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[Closed] What new car for £30k?

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I'd not buy brand new though but I guess the whole PCP thing rules out second hand

PCP is also available on used cars up to 5 years old. I'm sure VW have a maximum start age of 5 years and a maximum end age of 7 years.


 
Posted : 06/08/2013 10:06 pm
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My contribution because I'm bored whilst recovering from a hernia operation:

I bought a 2008 BMW 335d coupe with 63k on the clock, full service history, all the toys (...and a detachable towbar!) for £12k.

Spent £300 getting it remapped to 345bhp and 500ft/Lb of torque, it's mental. I love it.

Got a loan for 18 months then it's mine, all mine!

Whether the OP buys brand new or not, I cannot recommend a BMW enough and my engine is a piece of cake to work on so I can save oodles of dosh on maintenance 🙂


 
Posted : 16/08/2013 11:33 am
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Have a wife, kid, two bikes and a bike rack. We opted for a BMW 320d Touring, but frankly wish I had got a Golf. Golf MK5 Diesel best car I have ever had, whereas the BMW is just the most expensive. Drives well and engine is powerful, but there are problems with the cam chain on this model of engine, which is frustrating/surprising as the 2 litre diesel is on so many of their cars. Also other niggles have cropped up, which just annoy at a car of supposedly this quality.

Not sure where to go from here, we bought it 2nd hand (I know the previous owner), 1st service is coming up (has done 20k) and my big worry is the engine issue coming up outside warranty (we have another year of warranty left). Seems crazy to spend £5k + repairing a car that will only be worth £15-£10k at a guess, so wondering whether to get ride of it now. Shame as we have only had it since Christmas 2012. Cam chain part has already been replaced by original owner at less than 7k miles, 2nd one needed now and the car is not even 2 years old.

Saw a new GTI at Goodwood and to be honest it looked like my kind of car. Fast, not stupidly expensive, fits actual people/bikes inside and they are well made. Also looked like it had a lot of stuff included in the price.


 
Posted : 16/08/2013 3:02 pm
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Seems crazy to spend £5k + repairing a car that will only be worth £15-£10k at a guess

It's not, really. You could spend £5k and get a car you know has had the issue fixed and is in good shape, whereas you could spend three times that and get a car that could just as easily fail.

Cars are not investments, they are tools to use, and they WILL need money spending on them. Buying a different one is no guarantee it won't go wrong.

Only chop it in if it's a REAL turkey with constant electronic issues etc.


 
Posted : 16/08/2013 3:40 pm
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molgrips, I appreciate your point - better to have a car that you know is well maintained and know the history, than a wild card.

However, the issue has been repaired once, needs to be repaired again and my concern is that it will need to be repaired a 3rd time outside of warranty.

I know that you will have to spend money on any car, but this will be expenditure on top of the normal costs of running a car, which I am not so keen on. The chain cam part is not expected to be replaced pre 200,000 miles/life of the engine, hence the location at the back of the engine and overall expense.

having said all that, it might be best just to chance it - if it doesn't fail, I'm quids in. If we sell it, well there will be the depreciation in the period that we have owned it and replacing it with anything that is of a similar age is going to be almost as expensive and therefore require more outlay, unless we go for something that is 'good/better value' (I would happily have a Skoda Octavia, VRS or regular, but the wife won't).


 
Posted : 16/08/2013 3:51 pm
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However, the issue has been repaired once, needs to be repaired again and my concern is that it will need to be repaired a 3rd time outside of warranty.

Not much of a repair then.. if it is indeed a design flaw then definitely get rid. Have you looked on the forums for more information?


 
Posted : 16/08/2013 3:54 pm
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Wow has its own facebook page.


 
Posted : 16/08/2013 4:08 pm
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I had searched the interweb on it before, but didn't realize it had its own facebook page. I think unfortunately it is a design flaw, but BMW are never going to admit it. I am a BMW fan, so I am not keen to knock them as a company, but it amazes me that such a popular engine can have ongoing problems for so long (I believe the engine has been around for a while and remember when looking at BMWs a dealer saying that he thought circa 80% of the cars he sold had the 2 litre diesel engine).

Massively annoying as we thought it was a good buy - I would rather have got something that was dull and reliable.


 
Posted : 16/08/2013 4:21 pm
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but did own a 2001 S3 and absolutely loved it, broke my heart when I sold it.

Same here mine was a 2002 but same difference, we had a fab day out at my daughters wedding on the proceeds. I think I got the best of the deal.... 😈


 
Posted : 16/08/2013 4:22 pm
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BMW are quite good at denying issues it seems. The engine in my 2004 320d touring went pop after it ate it's own swirl flaps. That was a costly fix and something BMW denied all knowledge of despite it being plastered all over the internet.


 
Posted : 16/08/2013 4:49 pm
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Actually, 6yr old RangeRover?

Hahahahah the best load of tosh he's come out with yet. A Range Rover out of warranty - good luck with that one...

I had an RS4 (a B7) and to be honest, for the running costs it didn't feel that quick. It also had the carbon build up issue which isn't a cheap fix and discs and pads (which you will get through at a rate of knots) are mega money. 4 tyres = £1600. Cheap it isn't

I had a test drive in a V8 M3 recently which was lovely but as you've mentioned not liking BMW's that rules it out.

Also had a Cayman and handling wise it was fantastic, just felt a bit under-powered. Mine was an S - looked nice, handled well, not that quick. And it liked a drop of oil too...

Me personally I'd have another Nissan 350/370z. They can't give them away at the moment and there's some really good deals about. Or get an R35 (and remortgage for running costs).

You really will be hard pushed to beat a Golf though. Brother has an R32 which whilst not mega quick on paper, makes a lovely noise, has loads of kit, will take two bikes easily and isn't that bad on running costs.


 
Posted : 16/08/2013 4:56 pm
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I owned a recent'ish audi s3 for 5 years, I'd say avoid them, they're fast but incredibly dull.

For that sort of money you could get (if you're very quick - before they all go) , a brand new e90/92 BMW M3 on lease, awesome car, a bit thirsty though.

In my opinion you should either put your very sensible head on and buy a diesel golf (or similar) boring car but cheap to run, and not spend anywhere near £450 per month. or really enjoy yourself and get the M3. IE No half measures like a golf gti/audi s3 or similar warm hatch.

Cant believe the number of people on here who think the only reason people buy a £30k car is to impress the neighbours, so blinkered! Do you spend £1k (or 5k) on your bike so you can impress your neighbours with their £100 bike shaped objects.


 
Posted : 16/08/2013 8:08 pm
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A Range Rover out of warranty - good luck with that one.

Plus 10000000000000000000000000


 
Posted : 16/08/2013 8:08 pm
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tonyd - just had confirmation BMW will not replace part (car is inside warranty) at the momemen, don't feel it is a sufficient problem.

makes me think it is indeed time to get rid. Might be fine for a long time, or it might not. Either way, bit of a gamble.


 
Posted : 19/08/2013 2:46 pm
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Well after driving all the contenders (well an A3 as S3 isn't around yet) golf GTI has come out on top by quite a large margin between the two of us. Now to haggle the hell out of the guy so it only costs 25K rather than nearer 30K


 
Posted : 19/08/2013 2:50 pm
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Now to haggle the hell out of the guy so it only costs 25K rather than nearer 30K

Good luck with that! If you manage it, please tell me how you do it...

And don't forget the pics.


 
Posted : 19/08/2013 3:59 pm
 br
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[i] http://www.volkswagen.co.uk/new/golf-gti-vii/home [/i]

Only £229pcm and an £8k deposit, and after 3 years give back or pay £13k.

7.2ppm excess charge seems reasonable though.

But why do you need to get the purchase price down, when you're not buying it - just leasing it. Just focus on the deposit plus monthlies.


 
Posted : 19/08/2013 4:16 pm
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Interesting use of the term "Deposit" here which suggests you get your money back. It looks like a down payment to me? If so that £451 a month.


 
Posted : 19/08/2013 5:28 pm
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Dealer margins are about 2% on a new car, so unless the manufacturer is doing a discount, you won't achieve much haggle wise.....


 
Posted : 19/08/2013 6:19 pm
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I would drive everything else and then put your irrational dislikes aside for one hour and drive the M135i. It's a fantastic machine and there's some mega deals to be had on them - 15% off and 3.9% APR. It's no looker, but the drive and noise is just epic.

I went out to get one recently but ended up with a new M5, but that's another stpry..!


 
Posted : 19/08/2013 7:33 pm
 br
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[i]Interesting use of the term "Deposit" here which suggests you get your money back. It looks like a down payment to me? If so that £451 a month. [/i]

Professional couples aren't interested in 'technicalities'... 🙂

Which is why, again, I suggested to just buy whatever they can 'afford' with the expenditure.


 
Posted : 20/08/2013 4:55 pm
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I return to this thread in shame...despite my earlier posts i have since ordered an M135i 😳

I drove it and pretty much instantly forgot the looks. As a drivers car the golf simply cannot compete. The M135i is as good as the reviews say, combine that with the best part of £5k discount (as a cash buyer) it worked out almost £2k cheaper than the Golf which will go a fair distance to off setting the higher running costs....arrives September cannot wait!


 
Posted : 20/08/2013 5:25 pm
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horrendously ugly, but Good choice I reckon.


 
Posted : 20/08/2013 6:04 pm
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My wife actually liked the look of it preferring it to the Golf and 3 series which leads to wonder on two things
1. Does she have correct prescription in her glasses.
2. WTF do I look like!


 
Posted : 20/08/2013 6:35 pm
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Probably too late to the thread, but if I had £30k burning a hole in my pocket i'd get a Jaguar XJ supercharged R

[img] [/img]

Or more practically with the rubbish winters a range rover evoque

[img] [/img]


 
Posted : 20/08/2013 6:59 pm
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Ijs445ra how did you manage the discount.. I like the m135i....


 
Posted : 20/08/2013 7:07 pm
 br
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[i]Probably too late to the thread, but if I had £30k burning a hole in my pocket i'd get a Jaguar XJ supercharged R[/i]

If you read the first couple of posts you'd realise that the OP hasn't either - he's just going to spunk £16k over 3 years without owning the car.


 
Posted : 20/08/2013 7:31 pm
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b r, that I don't endorse! 😀


 
Posted : 20/08/2013 7:35 pm
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It'll be interesting to see how this compares to the likes of the M135i:
[b]We can now confirm the 2015 Volkswagen Golf R has a 296-horsepower turbo four. Is it about to become the king of the hot hatchbacks? More ->[/b]

300bhp four cylinder, yikes!


 
Posted : 20/08/2013 10:00 pm
 fifo
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Or more practically with the rubbish winters a range rover evoque

A Freelander in a skirt that looks like it's been sat on?


 
Posted : 21/08/2013 2:41 am
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Still great in the snow, ice and off road though and lovely interior 😀


 
Posted : 21/08/2013 8:50 am
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A Freelander in a skirt that looks like it's been sat on?

I thought it was just the Wife and I that didn't like the "Freelander in a sharp suit" .... aka upturned skip .... that will be an extra £10000 thank you very much.


 
Posted : 21/08/2013 9:02 am
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Depends on the tyre options!


 
Posted : 21/08/2013 9:05 am
 fifo
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Still great in the snow, ice and off road though and lovely interior

Given teh wheel sizes offered on teh Evoque, a freelander would undoubtedly be better, and can be just as blingy inside. it's also considerably sheaper


 
Posted : 21/08/2013 9:24 am
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I return to this thread in shame...despite my earlier posts i have since ordered an M135i

I drove it and pretty much instantly forgot the looks. As a drivers car the golf simply cannot compete. The M135i is as good as the reviews say, combine that with the best part of £5k discount (as a cash buyer) it worked out almost £2k cheaper than the Golf which will go a fair distance to off setting the higher running costs....arrives September cannot wait!

I won't say I told you so!! What spec did you go for in the end? I was *this* close to ordering a white 5 door M135i with media pack and auto box but was offered a stonking deal on a new M5 which is just an absolute beast and I can still get my bike in the back if I remove the front wheel. The Sunday morning drive over to Swinley through Windsor Great Park is an event every week now!

Bet you can't wait until September!


 
Posted : 23/08/2013 11:39 am
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White 5dr manual and not a single option ticked 🙂

Costing me just over £26k which is a bit of a bargain for the performance me thinks. Local dealer had an event on for existing customers with support from BMW UK so there were bigger discounts than i ever expected never thought i would get one for that price. Got given an envelope on arrival which had an additional offer of some sort we got an extra £500 off other folk got free servicing etc.

Had i been a bit more prepared may have specc'ed a few more things like the M-Performance exhaust, coral red leather was nice but not sure how good it will be at resale time so stuck with black, other than that the car was suprisingly well equipped for a standard BMW.

I dont get spending £1k on SatNav when a TomTom is better, costs a fraction and you can take it with you if you change car.

Did not like the 8sp auto that i test drove, shuffled gears non-stop in full auto mode and while the manual overide was impressive i just found having 8 gears got on my nerves, i guess if you owned it you would get used to it.


 
Posted : 23/08/2013 4:55 pm
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Sounds great - can you get a bike in the back or does it have to go outside?


 
Posted : 23/08/2013 5:47 pm
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I too have arrived at a decision, got a heavily discounted GTI on order with plenty of optional extras. Gonna cost me 350 ish a month with £3000 down (about 25k as RRP)

3dr,
Red
performance pack,
adaptive dampers,
nav,
Dynaudio posh sound system

Pretty much all the extras are free thanks to DrivetheDeal

- long wait times though, probably not ready till jan but that's fine with us as we are away all of December.

I do envy the BMW a little, that is another level of performance but I just cant deal with the looks and the badge 😉 I bet you will be having a lot of fun though!


 
Posted : 23/08/2013 5:55 pm
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Its official I am old. I like my 1560cc diesel V70 Volvo R design with all the safety extras and heated seats . 50mpg (700 to 800miles a tank)and £30 VED. Cheap insurance @ £280 a year.

Motorbike for 😈

I really like the 8speed BMW auto. Works well in the Wife's car. Maybe more suited to the diesel engine.


 
Posted : 23/08/2013 9:53 pm
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titus - that sounds like a jolly good deal on a very nice spec - I am experiencing envy.

Although there is a fully-loaded graphite blue R with 6.5K miles on the clock on autotrader at the moment for 22K ... hmmmm.

Enjoy that wait… 🙄


 
Posted : 27/08/2013 4:39 pm
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Some of you asked for pics when it arrives:
[img] [/img]

[img] ?t=1388944067[/img]

[img] ?t=1388944135[/img]


 
Posted : 05/01/2014 7:11 pm
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Nice - and red or white are the best colours. I just need my current car to blow up so I'm allowed a new one.


 
Posted : 05/01/2014 7:14 pm
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That cost 30k? Christ... Anyway hope you like it.


 
Posted : 05/01/2014 7:24 pm
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That cost 30k? Christ... Anyway hope you like it.

+1

There's no accounting for taste.......... 😕


 
Posted : 05/01/2014 8:24 pm
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He didnt spend his full 30 budget.

Smart looking motor enjoy it.


 
Posted : 05/01/2014 8:29 pm
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