discussion G20 320D pre-LCI out of motor plan?

BlackAnt · Sep 26, 2024

Hey, folks!

I am in Joburg and I have applied for finance through Wesbank on a G20 320D MSport being sold by a dealer in KZN (https://www.autotrader.co.za/car-fo...215?vf=2&db=1&s360=0&so=1&pl=1&pq=0&pr=2&po=1) and it was approved but I found another one that seemed better and was still within the motor plan so it could be extended (https://www.autotrader.co.za/car-fo...956?vf=1&db=0&s360=0&so=0&pl=0&pq=0&pr=3&po=1), I went to test drive it and everything was good but when my finance application was updated I wasn't approved (I had a few bad years when I lost my job in 2022 so my credit score isn't great but I make enough money to pay for instalments, insurance, fuel, etc).

Because I am unable to view the car in KZN I am thinking of this one (still checking if I will get approved): https://www.autotrader.co.za/car-fo...452?vf=2&db=1&s360=0&so=1&pl=1&pq=0&pr=2&po=1

This car is out of motor plan though. Would you recommend getting a 320D out of plan if the condition is good and it has a full service history. I'm also considering an older car like this M235i which is also out of plan and a bit cheaper than my original application (so I will be approved because I was told I can buy a car up to the value of the initial application, R390K): https://www.autotrader.co.za/car-fo...430?vf=2&db=1&s360=0&so=1&pl=1&pq=0&pr=2&po=1

Is it worth getting an older 6 cylinder? Are the N55 motors reliable?
My original choice of the 320D was because of fuel consumption and reliability.
I'm currently spending R8k - R10k on Uber to go to work a couple of times a week so I really need a car and I won't really be spending much more than I am right now.

If I get the 320D, is there a certain amount I should save up for maintenance or are there common faults?

Thanks

AshG108 · Sep 26, 2024

Bud,

Just on thread right now where we were speaking off affordable cars and how to avoid getting into debt and avoid debt. Now I see this, forget about the G20 320ds…your threads you posted all are not great. Take the same budget and aim lower for an F20 320d LCi. The M235i with 160k add mileage can be good BUT it will require more maintenance and since it is a performance car and you know nothing about the previous owner/s and how it was treated, it can end up becoming a a dark money pit.

Don’t stretch yourself and aim for a G20 out of plan, get a low mileage F30 320d LCi and use the savings that you will get when spending less monthly, as maintenance money for it. You will thank me later. You will get solid car, well maintained, money in the pocket since that car’s fuel bill will also help with that and you still getting a decent, great looking vehicle.

BlackAnt · Sep 26, 2024

AshG108 said:
Bud,

Just on thread right now where we were speaking off affordable cars and how to avoid getting into debt and avoid debt. Now I see this, forget about the G20 320ds…your threads you posted all are not great. Take the same budget and aim lower for an F20 320d LCi. The M235i with 160k add mileage can be good BUT it will require more maintenance and since it is a performance car and you know nothing about the previous owner/s and how it was treated, it can end up becoming a a dark money pit.

Don’t stretch yourself and aim for a G20 out of plan, get a low mileage F30 320d LCi and use the savings that you will get when spending less monthly, as maintenance money for it. You will thank me later. You will get solid car, well maintained, money in the pocket since that car’s fuel bill will also help with that and you still getting a decent, great looking vehicle.

Thanks, man! Appreciate the advice. I will look for a good F30. One of the reasons I was also thinknig of getting the G20 is to maybe use it for Uber Black on weekends and try and make some of the instalment money but I may be able to do that with a F30 too

TurboLlew · Sep 26, 2024

BlackAnt said:
Thanks, man! Appreciate the advice. I will look for a good F30. One of the reasons I was also thinknig of getting the G20 is to maybe use it for Uber Black on weekends and try and make some of the instalment money but I may be able to do that with a F30 too

Pretty sure you can do the uber black with the F30. I have definitely had my share of W205 Merc's and A4s of similar age as Uber Black rides. That being said, I am not sure you come out with much from that exercise taking mileage, fuel, wear and tear into account (unless you're doing airport runs).

///M Individual · Sep 26, 2024

Good advice from Ash.

Go for the newest and lowest mileage F30 320d that you can "comfortably" afford.

They are very reliable cars provided they are well maintained so motorplan is not necessary.

Get the gearbox serviced at ZF if not done already and do an oil change every 7500-10000kms and other filters as due and you should be fine.

Also a downpipe and ecu remap is recommended as it is beneficial for the car in terms of keeping the turbo cooler, turning EGR off etc. and also transforms the car dramatically in terms of power and response.

Good luck with your search!

BlackAnt · Sep 26, 2024

///M Individual said:
Good advice from Ash.

Go for the newest and lowest mileage F30 320d that you can "comfortably" afford.

They are very reliable cars provided they are well maintained so motorplan is not necessary.

Get the gearbox serviced at ZF if not done already and do an oil change every 7500-10000kms and other filters as due and you should be fine.

Also a downpipe and ecu remap is recommended as it is beneficial for the car in terms of keeping the turbo cooler, turning EGR off etc. and also transforms the car dramatically in terms of power and response.

Good luck with your search!

Thanks! Appreciate the response!

FILV · Sep 27, 2024

I would definitely go for a 320D as in terms of reliability and cost of maintenance is the way to go.
Life these days is so stressful as it, stressing every night about finance due to paying a huge amount for a car is just not worth it.

A well looked after F30 320D seems like the way to go for you.

Then do all the maintenance items as the guys mentioned here and you good to go.

Msport hold better resale value, but more risk of scraping that Msport bumper, and more expensive tires, and lower profile tires so more risk of pot hole damage etc.

These seem to be the cleanest on Autotrader rite now, going from cheapest to most expensive:

discussion G20 320D pre-LCI out of motor plan?

BlackAnt

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AshG108

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BlackAnt

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TurboLlew

Honorary ///Member

///M Individual

Well-known member

BlackAnt

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FILV

Well-known member

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