Depends what you want from a car, what condition its in, how its been looked after, and most importantly how much you intend to pay for it.

Regardless of how flowered up the advert is, its a high mileage basic car that isn't ever going to be worth what a square 325i is currently, so don't pay lots of money to some dealer who's written a lengthy piece waxing lyrical about time warp conditions or investment in classics.

At banger money, £800 tops and preferably half that it might be a decent enough motor, looked after well it might last many years yet if its been cared for previously, but you will need to be a good home mechanic or have a tame competent indy mechanic on tap.

Some of us prefer cars of this time line and dislike their modern replacements for many reasons.

"We can only speculate". :-)

While engines can go on for a long time it's the rest of the car that starts to deteriorate. Suspension bushes, auto gearboxes, steering racks, hoses, alternators, starters, dampers, heater blowers, rust, brake disks and pipes: take your pick. It's pot luck.

Fixing these things is cheap for DIY mechanics with an Ebay account, but not at BMW dealer prices.

Have at least £1K in hand for bits that go wrong. If they don't you're in luck with a nice car for the money. 2002 BMW 316Ti SE's go for about £500 upwards.

You can check the MOT history online to see what the advisories are, before you buy:

www.gov.uk/check-mot-history

Edited by Bracket on 11/07/2016 at 10:25

I had a 2001 316ti from new which I kept for 3 years.

In that time the fly-by-wire accelerator pedal had to be replaced, one of the telescopic struts that hold up the rear hatch broke off, and a rear coil spring snapped in half. All were replaced under warranty.

I found the engine disappointing, lacking in torque and noisy when revved. Overall fuel consumption (measured by brimming the tank) was 34.9 mpg, the best on a single tank full was 39.9. The gearbox was notchy and the standard audio system was dismal.

I was pleased to be rid of a 3 year old one, certainly would not want a 14 year old!