Choosing a new car, maybe a BMW, maybe Alfa, or..
Discussion
Hi all.
First post here!
I've posted this on bmwland.co.uk too (http://www.bmwland.co.uk/forums/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=134137) but thought I'd post here for perhaps more broad opinions.
I'm in the market for a new car (2nd hand). I've always fancied a BMW, my dad had them when I was young and always liked them, so I'm considering something like a BMW 3 series M Sport (E90). However, I'm also tempted by an Alfa 159 (either 2.2 JTS or 2.4 JTDm).
I want something which is a bit of fun, something I can go across the channel in (via a Ferry, not a submarine car
) and explore Europe a bit and enjoy driving it, something fairly practical (I play the drums so need to be able to fit my kit in it though it isn't that big), and reliable would be good too, though I know that varies more from car to car than marquee to marquee. For example, the engine went on my 1.8 Audi A3 (1999 model) after 100,000 miles due to the oil pick up pipe getting blocked (damn those long service intervals - carbon build up) 
Someone here at work had a newer Audi A3 and had to have his engine replaced after just a few thousand miles. My uncle who worked for Jag and had some involvement in engine development seems to think Alfa is fine these days (he has a 159) and not to believe the horror stories.. Though he's only had it for 10,000 miles (bought at 80,000). He's actually offered to sell it to me as he wants one with less mileage (his has 91,000), but it's only a 1.9 JTDm...
But anyway, I measured up and I think I can fit my bass drum into the passenger door of a BMW 3 series (though not the boot). It's basically 20" in diameter, 17.5" depth so fairly big. The rest would easily go in the boot.
I can just about manage £10K for a BMW, the Alfas are a fair bit cheaper, though I just wish they had a bigger engine range. The 325i whips the Alfa (according to the 0-62 figures at least) and uses less fuel - unless you go for the 3.2 which uses a huge amount of petrol. The 2.2 JTS would probably be fine though.
I really prefer petrol to Diesel.. I don't know why, I just do - so that is my preference - The kid in me likes the high reving engines and the sound.. I'm not totally against diesel though..
I don't have to fit anyone in the back often, though I want to be able to fit people in the back with a fair amount of comfort when neccessary.
So - anyone got any experience with both? One of my worries with the BMW is image - getting sneared at by other drivers. I don't live in the best area (it wasn't too bad, once upon a time); I just worry about daft things like that
I like the BMW because I like the idea of a drivers car, RWD, etc. and I love the nice build quality.
I did consider the Alfa Brera, but if only it was just a few inches longer so people could actually sit in the back, it'd be perfect. My A3 was about perfect for me (even though a little cramped in the back). I don't think I want another Audi - I don't really like the newer ones. I actually prefer my old 1999 Audi to the new ones!
I was going to rush in and buy something by the end of April. I have a festival to play in Slovakia, but the rest are flying and perhaps driving over 1100 miles for my first time driving in Europe isn't the best idea!
Hell of an adventure though.. but probably better to take my time and not rush into buying something.
One of the 325i M Sport I've spotted has 18" wheels with RFTs - would that be a bit bone shaking? I think 17" might be better though obviously I'd need test drive.
Anyway, any advice would be greatly appreciated
First post here!
I've posted this on bmwland.co.uk too (http://www.bmwland.co.uk/forums/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=134137) but thought I'd post here for perhaps more broad opinions.
I'm in the market for a new car (2nd hand). I've always fancied a BMW, my dad had them when I was young and always liked them, so I'm considering something like a BMW 3 series M Sport (E90). However, I'm also tempted by an Alfa 159 (either 2.2 JTS or 2.4 JTDm).
I want something which is a bit of fun, something I can go across the channel in (via a Ferry, not a submarine car
) and explore Europe a bit and enjoy driving it, something fairly practical (I play the drums so need to be able to fit my kit in it though it isn't that big), and reliable would be good too, though I know that varies more from car to car than marquee to marquee. For example, the engine went on my 1.8 Audi A3 (1999 model) after 100,000 miles due to the oil pick up pipe getting blocked (damn those long service intervals - carbon build up) Someone here at work had a newer Audi A3 and had to have his engine replaced after just a few thousand miles. My uncle who worked for Jag and had some involvement in engine development seems to think Alfa is fine these days (he has a 159) and not to believe the horror stories.. Though he's only had it for 10,000 miles (bought at 80,000). He's actually offered to sell it to me as he wants one with less mileage (his has 91,000), but it's only a 1.9 JTDm...But anyway, I measured up and I think I can fit my bass drum into the passenger door of a BMW 3 series (though not the boot). It's basically 20" in diameter, 17.5" depth so fairly big. The rest would easily go in the boot.
I can just about manage £10K for a BMW, the Alfas are a fair bit cheaper, though I just wish they had a bigger engine range. The 325i whips the Alfa (according to the 0-62 figures at least) and uses less fuel - unless you go for the 3.2 which uses a huge amount of petrol. The 2.2 JTS would probably be fine though.
I really prefer petrol to Diesel.. I don't know why, I just do - so that is my preference - The kid in me likes the high reving engines and the sound.. I'm not totally against diesel though..
I don't have to fit anyone in the back often, though I want to be able to fit people in the back with a fair amount of comfort when neccessary.
So - anyone got any experience with both? One of my worries with the BMW is image - getting sneared at by other drivers. I don't live in the best area (it wasn't too bad, once upon a time); I just worry about daft things like that
I like the BMW because I like the idea of a drivers car, RWD, etc. and I love the nice build quality.I did consider the Alfa Brera, but if only it was just a few inches longer so people could actually sit in the back, it'd be perfect. My A3 was about perfect for me (even though a little cramped in the back). I don't think I want another Audi - I don't really like the newer ones. I actually prefer my old 1999 Audi to the new ones!
I was going to rush in and buy something by the end of April. I have a festival to play in Slovakia, but the rest are flying and perhaps driving over 1100 miles for my first time driving in Europe isn't the best idea!
Hell of an adventure though.. but probably better to take my time and not rush into buying something.One of the 325i M Sport I've spotted has 18" wheels with RFTs - would that be a bit bone shaking? I think 17" might be better though obviously I'd need test drive.
Anyway, any advice would be greatly appreciated
I went for the 325i mSport E90. I tried a lot of cars (although the Alfa wasn't one of them so I can't comment on that car.) I'd definately try both though. This is my first BMW and I choose it because it was by far and away the most fun and best of the saloon cars in this class I'd tested. The ride is perfectly fine, not the best I've had in a car but perfectly acceptable. Saying that when the run flats need changing, I'm getting normal tyres. It's not as bad as people say or even as bad as cars like the CTR or Clio Sport for example.
If you want any more details on ownership or driving give me a shout, I'm happy to pass on my experiences.
As for the image, I have more people say to me "nice motor mate" than I do not letting me out of junctions!
If you want any more details on ownership or driving give me a shout, I'm happy to pass on my experiences.
As for the image, I have more people say to me "nice motor mate" than I do not letting me out of junctions!
Sure more details would be great. Your car looks pretty much identical to the one I've got my eye on in fact. I like blue. Is that 18" RFTs? What do you think the 2006 model is worth second hand with only 44K on the clock? Just wondering if the one I've seen is worth the asking price. It's had 2 owners which seems a bit much for a low mileage car so worried there might be inherent problems.
Fair enough regarding image. Maybe it depends on which part of the UK..
Fair enough regarding image. Maybe it depends on which part of the UK..
I tested a 330i and a 325i SE but would definately go for the mSport. It's much more resolved on b roads and the body looks nicer. I love the Le Man Blue colour too.
Mine's on 18's and it's a 56 plate. You can get them for around 10 to 13 grand depending on if you use a main dealer or not. Mine had 37k on the clock when I got it, FSH and had been well looked after.
The handling is supurb, I'm used to FWD saloons and this feels much more agile, doesn't understeer and when the back end goes, it's so easy to get back. No fish-tailing or drama unless you're a complete idiot with it. Engine is good. I'd like a few more horses but it's plenty quick enough, smooth and creamy and is a joy to rev.
I've not had any reliability issues although I've only had it since June.
Mine's on 18's and it's a 56 plate. You can get them for around 10 to 13 grand depending on if you use a main dealer or not. Mine had 37k on the clock when I got it, FSH and had been well looked after.
The handling is supurb, I'm used to FWD saloons and this feels much more agile, doesn't understeer and when the back end goes, it's so easy to get back. No fish-tailing or drama unless you're a complete idiot with it. Engine is good. I'd like a few more horses but it's plenty quick enough, smooth and creamy and is a joy to rev.
I've not had any reliability issues although I've only had it since June.
All sounds good. What's the fuel economy like? It's not a major concern but just curious. For example, if I drove to London and back (100 miles each way for me) I'm guessing around 30 mpg? It'd be nice to get around 300 miles out of a tank if I was being careful! Thanks for your help 
alienmuppet said:
All sounds good. What's the fuel economy like? It's not a major concern but just curious. For example, if I drove to London and back (100 miles each way for me) I'm guessing around 30 mpg? It'd be nice to get around 300 miles out of a tank if I was being careful! Thanks for your help
I get about 25 mpg which is mainly urban. I don't have a commute for work as such so it rarely sees motorways. Easily get over 30mpg on a run. I normnally get about 300 miles to a tank unless I'm having a blast!Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff