Best used car out there?

[Turkish]

What's your thoughts people? "What car" says that the BMW 320 SE is the best 2nd hand car money can by. I'll be upgrading my Saab 93 before christmas hopefully.

[pap]

I drive an old 5 series (199. No problem getting parts, etc. No problem running either. 185K on clock and I've been told she'll do loads more.

My long term plan for replacing her involves getting a slightly newer BMW. Too many good experiences with my current motor to ignore the brand.

[Dibden Purlieu Saint]

2004 BMW M3 Convertible. I know someone who has one for sale if you're interested

[Tokyo-Saint]

What's your thoughts people? "What car" says that the BMW 320 SE is the best 2nd hand car money can by. I'll be upgrading my Saab 93 before christmas hopefully.

But then you have to drive a BMW and people will generally think, ar$ehole, add to that the fact that you work in sales and you'll be about as popular as the guy who bought Anne Frank a drum kit as a surprise birthday present.

[Turkish]

I get an allowance every month so I don't pay for it myself as such but I don't want to spend a fortune every month and buy something that's going to have massive depreciation as I do about 30k a year. BMWs, Mercs and Audis seem to be the best bet.

[Turkish]

I drive an old 5 series (199. No problem getting parts, etc. No problem running either. 185K on clock and I've been told she'll do loads more.

My long term plan for replacing her involves getting a slightly newer BMW. Too many good experiences with my current motor to ignore the brand.

What MPG do you get out of yours? Ive looked at a few 5 series and they seem a bit thirsty, as I mentioned above I do quite a lot of miles.

[pap]

What MPG do you get out of yours? Ive looked at a few 5 series and they seem a bit thirsty, as I mentioned above I do quite a lot of miles.

Depends really. She's not brilliant for urban driving, but is quite happy at the speed limit on motorways. I get 31MPG on the trip from Liverpool to Southampton, and usually handle that at some pace.

[Mattio]

I'm looking for a car priced between £2,000-£4,000 that will be used for a local (5 mile) commute daily and 100-200 mile journeys twice a week, I want something with a decent fuel econmy but that's nice to drive. ATM I'm looking at either an Audi A2, Ford Fiesta (2005ish), Corsa, VW Golf or Ford Focus, any recommendations?

[Saint-scooby]

I just picked up a VW Passat SE getting aout 50mpg on the M/way 39 ish about town. Good solid car

[CHAPEL END CHARLIE]

I'm looking for a car priced between £2,000-£4,000 that will be used for a local (5 mile) commute daily and 100-200 mile journeys twice a week, I want something with a decent fuel econmy but that's nice to drive. ATM I'm looking at either an Audi A2, Ford Fiesta (2005ish), Corsa, VW Golf or Ford Focus, any recommendations?

My recommendation is that every Tom, ****, and Harriet out there wants small cars like these, so the consequent high level of demand for Noddy cars makes them poor value for money. Unless you are still young enough for insurance to be a serious issue, then I say get a proper man sized car instead - a Mondeo rather than a Focus, a Passat not a Golf for instance.

That's where the value is.

[Turkish]

I'm looking for a car priced between £2,000-£4,000 that will be used for a local (5 mile) commute daily and 100-200 mile journeys twice a week, I want something with a decent fuel econmy but that's nice to drive. ATM I'm looking at either an Audi A2, Ford Fiesta (2005ish), Corsa, VW Golf or Ford Focus, any recommendations?

Out of them a golf everyday, had one a couple of years ago and loved it.

[Turkish]

My recommendation is that every Tom, ****, and Harriet out there wants small cars like these, so the consequent high level of demand for Noddy cars makes them poor value for money. Unless you are still young enough for insurance to be a serious issue, then I say get a proper man sized car instead - a Mondeo rather than a Focus, a Passat not a Golf for instance.

That's where the value is.

Jesus Charlie, the lads isn't a 45 year old acccountant. (I presume)

[Mattio]

No a bit off being a 45 year old and definitely not an accountant, the golf or passat look like a decent bet, the BMW looks very good for the money, just shame it drinks so much!

Any other suggestions?

[gaz]

People in the industry are saying, a VERY decent used car bargain is a Lexus IS200. Depreciation is near the bottom of the curve now, 8-10 year old models can be found for less than £1200, minters for less than £2000. Quality is as good as a BMW E46, handles as nice and is a bit more exclusive than a BMW (they sold more E46s than Mondeos in the early 2000s).

[pap]

People in the industry are saying, a VERY decent used car bargain is a Lexus IS200. Depreciation is near the bottom of the curve now, 8-10 year old models can be found for less than £1200, minters for less than £2000. Quality is as good as a BMW E46, handles as nice and is a bit more exclusive than a BMW (they sold more E46s than Mondeos in the early 2000s).

That's a good shout, gaz. I'm not really a car person, but have just had a look. That is a very tidy car for the money. What sort of lifespan do they have, mileage wise?

[CHAPEL END CHARLIE]

Jesus Charlie, the lads isn't a 45 year old acccountant. (I presume)

Oh It's hip to be square, and speaking of which you won't be that surprised to know that I once had a (very) square Volvo V70 T5. The pleasure to be had from seeing my old Volvo wagon - with all 7 seats occupied - still frequently leave expensive German motors spluttering in its wake is one of my fondest driving memories.
Re Ford Mondeo's - having done umpteen thousands of miles in them over the years, although admittedly no match for a proper Volvo, I must say that they too are excellent drivers cars, and top value for money too.

Needless to say not the types of car that hold much appeal for badge snobs of course ......

[gaz]

That's a good shout, gaz. I'm not really a car person, but have just had a look. That is a very tidy car for the money. What sort of lifespan do they have, mileage wise?

One of those popped up on PistonHeads ''Shed of the week'' which is basically cool cult, quick or interesting cars for under a grand. Here's what the members thought of it: http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/t...IS200#topicTop

[TopGun]

No a bit off being a 45 year old and definitely not an accountant, the golf or passat look like a decent bet, the BMW looks very good for the money, just shame it drinks so much!

Any other suggestions?

I'm about to change my Alfa 156 for an Alfa 159. The reasons are as follows:

* No problems with the 156 after 7 year's ownership so happy to stick with the brand.
* The 159 offers good value as it is about to be replaced by the Guilia.
* The Alfa brand is a bit different to BMW/Audi etc.
* The Alfa 159 looks more attractive than an equivalent sized BMW/Audi.

I appreciate that people state that Alfas have a reputation for poor electronics although my 156 has been fine. And the Alfa petrol or diesel engine is as good as any other out there.

I'm anticipating picking up a low mileage (c.30,000) 5-year old 159 for about £7-8K.

There's a nice looking one on Autotrader at the moment.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classifi...10xq?logcode=p

[pap]

I'm about to change my Alfa 156 for an Alfa 159. The reasons are as follows:

* No problems with the 156 after 7 year's ownership so happy to stick with the brand.
* The 159 offers good value as it is about to be replaced by the Guilia.
* The Alfa brand is a bit different to BMW/Audi etc.
* The Alfa 159 looks more attractive than an equivalent sized BMW/Audi.

I appreciate that people state that Alfas have a reputation for poor electronics although my 156 has been fine. And the Alfa petrol or diesel engine is as good as any other out there.

I'm anticipating picking up a low mileage (c.30,000) 5-year old 159 for about £7-8K.

There's a nice looking one on Autotrader at the moment.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classifi...10xq?logcode=p

How have you found getting parts for Alfas? Mate of mine spent three months chasing a turbo.

[TopGun]

How have you found getting parts for Alfas? Mate of mine spent three months chasing a turbo.

I live in Manchester so I only know the local choices. The Alfa franchise called Bauer Millett is expensive so never dealt with them or their franchise predecessor called Mangoletsi. However, I know two independent Alfa specialists in the Manchester area who find me new parts at a far cheaper price and with no time problems. I get the servicing and MOT done at the closer one in Sale too.

There's also a place close by in Warrington that imports all the Alfa and Fiat parts from Italy and sells them on to the official franchises in Northern England but one of my neighbours works at the place so I'm OK for both price and availability for all things.

I see you're in Liverpool pap, so you'd have no bothers either.

[Bearsy]

I've been driving round in this old Jaguar x-type what my dad give me. It's a bit of a rep to be honest cos you get funny looks driving round in it like ur a joyrider or whatever. Plus it looks like it should be a posh car I mean it's a jaguar or whatever but people feel the need to keep telling me it's just a mondeo with a body kit. Like I care bout stuff like that! Anyways the air conditioning ain't working so I'm gonna buy something else. I see this one car called a CLC180 that i quite like in the garage up the road. Is that a pretty sweet ride? Will I be ok with that?