It is that time again; what to buy? Assist please.

[STaX@reflections]

HERE

This is my old car that I've just traded in. Not sure where you are situated but might be worth your while.
Everything has been done...New tyres, brakes and all servicing.

Promise it's very neat.:smilebounce:

Sold it to get a bakkie.

It's DCT not manual like the ad says.

 

[Preshen14]

HERE

This is my old car that I've just traded in. Not sure where you are situated but might be worth your while.
Everything has been done...New tyres, brakes and all servicing.

Promise it's very neat.:smilebounce:

Sold it to get a bakkie.

It's DCT not manual like the ad says.

Selling the car is okay, However you should have kept those wheels! :hammerhead:

 

[STaX@reflections]

Haha...yeah had them refurb'd in black. It really made a difference but unfortunately wouldn't look so great on a Ranger:hammerhead:

 

[herco]

Very interesting read... So many options.

I had a look and a good nick and mileage 335i E90 can be had for under 200k... Which is also a viable option I guess, it leaves enough headroom to sort out any issues if they arise.

I do about 20k km a year MAX. So fuel is not a major concern for me. I mean my polo gets 11l/100km due to the older auto box.

I guess I need to read up on the care and buying tips for x35i. After speaking to multiple people the x35i seems to be a magic car in this budget.

I will say it again, give this good consideration and do massive amounts of homework before pulling the plug. After-market warranties only cover a small portion (based on age and mileage) of costs and the bills on these cars can rack up quickly, depending on the level of your OCD. My suggestion is aim for the N55 motor, if you decide to go for an x35i and a higher mileage example should have the necessary items changed already.

My stock x35i N54 cost around R50k in maintenance during the year that I had it and it had only 80k on the clock, with warranty covering less than half. If you can stomach the possible financial risk that is attached to these cars, they are absolutely lovely and the level of enjoyment in the price bracket is hard to beat.. I had no regrets in my choice of car but with changing personal circumstances, I had to make the call to let it go. N54 ownership is a bit on the stressful/expensive side but I still miss that car immensely.. :fencelook: :hammerhead:

Very interesting, you would not be the first person to recommend a higher mileage one where most of the expensive, routine based stuff has been done.

I still have a lot of reading and research to do. First time buying a car where I actually have a notebook and taking down notes etc from everything noteworthy I read everywhere.

I just want to hit the 'car nail' on the head this time. I don't want to be bored or have buyers remorse in a year's time from now. Want something I can at least drive for the next 3 years. So many things to consider.

Luckily time is on my side and I'm in no rush to pull the trigger.

 

[individj]

do compression test

 

[FerdiBotha]

You can read threads and opinions untill you are blue in the face and you’ll possibly still buy the “wrong” car.

The reality is all these opinions are biased to some extent because certain people value certain characteristics in a car more.

IMO a 330d is the best option for me because I value fuel consumption and useable power over a good exhaust note and better outright performance. To me 9l/100km is a tad heavy while others are happy with 12l/100km.

If I were you I’d make a list of what you prioritize when looking for a “good” car. Then go test different cars on your short list and weigh them up against your priorities.

 

[herco]

I created my shortlist last night... I decided the x35's are off my list. I would not be able to afford the F20 135i and the coupes will not suit my life style.

So ultimately the BMW still in my race is the 125i hatch.

I spent some time a in friend of a friends stock 2013 Focus ST 1, which made it to the top of my list.

On a funnier note, I have had extreme gout in my left ankle over the last 3 weeks, and it flared up again yesterday. So no ST test drives this coming weekend. :skit:

 

[yush1]

You always use your head when buying, but theres always the heart to consider, that which make your happy and puts a smile on your face. :smilebounce:

 

[XPD]

In the 300k range a good jap option is the newer shape (2014+) Subaru WRX. Almost 200kw, decent spec and AWD. can be costly when things go wrong but generally very reliable. Go and drive one. Doing your homework is all good but buying a car is really a decision of the heat for us fanatics. So keep to your budget, test drive anything decent in the budget range and go with what puts the biggest smile on your dial.

 

[Zach]

Subarus are not reliable in SA, our fuel is too shit for them to run correctly. Have a bunch of friends in SOCSA, their cars spent more time on trestles than wheels unfortunately.

 

[QikNish]

Be a man. Get an M3 E92. Lol. Seriously....... It should be an option.