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• Do I need a 4x4 and if so PHEV, MHEV or diesel? 26 May 2024 (Forum)
    I like the boot space of the karoq as we often go camping, cycling etc. (previous car was a BMW 330 x drive which I loved for everything apart from the boot). Firstly I don't know whether I need a 4x4 or whether I just need to buy a 2wd car and some winter tyres etc.? Secondly if I do get a 4x4 should I just stick to the diesel or is a MHEV or PHEV worth considering.
• Aston Martin V8 Vantage - Buying an Aston Martin 7 Mar 2023 (Forum)
  I've never been one to put a lot of money into cars. In the past I've had a BMW 7-series (very troublesome) and a Mercedes E-Class. But at the moment I drive Toyotas. Here in Thailand we have a Yaris, bought new last year. At our villa in Mojacar we have a 2018 Avensis 1.8.  In the UK I have a GT86.
• MINI Cooper S R56 - MINI Cooper S Timing Chain Failure 21 Oct 2019 (Forum)
  I'm wondering where i stand with regards to warranty. The car is out of it's 3 year manufacturer warranty, and i've read that BMW/MINI parts come with a 2 year warranty, but only if you pay for them, if it's done under warranty, this does not apply, and they are only covered by the cars 3 year warranty. However, given that it seems to be a known problem, and the car is on 24k, 3 months out of warranty, and seems to have snapped a timing chain, i'm wondering what i can expect from the garage, or MINI UK?
• Mazda 3 - The perfect 10k used family car 11 Jan 2018 (Forum)
  Have had a look through this forum, I’ve managed to narrow the list down to these: Mazda 3 SEAT Leon Skoda Octavia Volvo V60   We’re planning to head out to showrooms over the next few weekends to have a look at examples but wanted to know if any one had any thoughts on this list ot an obvious choice that I was missing (I thought about the Honda Civic but doesn’t interior seems a little dated when looking at the budget).   Having asked around friends seem to suggest Golf/BMW Series 3/Audi A4 – any reason why these aren’t particularly highly recommended around here??   Grateful for any help – really not a car buff so any advice is good!
• Help needed with prospective used car purchase 17 Oct 2016 (Forum)
  I have been initially looking at 2012 onwards 318D and 320D BMWs which have circa 65k miles on, these have been the M Sport variety's and have been extremely comfortable. My wife is now getting upset as I started looking again this morning at other makes of car, such as Volvo, and the ultimate sin of looking at Renaults and Citroens (we've had major problems with both in the past).
• Car with similar performance of Citroen C3Airdream 8 Jul 2014 (Forum)
  My budget is around 15K (Cash payment, no loan/finance) and I am thinking of buying an used car (2-3 years old with mileage upto 25K). Shortlisted cars so far: 1. BMW 320d efficient dynamics (But the insurance is coming around £850 even with 8 years no claim bonus, for all other cars below the insurance is around £220) 2. Ford Mondeo 3.
• £4500 for a diesel estate 21 Jan 2010 (Forum)
  d quite like a premium badge, the desire to have reliable cheap to run car out-ways this. Old shape 3/5 series BMW?. Not sure might be paying for the badge and an outdated design. Honda accord ? don?t know much about them other then they are reliable Toyota Avensis ? don?t know anything about them. £4500 is a stretch for us, so it?
• Ford Kuga (2008 - ) - Day out with a Kuga 24 Oct 2009 (Forum)
  I usually a book the cheapest hire car in can find that isn't group A = Small Economy. Earlier this year I got a BMW 118d and yesterday I got a 3 week old Kuga. Not easy to work much out in 8 hours and with the handbook in German but it was avery pleasant drive. It was a 2.0dci. Hard to work out how to start it; the 'key' is just a remote with three buttons on it Open/Lock/Boot only.
• Another of those - "which car should I choose ?" 25 Apr 2008 (Forum)
  To avoid the "big hit" I don't want something new, but probably a year or two old. Budget: Around £16k My thinking at the moment is: Seat Leon 2.0 TDI BMW 320d Audi A4 20 TDI S line Lexus IS 220d I won't rule out a sports car, as long as the boot is big enough for the kit (which the hardtop convertible SLK is.... shame they cost so much!), so any interesting suggestions there would appreciated.
• Which Used Car for Killer Commute? 9 Jan 2008 (Forum)
  Just to give you an idea of the way my mind's been working, I've been looking at a low mileage 1.4 TDi Ford Fusion amongst other things, not the most fun or glamorous vehicle admittedly but cheap servicing and excellent fuel economy. Other thoughts were a Rover 75 with the BMW diesel engine or a Skoda diesel. I've got a budget to 7k, which I'd be looking to pay back in 3 years, so the vehicle would need to last that long if it cost the full amount. I'd be interested in hearing people's suggestions, either along similar lines or, if you think I'm approaching things from the wrong angle, from a completely different perspective.
• Jaguar X-Type Estate (2004 - 2007) - insurance, how to get big enough courtesy car 15 Aug 2007 (Forum)
  S-I-L has recently had a fairly large shunt in her car (BMW 120d) when her hubby hit a large stag in Scotland whilst they were driving up overnight...(apparently the midges are bad in the hills/mountains so the deer are remaining down low). The hassle she's had getting an alternative vehicle, had me check our policy because we're going up there on tues for 10 days.... and i can't say i'm all that happy with the responses i've had so far.
• Kiev car life 18 Apr 2007 (Forum)
  BTW I got my car back from the garage last week after having one side repainted due to vandalism (got compensation paid promptly, too) the cost of the bodywork was $150 - mind you, its a white American convertible of 17 years and only the size of a 3 series BMW so it was a bit of a blow over. I am gathering energy to write about the flourishing Chinese imported car market which has seen some grandly (funnily) named models hit the market if anyone is interested.
• Which will last longer? 5 Mar 2007 (Forum)
  The Audi A4 is nearing the end of it's life span before they do a change ( I love the looks). The BMW 3 series is a superb car; but I fancy the new Merc. I see the Audi A4 is much cheaper to service though. Please I would be very interested if people let me know what they think? I genuinely have a broad mind>Magazines never tell you which car will probably last longest.
• 320d vs A3 2.0TDI vs Leon Cupra TDI 19 Jan 2007 (Forum)
  The Audi is a nice car, built well and looks nice, but it just isn't value for money in my opinion - 3 or 4 years old and still asking 11k for what is effectively a small hatch. The BMW is a nice car, a bit too much on the "older" side for me (I'm 28) but a lot of car for the cash. Refined and RWD is a big plus point, 5 doors and the rear end styling is the negative. The main reason for considering this is the handling.
• Used Car Deal 8 Sep 2006 (Forum)
  Hi My first post so be gentle! I have recently agreed to purchase a used BMW from a main dealer. The screen price was £23,384. The dealer valued my old Golf GTi at £4,000. Leaving a balance of £19,384 I phoned back next day and made an offer. My car and £19K. This was accepted and they took a £1,000 deposit over the phone.
• New Civic - Is Honda going mad? 27 Nov 2005 (Forum)
  My parents generation and even I when I test drive cars seem to lament the sort of soft cossetting ride you could get from the Renault/Peugeots of old and instead the more modern versions of such cars are now "Germanically hard" as that is what the yoof marketiers think is what the market wants (ie ape a Golf/BMW). You do wonder if when car companies "clinic" a new car whether they actually interview a wide range of customers or even admit internally that the majority of their customers are about 20yrs older than they would like...
• Keep car? Change car? Lease Car? 22 Sep 2005 (Forum)
  I like the higher driving position, the tardis effect and find it very comfortable. The (2) kids like it in the back too. Having had a BMW before the Picasso, the squeaks and rattles and dodgy plastic finishes are an annoyance but not the end of the world. I get a car allowance from work of £320 a month (after tax) and this is roughly the monthly repayment on the 5 year loan I took out to buy the car from new in March 03.
• Auction Manchester - Parts One & Two 18 Sep 2004 (Forum)
  Paid a visit to the BCA Car auction at Belle Vue, Manchester yesterday, thought I\'d post details of some of the vehicles that went under the hammer. 02 plate Ford Ka 1.3i Style, 18k warranted, Red metallic, part SH, exc condition - £3150 W plate Ford Galaxy 2.3 Zetec, 34k warranted, Silver, part SH, good condition - £7100 52 plate Nissan Primera 1.8 S, 20k warranted, Silver, part SH, exc condition - £6150 03 plate VW Beetle 1.8 T, 18k warranted, Red, part SH, Leather, exc condition - £8975 51 plate Honda Accord 2.0 Vtec SE Exec, 53k warranted, Silver, part SH, good condition - £5900 T plate Ford Mondeo 1.8 Zetec 5 dr, 42k warranted, Blue metallic, part SH, sold as seen tatty - £1600 W plate Ford Mondeo 1.8 Zetec 5dr, 63k warranted, Silver, part SH, ave condition - £2575 Y plate Ford Mondeo 1.8 Zetec 5dr (new shape), 79k warranted, red metallic, part SH, good condition - £3775 Y plate Ford Mondeo 1.8 LX 5dr (new shape), 37k warranted, Red, part SH, ave condition - £4550 51 plate Ford Mondeo 2.0 Zetec 5dr (new shape), 82k warranted, Grey metallic, part SH, ave condition - £4050 X plate BMW 323 Ci 2.5 Coupe, 138k warranted, Gold metallic, part SH, exc condition - £8575 51 plate Toyota Yaris 1.3 GLS VVTi, 41k warranted, Blue metallic, part SH, exc condition - £4750 Part two to follow...................
• Labour rates top £150 per hour 19 Jun 2004 (Forum)
  The independent warranty provider says dramatic variations in the cost of labour still exist from region to region and garage to garage. Since it last examined labour rates in June last year, a BMW franchise in central London has charged the highest hourly rate of £152.75 per hour. This is more than double the UK average labour bill of £68 for the marque, although this figure is obtained using both franchised and independent garages.
• Bargains still to be had in EU 7 Mar 2004 (Forum)
  Certain brands -- notably at the luxury end of the market -- actively limit price differences for their cars across the EU, it noted, citing Mercedes, BMW, Audi and Seat. You can read the full article here. http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/040302123021.hl724nx7