Used Car Dealers - any particularly good ones?

mr_angry

Hey guys,

I'm in the market for a '00/'01 BMW 318Ci at the moment, and I've been strolling around the yard of a couple of used car dealers in search of a decent one. The only trouble is, most of the dealers I talk to seem to be completely mental - I struggled to even have a normal conversation with a couple of them yesterday (couldn't wait to get away from them, tbh). Now, I may look like I've been dragged through a hedge backwards by comparison to their normal BMW clientele, but money is money at the end of the day.

So, can anyone recommend a reasonable (sane) used car dealer, preferably in the west Dublin area, that might be worth talking to?

--
Angry.

Cyrus

well you wont be going to a bmw garage becuase they wont have 00/01 cars on their forecourt s oy ou are stuck in the quagmire of second hand car dealers

would you buy privately?

biggus

Try the Auctions. Yes higher risk but lower price to make up for it. Lots of good cars at auction now because of glut. It might take a while,to find what you want but good cars are going through now.Merlin,TVD Wilsons. If your nervous attend many auctions to get the hang of it or buy in comfort afterwards. they 'll all accept bids after auction if a cars not sold and you therefore have loads of time to decide and inspect. Take a chance you'll lose a lot less even if it doesn't work out perfect first time. Be prepared to lose cos that will happen with any car you buy from anybody anywhere, except less at auction.

Scottie99

I know you said West Dublin but have you thought about purchasing in the UK. Everyone else seems to be doing it! Great exchange rate, better choice and very much cheaper

http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-uk/www/cars/BMW+3+SERIES/Ne-2-4-5-6-7-8-27-44-49-53-61-64-67-103-133-146-236,N-40-85-144-4294967201-4294967202/search.action

Neil_Sedaka

Steer well clear of a certain garage, located a couple of miles north of Ashbourne, on the Slane road.

Recently had the misfortune to buy a car from them, which turned out to have several mechanical problems.

Got it sorted (more or less) in the end, but they are, in my opinion, the biggest shower of chancers.

Just a heads up for ya, good luck with the hunt.

green-blood

try ACcarsales, south circular road

BeardyGit

I'd have a look at these (if they're the kind of spec you'd be interested in):

http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=search&BusinessID=1296&MakeID=3&xMakeID=3&ModelID=&xModelID=&xYear=

A good dealer - from personal and repeated experience.

Gil

Cyrus

yeah, wouldnt be too keen on them either

SV

Gil_Dub wrote: »

I'd have a look at these (if they're the kind of spec you'd be interested in):

http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=search&BusinessID=1296&MakeID=3&xMakeID=3&ModelID=&xModelID=&xYear=

A good dealer - from personal and repeated experience.

Gil

So it's just me that has heard nothing but bad from them then?

mr_angry

Cyrus wrote: »

would you buy privately?

I'd certainly consider buying privately, but considering I'm looking at an 8-9 year old car, I was hoping to get something with some kind of warranty. Nonetheless, if it means getting a better deal, I'm certainly prepared to go that route.

Cyrus

listen ive had a few older cars (5-6 years old)

id rather buy from an enthusiast privately than from some of the s/h car salesmens ive come across.

they normally give you a POS 3 month engine and gearbox warranty that covers sweet FA anyway.

goto www.bmw-drivers.net/forum for some more info on buying

cianclarke

Just wondering, how much were you hoping to spend?
I'm in the same boat, have been looking for a 99/00 318ci/323ci for the past few weeks for around the 8k mark. Reckon I'll wait 'till the end of the summer, but interested to see what people expect to pay.

mr_angry

I guess I'm willing to spend anything up to 13k. Personally, I'd rather go for the 318ci in the hope that it would consume somewhat less petrol than the 323, but I'm not entirely sure how sound that logic is. Nonetheless, talk of oil hitting $200 a barrel next year isn't filling me with optimism.

Cyrus

you are missing out when buying an e46 coupe if you dont go for one of the 6cyl engines, i had a 323ci once and i loved it

BeardyGit

ClioV6 wrote: »

So it's just me that has heard nothing but bad from them then?

No idea really. I've bought 5 cars through them and was happy in each case. Can't say any more than that.

Your experience may vary, but have you actually done any business with them or are you recounting how unhappy people might be when they go and ask for a cash price to buy their car? That's what I usually hear people complain about....

Cyrus

323

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

320

http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/BMW/318/320ci-COUPETiptronic/978558/

325

http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/BMW/325/Ci/982878/

320

http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/BMW/320/CI-SE/572796/

Mr. Presentable

I have never bought from them (but get service there), but have two friends who swear by them, and have bought more than once. Browne Motors D24

http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=search&MakeID=3&xMakeID=3&ColourID=&xColourID=&xModelID=&Doors=&BodyID=&Engine_Min=&Year_Min=&Engine_Max=&Year_Max=&Price_Min=&Price_Min_integer=Minimum+price+entered+was+not+an+integer.&CountyID=&xCountyID=&Price_Max=&Price_Max_integer=Maximum+price+entered+was+not+an+integer.&BusinessID=286&xBusinessID=286&IsPrivateSale=&FuelID=&Mileage_Max=&Mileage_Max_integer=Max+mileage+entered+was+not+an+integer.&SortBy=MakeAsc&MaxRows=50&InsertPeriod=&ResultFormat=&submit=Find+%3E%3E

rustysaucepan

Cyrus wrote: »

you are missing out when buying an e46 coupe if you dont go for one of the 6cyl engines, i had a 323ci once and i loved it

absolutely agree. but buy a coupe as you ll find it hard to get rid of a saloon. had a 323ci once it was automatic with the sport button and was fantastic to drive. it was pretty good on fuel as well

The Real B-man

Gil_Dub wrote: »

I'd have a look at these (if they're the kind of spec you'd be interested in):

http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=search&BusinessID=1296&MakeID=3&xMakeID=3&ModelID=&xModelID=&xYear=

A good dealer - from personal and repeated experience.

Gil

Wouldn't Recommend them they don't offer any kind of warranty

BeardyGit

The Real B-man wrote: »

Wouldn't Recommend them they don't offer any kind of warranty

Wrong. First one on the list comes with 12 months warranty.

The Real B-man

Gil_Dub wrote: »

Wrong. First one on the list comes with 12 months warranty.

Must be just newer cars so friend of mine foolishly bought a 5year old car from them and did not get a warranty with it

Fey!

Ac Car Sales: http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=Search&MaxRows=100&BusinessID=2134

as opposed to AC Cars, also on Carzone.

Bear in mind that an e39 525 gets similar, if not slightly better, mileage than an e39 520 BECAUSE of the bigger engine - better able to pull a heavy body around (and a much quicker car!)