Help with decisions please.
Discussion
Long time lurker, I'm hoping for some help with a few car related decisions…so your opinion, however unpopular is welcomed.
I currently drive an '07 E90 320d. 98k miles (owned for 7 years 47K covered) The car needs a new DMF - it's got the rattle and has had the rattle for at least a year. It also needs some new wheel speed sensors or it could also be the redactor (sp?) rings or both - I currently cope with this by just turning the traction control completely off otherwise the car is very jerky. Total repair cost for all of that is probably equal to the car value. I actually still really like the car, it goes well, handles well and I still think it looks quite nice.
Question 1: Do I bother getting the DMF fixed?
Question 2: Do I bother getting the clutch done too if I don’t plan on keeping the car?
Question 3: Do I keep the car untouched until it grinds to a halt one day? Maybe 6 months, maybe 6
years!
Question 4: Do I repair everything, knowing that some of what I pay out I will get back, compared to selling as-is where its value is probably very low.
This brings me to my new car options.
I do have an itch for a new car, but I regularly have that itch and have no way of scratching it! I will be saving up cash over next few months either way for a potential purchase.
Requirements for a new car are - 5 seats. I absolutely love Coupe styled cars and soft tops but with three kids between 4 and 10, it's not really an option, even though this will be the 2nd car for the family it still needs to retain some practicality. Main family car is a new BMW X1 in case you need to know.
Budget is 10k but I could continue to wait and increase the budget if there was something that absolutely made sense in terms of beauty, practicality, performance and lack of depreciation.
I don’t do huge mileage - school runs and a 10 mile trip to work along a fast A-road so I reckon I'm looking at somewhere around 7-8k miles per year.
Therefore I'm not massively worried by diesel or petrol. The problem I have is that most cars I like are either ridiculously thirsty in petrol, or only available in diesel.
The cars so far that are on my shortlist are :
Another 3 series, possibly a '12 plate - I'd like to push for the 328i in luxury or modern trim. I do love bimmers and these ones fit the bill in terms of looks - decent factory fit alloys go a bloody long way in my eyes. Other options are the 320d or 320i there seems to be a loads of possibilities- its just finding one that looks that bit special.
Jaguar XF 12 plate ish - either in 2.2 or 3.0 diesel - the petrol versions are extremely rare and just too juicy. I've loved the looks of the XF ever since it was launched and always imagined owning one. One stipulation I would have is that I cannot stand the entry level alloy wheels but the 3.0 versions do not suffer with this problem as they are generally higher spec.
Is the 3.0d a sensible choice for my low mileage? I've read about incomplete regens and diesel in the oil but it this also the case with 12 plate onwards? Something about a redesign and facelift? The jag just seems such good value I cant discount it yet.
530d - Its tempting me too but something is telling me no. Maybe you will tell me yes?
Are there any mileage related issues to consider, I generally look at cars with sub- 70k on the clock but I do wonder whether issues at that mileage are hidden and creep out over the next 20k.
Are there any other cars to consider?
I can't get too excited about Audi's just never had a 'thing' for them.
I do also like mercs to look at but again that age of C class in my price bracket doesn’t look too appealing. I sold an '09 W212 E250d last year which apart from lots of small faults, broken infotainment switches, torn seat seams, broken levers, egg shaped wheels and an iffy gearbox, was actually very nice but I doubt I'd go there again.
I know I sound like a badge snob but I just have to love something to spend money on it. My soul can cope with a car that I appreciate, depreciating. The thought of a car that is just A to B depreciating would annoy me every single day.
Sorry for the super long post. Thanks for reading.
I currently drive an '07 E90 320d. 98k miles (owned for 7 years 47K covered) The car needs a new DMF - it's got the rattle and has had the rattle for at least a year. It also needs some new wheel speed sensors or it could also be the redactor (sp?) rings or both - I currently cope with this by just turning the traction control completely off otherwise the car is very jerky. Total repair cost for all of that is probably equal to the car value. I actually still really like the car, it goes well, handles well and I still think it looks quite nice.
Question 1: Do I bother getting the DMF fixed?
Question 2: Do I bother getting the clutch done too if I don’t plan on keeping the car?
Question 3: Do I keep the car untouched until it grinds to a halt one day? Maybe 6 months, maybe 6
years!
Question 4: Do I repair everything, knowing that some of what I pay out I will get back, compared to selling as-is where its value is probably very low.
This brings me to my new car options.
I do have an itch for a new car, but I regularly have that itch and have no way of scratching it! I will be saving up cash over next few months either way for a potential purchase.
Requirements for a new car are - 5 seats. I absolutely love Coupe styled cars and soft tops but with three kids between 4 and 10, it's not really an option, even though this will be the 2nd car for the family it still needs to retain some practicality. Main family car is a new BMW X1 in case you need to know.
Budget is 10k but I could continue to wait and increase the budget if there was something that absolutely made sense in terms of beauty, practicality, performance and lack of depreciation.
I don’t do huge mileage - school runs and a 10 mile trip to work along a fast A-road so I reckon I'm looking at somewhere around 7-8k miles per year.
Therefore I'm not massively worried by diesel or petrol. The problem I have is that most cars I like are either ridiculously thirsty in petrol, or only available in diesel.
The cars so far that are on my shortlist are :
Another 3 series, possibly a '12 plate - I'd like to push for the 328i in luxury or modern trim. I do love bimmers and these ones fit the bill in terms of looks - decent factory fit alloys go a bloody long way in my eyes. Other options are the 320d or 320i there seems to be a loads of possibilities- its just finding one that looks that bit special.
Jaguar XF 12 plate ish - either in 2.2 or 3.0 diesel - the petrol versions are extremely rare and just too juicy. I've loved the looks of the XF ever since it was launched and always imagined owning one. One stipulation I would have is that I cannot stand the entry level alloy wheels but the 3.0 versions do not suffer with this problem as they are generally higher spec.
Is the 3.0d a sensible choice for my low mileage? I've read about incomplete regens and diesel in the oil but it this also the case with 12 plate onwards? Something about a redesign and facelift? The jag just seems such good value I cant discount it yet.
530d - Its tempting me too but something is telling me no. Maybe you will tell me yes?
Are there any mileage related issues to consider, I generally look at cars with sub- 70k on the clock but I do wonder whether issues at that mileage are hidden and creep out over the next 20k.
Are there any other cars to consider?
I can't get too excited about Audi's just never had a 'thing' for them.
I do also like mercs to look at but again that age of C class in my price bracket doesn’t look too appealing. I sold an '09 W212 E250d last year which apart from lots of small faults, broken infotainment switches, torn seat seams, broken levers, egg shaped wheels and an iffy gearbox, was actually very nice but I doubt I'd go there again.
I know I sound like a badge snob but I just have to love something to spend money on it. My soul can cope with a car that I appreciate, depreciating. The thought of a car that is just A to B depreciating would annoy me every single day.
Sorry for the super long post. Thanks for reading.
As you still like the car and the mileage is still pretty low, I’d get it fixed assuming it’s otherwise sound. At the age and mileage of the car a new dmf is in wear and tear territory. You will probably get at least a big chunk of your money back if you decide to sell later as if it’s knackered it will smash your p/ex value.
At 7-8k you should be looking for a petrol not a diesel because newer diesels will have issues with your short mile trips:
I'd say maybe look at a Hybrid:
Lexus GS450h SE L
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Infiniti M 3.5h
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Petrol Options:
523i SE
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
528i SE
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
530i SE
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Mercedes E250 Avantgarde
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
M37 GT
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
I'd say maybe look at a Hybrid:
Lexus GS450h SE L
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Infiniti M 3.5h
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Petrol Options:
523i SE
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
528i SE
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
530i SE
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Mercedes E250 Avantgarde
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
M37 GT
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Sensible answer is get the car fixed, you can't look at the value of repair vs value of car because the repair will keep you in that car for a good while longer. As an example the clutch in my Civic is going, a replacement with labour is roughly the value of the car but I will get the work done as I would never buy a car as good as mine for the value of my car + clutch. So if replacing the car I would upgrade, and therefore buy something newer and more expensive. Ultimately if you know the car well and know there aren't other issues and the servicing is up to date then the repair is the more financially astute thing to do.
If you do decide to get a new car it would be hard to overlook the 640d GC, they look incredible value compared with the 3, 4 and 5 series.
The Lexus suggestion is a very good one considering your low mileage, but if you're a beemer fan then it may not be for you.
If you do decide to get a new car it would be hard to overlook the 640d GC, they look incredible value compared with the 3, 4 and 5 series.
The Lexus suggestion is a very good one considering your low mileage, but if you're a beemer fan then it may not be for you.
I'm in a similar situation where the flywheel and release bearing on my Saab 9-3 have been going out over the past 20,000 miles. The car isn't worth much and has rusty arches, but also it seems wasteful to scrap it. I am just continuing to drive the car until the DMF dies, then I'll change it on the driveway. I'll need to hope theres no bell housing damage though.
Tbh, if there's nothing really major wrong with the 520d, then I'd go ahead and fix the DMF with a view of keeping it. It's probably cheaper than the depreciation on a replacement car, especially if you split the cost across possible multiple years that you will own it.
My biggest reason for continuing to drive the car as is with the damaged flywheel, is the rear arch rust. If the car didn't have this, I would replace the DMF.
Tbh, if there's nothing really major wrong with the 520d, then I'd go ahead and fix the DMF with a view of keeping it. It's probably cheaper than the depreciation on a replacement car, especially if you split the cost across possible multiple years that you will own it.
My biggest reason for continuing to drive the car as is with the damaged flywheel, is the rear arch rust. If the car didn't have this, I would replace the DMF.
SurferManDan said:
Jaguar XF 12 plate ish - either in 2.2 or 3.0 diesel - the petrol versions are extremely rare and just too juicy. I've loved the looks of the XF ever since it was launched and always imagined owning one. One stipulation I would have is that I cannot stand the entry level alloy wheels but the 3.0 versions do not suffer with this problem as they are generally higher spec.
Is the 3.0d a sensible choice for my low mileage? I've read about incomplete regens and diesel in the oil but it this also the case with 12 plate onwards? Something about a redesign and facelift? The jag just seems such good value I cant discount it yet.
If the car has mechanic issues and you are wanting to sell it then webuyanycar can be good as whenever I've used them they don't even drive it and seem to only be concerned with the appearance.Is the 3.0d a sensible choice for my low mileage? I've read about incomplete regens and diesel in the oil but it this also the case with 12 plate onwards? Something about a redesign and facelift? The jag just seems such good value I cant discount it yet.
Regarding the Jaguar, bit of a big post coming up! I would recommend the 3.0 V6 over the 2.2 because the latter can suffer lag when exiting a roundabout.
2012+ is the facelift and the DPF was moved closer to the engine and gets hotter quicker so it doesn't suffer incomplete regens and subsequently oil dilution issues. I do a one mile trip four times a day plus a lot of local trips with only a few longer trips throughout the month. My DPF reads as squeaky clean. I do use BP premium diesel so I'm not sure if that helps as well? The new ingenium diesels (x260 XF and XJ) do have oil dilution issues and I'd avoid - but these won't be in your budget anyway so it will be the very good Ford sourced and modified by Jaguar diesel lump. There were various other improvements with the facelift making it far more reliable and the seats were improved as well.
There's two versions of the 3.0 V6, one which is 240bhp / 500Nm and to be honest is plenty of power and torque and the 'S' version which is 270bhp and a whopping 600Nm of torque. You can always get the lesser powered one and remap it to the 'S' level or slightly higher to around 305bhp but a cavet is that the ECU does need to be removed with the 3 litre diesel to remap, not a huge deal but possibly a little more expensive.
The XF (x250) is a very overlooked car in my opinion, I never considered one until looking for an estate and wanting to avoid German as I'd just come from an F10 330d and fancied a change. I was a little worried about the reputation of Jaguars being unreliable but I do feel a lot of it is hyped and when I started digging I found that most premium brands suffer their own range of issues. It's the price you pay I guess for a car which you'll enjoy, be it any of the premium brands.
The car itself has excellent handling for its size with 50:50 weight distribution, double wishbone suspension and soaks up the British roads nicely. The interior is plush with lots of soft touch and if you go for the Portfolio spec you'll get the top of range Meridian sound system which is definitely worth it (or look for a Premium Luxury which has had it upgraded - the speakers will say Meridian Surround instead of just Meridian). The cabin is also very quiet (double bulkhead insulation, loads of carpet etc) and I'm about to put on some new Jaguar spec rubber which is rated at 67dB so looking forward to that.
Downsides for me is that it's Euro5 unlike my previous 330d which was Euro6 and it didn't need the Adblue which was good as it uses a special catalyst integrated with the DPF I believe. Also, the XF uses the excellent ZF 8 speed transmission but I felt the 330d was slightly more in tune with it and perhaps slightly more performance focused in comfort mode. You really have to put the XF into sport mode to get the transmission working at its best.
The XF is also easy to work on, oil changes are a piece of cake as the filter is on the top so you can just suck the oil out using an extractor and save having to remove the huge acoustic undertray and if you do brake changes yourself you'll be pleased to know that when doing the rears the electronic parking brake can be manually reset and calibrated in the car without having to use a fancy computer / device (think Audi needs this). There's loads of pattern parts available as well if you don't fancy OEM. You can also get an icarsoft device for just over £100 which reads all the Jaguar codes (and Land Rover) and allows you to reset your oil service, force a regen of the DPF, reads the soot levels in the DPF etc, reset codes etc. Very handy.
For me it was a toss up between the 530d and the XF 3.0d V6 but as I needed an estate the numerous reports of rear suspension air bag failures on the 5 series touring put me off, even though it's generally meant to be a fairly quick fix it's not something I wanted to come out to in the morning. The 530d was definitely a step up from the 3 series inside the cabin and it's very nice but the handling was very artificial feeling. Best to drive them both I reckon as well as other models.
bluezedd said:
I'm in a similar situation where the flywheel and release bearing on my Saab 9-3 have been going out over the past 20,000 miles. The car isn't worth much and has rusty arches, but also it seems wasteful to scrap it. I am just continuing to drive the car until the DMF dies, then I'll change it on the driveway. I'll need to hope theres no bell housing damage though.
Tbh, if there's nothing really major wrong with the 520d, then I'd go ahead and fix the DMF with a view of keeping it. It's probably cheaper than the depreciation on a replacement car, especially if you split the cost across possible multiple years that you will own it.
My biggest reason for continuing to drive the car as is with the damaged flywheel, is the rear arch rust. If the car didn't have this, I would replace the DMF.
I’m sure the arch rust wouldn’t cost more than about £200 a side though. If it’s a good car it’s worth doing? Tbh, if there's nothing really major wrong with the 520d, then I'd go ahead and fix the DMF with a view of keeping it. It's probably cheaper than the depreciation on a replacement car, especially if you split the cost across possible multiple years that you will own it.
My biggest reason for continuing to drive the car as is with the damaged flywheel, is the rear arch rust. If the car didn't have this, I would replace the DMF.
At 7-8k miles per year I can't help but echo ZX10's advice in that you should really be looking at a petrol or petrol/hybrid. I'm in a similar boat, around 10k a year mostly short journeys, and after hearing lots of problems with all the diesels you've mentioned, I'm not touching diesel. I know there is a bigger choice out there but I see many posts on a daily basis for various Facebook groups and forums where users are having DPF issues and they can cost big. You can do a DPF delete but then you're gambling come MOT time.
Thanks for the suggestions so far. I suppose I'd always just discounted 6 cyl petrol cars as presumed too costly to run but actually the economy isn't so bad on paper. Even the RFL costs are surprisingly low.
I'm only getting 37 mpg out my 4 pot diesel so I do worry slightly that the big petrol engine would end up being low 20's. I suppose it a case of accepting a guranteed higher fuel cost with petrol or gambling with a large diesel related bill somewhere down the road. My current diesel hit one of those issues at 75k with a turbo replacement and now 23k later has the DMF issue. I wonder what state my DPF is in if I even have one?
Whilst I'm here I really want to get a detachable tow bar fitted to my next car in order to tranport bikes on a bike rack mainly, is this possible on most/ all cars?
I'm only getting 37 mpg out my 4 pot diesel so I do worry slightly that the big petrol engine would end up being low 20's. I suppose it a case of accepting a guranteed higher fuel cost with petrol or gambling with a large diesel related bill somewhere down the road. My current diesel hit one of those issues at 75k with a turbo replacement and now 23k later has the DMF issue. I wonder what state my DPF is in if I even have one?
Whilst I'm here I really want to get a detachable tow bar fitted to my next car in order to tranport bikes on a bike rack mainly, is this possible on most/ all cars?
Well OP, your cheapest option has to be to just get your car fixed. 98K miles on a modern diesel is nothing!
From what I remember diesel BMWs have a DPF if the exhaust tailpipe is directed horizontally, but don't have one if the tailpipe points downwards. Although your annual mileage wouldn't seem to justify a diesel anyway!
Buying any replacement always carries a degree of risk - you might just be buying someone else's problems.
But as you seem to be ready for a change you probably need to get some issues sorted because if you don't the value of your car will be seriously impacted.
I have a 55 plate E90 330i as my daily that has done 109K miles and it's a great car with a lovely straight 6 petrol engine, and I wouldn't consider any of the 4-cylinder turbo models (like the 328i)!
At the end of the day it just depends on what you like/want that may be in budget.
From what I remember diesel BMWs have a DPF if the exhaust tailpipe is directed horizontally, but don't have one if the tailpipe points downwards. Although your annual mileage wouldn't seem to justify a diesel anyway!
Buying any replacement always carries a degree of risk - you might just be buying someone else's problems.
But as you seem to be ready for a change you probably need to get some issues sorted because if you don't the value of your car will be seriously impacted.
I have a 55 plate E90 330i as my daily that has done 109K miles and it's a great car with a lovely straight 6 petrol engine, and I wouldn't consider any of the 4-cylinder turbo models (like the 328i)!
At the end of the day it just depends on what you like/want that may be in budget.
Edited by Mr Tidy on Friday 2nd August 23:29
Edited by Mr Tidy on Friday 2nd August 23:42
As ZX10R Nin alluded to above, just buy a petrol. One of his suggestions above was a BMW 528i and I bought one last month to use as my daily driver. I paid 8k for a car with a full BMW service history and just 52k on the odometer. It is so much nicer, smoother and less s
tty than any diesel that I will never go to a derv again for a daily car.
I have an i8 and a Boxster S as my fun cars but I don't really care when taking the 528i to work. My old 4 cylinder diesels just made me feel miserable.
tty than any diesel that I will never go to a derv again for a daily car.I have an i8 and a Boxster S as my fun cars but I don't really care when taking the 528i to work. My old 4 cylinder diesels just made me feel miserable.
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