Discussion
Advice pls.
Background: 49 year old, professional, worked hard to get to a good place in life, made do with sheds whilst kids growing up. They re now self sufficient, mortgage free so more disposable income. No debts.
On the verge of buying a brand new car as reward for prudence and 50th. BMW M340i touring in Isle of Man Green.
Whilst living in a respectable suburb, it’s very much a BD postcode. Very anxious about the security aspect of a performance car in a standout colour. Too many cases of performance cars stolen, masked men knocking on the door demanding keys.
We don t have off street parking or garage - though neither of these are likely to deter criminals.
I m aware of immobiliser via PIN and other security features but, they will only stop the car from being driven away. Doesn t negate the risk at the front door or car jacking.
Would you buy such a car and if so, how would you deal with possible security issues? Moving is not an option at present due to elderly parents nearby. Never had any concern with sheds.
A bit miffed that one can t have nice things without anxiety.
Background: 49 year old, professional, worked hard to get to a good place in life, made do with sheds whilst kids growing up. They re now self sufficient, mortgage free so more disposable income. No debts.
On the verge of buying a brand new car as reward for prudence and 50th. BMW M340i touring in Isle of Man Green.
Whilst living in a respectable suburb, it’s very much a BD postcode. Very anxious about the security aspect of a performance car in a standout colour. Too many cases of performance cars stolen, masked men knocking on the door demanding keys.
We don t have off street parking or garage - though neither of these are likely to deter criminals.
I m aware of immobiliser via PIN and other security features but, they will only stop the car from being driven away. Doesn t negate the risk at the front door or car jacking.
Would you buy such a car and if so, how would you deal with possible security issues? Moving is not an option at present due to elderly parents nearby. Never had any concern with sheds.
A bit miffed that one can t have nice things without anxiety.
Edited by Moodyman1 on Monday 3rd August 13:26
Moodyman1 said:
Advice pls.
On the verge of buying a brand new car as reward for prudence and 50th. BMW M340i touring in an eye catching paint (Isle of Man Green).
Whilst living in a respectable suburb, this is still a BD postcode. Very anxious about the security aspect of driving a performance car in a standout colour. Too many cases of performance cars stolen, masked men knocking on the door demanding keys.
Would you buy such a car and if so, how would you deal with possible security issues? Moving is not an option at present due to elderly parents nearby. Never had any concern with sheds.
I think you're over-worryingOn the verge of buying a brand new car as reward for prudence and 50th. BMW M340i touring in an eye catching paint (Isle of Man Green).
Whilst living in a respectable suburb, this is still a BD postcode. Very anxious about the security aspect of driving a performance car in a standout colour. Too many cases of performance cars stolen, masked men knocking on the door demanding keys.
Would you buy such a car and if so, how would you deal with possible security issues? Moving is not an option at present due to elderly parents nearby. Never had any concern with sheds.
It's a fairly inconspicuous car. To many, it's another 3 series estate.
Thieves nowadays are after Range Rovers and SUVs, or proper performance stuff like Golf R's / RS3's / M3's.
They also don't really care what colour it is.
Buy it, insure it, leave the keys downstairs in a sensible but easily accessible place.
Simon_GH said:
I d insure it, enjoy it and worry about theft if a problem ever presents.
Guess the issue for the OP isn't that it's insured, more that if there could be violence, burglaries, etc. Maybe worth checking the Police crime postcode thing for your local streets to look for any vehicle crimes/burglaries. And see how many of your neighbours have equally desirable motors? That'll help you determine the risk level perhaps?https://www.police.uk/pu/your-area/?search=1
(Vehicle crimes and robbery/burglary are the sorts of crimes that will almost always be reported so should give an accurate view)
Well done on all you've achieved.
I assume there's much emotional attachment to the house.
I think I'd think long and hard about what you'd get from buying the car. I can fully understand the significance of it being a signifier of achieving goals and being able to treat youself. I've treated myself to two new motorcycles because I could, they're much cheaper than a modern car, but at the end of the day they're just things. I am sure many motorcyclists wonder if their motorcycle will be where they left it when they use them.
A relative had police knocking their door as they've a middling-high end Audi and know a tame Audi tech. and some factory extra that wasn't fitted as new and it alerted the police. It seems the Audi is fitted with ghost.
Would you be letting a possession control or influence your life in buying it and then worrying about it getting stolen or damaged all of the time? It even grates when a shed disposable car is vandalised. Does your average man in the street consider anyone else or their possessions?
It's an emotional purchase and a heart versus head issue.
It's a nice problem to have.
On social media last week I saw some police car chase of a 2 door Audi S5. I've assumed it was an early V8 one. Once the police had stopped the car and got the two teeangers out of it there were sets of car keys in the centre console I assume from where they've broken into houses to get car keys.
I assume there's much emotional attachment to the house.
I think I'd think long and hard about what you'd get from buying the car. I can fully understand the significance of it being a signifier of achieving goals and being able to treat youself. I've treated myself to two new motorcycles because I could, they're much cheaper than a modern car, but at the end of the day they're just things. I am sure many motorcyclists wonder if their motorcycle will be where they left it when they use them.
A relative had police knocking their door as they've a middling-high end Audi and know a tame Audi tech. and some factory extra that wasn't fitted as new and it alerted the police. It seems the Audi is fitted with ghost.
Would you be letting a possession control or influence your life in buying it and then worrying about it getting stolen or damaged all of the time? It even grates when a shed disposable car is vandalised. Does your average man in the street consider anyone else or their possessions?
It's an emotional purchase and a heart versus head issue.
It's a nice problem to have.
On social media last week I saw some police car chase of a 2 door Audi S5. I've assumed it was an early V8 one. Once the police had stopped the car and got the two teeangers out of it there were sets of car keys in the centre console I assume from where they've broken into houses to get car keys.
Edited by carinaman on Monday 3rd August 12:57
Collectingbrass said:
1. Keep it in the garage when at home, so it is less visible - making use of the touring functionality to get the garage clear in the first place...
2. Fit an insurance approved tracker so should the worst happen it can be recovered.
1. On street parking, it seems there's no garage or drive way.2. Fit an insurance approved tracker so should the worst happen it can be recovered.
2. I was speaking with a Honda XADV 300 scooter rider yesterday. It's kept in a building when it's at home. It had a Tracker fitted.
Great car and choice of colour.
My view is that you should just buy it, insure it and use the insurance if the worst happens.
You could take some measures to reduce the risk of theft such as de-badging, deactivating keyless go (if possible) and using a disklok.
Are there no lockups or garages for rent near where you live?
My view is that you should just buy it, insure it and use the insurance if the worst happens.
You could take some measures to reduce the risk of theft such as de-badging, deactivating keyless go (if possible) and using a disklok.
Are there no lockups or garages for rent near where you live?
If you are worrying or overthinking it this much before the car gets here ( great colour choice potentially btw ) then what are you going to be like when its parked on the street outside ?
Maybe get something " nicer " than what you have now and see how you go / feel about it then ?
A Tracker won't prevent someone from breaking in to get the keys as they will probably be assuming it has one of those anyway.
A faraday box might stop them accessing your car from the outside but again will they then move on or break in ?
Maybe get something " nicer " than what you have now and see how you go / feel about it then ?
A Tracker won't prevent someone from breaking in to get the keys as they will probably be assuming it has one of those anyway.
A faraday box might stop them accessing your car from the outside but again will they then move on or break in ?
If it's on street parking my bigger worry would be it picking up bumps and scratches, I suspect that's a far bigger risk.
Just leave the keys somewhere obvious downstairs so if the worst happens they'll find them straight away without having to come upstairs in the middle of the night.
Just leave the keys somewhere obvious downstairs so if the worst happens they'll find them straight away without having to come upstairs in the middle of the night.
Oh if you're think you're worrying now wait until you have to park the thing in a car park mouth breathing scum use (avoid ASDA...), or street park it somewhere, or maybe airport parking.
If you're someone who is given to anxiety about their car, upset by damage, and worries about theft then having a brand new car can be a poisoned chalice. I'm not that way inclined now, I was when I was younger, but it's still pretty crap to watch the inevitable progress of entropy on your expensive new-ish car!
If you're someone who is given to anxiety about their car, upset by damage, and worries about theft then having a brand new car can be a poisoned chalice. I'm not that way inclined now, I was when I was younger, but it's still pretty crap to watch the inevitable progress of entropy on your expensive new-ish car!
Tricky one, part of me says just go out and get the car if that is what you want and enjoy it, it's insured and in most people's eyes it is a 3 series BMW, it doesn't scream look at me and would likely just be passed by.
But part of me thinks you will just be sat there worrying all of the time about the car and it could consume you, worrying about it outside, what might happen, worry about where you drive, where you will park.
Which camp are you in and be honest with yourself, that would surely help with your decision.
But part of me thinks you will just be sat there worrying all of the time about the car and it could consume you, worrying about it outside, what might happen, worry about where you drive, where you will park.
Which camp are you in and be honest with yourself, that would surely help with your decision.
Look at your annual insurance premium and ask yourself what that tells you about the chances of theft. I imagine that it suggests the possibility is very low. As proposed above, get gap insurance if this would add to peace of mind. You could also go old school and put a steering wheel lock on it.
Personally I would be more concerned about casual/accidental damage from on-street parking.
As for "A bit miffed that one can t have nice things without anxiety."
Many people can and do, it is down to the individual and their perception of crime and risk. A lot of folk are very content driving a non-M 3-series around without fear of car jacking or theft, but anxiety is individual and not always rational, so its a question of whether your anxiety will ruin the ownership experience or not. FWIW I am a big worrier and suffer anxiety but never about replaceable/insurable stuff.
Personally I would be more concerned about casual/accidental damage from on-street parking.
As for "A bit miffed that one can t have nice things without anxiety."
Many people can and do, it is down to the individual and their perception of crime and risk. A lot of folk are very content driving a non-M 3-series around without fear of car jacking or theft, but anxiety is individual and not always rational, so its a question of whether your anxiety will ruin the ownership experience or not. FWIW I am a big worrier and suffer anxiety but never about replaceable/insurable stuff.
Edited by fflump on Monday 3rd August 13:34
smallpaul said:
If you're worried about being out of pocket; get gap insurance. Then -in the unlikely event it does get stolen- go out and buy another brand new one.
Oh yes get the longest and most comprehensive GAP policy you can buy. I had a 5 year policy on the last car I bought new with my own money, by year 4 I was praying someone would drop a skip on it 
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