[Yawn11]

So I just done my first MOT and though overall things are fine, I'm certain it's time for an upgrade from my Peugeot 306 in a few months.

Ideally my second car will be:

-Japanese or German, for obvious reasons.
-Hopefully not a high insurance group (By the time I'm ready to buy I'll only have been driving for a year and have 1 year's NCB).
- 8 years old max.
- Under 2.0 litre engine
- Cost IDEALLY about £3K but if it can't be helped I'd stretch to £3.5-4K
- Also preferably not the typical hatchback shape, though I'm will compromise.

I've been looking at Mazda 3 (4 door saloon) which is a great car, but much harder to come by compared to say the Mazda 6, which is also great, but a bit big.

Also been looking at Vauxhall Astra and VW Golf, great cars, but I'd rather something less common/humble.

[vxrz]

Have you had a look at an Audi A3?

This was posted from The Student Room's Android App on my LT26i

[Yawn11]

(Original post by vxrz)
Have you had a look at an Audi A3?

Yeah, it's rather expensive and hard to obtain, at least with the age I'm interested in.

[Herr]

BMW 316TI, should be under 8years and under 3.5k to buy for a fairly decent one. I think the Mercedes C180k Coupe is also around that price range.

No idea how much insurance will be on something like that, doubt it would be that expensive.

[Yawn11]

(Original post by Herr)
BMW 316TI

Is it odd that I love the way the front of the car looks but really dislike the back? It's a decent car though, definitely best option for BMW - wise.

Also interested in 318I and 320D

[Herr]

(Original post by Yawn11)
Is it odd that I love the way the front of the car looks but really dislike the back? It's a decent car though, definitely best option for BMW - wise.

Also interested in 318I and 320D

The back is an acquired taste, some love it and many hate it. That version is available with a 318i and a 320d. Doubt you could get a 320d within that price though unless it is a rather tired one.

A fun car to drive nevertheless.

[1992LP]

(Original post by Yawn11)
Is it odd that I love the way the front of the car looks but really dislike the back? It's a decent car though, definitely best option for BMW - wise.

Also interested in 318I and 320D

The E46 is a lovely car, never been in a Compact, but I really like my saloon.

Can you insure a 323i / 325i? They are lovely engines (both 2.5 straight 6s) and you will get a REALLY nice one for that money.

Avoid a cheap 320d, lots of common issues that will be very expensive to rectify. Stick to the petrols, ideally the straight sixes

ETA - why 8 years old max? Are you on a company car scheme or something? Don't discount the earlier ones - service history and condition is more important than age. Mine is a 1998 model (one of the very first E46s actually!) and it is in better nick than some of the later ones I have seen. The previous owner looked after it very well, that is what counts!

[Yawn11]

(Original post by 1992LP)
The E46 is a lovely car, never been in a Compact, but I really like my saloon.

Can you insure a 323i / 325i? They are lovely engines (both 2.5 straight 6s) and you will get a REALLY nice one for that money.

Avoid a cheap 320d, lots of common issues that will be very expensive to rectify. Stick to the petrols, ideally the straight sixes

ETA - why 8 years old max? Are you on a company car scheme or something? Don't discount the earlier ones - service history and condition is more important than age. Mine is a 1998 model (one of the very first E46s actually!) and it is in better nick than some of the later ones I have seen. The previous owner looked after it very well, that is what counts!

Yeah you're right, I'm being a tad picky on age, just for the sake of being closer to present date lol

I really like the E46. Can I get insured on one? Possibly. Can I get a reasonably priced insurance? Unlikely.

[1992LP]

(Original post by Yawn11)
Yeah you're right, I'm being a tad picky on age, just for the sake of being closer to present date lol

I really like the E46. Can I get insured on one? Possibly. Can I get a reasonably priced insurance? Unlikely.

In that case, definitely don't discount the older ones. You would not believe some of the deals that can be had!

Get a quote - Admiral wanted £600 from me to drive a 323i at 19 a few months ago! I went for a 328i instead, which costs around £800. In comparison, I still can't get insured on my Mum's 2004 1.2 Corsa Life for less than £1500!

[Yawn11]

(Original post by 1992LP)
In that case, definitely don't discount the older ones. You would not believe some of the deals that can be had!

Get a quote - Admiral wanted £600 from me to drive a 323i at 19 a few months ago! I went for a 328i instead, which costs around £800. In comparison, I still can't get insured on my Mum's 2004 1.2 Corsa Life for less than £1500!

wtff how'd you manage to get insurance so cheap! There's no way I'd find that, but then again I live in London = high risk area.

[1992LP]

(Original post by Yawn11)
wtff how'd you manage to get insurance so cheap! There's no way I'd find that, but then again I live in London = high risk area.

Admiral / Elephant / Bell (I am with Bell), both parents as named drivers, car kept on drive, and I live in the Scottish Highlands which probably explains it.

London will be mor expensive, but it is worth a try - the worst they can say is no