used car choice, head v heart. opinions welcomed.

[johng]

I currently have an 09 Toyota aygo, 13k on the clock, paying £80 a month on an 'options' type scheme. 2 more years left and then £2k left to pay. Very cheap to insure and tax. My dilema is whether to sell this and buy an older BMW 318-320. Admittedly itwould be 10 years old with around 80k+ and increased running costs, but its a nicer car to drive.
The way I look at it is im losing value on the toyota through depreciation and paying monthly ammounts for another 2 years and then have to find the final payment, or pay the same monthly ammount for an older car, lose less on depriciation but risk reliability issues and higher costs. I only do about 6k a year though.
Any views on the best option to take or experiences of owning 02, 03 plate 318's.
Cheers ,
John.

 

[USER1999]

Bmw bushes are rubbish, so suspension can be costly. Tyres are more expensive, and they will eat the rears. running costs will be a lot higher. Me? I wouldn't do it. Mrs mog has had about 10 BMs in a row, I've not been impressed by many of them.

 

[DappaDonDave]

Nip to Toyota and get a gt86.

The Beemer is not worth it at all.

I'm even pondering a Prius as a next car. I'm tight that's why lol

 

[GreiginFife]

Bmw bushes are rubbish, so suspension can be costly. Tyres are more expensive, and they will eat the rears. running costs will be a lot higher. Me? I wouldn't do it. Mrs mog has had about 10 BMs in a row, I've not been impressed by many of them.

I would disagree. Got a 55 plate 320 coop and it's had one set of shocks and top mounts replaced last year. Had the car 6 years and except brakes and usual fluids it's the only part that's needed done. Still on the original exhaust and it's going strong.
That said, I have seen something else and am selling the Beemer.

 

[Smiffy]

£20.00 a week for a reliable and economical car that will never let you down, or buy somebody else's 10 year old nadger???

Have you got money to throw away????

 

[StrangelyBrown]

I'm thinking of chucking the Clio and MX5 for one, larger car.

The problem is that I keep looking at Vauxhall Monaros. God I love a V8

 

[GreiginFife]

I'm thinking of chucking the Clio and MX5 for one, larger car.

The problem is that I keep looking at Vauxhall Monaros. God I love a V8

Then don't get a Monaro unless it's an imported Holden version (Clubsport). The LA3 engine that VX used isn't a patch on the original LA6 that Holden used.

 

[golfdub]

do not buy the bmw as this is about the millage the bmw will start t fall apart, nothing serious just anything with a rubber, bearings and exhaust.

iv done something similar to you more than once and i always regretted it.

 

[Rooter]

I have had 12 BMW's and i love them. however, your question, stick with the Toyota. much more sensible choice.

 

[m9wst]

my last car was an '04 3 series, i loved it but like most people have said expensive repairs...had a rear tyre pop, one garage nearby had a bridgestone for £265 or a pirelli for £295. bushes also went too, and the m sport side skirts seem to trap water in them, ended up with a few tiny rust spots before it went. it was great to drive but £80 to fill it up for 400 miles got kinda depressing too. chopped in for a 2 year old fiesta in the end.

 

[johng]

Thanks gents, I guess for once my head needs to rule my heart. Your views are much appreciated.
Cheers,
John.