And so I face the final curtain...
Having given up on finding a 328 Touring in the spec I wanted, I expanded the search for replacing my 330 convertible a few weeks ago. I like the look of the Leon ST, but not convinced by its build quality, and I shall be keeping it several years, like the BM, which has been fabulous and still feels hewn from stone.
The C200 was very impressive, but could I live with that drop in power, although a few are available with a large panoramic roof which was on my wish list?
The Vrs was very impressive performance wise. A 2yo model but no squeaks and possibly better screwed together than the Leon. Might have to forget the sunroof option though, but I could happily live with an Octavia Vrs sans sunroof.
Next up... I'm having a look at a Golf estate with the 1.4 TFSI 140 engine at my local VW in Skipton, compromising on oomph but worth a look. Probably best residuals of the lot, but over seven years ownership who's counting?
Today I'm having a look at a Focus estate..down on space from the Octavia Vrs, but up on power. I've seen a nice looking ST 100 miles away, but visiting my local Ford to check out the build quality and cabin layout first before travelling that distance. Remarkably cheap to insure when I got an online quotation for the ST at Coalville Ford. No sunroof, but they are tiny on the Focus, unlike the BM & MB.
And as Spring approaches the value of the ragtop 'may' increase a little in value.
All the above are petrol and estates.
I think I've covered all bases there!
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Except the one you'll eventually take.
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>> Except the one you'll eventually take.
>>
Please don't say ' I told you'!
A friend brought something up which was not on my radar and I'm having a go in that this week.
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Don't worry. All I meant was that you'll end up keeping your BMW.
And then I'll say I told you so!
};---)
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It's one of the oldies 98th tomorrow....she'll be out in the BMW Thursday for a long drive as her birthday present, roof down, heater on full blast. Probably outlive me. My old mum ( only 88) had to be lifted out the back of it last Friday...I should take a video and post it on YouTube.
Somethings gotta give... Only if one of them croaks will I be keeping it.
Taking a Mazda 3 out this week..only 165 ponies. Hope I am allowed to hurl it down some country lanes to see if it passes the grin factor test. The Focus ST estate certainly did!
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Something from the Volvo range? Seems to be a lot of chatter about them here these days.
Know what you mean about being anxious regarding drop in power with the C200, we had the same angst with our Saab. Having spent 5 months driving the CR-V, you realise that for 95% of the time it's quite adequate. The only time I've yearned for the Saab is for those snap overtaking opportunities on our twisty and hilly roads here in Austria. I certainly don't miss the 27mpg!
Last edited by: Mike H on Thu 24 Mar 16 at 09:32
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>>>Having given up on finding a 328 Touring in the spec I wanted
So having been motivated to have that exact car in the exact spec of your choosing is it really better to move to a totally different car to get the spec? Surely closer to your ideal to get the right car in the nearest spec??
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You wont like the Focus. The Germans do the ergonomic simplicity thing really well - things just fall to hand and are in logical places.
Not the case in the focus - to many fiddly buttons and cheap plastics.
I like the focus but not quite so sure about living with one, plus I find the ST versions a bit ....er.....like I should be wearing a baseball cap....backwards
Anything from the Audi line up?
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The 3 series is an ergonomic revelation after the Volvo. The only quibble, minor at that, is the fact that HRW and the TP button is on the "wrong" side of the row of buttons. Right next to the driver's right hand in a LHD but well out of the way in the RHD. Bearing in mind that the RHD conversion is lovingly detailed that is a major flaw for me.
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Haven't found that a problem in mine, RP; HRW is on the right-hand side and easy to find. (What's TP? The traffic button in the radio?)
I'd like a light in the panel to tell me the auto sensor has put the lights on. There's an LED by the switch but that's too low down to notice.
And I've come see that the 'challenging' indicator switch is a price worth paying for the beautifully light and easy dip-flash action for the headlights.
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Is there an extra little cup holder for the hair gel?
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I think it's only the convertibles that come with a hairdryer, sorry, air scarf... :p
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Well, I had a drive out in a Focus ST. I got to drive on back roads I know very well and gave it a good thrashing...probably only 60% of its potential, and it was huge fun. Didn't get time to look at the dashboard layout as the scenery was passing by quite fast.
It seemed well screwed together, totally different handling wise to my RWD BM, sufficiently practical in estate guise, no sunroof, a bit hooliganish really, especially for an old bloke. Years ago I used to road rally an RS2000 in my motor club, and my last Ford was an XR 4x4 with the old Cologne 2.8 V6 which I broke, so I'm looking through rose tinted which is a big mistake.
I also looked at a VW Golf today.. 1.4 Tfsi estate, almost as much pound wise as the ST. Coal hole black, both inside & out. As exciting as mumps.
Tomorrow I have to sort through my baseball cap collection....
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Must be my version....Don't think there's an LED on the light switch anymore....another whinge is a the too bright light's on warning light in the instrument cluster....bit too obvious.
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I've had online quotes on two of the cars... I currently pay £145 fully comp on my old ( but still great) 330. The Focus ST estate was £186, the C200 estate £214. Both a year old, and voluntarily paying a higher excess, given that the value of both is some 4x that of my car ( at least) I don't think those quotes are at all bad.
I suppose being oldish, lots of NCD, living in a rural area with a low crime rate, low annual miles, garaged & social use only helps immensely.
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Evoque ragtop out soon, legacy.
Get one in fire-engine red, wif black wheels.
I'll even send you a flashdrive wif the latest choons - nowarrImean?
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Yeah, well thanks. Mighty generous of ewe.
With the roof down the Evoque will help me breath more easily. It's the choons dontcha know.
I posted my thoughts on the Evoque earlier. Notwithstanding the fact it is waaaay beyond my budget, it's really not my cup of Darjeeling. I owned a Defender 90 once, and really don't want another LR product.
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My 88yo mum got stuck in the back of the car again today, so it was a roof down and lift out scenario. Think I'll book it in for an early MOT combined with a thorough check over by my mechanic then advertise it on AT before the month is out.
I'm going to advertise in my local Booths supermarket and maybe take it out of the garage and leave it in a prominent position around town later this week.
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Good time to sell a convertible I guess. But given that you are so clearly reluctant to part with it, rather than spending a fortune on a replacement, why not just get yourself an affordable granny shifter too? Maybe a faux X faux type thing. Higher seating positions seem to suit crumblies I'm told.
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That's exactly what I'd do, Runfer, but I think we've suggested this before in this saga (which has run for longer than Alanovic's pukka Saab!) and LL doesn't want the hassle and expense of two cars.
But in the long run, keeping the 330i for long journeys without the relatives would prolong its life and cut down on repair bills: it could eventually become a modern classic.
An early Nissan Note or Honda Jazz would probably be high enough off the ground: too high can be as awkward for the elderly as too low.
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Do you need a different car at all? You could get a lot of taxi rides for the money you'd have to spend to replace or complement the 330 - especially if you could negotiate a regular arrangement with a local firm.
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>>>My 88yo mum got stuck in the back of the car again today, so it was a roof down and lift out scenario.<<
Be careful what you wish for in the new car. Cutting the roof off is not a cheap option to get her out!
Plenty of examples but...
www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/3445284/Firemen-cut-roof-off-police-car.html
I wonder how the paper work was handled?
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I'm sure they could have replaced it with a wooden top.
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Then out of the blue a 328 Touring appeared... Compromised very slightly on spec but acceptable. Agreed a price late yesterday, but no p/ex involved so need to sell 330 ASAP to help fund purchase. Going for an early MOT today...my nephew wants to buy it but suspect he cannot afford the insurance. He is in his early twenties, RAF based at Brize, but myself being old, with full NCD and garaged in a decent postcode area with low annual miles my fully comp premium this year was £146 with Cornhill. His will be considerably more.
I'm more than happy to sell it to a close family member. 100% reliable in the 6 years I have owned it, with tried and tested mechanicals. If he cannot afford the insurance I shall put it on AT soonest...might even post details on the classifieds here just in case his 'computer says no'!
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When do you get the 328 then?
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...and is it blue? They look reeeeeal nice in blue.
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To go off at a complete tangent ( who him ? ) I saw an E Class estate in London recently in a sort of mud brown metallic. Not seen that colour before but strangely enough I rather liked it.
Last edited by: Runfer D'Hills on Tue 12 Apr 16 at 12:07
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A sort of brown shoe colour?
Last edited by: Old Navy on Tue 12 Apr 16 at 12:10
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Aye maybe so, I also saw a newish BMW 1 series ( blimey aren't they getting big ) in a sort of metallic dark orange the other day. That looked remarkably nice too.
I think I may be entering a artistic phase...
;-)
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That orange looks great on the little 2 coupé. Wouldn't quite work with the red interior, though; might have to go cream - or even brown-shoe brown if it was an option.
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Honda do the new jazz in sunset orange, it looks similar to dayglow hi viz paint. You guys must be approaching jazz ownership age. :-)
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...-Jazz...sunset...
How appropriate!
We followed an old duffer last week in a spanking new Jazz. Gorgeous shade of royal blue, it was. Had plenty of time to admire it after he pulled out in front of us and proceeded at a snail's pace for the next five busy, twisty miles.
Last edited by: WillDeBeest on Tue 12 Apr 16 at 12:45
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Breaking news...
Spoke with my nephew tonight and he has bitten the bullet and decided the extra insurance is worth it to drive a creamy smooth straight six. He currently drives a 1.25 Fiesta!
Good man. I'm really pleased he has decided to buy it. Obviously the car is perfect mechanically ( to the best of my & my mechanics knowledge) otherwise I wouldn't sell it within family. My brother is a named driver on the policy so I have been promised drives out in it for old times sake. My mechanic friend will put it through the MOT tomorrow and give it a comprehensive check over prior to it being collected in two weeks....the computer thingy is currently showing 38.9 mpg after a licence losing trip up to the Lakes early Sunday, and a 100 miles of fast A road since on a light throttle. Probably 34/35 in reality but not complaining.
Need to make sure the 328 is still available tomorrow...Sod's law it was sold today, but in truth I got cold feet about placing a deposit then being the owner of two cars.
Fingers crossed
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What you needed was a 330 to get past the old duffer.
Only joking Mr Beest
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Wow. Many a slip etc. but congratulations.
Mine may be a mere 325 but it would have seen off the Jazz if there'd been room. There wasn't. Didn't matter anyway as we then got stuck in the marathon.
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Come on then LL, I can't be the only one desperate to know the last chapter?
Has there been a puff of automotive smoke? Have any fat ladies broken into song?
Put us out of our misery please!
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There are only 6 on Autotrader. My guess is it's this one:
www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201603031609869
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Hmm - no sunroof (good; horrid things) but non-sports seats in poverty fabric (not good, would be a deal breaker for me.)
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I think he's decided not to bother, so he can have a good think about it.
;)
Last edited by: sooty123 on Wed 13 Apr 16 at 16:19
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Much nicer - if you don't mind buying from a 'car supermarket'.
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>> Much nicer - if you don't mind buying from a 'car supermarket'.
>>
Why would anyone mind? I've done it thrice.
I expect LL is there as we speak, signing his life away.
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Why would anyone mind? I've done it thrice.
And I don't suppose you've spent £18,000 in your three visits combined. £6,000 for a Clio there, maybe, but for a complex, expensive beast that will have niggles, I'd want to buy from someone with the resources to stand by it.
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>> And I don't suppose you've spent £18,000 in your three visits combined.
Blimey. Hark at Lord Muck.
£17.5k total, as it goes.
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>> Much nicer - if you don't mind buying from a 'car supermarket'.
>>
And significantly more miles under it's wheels.
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>>www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201603031609869
Ugly-looking thing - I wouldn't give it owse room - prefer the older models [keep the old one guv'nor!!]
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It's not supposed to go in the house - although it is an automatic, so with an oldie at the wheel...
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Wife's guv'nor has just bought a new automatic car. £10,000 ... and that was just the vodka & tonic:
www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/land-rover/range-rover-sport-2013/
She's not all that old really (55) and she's a crook solicitor.
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>> with an oldie at the wheel...
Yet another pop at the oldies. You may get to go there yourself, if you're lucky.
;)
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>> >> www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201603031609869
>>
>> Ugly-looking thing - I wouldn't give it owse room - prefer the older models [keep
>> the old one guv'nor!!]
I could forgive the looks for a 6s 0-60 combined with 43mpg and plenty of room for taking stuff to the dump with. And fun round the corners on the way there.
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I can pretty well guarantee it won't do 43mpg. My 325 - similar weight, 6.9s but, OK, six cylinders - averages 41 and that's diesel and manual. I'd expect 35-37 from a 328i driven smoothly.
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>> I can pretty well guarantee it won't do 43mpg. My 325 - similar weight, 6.9s
>> but, OK, six cylinders - averages 41 and that's diesel and manual. I'd expect 35-37
>> from a 328i driven smoothly.
Yeah I was being a bit selective - don't they say that the urban rather than combined is usually a better indicator of 'real' mpg?
However based on my interpretation of "smoothly" I would expect a car driven in that manner to give closer to the combined, if not extra urban, figure.
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>>I could forgive the looks for a 6s 0-60 combined with 43mpg
Indeed and, y'all only see the top of the steering wheel and one windscreen wiper when you are driving it.
Um, that Range Rover I linked to - only available in automatic - strictly for oldies then.
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...only see the top of the steering wheel...
I find that if I raise the wheel a little above where I'd ideally like it, I can see the speedometer too.
};---)
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>>I find that if I raise the wheel a little above where I'd ideally like it, I can see the speedometer too.
I keep my windscreen polishing rag in the speedometer recess and a packet of wine gums in the tacho one.
8-)
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Thank you gentlemen for your continued interest in this epic. It is none of the above, nor are there currently any photos of the 'potential purchase' on the inter web.
I received a video presentation of it last Sunday, and if I had the wherewithal would post it on here. A price was verbally agreed the following day, and on Tuesday I agreed a price with my nephew subject to him getting insurance. This he has done... £586! Early twenties and 6 years NCD. I pay £146.
The car passed its MOT today. It always does. My mechanic, who was assistant workshop manager at a BMW main dealer for several years, tells me that mechanically it is 100% ok. Just one reversing sensor not working. It didn't when I bought it over 6 years ago.
Now I really like the colour...Melbourne Red Metallic. BUT, the interior is Venetian Beige Dakota leather, which my mechanic tells me is a pig to keep clean... seats, trim & carpets are the same colour, apart from the dash. He recommends a drivers seat cover, but why the heck get nice leather and cover it up! It has the panoramic roof, only 15k miles since registration in Dec 2012, two services and one owner. The owner has (allegedly) bought four consecutive BMs from this dealer ( Rybrook, Worcester) and just part ex'd it for a run out 335 petrol, now superceded by the 340. It comes with a 12 month BMW approved warranty, and a service pack until 2017.
If only it were black leather... What's a boy to do?
My nephew collects the 330 when he is next on leave, late April, and I might disappear for a few weeks sun in early May, but a decision has to be made sharpish.
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My in Laws had the Beige in their 328 - I wouldn't like to try to keep that clean. Sounds like a nice car though.
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Don't worry about the beige leather, my car has beige leather and also has 160,000 miles on it. The interior is as new. Sure you need to clean it sometimes but the technology has been invented, ( it's called a damp cloth )
;-)
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Runfer, my muddy terrier would have to be isolated. He wouldn't take kindly to being put in a top box. I have had a quick look for a deep boot liner but without success. Lots of mats, but a deep sided liner, as I had in my Legacy estates, would be ideal. And he prefers to ride shotgun upfront in his car harness.
But it is a very pale beige....
Might just toss a coin tomorrow
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Mine is cream - paler for the coupé and convertible. It's picked up a brown mark from one of my belts, but everything else comes off with a wet wipe, of which I keep a packet in the door pocket. Yes, I give it more attention than the black rhino hide in the LEC, but it's 100 percent worth it; it just looks and feels so good.
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Must admit I really liked it too. So that's two independent 'Yes' votes, and a single 'No' vote from my Ex BMW mechanic pal.
The Lakeland terrier is abstaining ( unintentional pun).
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>>It's picked up a brown mark from one of my belts...
Carefully clean it with a piece of lint free cloth ( old pillowcase or bit of cotton shirt would be ideal ) dip the cloth in a bit of meths ( not white spirit or turps ) but pure meths, and gently clean the mark off. Allow to dry, and polish with some neutral shoe cream or any clear wax polish. It'll come up like new.
Same technique applies for grease or oil stains on leather. If the whole seat was a bit mucky, you'd have to do the whole thing but if it's just an isolated mark it should be fine.
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Thanks, Humph. As it happens I have a couple of shirts I need to retire (cut one up the other week to find it didn't work as shoe polish cloths) and some purple meths for my fondue burner (yes, really) - and I'm not working tomorrow, so I can JFDI.
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Be gentle. Don't rub it too hard and don't get it too wet.
( as for the rest of you lot, just don't start ok? )
;-)
Last edited by: Runfer D'Hills on Thu 14 Apr 16 at 22:38
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...think I'd recommend clear meths, rather than the purple variety.....
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I agree, never tried using the purple stuff.
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...it doesn't taste as good, either.....
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Aye yer right enough there Jimmy !
;-)
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Why is it I remember purple meths from childhood? Was it used by model train sorts for fake steam from trains perhaps? I know we had some in the house - brother had model trains.
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Didn't know you could get clear meths. I thought the colour was a requirement for safety reasons.
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...I'm not sure about the legal bit - it may be/have been a safety requirement.
I agree, most meths commonly available in the UK is purple, but the last couple of bottles I've bought have been clear. (and, indeed, the current bottle I have is "Diall" and thus came from B&Q).
In the past, clear meths was sought after by users of Trangia (meths-fired) camping stoves, as the purple dye was though to be deleterious to their use. Local pharmacies would often have some (though mine doesn't currently stock any).
The clear stuff doesn't lead to odd colour effects when you use it with 'mixers'. ;-)
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..further research indicates that it was a (HMRC) legal requirement prior to somewhere around 2013, when the formulation was altered and harmonised within the EU, and the requirement for dye removed. (though, as apparently many people still wanted the dye, there is still a dispensation to use it).
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>> Why is it I remember purple meths from childhood? Was it used by model train
>> sorts for fake steam from trains perhaps? I know we had some in the house
>> - brother had model trains.
It was used to fire Mamod model steam traction engines.
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I used it in my Mamod steam engines as a child. I assume it would be impossible now to sell a toy powered by flaming liquid alcohol. I believe they use firelighter style solid fuel now.
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We lived in a house with no electricity when I was very young and I seem to remember purple meths being used in a tilley lamp as our only source of lighting....
Pat
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I like the BigClive youtube channel a lot. Knows his onions bigtime when it comes to electronics.
But occasionally he does stuff so we don't have to, and a couple of weeks ago he told us all about meths, what's in it, why it's purple, and indeed, what it tastes like.
4 minutes odd.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ep2I3Gf3Sec
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...the lamp itself would have been paraffin driven but there would have been a meths pre-heater, used at lighting to get the paraffin vapourised.....
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>> I used it in my Mamod steam engines as a child. I assume it would
>> be impossible now to sell a toy powered by flaming liquid alcohol.
A toy powered by flaming liquid alcohol that moves around the room on its own power!
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>> Why is it I remember purple meths from childhood? Was it used by model train
>> sorts for fake steam from trains perhaps?
There was nothing fake about it. You poured the meths into a little metal box stuffed with cotton wool under a metal mesh top, lit it, and shoved it under the boiler of your Mamod toy traction engine/steam roller or stationary engine.
As the flames were invisible, minor burns went with the territory.
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I love a cheese fondue. Not much better than that. We have all the equipment too, WDB. Tempted to get it out this weekend now you've mentioned it. Bit of fresh baguette, lush.
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I had cream leather in my Volvo S80 (2004-2010). The care instructions I was given were 'if it doesn't come off with a baby wipe, try a bit of aftershave'. Never had need of anything else.
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...as WDB has a brown stain (....belt indeed!....), a baby-wipe might be a good idea.
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Try a bit of aftershave
Alcohol again, I suppose - as modern baby wipes tend not to be. I'll be careful not to get my chest wig and medallion tangled in the seat mechanism.
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Baby wipes get crayon off painted walls nicely. But rub too hard and the paint comes with it. Gawd knows what evil concoction they are infused with, but baby buttocks seem unphased by their application, to my eternal surprise and confusion.
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How's your unfortunate brown stain doing WDB?
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I'll ask the third footman and let you know.
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.....the above said typed in an Irish accent.......
Last edited by: tyrednemotional on Fri 15 Apr 16 at 14:38
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Ha, gotcha. You don't speak to such a lowly worker. At worst you'd ask the head footman to obtain an update from whoever he's delegated the work to, better still you'd ask the Butler to go down the chain and report back.
;-)
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Or just assume it has been taken care of.
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So LL, did the dealer call you back to close the sale on the 328? Can't believe they are not biting your hand off?! Cash sale and no trade-in? Ker-ching for them..?!!
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The dealer called me back.... Somebody else bought it. To be honest I was still having reservations about that beige interior, and as I shall be keeping it 6 years minimum, like my current wheels, it had to be right. If it had been black leather it would have been paid for by now.
The dealer only offered to knock £1k off the posted price, which was £22k for a Dec 2012 vehicle, so top dollar. But I have this insufferable itch which keeps recurring. VW Bridgend have this dark blue GTI for a very similar price y'see. Wonder if that's still for sale?
Wonder if they would be open to Offa's ?
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And Motorpoint have a newer one ( both 5 door with the 230 Performance Pack) in white. Similar prices. I don't suppose the fact it is imported would have much effect on residuals over six years, and probably the same warranty. Not sure about white though...
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Don't assume the warranty will be the same. With all the flies buzzing around the VW dung heap at the moment, you'll want to be sure of all the support you can get. I'd be happier with the older car (especially in Storm Blue, my favourite GTI colour) if it got me the full VW Approved package.
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Think the colour is Night Blue....apologies for pedantry!
I still have fond memories of my Mk 1 GTI, and twenty years ago I owned a Quattro in a nice deep metallic blue (G646 JNV) if memory serves me correctly.
So, quite a combination of happy memories..
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That's not pedantry, LL; I got a pertinent fact wrong. Yes, Night Blue is the one, very smart, more discreet than white and not awful Me-Too Black. Came close last year to choosing one (manual, tartan seats) in that colour, before something else came along.
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I'm making a serious offer for that one today....wonder how much they'll move on price with no p/ex.
Doesn't have Dynamic Chassis Control, and the sunroof on the Golf isn't very large so I can live without that.
Beautiful morning here in t'Dales, finished my blueberry pancake con maple syrup so off to get some miles under the boots.
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....I think the thread title would have been better as "I did it my way!"
;-)
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So wait a mo, hang on, I'm getting confused now. You're buying a Golf Gti now? Not that a Golf Gti is a bad choice, on the contrary, but it's not very much like a BMW 3 series touring?
My brain hurts !
;-)
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>>My brain hurts
Not half as much as his I'll wager!
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A few thoughts from personal point of view having swapped a 3 series to a Golf 2 years ago, saloon 3 series, Golf 5 door, both diesel.
1. Golf will not match economy of equivalent BMW, I have dropped 5 mpg on average, in my case low 50s overall to high 40s overall.
2. Will depend on engines for you for mine, similar engines result in Golf being quicker than BMW.
3. Obvious difference in feel of handling but IMHO equally capable round a twisty road.
4. Golf does not have a "move over" appearance in the mirror of cars in front of you but people will let you out of a side road more willingly in a Golf.
5. Golf gadgets better, but maybe that was because it is a 2014 model rather than 2010.
Overall I liked them both & would happily drive either, not really possible to make a bad choice if 3 series and Golf are the alternatives.
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Well put, CD. I looked hard at the Golf last year before choosing a BMW and I suspect I'd be equally pleased if I'd chosen one. In GTI form, at least, the Golf matches the 3 for seat comfort and interior ambiance. Mechanical refinement will depend on your engine choice, of course. A Golf GTI probably looks marginally more in-yer-face than my discreet blue 3, but your choice of Night Blue will help there.
If I'd had a Golf, though, Mrs Beest might not have refused to drive it as she shuns the 3. That might be a good thing, or not.
};---)
Hundred up! Could this thread challenge Vić's Saab?
Last edited by: WillDeBeest on Mon 18 Apr 16 at 16:33
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>> Hundred up! Could this thread challenge Vić's Saab?
>>
Only 600+ to go to catch Fluffy's last topic.
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We worry that quoting might make it inconvenient for people to scroll past 3 or 4 extra lines, but scrolling through a 1,000 or 600 post thread is fine.
Very logical.
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I would have been happy with the 328 Touring in Melbourne Red metallic, but it all hinged on being happy with that beige interior for the next 6+ years. The extra space of a 3 Touring over a 5 door Golf would be useful occasionally, but it isn't essential. The performance figures between the two are very similar, the Gti in PP guise a few horses down but identical torque.
Seems that main dealers won't budge much on price, even for a financed buyer with no p/ex. Less than an hour ago I had a conversation with a dealer about a newish fully specced Carbon Grey Gti. I was happy to buy unseen, but they wanted only £233 less than an identically specced new one from DtD.
The 330 doesn't go to its new home until late April, and I may well go overseas last minute for a few weeks in early May, so no rush for the replacement.
But if, just if, my Premium Bonds get lucky next month I'll treat myself to a 340 Touring auto. Mineral grey, red oyster leather with panoramic roof.
But I won't get lucky
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I hope it's a 5-door GTI you're looking at, LL - otherwise you'll be back where you started!
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Of course Avant. I even have DC Keith's ( the Skoda people) looking for an Octavia Vrs estate for me... Not the latest 230 but the 220. I would be happy with one of those in that nice metallic grey, manual not DSG.
My best friend in chopping in his X5, 2006 3.0D with 230k miles. He has offered it to me as a ' put me on' ... He might even accept £3k for it, and I could be tempted at £2.5k.
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Well, given that your immediate need is a granny shifter, and if the X5 is still in reasonable nick, and you can get it cheap enough, and you're going to be out of the country a lot, and you're not going to be doing any real miles, and you're on a finite budget, well, it sounds like a bit of a plan really.
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BMW - And now, the end is near - WillDeBeest
