Adam_B

So I thought my 2004 530d was losing tot much money and with a new shape coming out at the end of the year I decided to bite the bullet!!

Bought in November 2007 for ?19250 from BMW with 38,000 miles and sold in April 2009 for ?11,500 with 58000 miles on it. It is a big hit in about 18 months.

So now I just want something cheap. I have about 4k to spend but looking at the old shape 5 series and 3 series I think they all look quite old and out of date now. I have decided to opt for an Audi A4 for about 4k. I am trying to get a 1.8T Quattro Sport that has done 67500 miles on a 2003 '52' reg for ?4500. I know they are the old shape but they still look newer and better than a BMW of the same age IMO!

Do you think this is a good option?

Phantom Mark

Why not go retro BMW but use the extra cash to retrofit a modern engine, say an E34 with a 530d engine for example ??

The cars are cheap, parts cheap, easy to maintain and it will virtually owe you nothing in the future ? Not to mention retro old school beemas are very cool and have huge street cred

Its the only way you can still have luxery motoring and beat the residuals, plus E34's are waaaaaaaay better built than modern BMW's, I have an 18 year old outside which still has not a single cabin rattle or serious problem with it after 156k, and thats a petrol 2.5 24v.

Adam_B

Well before the % series I used to have an e36 320i se Auto. It was the first of the new shape on a 1991 H reg. I had that for 6 years and never had any problem with it ever. I sold it for ?300 with 130,000 on the clock. I only paid ?2200 for it 6 years earlier and other than servicing and normal wear and tear, I didnt have to replace any parts. The body work was starting to rust a bit on the rear arches but nothing too serious.


I just fancy something that still looks new and so far I am thinkking that value for money is an Audi A4 unless anyone can sway my mind to something else?

latho

Go for the A4, to be honest the change in shape is not as noticeable as say the 5-series and they are still good cars. My boss has a 52 plate S4 and it still looks great.

Dom

ipp

If you can live with not driving a modern BMW selling the E60 was a good idea, the will loose a lot the coming year. For me life is to short to make that kind of sacrifices...

Jambers

Go for that A4 - it's a superb car. I had one and miss it...it was brand new 1.9TDi 130, '52 plate and I ran it for almost 50,000 totally trouble fre miles, and even though I love my E60, I have to say the Audi was probably better made in most area's - not just slightly better than E60, but miles better than a Lexus or comparable 2002/3 Merc too. Just look at the door hinges, the over engineering is incredible, and the quality of the plastics and trim is superb inside. The engine and turbo's go on for ever. It looks staid, but it's fab.

You might find the clutch is a bit high, but they all were, and the steering a bit numb, but overall it is great. The Sport has better handling than an SE, and just watch the Quattro system. 1st to 2nd may seem very slightly hindered when cold, but that was normal. Make sure it has had a full service history. Any doubts just walk away!!

Adam_B

Thanks for the advice. I have seen a few that look good. There are so many on the trader that have done way over 100k miles but they are still demanding good money for them. And a few others I have come accross seem to have 'no' service history! Although my mate who works in the car trade says this is a common ploy where they clock the car and throw the service booklet away and hope no one will check too much into it. I am liking the look of the Quattro sport in either a 1.8T saloon or a 2.5 Tdi Avant so I have got a couple to look at. I am not a big fan of estate cars but they do look quite good!
I will miss this forum now I no longer have the 5 series though!!