Just been browsing a well know auction web site for all things (including cars) and spotted some 7 series for what seem to be very reasonable prices.
There are some examples at www.bigmotorworld.co.uk (no connection in any way I hasten to add).
Plenty of 05/06/07 cars with lowish miles (under 40k) for less than £20k.
A lot of car for the money but would they make a good buy or be a money pit?
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If you have a BMW mechanic in the family, or have a very trusted independant on hand, then they look like good value.
A colleague of mine bought an oldish one a few years ago for £3K, but then had a fault where the climate stayed on max heat. He was quoted £3K to fix it as it was a "dash out" job - however I've since been told that's rubbish and it probably only needed a new climate ECU - last I heard he was driving around with all the windows open!
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3k won't get you anything in your target brand. With the right engine and trim combo you're looking at one of the best cars in its class.
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There are some examples at www.bigmotorworld.co.uk (no connection in any way I hasten to add). >>
;-) You cannot have a connection as such a company does not exist [there is a bit missing from the name!].
On pistonheads and other web sites which do not have a "no name & shame" policy, you can always ask or search for both good and bad experiences that customers have reported about some traders. So I suggest it may be worthwhile if you go there and check them out.
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I know nothing about them, but if you just Google Big Motor World it gives you some information from elsewhere on the interweb.
Edited by Chris White on 27/03/2009 at 11:10
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;-) You cannot have a connection as such a company does not exist [there is a bit missing from the name!]. On pistonheads and other web sites which do not have a "no name & shame" policy you can always ask or search for both good and bad experiences that customers have reported about some traders. So I suggest it may be worthwhile if you go there and check them out.
Thanks - to be honest I'm just after opinions on the cars themselves not where I should get one from.
I really wanted to know if they would make a sensible purchase or are they likely to cost ££££s in servicing etc. My budget would be about £20k.
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Plenty of 05/06/07 cars with lowish miles (under 40k) for less than £20k. A lot of car for the money but would they make a good buy or be a money pit?
Shouldn't be a money pit now (not too old), but will become one in the years ahead, which is why older ones (and this one in due course will) go for peanuts.
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This particular place is mentioned quite a lot on other forums - I'd suggest you to investigate others' experiences.
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This particular place is mentioned quite a lot on other forums - I'd suggest you to investigate others' experiences.
Thank you - if I ever decide to look / buy I will bear this in mind.
Still interested in any comments / thoughts about whether the 7 series is a good second hand proposition at 3 / 4 years old.
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HJ gives it three stars:
www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/index.htm?md=536
A good warranty should guard against unexpected bills, but my guess is that the expected bills aren't going to be cheap, even using an independent rather than a dealer. As long as you are budgeting accordingly and have average luck, you could have an excellent car running well for many years.
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A fabulous car to ride in and drive. Won't be cheap on fuel, servicing, tyres, brakes, but you know that already. They are designed as long distance cruisers so will take high miles in their stride. From the german reliability reports they don't seem to be particularly unreliable but will obviously cost a few bob to fix if something does go wrong. My boss had one for 3 trouble free years before swapping it for a Cayenne (no, I don't understand it either).
To be honest if I was looking for a car in this class I would probably go for a Phaeton, don't know why, just really like them.
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What do you drive now & how bearable are the servicing bills? It's all relative. I'd budget at £2000+ a year for tyres, servicing and maintenance, anything you don't spend put in an accrual fund, which you can use as a deposit on it's replacement if it isn't needed.
You may be lucky and have 2 years at £600 but then the suspension might need replacing and cost £1000. Tyres are likely to be £1000 a set too and the rears will only do 15k miles in any of them with the V8 engine (with the V8 being which is part of the attraction) If this bothers you, this isn't the car for you, these cars are £70k new and aren't cheaper to run than a £70k car at any point in their lifespan unless you can do work yourself.
My old boss at work was horrified at spending £180 servicing her Focus, I routinely spend £800+ on my Porsche and it doesn't phase me as I'm used to it.
It's all up to your view on how much you're willing to spend on maintenance without it spoiling your enjoyment of the car.
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