Having started a few topics on a couple of cars settled on E46 330 or TT 225 in either coupe or soft-top formats.
At 4k i'll be looking at 00 - 02 examples in both models with 80k miles on the clock. I like both and enjoyed driving both cars....but what would be the best bet in terms of lower daily running costs, and in repairs? Or at 10 years old is it pretty much either one could become costly?
At 4k i'll be looking at 00 - 02 examples in both models with 80k miles on the clock. I like both and enjoyed driving both cars....but what would be the best bet in terms of lower daily running costs, and in repairs? Or at 10 years old is it pretty much either one could become costly?
Hi Challo,
I'd suspect that the TT has more potential for big bills - purely because of the turbo. The VW/Audi 1.8 engine is also known for eating coil packs (not particularly expensive but annoying), but these may well have been replaced by now in the age of car you are looking at.
If you are looking at a 330, it is worth getting the subframe checked out, as this is a potential expensive repair. It is covered by BMW up to 10 years old, but after that you are on your own, likewise if the suspension is modified, you are on your own. I've seen a few reports of this during my M3 ownership, but against the wider population of cars it's a small % I would expect.
I owned a 2001 330i for 2 years, great car - get the sports seats if you can.
I'd suspect that the TT has more potential for big bills - purely because of the turbo. The VW/Audi 1.8 engine is also known for eating coil packs (not particularly expensive but annoying), but these may well have been replaced by now in the age of car you are looking at.
If you are looking at a 330, it is worth getting the subframe checked out, as this is a potential expensive repair. It is covered by BMW up to 10 years old, but after that you are on your own, likewise if the suspension is modified, you are on your own. I've seen a few reports of this during my M3 ownership, but against the wider population of cars it's a small % I would expect.
I owned a 2001 330i for 2 years, great car - get the sports seats if you can.
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