[Jay78uk]

Hi all

Appreciate some advice on whether I should purchase a 6 month old touring, 318d sport with 6k on clock. It's a pretty standard specification, glacier silver, 5 year service pack and tinted windows. Otherwise I think its pretty much the standard sport spec. I tried the A4 and 3 series and quickly decided the 3 was for me- much prefer the styling, the purity of the design and engineering and it drives great too (but I guess none of that is new to you folk with your smart BMW's ;-)

I have a budget of £12,000 cost of change and my current car which I will pex is a 1.6tdi Golf s 10 plate. It's a great car, but I have decided I want something with more space and power, with a leather steering wheel (my current is plastic!). It's got 17k on the clock (haven't done much miles of late) and a dent on one wheel arch (don't ask).

The dealer is offering me 8k for my VW, and £500 off the BMW which as a sticker price of 21k, so a cost of change of £12,500. I think I might be able to get a few hundred further off, and maybe the tax disc but I feel I'm reaching their limit, and it seems a reasonable buy to me. I wondered what others think? Advice greatly appreciated.

[pmheadwired]

Monthly payments and apr quoted?

[Jay78uk]

Hi, I don't know- planning a cash purchase. They mentioned 3.49pc to borrow any amount for upto 5 years with no fees but that's more than I pay on my mortgage or get on any savings accounts I have, so figured I might as well do a cash purchase.

[Jay78uk]

I think I should go for it, I thought with my limited budget I'd only get a 316d touring, so don't want this opportunity to slip away, but any thoughts from others much appreciated I'll probably do the deal on Monday after one night's more consideration!

[gatsojon]

Can't comment on the px price but the sticker price looks reasonable against the likes of Motorpoint.

[robbiep]

What's the discount to list price ? You should be able to find out easily enough by building the car on BMW's site.

As an example, my 6 month old, 3k miles 325d M sport touring (well specced) was 68% of list price.

[ukbeemerboy]

Originally Posted by robbiep

What's the discount to list price ? You should be able to find out easily enough by building the car on BMW's site.

As an example, my 6 month old, 3k miles 325d M sport touring (well specced) was 68% of list price.

68% off the list price??! So you paid under £20k for a 6 month 3k mile touring?

[robbiep]

My post says that I paid 68% OF the list price.

[ukbeemerboy]

Originally Posted by robbiep

My post says that I paid 68% OF the list price.

My bad

[Jay78uk]

Thanks for the advice. Let's see its:

29,610 on the road
610 metallic
235 sun protection glass
425 service pack

So would you believe it, 21k is 68% of 30,880 list ;-) Is that the magic figure that BMW discount 6 month old cars by? The car has a bit more mileage- 6,500 but they are offering 500 quid off the sticker price which brings it down to 66%... so a third off new list price. Any further thoughts? I'm surprised they discount them so heavily as it can't be good for residuals...

[nordberg]

The biggest drop is always the first 12 months... Sounds a good buy. I would have thought you could soon find out by doing a national search on Autotrader for the same spec?

[robbiep]

Thing is, you'll struggle to find anything on autotrader that isn't in the BMW GB network, or that has such low mileage.

Personally, I think it's a pretty good deal. If you can assume 50% (from new) residuals after 3 years/36,000 miles, then the next 2.5 years of ownership is going to cost you £6k in depreciation. Not bad for what is probably one of the most complete, well designed cars on the market. Even with 45% residuals, it's still a damn cheap car in terms of future depreciation.

Added to which, that engine is always going to be hugely popular on the used market, too.

[Jay78uk]

Thanks Rob, I think I'll go for it!

[MWA]

i think you're getting a decent offer on your px, since its entry level. i was looking at them not very long ago and have a rough idea how much they go...

[Jay78uk]

Hello all, I've done the deal. Saw the car and its in great condition other than the odd scuff in the boot and the smallest scuff on one alloy. Managed to get £8,300 for VW with 17k on the clock and with a dent on the wheel arch, so I thought quite reasonable given other dealers were offering me 8k, and £500 off BMW so a cost of change of £12,200, including 6 months tax and the five year service plan. Picking up tomorrow! Very excited... test drive was great but I think its going to take me a while to get used to firmer suspension and sports seats. It's riding on 17 inch wheels and standard suspension but that strikes me as pretty firm compared to Golf. Can't believe how many toys even a standard '3' has like making my iphone work, an alarm and a dab stereo. But I am coming from a car with a plastic steering wheel. The lit up door handles and power tailgate are so cool! Sad I know ;-)

[nordberg]

Congrats! Exciting day tomorrow....

[Jay78uk]

Hey got my car! It's great. I'll post some pictures at the weekend. ps. just fits parking space!

[d4springer]

Sounds like a great deal, look forward to seeing your phots, the light up door handles are definitely cool!

[robbiep]

Looking forward to seeing some pictures !

Which reminds me ... I really need to wash my car and get a few pics up too. Weather has just been so horrendous since I got the car before xmas

[Jay78uk]

My car!

[Jay78uk]

Side profile...

[Jay78uk]