Should I go for a BMW 3 Series with €7,000 budget?

Hi, I am looking to buy a second hand car. My budget is €7,000. I would prefer automatic transmission. I found a 2006 BMW 3 Series (320i) for €6,500 and it has done 124,000km. Would you recommend this? I never had a car before. What's the fuel consumption and maintenance like?

Many thanks, Richard

Richard Ken (Waterford)

May 2014 Filed under: choosing used car

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Expert answer

Hi Richard,

Just be careful when buying any premium badge car for a low price like that. The BMW 3 Series is a well made, reliable car but you need to buy one with a full service history, one that has been looked after. If you don't, you can be getting yourself into a world of expensive trouble. 

A 320i will be quite affordable to run in terms of fuel consumption, but it will be more expensive to service and buy any spare parts for than a mass-market brand. If, as you say, you've never had a car before, you may be better off starting with something cheaper and easier to run. Can I suggest a Golf? Just as classy as the Beemer, but more affordable by far.

 

Neil Briscoe - Complete Car Adviser
@neilmbriscoe