[psyick]

For years I have had company cars and never had to think about this. Now I have a new job, am opting out & need to get something sorted in the next 3 weeks.

I know I want a 330d, touring, m-sport. Preferably auto with paddles. Preferably leather and all the media stuff but not essential.

So, got me a budget: Max £400/month & so with some savings & approved on a 6% loan = total spend available £18k. So what would you go for; a high (80k) mileage 09 with a little bit of warranty left? Or a lower mileage 08?

Or get on some used PCP/PCH deal and get a newer model but never actually own it? BMW select is what 12% APR?

Dunno what I'm asking really this sh1t is doing my head in, I am bouncing around between £15 & 24k here - a good salesman could sell me anything within budget right now!

[Mart1000]

You will easily get a very good 330d in the spec you like for 15k !

[davyk31]

For that monthly budget you should be looking at leasing. Its been a popular topic on here recently with some cracking deals on Merc estates and also 6 Series BMW. The later are now much over your monthly budget for a car in excess of 60k and brand spanking.

Given the E91 is being replaced very soon I would have thought you could get a decent deal on an outgoing brand new 330d or 335d.

[Sir_Pigley]

A BMW Insured warranty is about £45 per month for a <60k miles car so you could factor this in to your monthly budget if you plan to buy something. £15k can get you something pretty tidy.

[TMP]

Think the above is right - if you want to spend £400 a month you could probably get a new one!

at the lower end, 15k would get you a 2-4 year old (depending on mileage) and I would go for one with BMW warranty if you want peace of mind.

Mine is a saloon, so not for you, and is up for mid-14s with only 36k miles on it.

[MEGA]

Mate just lease a new 520d or 640d imho for that money per month

[F31-340i]

If it helps I had similar sums to do when I bought mine.

In the end I bought (in 2008) a high spec 2 year old 330d msport touring AUC, for about 23k. Nearly 4 years later I reckon its cost me just under £300 a month to own (depreciation around £270/month). The list price new was about £43k, so this seemed to be a good age to buy at the time (first owner depreciation £800/month, though it is probably unlikely they paid list).

Leasing can look attractive these days though, and I'd consider it as an alternative.

[edowen]

Ok, this isnt a sport, but is has sports seats and half leather. Is the later more powerful 330d, and is still just in warranty...

http://www4.autotrader.co.uk/classif...ge/1?logcode=p

[psyick]

Thanks people - wow I have looked at the 640D lease deals and they are seriously tempting, not sure if I could stomach £3k a year on insurance but even so I would be quite happy to forget the estate and stick the dogs in the back haha... no idea how they are doing them at this price though there must be a catch?

I have been giving the lease thing some thought anyway, it does make sense for me because I will want to replace in 2 - 3 years for definite. The main problem is I can't find a 330d that is anywhere near in-budget. Plus it's all dead money whereas at least if you buy you can recoup something when you sell it. Hence the quandary. I think I will go into sytner tomorrow give them my budget and see what's possible either way.

edowen: I have been looking at that one on autotrader already actually. If I was getting a saloon or coupe I wouldn't be so bothered about the msport aspect but I think the estates really need it visually.


Mmn, but that 640 sure is tempting.

[ALPANDY]

I paid 23k for my 330d msport saloon 2 weeks ago which is still under warranty and has a nice spec with only 15k on the clock. There were plenty of cheaper options but I really struggle to find one that'd been loved, this was on car that had all covered less than 25k. Good luck.

[chris_s1]

Personally I would definitely contract hire, but it depends on the mileage you plan to do in it. They get dis-proportionately expensive once you go above about 15k/yr.

If you are looking at used in the 08/09 vintage you are on the cusp of the pre/post LCI models. If it came down to it, I would take a LCI model with more miles over an pre-LCI model everytime.

Good luck with your search

[rich1068]

Originally Posted by chris_s1

Personally I would definitely contract hire

Same here. In fact I have done for the last 9 years.