What coupe/hatchback for 12k?

[striver]

I have 12k max to spend. Looking for something fairly sporty.

Few questions. What are people's opinion on buying private vs buying from a dealership?

I'm leaning more towards buying from a dealership as unfortunately I'm not particularly mechanically inclined nor do I know any good, cheap mechanics.

So far I've looked at 120d coupes from a bmw dealership. What are people's thought on the difference between the ES version vs the m sport version. It seems you pay about 2.5k more for the m sport version which seems fairly exorbitant.

The car would be a daily and I do just under 10k mile a year.

[jb2410]

striver said:

I have 12k max to spend. Looking for something fairly sporty.

Few questions. What are people's opinion on buying private vs buying from a dealership?

I'm leaning more towards buying from a dealership as unfortunately I'm not particularly mechanically inclined nor do I know any good, cheap mechanics.

So far I've looked at 120d coupes from a bmw dealership. What are people's thought on the difference between the ES version vs the m sport version. It seems you pay about 2.5k more for the m sport version which seems fairly exorbitant.

The car would be a daily and I do just under 10k mile a year.

Personally would have to be M Sport for me. ES may as well stand for 'equipment sparse', M Sport will cost more now but be better looking (subjective I know), have more toys, and be more likely to retain more of it's value (and also easier to get rid of) when you come to resell.

[Mr Tidy]

I would definitely avoid ES spec - it's the lowest spec offered on the coupe! IIRC it has aircon instead of climate, etc. (My 57 plate 123dSE had dual-zone climate and io imagine coupes are the same).
If you don't want the stiffer M Sport suspension and bigger wheels SE will give you similar spec in most (all?) other respects.
Saying that I would look for a 123d if I wanted diesel, but if petrol is an option maybe try a 125i - much nicer sound!
I sold a 123d last year after 6+ years ownership and bought a Z4 Coupe in your budget - 3 litre straight 6 is just so much nicer, but Z4 won't work if you need back seats!
Good luck anyway.

[ZX10R NIN]

striver said:

I have 12k max to spend. Looking for something fairly sporty.

Few questions. What are people's opinion on buying private vs buying from a dealership?

I'm leaning more towards buying from a dealership as unfortunately I'm not particularly mechanically inclined nor do I know any good, cheap mechanics.

So far I've looked at 120d coupes from a bmw dealership. What are people's thought on the difference between the ES version vs the m sport version. It seems you pay about 2.5k more for the m sport version which seems fairly exorbitant.

The car would be a daily and I do just under 10k mile a year.

How about one of these sporty but not a Coupe:

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...

Or:

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...


http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2014...

All better than a 1 series IMO

Edited by ZX10R NIN on Saturday 21st February 23:55

[htid]

Z4 coupe would be my choice for that money, looks, ample power, reasonable running costs

[carparkno1]

I have a 120d coupe in SE spec. Heated leather, sunroof, front and back parking sensors, multi cd changer etc. I got it AUC from BMW and with the problems that engine N47 is known for it is highly advisable. After the year's warranty ran out I have extended it for engine only.

Engine pulls like a train, steering is fab and I've got 650 miles from a tank on a very long drive right up the country before. Around town more like mid 40s.

Its not the last word in excitement obviously but as a comfortable cruiser that eats up the miles and is a nice place to be I couldn't speak highly enough of it.

[Bill]

For that sort of mileage I'd go with petrol, and you'll get more car for your money.