Help me decide - BMW E82 125i or BMW 220d/420d

LRossiBG on 23/07/2020 - 11:13

So I've recently had a bit of a negative experience with my VW Golf 110TSI Highline and decided to get rid of it as soon as VW replaces the damned mechatronics unit and possibly the selector forks.

I've wanted a BMW 1 series coupe ever since they launched and now that I am on the market for a fun car I could easily afford a low mileage late model e82 125i cash seeing as they are well below $20k. Having said that the 220d and 420d could easily be found for under $30k which I would need to take a roughly $10k loan for but I would get a much newer car with newer technology.

So the decision is basically do I get an older car I have wanted for ages which I could service myself and potentially modify slightly or do I get a newer model which I would have to pay BMW to service?

Automotive

Comments

  • Hybroid on 23/07/2020 - 11:22
    +12

    Any other more sensible options you are considering that isn't a 10 year old high maintenance German car or taking a loan out for a very average 2L diesel car?

    • RossiBG on 23/07/2020 - 11:30
      +2

      I'm surprised you are calling a BMW coupe "very average", yes the 2L diesel is not the most powerful engine but its still pretty good in those bodies.

      • Hybroid on 23/07/2020 - 11:39
        +9

        220d/420d are absolutely average cars, even in Europe. From the looks to the interior (compare to Merc/Audi) to the engine. It's just basic for a German car.

        It means nothing to those who know nothing about cars and those that do, know it's a basic crap version of their higher end offerings. A diesel on top of that so not sure how you think it's 'fun' to drive.

        However, that doesn't mean anything at all if it's what you really want. Halo375 put it succinctly below. Probably better asking in a BMW enthusiast forum.

      • Drakesy on 23/07/2020 - 13:46
        +4

        The 1 series engines were predisposed to major oil leaks which i'd stay away from, especially the E82, had a second hand car dealer actively steer me away from one when i was buying my first car because he'd prefer not to have it on his conscience if/when the engine went bad, second hand BMW's are cheap for a reason. Talked me into a cheaper Kia sportage and have never regretted it.

        My mate picked up the newer model BMW 3 series second hand (2014 i think) and it seems the newer generation is a big improvement in reliability, probably in line with the extended warranty and the fact if they sold pieces of Sh%t it'd cost them more in the long run in warranty fixes. I believe you'd be a safer bet with any of the F series

        So, being the devils advocate i think Beemers aren't as bad as they used to be, however it's going to be a while until they shrug the trashed reliability image they have. Just don't buy anything pre F series.

        • RossiBG on 23/07/2020 - 13:51
          +3

          Thanks for that. There seems to be a bit of stigma around European cars in Australia due to past reliability issues which for some reason were not as prevalent in other markets.
          As I've said in other replies I've had a lot of German cars and only had major issues with the latest VW Golf. My wife has also had two VW Tiguans which have been great.

          • Drakesy on 23/07/2020 - 13:58
            +2

            @RossiBG: Yeah, VW hasn't done themselves any favours with the DSG, the misso just bought a 2011 golf and it has developed the dreaded dsg shudder, thats when you realise that VW's are just a mid-level car with expensive high end euro-spec parts.

            Seems that as soon as they chuck in turbos and increase pressure into any car reliability goes out the window. I guess this is why toyota's naturally aspirated snoozeboxes work so well.

  • dasher86 on 23/07/2020 - 11:23
    +8

    This is Ozbargain.
    Toyota Camry.

    • RossiBG on 23/07/2020 - 11:28

      lol, I've been tempted by the supposed Toyota reliability… but I think I'm still too young for a Toyota.

      • dasher86 on 23/07/2020 - 11:29
        +10

        if you have to take a loan for a BMW, you might not be old enough for a BMW - as it's just more money after more money.

        • RossiBG on 23/07/2020 - 11:39

          Interesting point about taking out a loan. Just for my info, how many people buy $30k cars cash?

          • dasher86 on 23/07/2020 - 11:41
            +1

            @RossiBG: dunno but most people i know pay 'cash' for cars or on a novated lease.

          • BBear53 on 23/07/2020 - 12:01
            +4

            @RossiBG: @RossiBG: I'm in my mid 30s and it was only a few years ago I stopped buying beaters to get around and dropped 32k on a 2012 WRX when I then decided to change a year later for a 2016 diesel RAV4 as I changed jobs to somewhere much further. Rav4 cost another 30k with a 17k trade in. It was in my late 20 I became much more sensible with money and could more easily afford these things. I'd also never take a loan for a car. I hate the idea of paying interest for an asset that is losing value daily.

          • brad1-8tsi on 23/07/2020 - 12:02
            +1

            @RossiBG: My Skoda was $30k on the button and I would have paid cash if I didn't have access to a Novated Lease.

            novated Leases are now poo and I'll pay cash for my next car which will be around $30-$40k.

            Borrowing money for depreciating, non-tax-deductible goods is for the birds.

            • RossiBG on 23/07/2020 - 12:13

              @brad1-8tsi: Thanks, I appreciate your input.

              Would you put $30k on your mortgage or on a car?

              • brad1-8tsi on 23/07/2020 - 12:36
                +2

                @RossiBG: Depends on the interest rate but my natural leaning would be towards the mortgage.
                NB: I haven't had a mortgage for 15+ years; I've never had a mortgage (I've had 4) last longer than 7 years; I paid cash for the PPOR apartment I bought in 2018.
                I still own and use the Skoda I bought for $30k in 2008. It has been suprisingly reliable and cheap to own for a VAG product.

                I'm very much inclined to avoid having non-deductible debt.
                I do have a margin loan for shares but tend not to hammer it too much.

                The way things are at the moment and how they seem to be panning out, I'd concentrate on having a good emergency fund and some F/U money.

                By all means buy a good, reliable car though. I steered my ex towards a Kia Cerrato in 2016. She paid $18k brand new with 7 years warranty and it's the only thing she's ever thanked me for since we split. :-)

          • [Deactivated] on 23/07/2020 - 19:13
            +1

            @RossiBG: Most people would get a loan. But you don't have to be most people, you don't have to waste your money on interest.

            If you do decide that the car you want is 30k, hold on to the golf until you have saved 30k. The money you have now could be making you money in the meantime.

    • contrafibularities on 23/07/2020 - 11:49

      Forget Toyota and Japanese cars generally, Korean cars are the new “sensible”.

      • RossiBG on 23/07/2020 - 11:59

        Yea, the neighbors bought two new Hyundais the other day. Not bad cars.

  • Halo375 on 23/07/2020 - 11:25
    +5

    Just because the used cars are cheap now does not mean the price of parts and services to match them have dropped at all.

    It’s your money - do what makes you happy! This is an emotional decision you’re making, certainly not a sound financial decision that this forum would advise is a better course of action. Personally I wouldn’t waste the money on a BMW - too many horror stories of expensive repairs and servicing needs.

    • RossiBG on 23/07/2020 - 11:33

      Maybe you missed the part where I bought a VW even though they are known to have DSG issues, and ended up with a golf with DSG issues.

      Good point about parts and service not being cheap as well as this being an emotional decision.

  • pegaxs on 23/07/2020 - 11:38
    +9

    From one expensive Euro trashwagen into another. Yep, cant see you ever posting about how much of a headache and how expensive your used BMW has become when it inevitably goes pearshaped.

    Have you considered buying something that does not depreciate like dog shit sandwiches at a fete stall sale and cost two kidneys and a liver portion if it goes south? You don't have to buy a "Toyota" if that makes you feel old, but there are plenty of good, sporty cars out there for the same amount of coin you want to drop on and old shitbox BWM that would be much cheaper to buy, maintain and repair.

    (And here's a hint for you… people are selling their used BMW's for much the same reason you are selling your Golf for. Something is wrong with it.)

    • RossiBG on 23/07/2020 - 11:51
      +4

      Wow mate, that's some pretty strong wording in that comment of yours!

      Here's the thing, at the end of the day all cars depreciate. Yes, some depreciate faster than others but at the end of the day they all do… well except for UTEs in AU but that's another story.

      I asked for help deciding between two turd sandwiches/trashwagons, as you so nicely put it, not to be told I'm being an idiot for wanting a turd sandwich.

      • dasher86 on 23/07/2020 - 12:37
        +3

        i was trying to highlight that OzBargain generally isn't the forum to talk about purchasing a euro depreciating vehicle on a loan as some people more value ($$) into reliability than fun and image.
        wasn't trying to call you an idiot but many on here would, as we are trending towards that way on this forum.

      • brad1-8tsi on 23/07/2020 - 12:43
        +4

        If I wanted something that looked sporty and was reasonably reliable and reasonable maintenance costs then a BRZ/86 fits the bill unless the spark plugs are due ($1000 IIRC).

    • kma on 25/07/2020 - 01:37

      all that hatred against BMW but not one alternative listed?

  • clemoly on 23/07/2020 - 11:38
    +3

    Never pay BMW to service - just take it to a BMW Specialist Mechanic and save the money.

  • Euphemistic on 23/07/2020 - 11:49
    +5

    Camry is out. Wants fun car. Ozbargain solution: Toyota 86

    • RossiBG on 23/07/2020 - 11:53

      Ha ha! Fine, I get it. Toyota it is.

    • netjock on 23/07/2020 - 11:59

      Ozbargain solution: Toyota 86

      Or the Subaru version. It is probably the logical choice.

      • BBear53 on 23/07/2020 - 12:17

        The BRZ has a premium price for the badge but the 86 has more options.

    • Zachary on 24/07/2020 - 12:50

      Screw the 86, get the Supra!

      • Euphemistic on 24/07/2020 - 14:11

        Then you can have a Toyota and BMW in one package.

        • Zachary on 30/07/2020 - 16:47

          Are they still even a thing, since the early 2000s?

          • Miami Mall Alien on 31/07/2020 - 15:33

            @Zachary: What do you mean? The fifth-generation Supra released in 2019 and it was jointly developed by BMW & Toyota (with production in Austria). It has the exact same platform and engine as the new BMW Z4.

            • Zachary on 03/08/2020 - 04:19

              @Miami Mall Alien: Huh…they got rid of the 2JZ engine….. interesting to know that bmw and toyota have been making comparable models….

              • Miami Mall Alien on 03/08/2020 - 13:37

                @Zachary:

                Huh…they got rid of the 2JZ engine…..

                You don't say, it's only what 25 years old?

                Don't get me wrong, I love a 90s 2JZ Toyota as much as the next 90s kid who grew up idolising those cars but they surely weren't going to re-use that old clunker in a new Supra.

                • Zachary on 06/08/2020 - 14:21

                  @Miami Mall Alien: What does the new engine sound like? Better sound and perform better than the 2jz….

                  • Miami Mall Alien on 06/08/2020 - 18:07

                    @Zachary: The most powerful 2JZ variants produced around 325bhp and had a maximum torque output of around 434Nm (and those were models that were by and large not available in Australia).

                    The 5th-generation Supra can be fitted with either a I4 or a I6 and the highest-spec I6 produces 382hp with 500Nm of torque, so yes, it is definitively better in every way.

                    As for sound, that's too subjective and I'm sure plenty of people prefer an old turbocharged 2JZ exhaust note over most modern cars engines with similar displacement and power output.

                    • Zachary on 06/08/2020 - 22:16

                      @Miami Mall Alien: Hmm, according to this video it sounds quite similar to a 2JZ….maybe if I were to listen to both in person, it might sound different…since the videos usually dont do any justice in the sound department or video department unless it's crystal clear 1080p minimum resolution and have professional studio quality mic to pickup every single frequency the exhaust note makes…

  • TheMindsetTraveller on 23/07/2020 - 11:51

    What year model is your Golf ?

    Many OzBargainers would probably say a new Corolla is more sensible but you are you and you should be you, no matter what we all think.

    • RossiBG on 23/07/2020 - 11:57

      2015 VW Golf 110TSI Highline. Great car if it wasn't for the gearbox issues which I have no interest in revisiting. Yes, I know that all cars have issues but apparently the VW Golf gearbox thing is a bit more prevalent than I am willing to deal with.

      Interesting to see so many people recommending a Toyota… would love to know what everyone that recommends a Toyota is actually driving.

      • BBear53 on 23/07/2020 - 12:20

        I have 2 Toyota's. Rav4 and a Yaris for the wife. I used to be a mechanic and have experienced that Japanese / Korean cars are heaps easier to work on and cheaper to maintain. I always hated working on euro cars. Hard to work on and expensive.

        • RossiBG on 23/07/2020 - 12:24

          Sure, but are they as fun to drive as a rear wheel drive BMW with an in line 6 cylinder engine?

          I do appreciate your point though and at some stage I might buy a Toyota or another Japanese/Korean car.

      • TheMindsetTraveller on 23/07/2020 - 12:42

        I drive a 2013 Subaru Forester SJ XT … it is 2.0l turbo 175kw/350nm stock but it has been tuned and does 0-100km/hr in 6.0 secs :D No issues to date though I don't drive much, 55,00kms/7years - most of the kms are from my brother who lives around the corner from me and uses my car a fair bit.

        I have had BMW 320 / Alfa 156 / Holden Astra / Honda Civic and Jazz / variety of Ford Lasers when I was a teenager.

        My next car? Look I'm going to say I probably won't buy any car moving forward. We plan to sell everything and travel the world in a few years time because there is so much to see and revisit (we have spent the last 15 years travelling and hit 59 countries).. If I had ideal car for my situation, maybe an Mercedes E53 Cabriolet or a Kia Tulleride (which they wont sell in Australia) If I needed to replace my Subaru, I'll probably end up getting a current MX5.

  • [Deactivated] on 23/07/2020 - 11:57
    +3

    I'd try and get something a bit faster. A 330i at least. But really, if you're buying a BMW you should get one of their inline 6s. You can pick up slightly older 435i for pretty cheap. If you want fun a 140i would be pretty nice and not that expensive.

    • theHMASfriendship on 23/07/2020 - 11:58

      I'd go faster still. An M3.

      • [Deactivated] on 23/07/2020 - 12:04
        +1

        Not in the same budget

    • RossiBG on 23/07/2020 - 12:14

      I have a feeling that all of those options would be trashed by the time the first owner is done with them. Might be the case with an e82 125i as well though.

      • [Deactivated] on 23/07/2020 - 12:55

        Not every single car is thrashed. Just spend some time looking and get a good one. There will be plenty of 340i that have barley broken the speed limit.

        • RossiBG on 23/07/2020 - 12:58

          I might consider the e82 135i then.

          Also, the plan is to take my time and find a car in good nick. Anyone know of any old ladies that have an e82 125i/135i for sale?

          • [Deactivated] on 23/07/2020 - 13:33
            +1

            @RossiBG: I’d be looking at foreign students selling theirs. For all the $$$ they spend on them, you never see them hooning around.

  • brad1-8tsi on 23/07/2020 - 11:59
    +1

    Do you really think an out of warranty Bimmer will be a huge improvement in reliability? i know the VW with the DQ200 is crap and the 1.4 has timing chain issues IIRC but a Bimmer? I love them but it's a no from me.

    • RossiBG on 23/07/2020 - 12:10
      +2

      I've had two BMWs in the past and both were pretty reliable! I'm also on my 3rd VW and this is the only one that has turned out to be a lemon.

      Also, warranty and reliability are definitely two different concepts in my mind. What am I missing here?

      • brad1-8tsi on 23/07/2020 - 12:46

        from my experience of BMWs & Mercedes (I have lots of car club mates with them), they tend to be troublesome a few years out of warranty.

  • netjock on 23/07/2020 - 12:00

    Buy BMW shares, not giving away shares of your wealth to BMW shareholders.

    • [Deactivated] on 23/07/2020 - 12:06
      -1

      You think that’s a good idea, considering they’ve only now just decided to create a dedicated EV platform? Their multi use platform policy has put them years behind even their local competition.

      • netjock on 23/07/2020 - 14:17
        +1

        Partly agree but just like OP some people don't use reality otherwise they would be buying a Toyota. They have created a value distortion field to make people pay a premium.

        • [Deactivated] on 23/07/2020 - 14:44

          You can be arguing that Toyota make equivalent cars to BMWs? They might be more reliable, but as machines they are inferior. And the OP is looking at second hand cars, so that value equation you talk about is out of the window. Many second hand BMWs wouldn’t cost a lot more than the second hand Toyota equivalent models. (Because the Toyotas are more reliable and will last longer).

          • netjock on 23/07/2020 - 14:49

            @[Deactivated]:

            but as machines they are inferior

            Inferior machines that excel at financial returns vs a BMW. You don't need to be an Excel expert to work that out.

            Exactly the reason why I say buy BMW shares, not the car because there is people who would trash their finances for a BMW.

          • Euphemistic on 23/07/2020 - 15:12

            @[Deactivated]: Toyota might have “inferior” mechanics but they provide a much better value proposition. The superior mechanics of the BMW does not make up enough difference to cover the increased sale price and depreciation.

            • netjock on 23/07/2020 - 18:36

              @Euphemistic:

              Toyota might have “inferior” mechanics

              Branding, some people just see the badge, they don't see the purpose. Some people swear their $1k bag is miles better but they just don't see $100 a bag will go 10x as far or maybe all you need is the bag to go for A to B as in single use. Obviously $100 bag has inferior mechanics.

        • RossiBG on 28/07/2020 - 09:24
          +1

          Mate, you obviously have some very strong opinions and seem to be enjoying the anonymity that the internet provides when it comes to sharing them.

          At the end of the day there's people who want a car to get them from point A to point B and then there's people who see driving as a bit more than just transportation. You seem to be the first type which does actually suit your stance on the value of a Toyota vs a BMW which is perfectly fine.
          Yes, if you see a car as a purely a mode of transport then a Toyota makes a ton more sense than an overpriced BMW.
          Yes, BMW's are ridiculously expensive and I personally wouldn't buy a brand new one as quite correctly everyone has pointed out that it depreciates at an exceptional rate.

          On the other hand, if you are a person who actually enjoys driving, you will understand that there's something special about a small rear wheel drive car like the two BMWs which I am considering. They are definitely not for everyone but there are people out there who do enjoy driving them.

          Also, the question was which one of the two BMWs I should choose and not whether I'm being an idiot and "don't use reality" or whether I'm choosing the wrong make of car. I didn't ask for financial advice either which most people seem to be giving (some of it is appreciated though) quite freely.

          • netjock on 28/07/2020 - 12:47
            -1

            @RossiBG: I stopped reading at the second use of "you" because obviously you're making it personal because you don't like the answers.

            It is like asking whether to buy one crap stock vs another crap stock. Obviously if asked people, genuinely nice people will give you a third answer. Obviously those who don't care will tell you to buy both. I am telling you now. Just buy both and save us all the trouble.

            Note in my first answer you are still buying BMW, just the stock not the car then people started having a go. Some people just have problems with assets that keep on giving (dividends).

    • RossiBG on 23/07/2020 - 12:20

      That's an interesting perspective. I'm not sure that BMW is the best company to be buying shares in though.
      Also, at the end of the day I'd have to give some shareholders shares of my wealth.

  • Bid Sniper on 23/07/2020 - 12:02
    -1

    You have first hand experience that euro cars are unreliable, yet you want another one?

    Far Cry 3 - Definition of Insanity
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKMMCPeiQoc

    your budget is 20K, you can get a Kia Cerato wagon but that with change 1 year old, low kays and 6 years of warranty remaining. They pinched ex German engineers/designers and made make reliable cars for a change.

    • RossiBG on 23/07/2020 - 12:17
      +1

      No, I have first hand experience with one of the many EU cars which has turned out to have a shitty gearbox design.

      I would definitely not put all German cars in the same boat and call them unreliable. I've had 2 BMWs and this is my 3rd VW. This latest VW Golf is the only German car I have had any major issues with.

  • Nugs on 23/07/2020 - 12:29
    +2

    E39 M5
    .

    • Zachary on 24/07/2020 - 12:54

      e46 m3 gtr

  • Mechz on 23/07/2020 - 12:41

    I had an e82 130i and it was quite good. Also faster than a VE-SS which hurt some feelings.

    • RossiBG on 23/07/2020 - 12:43

      I'm assuming that this was not in AU as the e82 130i wasn't released here?

      • Mechz on 23/07/2020 - 14:49

        Sorry it was an e87. Same chassis and interior though.

        • RossiBG on 23/07/2020 - 14:51

          I've had an e87 in the past. Great little car even if my wife says its a girls car.

          • Mechz on 23/07/2020 - 15:03

            @RossiBG: Well girls can do anything… I got one because of the WAF. The 3L 6cyl is a beast in such a small car. The only thing comparable at the time was an R32 and needed an auto for commuting. My mate has an E46 M3, we drove them back to back and I could out-break him easily. If I were going for an e82 it would have to be a 135i because you can tune a fair bit of power from them. Have you looked on 1addicts?

            • RossiBG on 23/07/2020 - 15:10

              @Mechz: Yea I've read up a fair bit on the e82 on a few forums including 1addicts. Personally I'd prefer the 125i (if I go for the e82 rather than the F22) as it has more than enough power stock and if I wanted to I could get it up to a good 200kw easily if I wanted to. I think that amount of power in that size car is more than enough for me.

              Going for a 135i is just asking for trouble.

    • puzzles2 on 23/07/2020 - 13:33

      Do you mean the e87 hatch?

  • [Deactivated] on 23/07/2020 - 13:24
    +1

    TL:DR I've reached that stage in life when I can't be bothered indicating.

    • RossiBG on 23/07/2020 - 13:26

      LOL, I forgot about that one!

    • Mechz on 23/07/2020 - 15:24

      Did you know that in some countries you don't actually have to indicate?

  • bazingaa on 23/07/2020 - 13:27

    Buy a Hilux

  • brendanm on 23/07/2020 - 13:36

    The 1 series are rubbish, and the diesel is crap.

    • RossiBG on 23/07/2020 - 15:11
      +1

      I take it you'd suggest I get a Toyota as well?

      • brendanm on 23/07/2020 - 16:09
        -1

        Nope. You just picked some really crappy BMW's.

        • RossiBG on 23/07/2020 - 19:45
          +1

          Thanks mate, very constructive input.

          • brendanm on 23/07/2020 - 20:17
            -1

            @RossiBG: Well as I said, the 1 series is rubbish, and the 4 cylinder diesel is rubbish. The only way you could have picked a worse one, was if you picked a 4 cylinder petrol 1 series, or an x1. Not sure what other input you are after? There are lots of good BMW's, choose one of those if you must have BMW.

            • [Deactivated] on 24/07/2020 - 10:59
              -1

              @brendanm: Yet the RACV found the petrol one series the cheapest car in its segment to run.

              • brendanm on 24/07/2020 - 12:47
                -1

                @[Deactivated]: They obviously didn't factor in costs to fix all the oil leaks. Plus the fact that the 4 cylinder is a gutless pos.

  • [Deactivated] on 23/07/2020 - 15:47
    +2

    Stay away from N47 engines or learn the hard way!

    -"You drive a BMW, you must be shitting gold"-
    Be prepared to get overcharged for every service, no matter if your beemer cost under 10k or above 100k. As someone who owns e87 120i i would suggest to buy a used BMW only if you're ready to get your hands dirty and do at least oil change by yourself. Sample: BMW specialist 300$+ , random indie shop 150$+ (unknown oil and filter brand) , do it yourself 85$ with original mann filter and BMW brand oil. Otherwise it's a money pit, plus frustration dealing with dodgy mechanics.

    Youtube has a lot of useful "how to" videos, so check it out.

    Don't forget prepurchase inspection.

    • brendanm on 23/07/2020 - 16:15

      I doubt op would be looking at n47s.

  • OzHunterNSW on 24/07/2020 - 10:54

    I'm looking at the X6.
    You are very wise to get rid of the VW.

    • RossiBG on 24/07/2020 - 11:19

      The X6 is not my cup of tea but what most people missed yesterday is that this is a personal and in most cases an emotional decision. Especially if buying a BMW.

      I've always liked the newer X3 models but seeing as the wife has a Tiguan I can afford to get a small fun car.

  • AM1 on 24/07/2020 - 12:58
    +1

    Personally I wouldn't go for a BMW with average engine (as I dont think they are good value with their average dashboard and basic features). An M model or 'x'35 (eg. 235i or 335) makes things a little more exciting (adding turbo to a 4 or 6 cylinder) however with better performance and thrill, for a BMW.
    Also its never wise to get an already old depreciating asset.

    If needing to borrow for a car, I've always known its better to get a lower interest rate, that's not a fixed rate, and that usually means borrowing equity from a mortgage with preferably interest only repayment. Your bank should even be able to have a couple accounts for you to separate funds (for property vs car/holiday/lifestyle) to make it easier for your accountant to know and remember what you've done when it comes time to claim car use for work/business if that applies to you. That I have found is much smarter than getting a personal loan (high interest), Novated Lease, Hire Purchase/car loan etc which are fixed rate principal and interest loan types usually. In times like this with COVID, i think its a bit more flexible to have interest only loans on anything. You can always put spare savings in over time to offset interest too and reduce the principal of the loan along the way, as and when feasible in life.

    Loan interest/repayment flexibility as well as tax is such an important thing to consider these days I think, when buying a depreciating asset.

    Back to the depreciating asset and car choice…. have you considered an Audi S3 sedan for example? great value performance car for this price level I think and good looks with 4 exhaust pipes, decent braking/visible usually coloured calipers and suspension.
    By the way, you do not ever need to take a German car back to the dealers for servicing, there are loads of prestige mechanics around with staff that are even ex-BMW or ex-Audi service departments. Even for a new German car they can do log book servicing and you don't need to pay usually double for servicing by going back to a dealer for servicing.
    By the way, I've always had a German car and only once for a couple years did I have a Lexus (still decent performance/thrill however, a long time ago).

  • wannagrababargain on 24/07/2020 - 23:09
    +1

    The E82 is a nice car and a 125i (manual) is the best version to pick. It drives like an oldschool BMW, a modern E30 325i. All of the typical N52 engine issues are well known about and not expensive to fix. The N52 was an under-rated engine and quite reliable for the amount of tech packed into it.

    • RossiBG on 25/07/2020 - 05:26

      Thanks mate, appreciate you sharing the knowledge on the N52. I believe you understand what I'm after. I think most people that commented have not driven a BMW and do not understand the feel of a BMW.

  • SF3 on 24/07/2020 - 23:29

    You might want to consider other ownership costs.

    Routine Servicing. Dealership or not, it’s still need a service. I’ve not own a BMW so I have no experience with the brand, but have own euro brand cars, personal experience with euros are they seem to make it difficult to service and cost more vs Japanese brands.

    Parts. Eg. Does the windscreen wiper cost $100 or can you goto supercheapauto(or similar) for lower cost items.

    Insurance. Eg. I was seeing how much it would cost for a Tesla, it came back around $5k with 60% no claim, might save on fuel but damn expensive insurance in my opinion.

    Likelihood of theft. Do you have to worry about someone damaging it or steal it? Yes, you might have insurance, but you sound like you enjoy cars/driving, I’m not sure if this is important to you.

    Debt, personality I’ve never got a loan for a car, buy what I could afford, to me it’s much better to be debt free (besides a mortgage) so you have more options in life. Debt restricts your life, more so if you ever get into financial difficulties.

    Like many above mentioned this is OzB, we are here to “save” money. Choose wisely, maybe when you have enough savings buy your dream car and still be debt free.

    Let us know what you end up deciding?

    • RossiBG on 25/07/2020 - 05:31

      Those are some very valid points you make! Dont get me wrong, I'm well aware of the ongoing maintenance and insurance costs associated with owning a car, especially one which might be put into the sporty class. I had my first BMW when I was 19 years old and remember paying a lot more for insurance compared to if the car had had a Toyota badge.
      All in all I have only ever had one car loan with all other cars being bought cash so I'm not too keen on debt.

      At the moment I'm on the lookout for a well looked after BMW 125i coupe. The 2 series coupe is definitely a bit better looking in my eyes but would require a small loan and would need to be serviced by a mechanic where I can buy the 1 series cash and service it myself.

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