[Aidso]

I start a new job next week which means I'll be travelling 10k in 3 months hence the search for a diesel which would be sold on again when I finish.

I'm looking at a E46 but interested in a 320d E90. I just wondered whether it is a good idea or not as I'm going to put 10k extra on. How would it affect its value? What age car is the best to seach for?

I might keep this car if I like it so I would prefer something decent.

[mikeouk]

As long as you buy the car at right price I don't think 10k extra will effect the residual at all. Only big difference would be if you bought a car with just under 100000, some people automatically get put off once a car goes over 100k.

[MEGA]

Buy a 2007 '57' plate car with the later Garrett turbo; and with prof nav.

You can pick one of these up for around 8k if you hunt; and lose at most 1k in 3 months with that mileage added.

It will be much harder to sell a non-nav one; Although if you bare this in mind when buying it could save you some money on that side.

Now is a great time to buy; the market is pretty depressed.. Go for it

[CarAbuser]

You will definitely be better off with a 2007(57) 320d. The way to tell if it has the more efficient engine is that its power output is 177bhp.

The fuel economy on that engine is a lot better, you will easily get an extra 7-8mpg extra over the 163bhp engine.

[MLAM]

Originally Posted by CarAbuser

You will definitely be better off with a 2007(57) 320d. The way to tell if it has the more efficient engine is that its power output is 177bhp.

The fuel economy on that engine is a lot better, you will easily get an extra 7-8mpg extra over the 163bhp engine.

Visually the tail pipe is different too,

The 177BHP engine has a DPF and has a straight tail pipe, the 163BHP Engines did NOT have DPF's as standard so it will have a droopy tail pipe.

However DPF was a option so there maybe the odd car with a straight pipe but I've yet to see one.

[Aidso]

Thanks for the replies.

I'm looking for a ED car? They were introducted in late 2007 weren't they? It'll have to have prof nav (resale) and xenons (so I can see where I'm going).

[The_Bear_Yid]

No NAV may hurt resale value but I don't think it's the be all and end all. As much as I'd like it on my next one, it's not a deal braker.

So few on the AUC site seem to have it.

[doughboy]

If you buy one private (any 320d will do, just depends what you want to spend), that's a bit scruffy, maybe a dark swirly colour, ex company car that's never been handwashed, then get it detailed / spruced up at the end of your 3 months and you might just break even on it.

[Aidso]

That is the plan. It'll get a full G Techniq treatment to revive it.

Would a car with 100k really put buyers off? I'm asking because I would be wary if it's over 100k.

[MEGA]

Yes - it would. You'll be more likely to sell a car with <80 than 80-100 and more so again with +100..

[buckethead]

it don't matter what spec what mileage etc its what you pay for it that will matter

[buckethead]

also only having any car for a short time will put some buyers off, ie is their something wrong with it,part time trader etc: thats what i would think anyway

[MEGA]

Originally Posted by buckethead

also only having any car for a short time will put some buyers off, ie is their something wrong with it,part time trader etc: thats what i would think anyway

Only if you tell them off the bat. Most people have already made their decision by the time they view the V5C.

[buckethead]

Originally Posted by MEGA

Only if you tell them off the bat. Most people have already made their decision by the time they view the V5C.

true but its one of the 1st questions i would ask: how long you had the car,owners,history etc: