[rogerxp]

...so let's start one off

Whilst I really don't want to get rid of the Zed, I'm doing more business miles, and this won't get any better as I head into the new year so have been quietly on the prowl for a few months now but getting rather fed-up so thought I'd open this debate up for inspiration.

The no.1 car for me is an E92 330d M Sport (manual), preferable an LCI car with the newer engine & fancy sat-nav, but they're like rocking horse shit . There is current one, yes ONE, available nationwide from BMW and it's a pre-PCI with no sat-nav (but does have ind.audio).

I opened my search up to include 325d's but there's only 4 more cars available with a manual box, but only 1 of has sat-nav. I'd actually snap this one up but the dealer doesn't seem to be trying hard enough (we've not all got Andrew's skill/luck).

Is there anything else I could be keeping my eye on that I'm not considering?? The remit would be a diesel (or super efficient petrol) with a dollop of power to keep me interested, coupe preferably, manual, and a nice array of gadgets. Don't ask for much do I. Oh, budget I think it around £20k, I've been twice offered only £17k for the Zed recently (which seems v.poor for a 60 plate with 9,500 on the clock) which gives me £4,500 equity to chuck in (was hoping for more like £6,500). The problem is I only pay £180p/m for the Zed on finance (with a balloon) and whilst I accept I'll likely end up spending more each month on finance, I'll save on fuel, road tax, insurance, etc, but need to be careful with the monthlies otherwise I may as well stick with the Zed - my mileage won't be galatic.

I've looked briefly at a diesel TT, but the 2.0 seems a bit measly, an A5 in 3.0tdi guise would interest me (not seen a manual one though - are they available), but am hopeless with Audi spec so can't tell a good one from bad. Aren't the petrol TT's pretty good on fuel though?? Scirocco??? A Golf tdi seems way too sensible to me. A Juke Nismo seems a real leftfield alternative but don't think I'd like to wait until early 2013. Alfa Spider diesel semi intriuges me but they're virtually impossible to get with sat-nav fitter.

I could of course be patient and wait for a 330d to turn up

Anything anyone would like to add...

[Palmnuts]

Your limiting factor is that requirement for a manual - when you get to a certain 'level' of car, especially diesels, they all seem to be autos or dual clutch's

Given you've had an e9x before, how about trying something different and going for that A5 3.0TDI you suggested. This is not a bad shout, it's different to what you've had before and I guess if you go for S-Line, you can't go wrong on spec as long as you have the optional Nav. Oh, they're also definitely available as a manual as a quick search of PH classifieds has just proven and it's probably one of the most powerful manual diesels outside of a 330d.

Damn, I forgot your monthly payment on the Zed was just £180....thats crazy low so you'll definitely end up spending a lot more! If this really is a cost saving exercise to get something more economical for work, are you sure you'll actually be better off given the much higher monthly payment you will make and the loss on the Zed? I know, it a really annoying question as you're trying to justify a change to yourself but you may as well just admit it...you're fed up of at the creaky Zed and want something else You're unlikely to get those roof issues if you got a cabriolet A5!

[rogerxp]

You're absolutely spot on with all your comments mate, except for my wanting to change my car (don't tarnish me with your brush), I really don't want to change, and if the figures don't stack-up I'll happily keep the Zed, but if savings can be made I'm all ears.

Yup, a manual car is going to make my life hard, but they do exist so patience is needed. The A5 does sort of appeal for a change but my unfamiliarity with Audi's makes me nervous about not getting shafted - with a Beemer I know everything there is to know so know when a dealer is trying to pull a fast one - I suppose this is the same with any other marque. I'd be happy with an A5 Cab too, but think I'd have to lose the 3.0d for the 2.0d, otherwise price will be an issue.

The other consideration is a 123d but these are equally as hard to locate with manual, sat nav, leather.

[chrisbin]

Don't even consider a manual A5...pedals are soooo offset you will have back issues in about 5 minutes....

Both you and Andrew have said it really....you're monthly is crazy low so I reckon you will struggle to find anything that will make financial sense....

All I can think of, although I reckon they are probably rarer than manual e92's, but what about a Merc? E class been out longer, C class will be cheaper....

ps have you driven an auto diesel? They really really make soooo much more sense than manual, especially the 4 cylinder ones. Its one of the reasons that I'm changing mine.....hmmm.....that's a thought....how about a nice Alpina...(saloon )...???

[rogerxp]

Yes, £180p/m is stupid, not too sure how I got it that low (buying the car stupidly cheap helps I suppose) but, I'm technically eroding my equity, so in real-terms it is costing me more.

I'm struggling to see how a change will work out hence the reason for asking on here.

The alternative is to buy a decent E46 330d for <£8k to sersiously reduce my finance as well as other costs (unless it spends its life in a garage!!).

[chrisbin]

Originally Posted by rogerxp

Yes, £180p/m is stupid, not too sure how I got it that low (buying the car stupidly cheap helps I suppose) but, I'm technically eroding my equity, so in real-terms it is costing me more.

I'm struggling to see how a change will work out hence the reason for asking on here.

The alternative is to buy a decent E46 330d for <£8k to sersiously reduce my finance as well as other costs (unless it spends its life in a garage!!).

You know what happened the last time you got an E46.....

Sell the Zed privately, and then get a cheap lease deal....?? Thats what gIzzE always tells me to do......

[rogerxp]

Originally Posted by chrisbin

You know what happened the last time you got an E46.....

Sell the Zed privately, and then get a cheap lease deal....?? Thats what gIzzE always tells me to do......

To be fair, my E46 was great, it might be the RX8 experience you're getting confused with - I won't do that again!!! If Nissan ever sort out my faulty roof I'll have a go selling privately - they got a very snotty letter off me yesterday with some outlandish requests - got a call today so hopefully things will start to happen

[chrisbin]

Originally Posted by rogerxp

To be fair, my E46 was great, it might be the RX8 experience you're getting confused with - I won't do that again!!! If Nissan ever sort out my faulty roof I'll have a go selling privately - they got a very snotty letter off me yesterday with some outlandish requests - got a call today so hopefully things will start to happen

I was thinking of the fact that you bought your e46 with the same idea at the time.....and it wasn't long before you decided to change again.....but maybe I'm wrong...??

Good luck with the roof!!

[rogerxp]

Originally Posted by chrisbin

I was thinking of the fact that you bought your e46 with the same idea at the time.....and it wasn't long before you decided to change again.....but maybe I'm wrong...??

Good luck with the roof!!

Yeah, you're kind of right, I bought the E46 as a cost cutting exercise (recession) and then got the Zed when things were better. The difference now is my driving for work is getting more so making the Zed a stupid car to hoon it up and down the country in.

[davyk31]

Some decent lease deals on the Merc C Class coupe, yes your monthlies would increase but mega low deposit would help there and after 2 or 3 years give it back and decide what you want then.

[davyk31]

Or just get over your manual obsession and drive the best diesel coupe in the 3 Series range the 335d. Use the paddles if you want a bit of interaction but its really not needed with the massive torque and the auto box.

[MEGA]

Why not broaden to a pre LCI E92 330d?

And is nav really needed ?

Something with bi-xenon, an audio upgrade, heated seats, bluetooth for example as options would override the lack of nav. As a thankfully now banned forum member would say why not just stick a tomtom in.

The facelift E92 and therefore CIC nav is certainly an improvement and worthwhile but it doesn't sound like they're in range ?

Hmm

Dave

[rogerxp]

Already broadened to a pre-lci, and also 325d (I plan to remap it anyhow), but still not too many about. Whilst an LCI would be nice to keep to budget it's either going to have galactic mileage or shite spec. Frankly, with a new coupe looming, seems daft to push to the higher reaches of a budget on a car that has further to fall.

[wheelie good]

Not sure what the exact differences between pre and lci

I prefer the pre lci bonnet and also rear lights
Though I deffo prefer the front white lights on lci cars but with a change of bulbs you can get someway close

Yeap only idiots like me & you buy manual BMW's, good luck in finding one bud you just have to patience took me about 4-5 months of looking for my 335i manual one

But if you only currently paying 180 a month you can take you're time

[willhollin]

Nissan Micra convertible?

[gangzoom]

If your only covered 9000 miles in the Z do you really need a diesel? The Z cannot be costing much to run given the low miles...Sounds like your just looking for a excuse to change cars...In which case you should just admit it, sounds like you should go hunting for a sub £20k M3

[Dannyrado]

Why not add a 5 series to the search?? I've had one today as a run around while they arse around with my M3, and i'm properly taken with it..

[zltm089]

Originally Posted by willhollin

Nissan Micra convertible?

keep up with ur hairdresser image...go for the TT...

[rogerxp]

My mileage over the last 15 months has only been 7k so yes a diesel doesn't necessarily make sense but it's the future I'm more concerned about as I'm already out & about more and changes are afoot from January 2013 which will mean I'll be covering more miles again. Whilst I'll not be doing anything stupid like 20k p/a even a modest increase can be painful at 18mpg on super-unleaded!!

An M3 does sound appealing but that would literally be changing for changing sake!!

Like I said if I don't find anything suitable on budget I'll happily keep the Zed.

[peterg1965]

Roger, I remain a big fan of the A5 coupe. Why don't you take a look at one, Black Edition is a great spec and they look the bees knees. On new cars there is a £3700 dealer contribution to new coupes financed on the 7.6% PCP. A 2.0TFSI or, better still, a 2.0TDI with 177bhp engine are he ones to go for. I never felt that the manual driving position was compromised in any way, the interior is top notch and the B&O sound system in the black edition is awesome. I doubt whether it wold come in at £180 per month though.

[davyk31]

Like I said if I don't find anything suitable on budget I'll happily keep the Zed.[/QUOTE] ...................... hands up who believes this comment

[Palmnuts]

Originally Posted by rogerxp

An M3 does sound appealing but that would literally be changing for changing sake!!

And.......?