[Mark e90]

This might sound like a daft question but is it wise to pay that bit extra for a low millage car. I'm currently looking for a e90 325i, it's for my mum and the only specific options she is looking for is auto and leather so there is plenty out there . looking around 2007 but I'm wondering is its worth paying extra for a low millage car ? looked at a few between 30k-40k miles or is it better to look for a car a bit newer with say 60k miles ? I know some people have the opinion that low millage for a car of this age isn't always a good thing and would prefer a car that's been used properly or if it's been 30k of short trips rather have 60k motorway millage. I have always went for higher millage cars myself around 70-80k and they have all served me well, but under 70k is a must for my mum as she will be keeping the car for at least 5 year.

btw I'm still on the hunt for a e91 or e92 for myself not giving up !

[Dann]

Like most other premium cars:

Buy on condition not on mileage

[Bbbeemer]

I would always look to set myself a limit on mileage the same as i do for price and see what the best car available is. I am currently selling both an e90 and e92 and both have a low mileage but unless they are priced right, they won't get any interest.

[ahmedb]

I have a 2010 320d M Sport with 109k miles on the clock which is now up for sale as I've purchased a 2008 330d M Sport with 39k miles on the clock.

It's difficult to say as I'm comparing 2 different models but the 330d feels tight and the interior is crispy clean like it's not seen much use. The 320d drives really well but the handbrake needs to be pulled up that bit higher, the interior seats have that bit more wear and the car in general feels a little more used than the 330d. It's still in incredibly good condition considering the mileage however.

Condition is of paramount importance but generally speaking, lower mileage cars should (obviously not always the case) be in better condition as they have seen less usage.

[pmmcbl]

I would prefer a 2007 car with 90k vs a car with 40k. A car that sits on the drive most of its time and more than likely doing very short journeys isn't a good thing when they are old cars.

[Ao1]

Originally Posted by Dann

Like most other premium cars:

Buy on condition not on mileage

I would agree. Buy on condition. You could get a car with 80k that has just had a load of work done on it giving you loads of miles before major expense, or you could buy a car with 40K coming up for major expense.

Regarding low mileage = lots of short (detrimental) journeys that is not always true, especially on more expensive cars. I do low millage, but when I do drive its long journeys, normally involving mods

[Soul_Glo]

there is one more thing (Steve Jobs Quote)... 70k is hardly a scratch on these engines... agree with the comments on condition and service history. Over 10 years ago I brought a VW Polo GTi that had 14k on the clock but it had been dry stored when not in use and serviced regardless - the guy changed the oil every year and followed maintenance. The under body of the car was so clean for a car of its age (2001) you could eat your dinner off it! When he drove it was used for longer trips too. If you can get in touch with any previous owners or post up a thread here then someone may know or previous owners may be willing to share a bit about the life the car has had.

[djgandy]

Originally Posted by pmmcbl

I would prefer a 2007 car with 90k vs a car with 40k. A car that sits on the drive most of its time and more than likely doing very short journeys isn't a good thing when they are old cars.

I'd hardly call 5000 miles a year "Sat on the drive all the time"

I used to do 5k a year because I walked to work. My car was parked underground all day and was in far better condition than it is now where it has to sit on the drive way.

It all depends. I looked at a 5 year old 335 vert once, with 18k on the clock. Guy partex'd it against a new porsche and lived in London. It all sounds good on paper however... he clearly parked the thing under a tree and the car barely moved it would have seem as all the rubber around the roof was perishing. Probably sat covered in snow for weeks on end. Not good.

My parents have a 2001 330ci with 35k on the clock. The roof is immaculate because its garaged. It makes its annual trip to get an MOT and that's about it. If you don't commute in your car, you aren't going to put that many miles on it.

[ahmedb]

Originally Posted by pmmcbl

I would prefer a 2007 car with 90k vs a car with 40k. A car that sits on the drive most of its time and more than likely doing very short journeys isn't a good thing when they are old cars.

My car is on a 58 plate with just under 40k miles. Over 7 years, that's an average of circa 110 miles a week.

Definitely not the equivalent to just being sat there on the drive.

Not to mention, the car has FBMWSH and has been serviced every year, the car has always been under BMW warranty (or extended warranty) and both previous owners were anal about how well they looked after the car. The car has mostly always been garaged in a heated garage (part of the house).

The spec is incredibly high, the car was spec'd at over £40k when new and all the bodywork is original.

I had no issues whatsoever buying a 7 year old car with 40k miles on the clock and I think you would be a fool to disregard/take preference away from lower mileage cars. There's a reason why lower mileage cars cost more money than higher mileage cars.

[Dann]

I only do 3-4k in mine a year.
I did 7k in my E36 in 2 years

[imy]

Its all dependant on condition.

My dad got my sister a 2001 Polo years ago for her first car. It only had 30k on the clock and it was 10yrs old. But it went to shit.

My 335i I bought 3months ago with 95k, I take the train to work and I only drive 3-4k miles a year so the mileage wasn't a concern to me. it had the turbos replaced and the interior looks almost new - its worn very well.

You cant generalise and say 40k cars all make short journeys but how will you ever know what life the car has had even if buying privately - the owner could easily lie and say what he likes to get the sale.

Having said that I love my 335i and try and find any excuse to drive it!

[pearcyy]

Originally Posted by Dann

Like most other premium cars:

Buy on condition not on mileage

+1

These engines will run forever (slight exaggeration but you know what I mean) - buy one that has full service history and receipts as evidence that the owner(s) have not spared any expense when things needed replacing and you shouldn't go far wrong.

You'll know when you look around it and drive it if it feels like it's been looked after.

Hell even 3-4 year old cars with 60k-100k on the clock have mostly been company cars and will have been sent to a dealer if anything needs replacing and taken to a dealer for servicing etc.

Mileage isn't anything aslong as the car has been looked after properly and the car has worn the miles well....

[old grey steve]

09/09 320i with full BMW service history, ultra low mileage(just over 31000 miles) and therefore due to the wonders of CBS has beenservicedin accordance to the info displayed on the screen(2 oil services in say 6 years)

Trust me don't assume low mileage equals a great car mileage doesn't mean too much I've seen some cracking cars with high mileage with no issues whatsoever buy on condition not the headline low mileage banner

325i's are generally OK they suffer like this 6 series from



breather issues, though not to the same degree of smoke thse cars like exercise and short journeys and oil that lives in a sump for say 2 years due to the fact that the car does 5k a year isn't good news for longevity, plus they can have the usual rocker cover gasket issues again as well as vanos related issues and oil filter housing gasket issues all with low mileage due to age/lack of use but overall they are a good place to put your money into for 6 cylinder pleasure and financially they can be a better bet as I've seencountles time before than the 4 cylinder engines

[kris_t]

low miles is good but still needs annual service regardless of mileage

[Aragorn30d]

I certainly wouldnt pay a premium for a low milage car.

If for a certain budget you can buy a billy basic car on 40k or a specced up tidy car on 80k, then the 80k cars the one i'd be going for.

If you pay a premium for mileage alone, then that premium is simply going to depreciate away as you use the car.

As others have said, buy on condition and spec, not on a meaningless number on the dashboard.

[ArsE92]

Mileage!

[Icekube]

Originally Posted by ArsE92

Mileage!

why?

[Socket]

Buy on condition not mileage as stated above
You can generally tell if a car owned by an enthusiast or not
50,000 Kms driven hard vs 50,000 Kms driven normally are not the same thing

Here is an example ... hahaa

[ArsE92]

Originally Posted by Icekube

why?

Why what?

[Dann]

Originally Posted by ArsE92

Why what?

Why Mileage.

Car with 5k mileage and some sort of service history. Done with massive gaps as per the CBS. Only driven at weekends to the shops and back and never run above 70degC

Car with 40k mileage, full history with every receipt kept and regular oil changes. Only driven long distances and always run up at full operating temp.

Which one now?

[Ao1]

Hi Steve, I’m really shocked by the condition of the engine with only 31k miles. Can it really be down to not enough oil changes or is something else contaminating the oil? I’ve been using the BMW fuel additive for some time now, although I appreciate this will not help the direct injection value issue. The fact that BMW recommend one tin of their fuel additive per tank makes me suspicions.

My wife’s Ford Focus is now in 130K. It’s been totally abused from new and is now over 10 years old. Nothing but short journeys and no regular servicing, The amount of times I have checked the oil level and found nothing on the stick and yet is just keeps on going. The only thing that has ever failed is the starter motor and a fuel pipe link.

Anyway it sounds like I need to come and see you sometime for a gearbox oil change and walnut blast.