Yet another boring what car thread,
Discussion
Hi all...here's a long time lurker and first time poster and would really appreciate your opinions.
I bought a 2001 Vauxhall Omega with only 90K miles on clock last year April for couple of grand which looked and drove really nice. Unfortunately it turned out to be an absolute money pit.
So many things went wrong within a year and half - alternator went, alternator belt snapped, crank sensor packed up, rocker cover started leaking, alternator belt tensioner broke, all four suspension needed to be changed. It had to be recovered to the garage 5 times, once left me and missus stranded away from home at night and in freezing cold.
Also spent a small fortune to change the cam belt at 100K, fit a pair of new tyres at front Now it's sitting in front of the house with flooded plug holes and I lost complete interest to spend anymore money on it and just want it to go away. But when it was working, it drove smoothly and in comfort, many hours long driving wasn't tiring and it had all the toys.
However, can't really do without a car and managed to raise £3.5K (absolute max) to spend towards another one.
My license is auto only so manual is not an option. The better half prefers something quite and comfy in long motorway journeys and with reasonable amount of space (the Omega was kind of perfect for her). I would prefer something nice to drive and not with a weedy engine, I really like the relaxed driving style of bigger engined cars.
I was looking at a few high mileage (100K+) BMW 2001/02 3 series which meets the requirements nicely, but really can't be sure it's not gonna be another money pit. I'm happy to spend a bit of extra cash in yearly servicing and stuffs but absolutely not keen on handing over a bunch of cash to the garage guy every other month.
Now you kind and knowledgeable PHers enlighten me that it's a daft idea to buy a 3 series Beemer with that money.
Do you guys reckon if it'll be more sensible and reliable to buy a Ford Focus/Mazda 6 or 3/something else (you suggest) with a 2 litre engine. Still it'll be a high mileage one but I should get one within 2 grand and service/repairs/fuel won't be as expensive as a 330 Beemer. I know it won't fit any requirements I mentioned above (roomy, quiet, nippy) but I can start saving some money for a better one within a year or two.
Thanks all...
I bought a 2001 Vauxhall Omega with only 90K miles on clock last year April for couple of grand which looked and drove really nice. Unfortunately it turned out to be an absolute money pit.
So many things went wrong within a year and half - alternator went, alternator belt snapped, crank sensor packed up, rocker cover started leaking, alternator belt tensioner broke, all four suspension needed to be changed. It had to be recovered to the garage 5 times, once left me and missus stranded away from home at night and in freezing cold.
Also spent a small fortune to change the cam belt at 100K, fit a pair of new tyres at front Now it's sitting in front of the house with flooded plug holes and I lost complete interest to spend anymore money on it and just want it to go away. But when it was working, it drove smoothly and in comfort, many hours long driving wasn't tiring and it had all the toys.
However, can't really do without a car and managed to raise £3.5K (absolute max) to spend towards another one.
My license is auto only so manual is not an option. The better half prefers something quite and comfy in long motorway journeys and with reasonable amount of space (the Omega was kind of perfect for her). I would prefer something nice to drive and not with a weedy engine, I really like the relaxed driving style of bigger engined cars.
I was looking at a few high mileage (100K+) BMW 2001/02 3 series which meets the requirements nicely, but really can't be sure it's not gonna be another money pit. I'm happy to spend a bit of extra cash in yearly servicing and stuffs but absolutely not keen on handing over a bunch of cash to the garage guy every other month.
Now you kind and knowledgeable PHers enlighten me that it's a daft idea to buy a 3 series Beemer with that money.
Do you guys reckon if it'll be more sensible and reliable to buy a Ford Focus/Mazda 6 or 3/something else (you suggest) with a 2 litre engine. Still it'll be a high mileage one but I should get one within 2 grand and service/repairs/fuel won't be as expensive as a 330 Beemer. I know it won't fit any requirements I mentioned above (roomy, quiet, nippy) but I can start saving some money for a better one within a year or two.
Thanks all...
I'd probably think about the 2.5 v6 Mondeo at around this level. Have encountered them a few times and they always seem ok.
Another car that I'm sure will be slated by the masses but I've always found to be lovely is the 3.0 v6 Peugeot 607.
Both would probably have leather and nearly all the spec that I would want.
Another car that I'm sure will be slated by the masses but I've always found to be lovely is the 3.0 v6 Peugeot 607.
Both would probably have leather and nearly all the spec that I would want.
Buying any used car is a risk. It sounds like you have replaced a lot of parts on your Omega, and if you can cheaply fix the current problem with the plugs, it would probably be a safer bet to stick with the devil you know.
If you are set on changing cars, have you considered a Rover 75? The epitome of comfort, and pre facelift car (pre 2005 with the four headlights) are generally regarded as reliable (though it's best to avoid the 1.8 petrol). The 2.5 KV6 engine uses about as much fuel as the smaller 2.0 V6, can be bought cheaply, and should be very wafty. The 2.0 Cdti diesel is lifted from the e46 BMW 3 series if you want better economy.
If you are set on changing cars, have you considered a Rover 75? The epitome of comfort, and pre facelift car (pre 2005 with the four headlights) are generally regarded as reliable (though it's best to avoid the 1.8 petrol). The 2.5 KV6 engine uses about as much fuel as the smaller 2.0 V6, can be bought cheaply, and should be very wafty. The 2.0 Cdti diesel is lifted from the e46 BMW 3 series if you want better economy.
mnkiboy said:
shiftydave said:
Jaguar X-Type 3.0
Why not go for the S-Type 3.0 instead. Probably won't cost any more to buy and insure, and will give that bit of extra space you had in the Omega.Yup, Jag and Rover should both prove reliable, or at least as reliable as the BMW.
Another alternative for you to consider is the Volvo S60 - they have got a reputation for having very comfortable seats. You are likely to get a younger/ lower mile example than for a similar price BMW.
The 330i is a fine car, and there are plenty of satisfied owners on here. If that is something you always wanted, go for it
Have a look here for a list of common problems to look out for when buying.
Another alternative for you to consider is the Volvo S60 - they have got a reputation for having very comfortable seats. You are likely to get a younger/ lower mile example than for a similar price BMW.
The 330i is a fine car, and there are plenty of satisfied owners on here. If that is something you always wanted, go for it
Have a look here for a list of common problems to look out for when buying.Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff