Opinions on these 2 cars

captainosull

Hi - Im more than likely going to but before the end of the week, so just beforehand Id like if anyone could give their opinions on the following cars. Thanks lads

http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/BMW/318/i-SE/1015832/

http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/BMW/328/CI/970785/ ( i know this is a totally different animal but im not really leaning towards saloon or coupe. And the engine size doesnt bother me too much.

Thanks again

RobAMerc

I can't see where the choice is to be honest

the coupe looks better - will go better and has a proper BMW 6 cylinder engine and has the benefit of leather.

the 318 is a car for those who's car interest runs to little more than badge snobbery

E92

If engine size isn't a problem I don't know why you are even considering a car for badge snobs(the 318i) tbh.

Though no aircon let alone climate control is a serious omission in a proper BMW(the 328i), especially one with leather.

kings mistake

how about this one?

http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/BMW/323/i/869396/

markos79

328i all the way you cant beat the sound of a 6 cylinder!!

bazz26

No contest - 328Ci

E92

There really is no comparison between 4 and 6 cylinders. You need to drive one to see why though!

Sizzler

One has a KE reg and the other an SO, not exactly desirable

captainosull

Ill prob lean towards the coupe, pending a drive in both today. Has anybody dealt with either of these garages?

Cyrus

havent ever heard much good about sarsfields to be honest, and whats with those minging m3 replica wheels, the 18" m3 wheel isnt nice anyway, why anyone would want replicas of them is beyond me

this looks nice

http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/BMW/323/Ci/982760/

nicer

http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/BMW/323/Ci-Full/946214/

http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/BMW/323/323-ci/942505/

nice e36 vert

http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/BMW/323/I/1067812/

captainosull

Id rule out any of the private sales, only because Id like to get a warranty and have some comeback as 11k is a fair amount of bread to be spending. I dont really agree that a 318i is for badge snobs, Ive ALWAYS wanted a bm and 11k is the most I can afford so how does that exactly make someone a badge snob. I know you cant go into detail really but can you ellaborate on any feedback youve had with sarsfield? They seem legit, huge selection of cars - but I want a place that will honour any warranty offered like. Cheers dudes

Cyrus

id rather get a well looked after car that was privately owned than one with a 3 month, worth f all anyway warranty from an outfit like sarsfields.

cant remember what i heard exactly but it wasnt favourable.

Honestly and im speaking for experience, the warranty you get from these places on an older car is next to worthless, a well maintained private car is a much better bet, that said its up to you.

Anan1

captainosull wrote: »

I dont really agree that a 318i is for badge snobs. Ive ALWAYS wanted a bm and 11k is the most I can afford so how does that exactly make someone a badge snob.

The answer's in the question.;) +1 for Cyrus's advice.

captainosull

Not really - just because Ive always wanted a particular car doesnt make me a badge snob. If by saying snob means what I think it means. Ive wanted the car for its comfort and general build quality. I wouldnt be driving around looking down on everyone else, its quite inexpensive as cars go.

Anan1

captainosull wrote: »

Not really - just because Ive always wanted a particular car doesnt make me a badge snob. If by saying snob means what I think it means. Ive wanted the car for its comfort and general build quality. I wouldnt be driving around looking down on everyone else, its quite inexpensive as cars go.

Except you haven't always wanted a particular car - you're considering two quite different ones, a BMW 318i and a BMW 328Ci. What you've always wanted is a particular make of car. This is what people mean when they say badge snob. Just so we're clear though, I never called you a badge snob!

captainosull

But I HAVE always wanted a 318i! Its just when the time came to do my homework on them, I realised the larger engine coupes are falling into my price range so thats why I asked for opinions - ha fair enough back on topic so! By the sounds of it, the coupe should dive better than the saloon due to it being a 6 cyl, going to test drive at lunchtime, then the saloon mid afternoon so will update then

Victor_M

Having owned both a 318Ci & a 328Ci, I can say hands down that there is no comparison between them, the 328 is one of the best in line 6's BMW have ever made, plenty of power, torque and sounds glorious. Fuel costs will go up a little bit over the 318, but nothing crazy 27 Mpg vs 30-31 Mpg, plus the coupe looks far nicer and the 328Ci is a lot rarer (not that that matters much)

Only thing I would change are the indicator lenses, they should be clear, and as Cyrus said the M3 Replica's aren't great, check the service history closely, and ring the BMW garage that the car was bought new and ask them to verify the servicing history.

yellow012

captainosull wrote: »

Id rule out any of the private sales, only because Id like to get a warranty and have some comeback as 11k is a fair amount of bread to be spending. I dont really agree that a 318i is for badge snobs, Ive ALWAYS wanted a bm and 11k is the most I can afford so how does that exactly make someone a badge snob. I know you cant go into detail really but can you ellaborate on any feedback youve had with sarsfield? They seem legit, huge selection of cars - but I want a place that will honour any warranty offered like. Cheers dudes

Take Cyrus advice.
Chances are that a lot of these BMW's/Audis/Mercs sold by back street dealers in the d8, Naas Rd, Ballymount, Red Cow, Greenhills Rd area came in from the UK. They could be genuine or they could be a bag of shyte.
Personally I wouldn't touch one of them with a barge pole. If I were you I'd be looking for a one owner Irish car with full BMW service history, private sale preferably. Whats a 3 month warranty from one of these guys gonna be worth to you in the long run?

Juan Pablo

Must it be a 3 series? Have you considered an E39 at all? I'm selling my own at the moment, a 520i, well maintained car which hasn't given me any trouble over the past two years.

RobAMerc

Why do people think buying from a dealer gives them any sort of piece of mind ?

Chances are someone in the trade is more likely to rip you off - specially in the 11k BMW market - plus offer the private buyer 1k less than he's asking then use the 1k to fix anything that goes wrong if it does - thats a damn site more warranty than any of the dealers your going to deal with will give you (3 months gearbox and engine :rolleyes: ) and could end up saving you at the very least 1k

captainosull

Ok ive driven the coupe - my minds made it lets leave it at that. Im just a little wary of the place itself...I might look around at a few more places see if theres a nice coupe without those horrid wheels!! Good advice by all and thanks

Cyrus

why are you wary, ive heard its a bit dodgy alright

captainosull

Well it may be just nothing, but just phone manner, tone of voice in person, no real interest etc but maybe its just me. 11k's a lot of money I just wanna be sure not to buy a lemon like. Any horror stories?

Cyrus

from there specifically, i cant remember, sorry just heard something, to be honest most s/h car dealers give me the creeps, the good ones are in the minority

Anan1

captainosull wrote: »

Well it may be just nothing, but just phone manner, tone of voice in person, no real interest etc but maybe its just me. 11k's a lot of money I just wanna be sure not to buy a lemon like. Any horror stories?

One huge advantage of buying privately is that you get to meet the previous owner. Why not find a fastidiously-minded car privately and get it checked over by the likes of Alan Carroll (a very reputable BMW specialist) prior to purchase? Trust me (if you won't trust Cyrus!;)), it's a far safer way to buy.

Cyrus

Anan1 wrote: »

One huge advantage of buying privately is that you get to meet the previous owner. Why not find a fastidiously-minded car privately and get it checked over by the likes of Alan Carroll (a very reputable BMW specialist) prior to purchase? Trust me (if you won't trust Cyrus!;)), it's a far safer way to buy.

quoted for truth

i.e. id rather buy a car from some like me (if only i could buy cars from myself ), than some guy who runs his business out of a porta cabin and is prepared to stand over every car on his forecourt and give you an engine and gearbox warranty :rolleyes:

Mac 3

Not trying to state the obvious, but the mileage on these can be "adjusted - corrected" quite easily as well so be wary. Call to the previous owner or garage that carried out the servicing could settleany doubts.

I seem to remember a post on this forum a few months back regarding a saab 93 that was for sale on coningham rd that was a bit scooby dubious too..

The 328 will cost a bit more to run over the 318i, but you do have that lovely six under the bonnet.