The Student Room Group

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Reply 20
^ JC, do you mean going for the upgraded seats rather than the standard ones regardless of material? I seem to remember this came up before, the seats in the standard 3 series are rubbish, but if you get one with sports seats they are so much better. They come in both leather and cloth, but leather is far more common.

I don't know if it is the same story on the 1 series, but it is worth looking in to.
Reply 21
Original post by JamesHockey24
Vauxhall is general motors, which is amercian owned

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It's the british subsidiary of Opel. Just because General Motors is an American company it doesn't make the cars american... It's a German designed car.
Reply 22
Original post by 1992LP
Get the BMW, but at least buy a 118i instead. The 116i has to work quite hard (as does the 1.6 Astra) so actually uses more fuel.

Running costs are pretty much the same - BMWs are very reliable cars and if you get it serviced / MOTd at an independent specialist rather than at the dealership then that will save you a fortune.

Ditch the run flat tyres - most people do anyway, as they totally ruin the ride. Normal tyres on 16 inch alloys will cost you less than £100 per corner for good ones. I was £260 for a full matching brand new set of Michelin Primacy tyres on my 3 series with 16s, obviously if you get larger alloys then the price of tyres goes up.

Buy on condition and history, not mileage. With cars like that it really doesn't matter so long as the service history is there.



Thanks,
Wont the 118i be dearer on insurance ?, so far for the 1.6 BMW im getting quoted £2200 which IMO is okey for my 7 month driving experience.
Im under the impression the 1 series doesn't have space for a space tire in the back so if i do switch to normal tires wont this put me at risk of being stuck ? and i hear you have to tell the insure that you have changed the tires (modification) and it may affect the premium.

My only fear would be to get the Astra and find that the costs are reletively the same and iv settle for an inferior car. so i will look up the 118i and check out the insurance quotes. very valuable advice
Reply 23
Original post by big1wun
Thanks,
Wont the 118i be dearer on insurance ?, so far for the 1.6 BMW im getting quoted £2200 which IMO is okey for my 7 month driving experience.
Im under the impression the 1 series doesn't have space for a space tire in the back so if i do switch to normal tires wont this put me at risk of being stuck ? and i hear you have to tell the insure that you have changed the tires (modification) and it may affect the premium.

My only fear would be to get the Astra and find that the costs are reletively the same and iv settle for an inferior car. so i will look up the 118i and check out the insurance quotes. very valuable advice


One way to find out - ask! It might do, but then again it might not.

If you are in the middle of a policy I would consider waiting until you have a years no claims, or at least your licence for a year as that can make a big difference to your premium.

I don't know what the boot is like in a 1 series, but I imagine there is at least a spare wheel well. Get a spare from a scrappy and you are away. Run flats are not only very expensive but ruin the ride.

Lots of reading about the insurance implications here:

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&f=72&t=1253552&mid=242559&i=0&nmt=Just+been+informed+that+replacing+run+flats+with+standard+tyres+will+void+my+insurance%2E%2E%2E+&mid=242559

As far as I know you can spec the cars from the factory without run flats so it doesn't count as a modification. Might be worth asking your insurer? Lots of people do it so it isn't an unusual thing and they will be able to advise you.

Don't bother with an Astra regardless, if you are looking at the "budget" hatchback then the Focus is the one to go for. If you can afford it, get the 1 series :smile:
Original post by 1992LP
Get the BMW, but at least buy a 118i instead. The 116i has to work quite hard (as does the 1.6 Astra) so actually uses more fuel.

Running costs are pretty much the same - BMWs are very reliable cars and if you get it serviced / MOTd at an independent specialist rather than at the dealership then that will save you a fortune.

Ditch the run flat tyres - most people do anyway, as they totally ruin the ride. Normal tyres on 16 inch alloys will cost you less than £100 per corner for good ones. I was £260 for a full matching brand new set of Michelin Primacy tyres on my 3 series with 16s, obviously if you get larger alloys then the price of tyres goes up.

Buy on condition and history, not mileage. With cars like that it really doesn't matter so long as the service history is there.


The 116 is fine. The poster above is making an assumption that it struggles. The 1.6 is very nippy I've driven it and its incredibly fun to drive too.

For this reason I'd go for the BMW
Although you are sort of risking it because they are expensive to service.
The one I drove broke down a few months later, I think it was the steering rack which needed replacing. It cost 3K and the car was abut 4 years old at the time, if that.


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Reply 25
Original post by anonymouse01
The 116 is fine. The poster above is making an assumption that it struggles. The 1.6 is very nippy I've driven it and its incredibly fun to drive too.

For this reason I'd go for the BMW
Although you are sort of risking it because they are expensive to service.
The one I drove broke down a few months later, I think it was the steering rack which needed replacing. It cost 3K and the car was abut 4 years old at the time, if that.


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Going by a £7k budget I assume we are looking at the older version (E87).

It is a fairly heavy car with only 113 bhp, so they do struggle on the open road, especially with a few people + luggage in the car. Not exactly a snail, but it will hinder progress and make overtaking more difficult.

For the most part they are fine, but when you consider that a 118i will cost you pretty much the same there seems little point in the 116i. Especially when the combined fuel consumption is 37 mpg. My 328i does better than that!

As I said in my previous post, BMW servicing is not expensive if you take it to an independent specialist rather than a BMW dealership (they are notoriously expensive, so I see where you are coming from). My 3 series costs pretty much the same to run as the Ford Mondeo I had before.

Great little cars, great to drive, but I don't see the point in getting the 116i when the larger engined models will give you better performance at the same price. They don't drink any more fuel either, and in some cases drink less due to less stress on the engine.
Reply 26
Original post by big1wun
I just saw the back of my Fiat Punto, which is now someones else's problem now and just want this next car to be trouble free ,so I'm thinking about taking out a 3 year warranty costing £750 because BMW repairs can be monstrous (if I'm unlucky enough to get a problematic 1 series) but more for the piece of mind that if something does come up, its covered or is this wasted money because BMW quality is 'tip top' ?

If you want to take a warranty, check what it covers. A lot of warranties won't cover things you might expect them to.


Original post by 1992LP

Buy on condition and history, not mileage. With cars like that it really doesn't matter so long as the service history is there.

Whilst condition is important, I'm going to disagree with you there. For a start the mileage can have a significant negative effect on residual value, and whilst the engine will probably run for a couple of hundred thousand miles other things will wear, even if they don't wear out. Doesn't rule out buying a high mileage car, but I wouldn't ignore it. If nothing else use it as a bargaining point.
Reply 27
Original post by CurlyBen

Whilst condition is important, I'm going to disagree with you there. For a start the mileage can have a significant negative effect on residual value, and whilst the engine will probably run for a couple of hundred thousand miles other things will wear, even if they don't wear out. Doesn't rule out buying a high mileage car, but I wouldn't ignore it. If nothing else use it as a bargaining point.


I agree - mileage will affect value but these days that is about the only thing. Most people see a low mileage car and automatically assume it is better than a higher mileage car so there are some bargains to be had.

I see what you mean about other components, but a high mileage car that has spent all its time on the motorway will be much tighter than a lower mileage one that has spent all its life in town - more clutch wear, and more suspension wear.

I think we are actually saying the same thing - don't be out off by high miles if the car is in good nick and don't pay too much for a car just because the miles are low.


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Original post by 1992LP
I agree - mileage will affect value but these days that is about the only thing. Most people see a low mileage car and automatically assume it is better than a higher mileage car so there are some bargains to be had.

I see what you mean about other components, but a high mileage car that has spent all its time on the motorway will be much tighter than a lower mileage one that has spent all its life in town - more clutch wear, and more suspension wear.

I think we are actually saying the same thing - don't be out off by high miles if the car is in good nick and don't pay too much for a car just because the miles are low.


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Most cars these days are wound back anyway. A quick YouTube search just shows you how easy it is!


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Reply 29
If you are still deciding, remember there are plenty other options that you can go for.

You really just need to hunt for that proper deal, rather than just plumping for the first that you can find.

Also to correct people. New Vauxhalls are actually very reliable cars. Vauxhall have been a subsidiary company to ADAM OPEL AG (aka, Opel) for most of its time. However they do not have the structural integrity and reliability of German cars because they were all British-American designs up until 2009, when Vauxhall went under "renovation" and the whole company changed for the good, German designers of OPEL eventually started working with the British from Vauxhall and the Americans from GM and The new Astra was born. German Engineering, German Comfort, German Safety and most importantly German Reliability. Vauxhall have since Retired all of their Vehicles that were in production prior to 2009 excluding the Zafira (currently being phased out for the Zafira Touring) and the Antara (which is also in the process of discontinuation), and have been replaced with the all new German Designs. So all Vauxhalls made prior to 2009 are actually British Designs.
Reply 30
Original post by Vouge
If you are still deciding, remember there are plenty other options that you can go for.

You really just need to hunt for that proper deal, rather than just plumping for the first that you can find.

Also to correct people. New Vauxhalls are actually very reliable cars. Vauxhall have been a subsidiary company to ADAM OPEL AG (aka, Opel) for most of its time. However they do not have the structural integrity and reliability of German cars because they were all British-American designs up until 2009, when Vauxhall went under "renovation" and the whole company changed for the good, German designers of OPEL eventually started working with the British from Vauxhall and the Americans from GM and The new Astra was born. German Engineering, German Comfort, German Safety and most importantly German Reliability. Vauxhall have since Retired all of their Vehicles that were in production prior to 2009 excluding the Zafira (currently being phased out for the Zafira Touring) and the Antara (which is also in the process of discontinuation), and have been replaced with the all new German Designs. So all Vauxhalls made prior to 2009 are actually British Designs.


Thanks for the reply
really wanted a balanced discussion so nice to see someone rooting for the Astra. The astra im interested in is the sports hatch which stopped being produced in 2009 so would you say that model is less reliable than the new ones (the new 5 door astra's)
Im going to test drive both the BMW and the astra tomorrow and im sure they will both be great to drive but reliability is top on my agenda so my debate me and my mrs are having is weather to pay for the premium bmw badge and hope the build quality carries us for the next 2-3 years with minimal hicups, or settle for the astra and brace ourselves for any problems the vauxhall may bring. Just wish my budget allowed me to buy from new.
Reply 31
Original post by Vouge
If you are still deciding, remember there are plenty other options that you can go for.

You really just need to hunt for that proper deal, rather than just plumping for the first that you can find.

Also to correct people. New Vauxhalls are actually very reliable cars. Vauxhall have been a subsidiary company to ADAM OPEL AG (aka, Opel) for most of its time. However they do not have the structural integrity and reliability of German cars because they were all British-American designs up until 2009, when Vauxhall went under "renovation" and the whole company changed for the good, German designers of OPEL eventually started working with the British from Vauxhall and the Americans from GM and The new Astra was born. German Engineering, German Comfort, German Safety and most importantly German Reliability. Vauxhall have since Retired all of their Vehicles that were in production prior to 2009 excluding the Zafira (currently being phased out for the Zafira Touring) and the Antara (which is also in the process of discontinuation), and have been replaced with the all new German Designs. So all Vauxhalls made prior to 2009 are actually British Designs.

Where have you got that from? Vauxhall have been badge engineered Opels for 30 years and have been designed in Germany throughout.
Reply 32
Original post by Vouge

Also to correct people. New Vauxhalls are actually very reliable cars.


Not sure where you are getting that from - the new VXRs are constantly having problems with turbos, clutches, and gearboxes. Not to mention all the electrical gremlins on the cooking models.

They aren't all bad, obviously, but they do have issues. Also not a patch on the BMW, it is in a different league.

OP - it would be interesting to hear what you think after a few test drives. Do report back and let us know!
Reply 33
Original post by CurlyBen
Where have you got that from? Vauxhall have been badge engineered Opels for 30 years and have been designed in Germany throughout.



Im unfortunate enough to work for vauxhall just now. And have for the past 3 years.
Reply 34
Original post by Vouge
Im unfortunate enough to work for vauxhall just now. And have for the past 3 years.

So are you saying there's a full blown design centre in the UK? Everything google throws up says that design has been in Russelsheim since 1980. I realise that the internet isn't the be all and end all, but that does tally with what I know of Vauxhall.
Reply 35
Original post by 1992LP
Not sure where you are getting that from - the new VXRs are constantly having problems with turbos, clutches, and gearboxes. Not to mention all the electrical gremlins on the cooking models.

They aren't all bad, obviously, but they do have issues. Also not a patch on the BMW, it is in a different league.

OP - it would be interesting to hear what you think after a few test drives. Do report back and let us know!

HI
After test driving both cars the BMW is in another class, the Vauxhall is great but the BMW is much more fun to drive and the way the seats hug your body as your tear through corners, you'd think you were in a super car ( i have never been in a super car lol), Interior build quality is top class except from the cheap plastics under the glove box and around the gear lever.My budget only allows for a older (05/06) bmw, which dont come with electric rear windows. So i bought a 2010 plate 1.6 sxi astra with 35k on the clock, full service history,1 previous owner and two sets of keys for £6000, i will post pictures if i can but it looks great. After all your help which is very much appreciated, the astra made more sense for my budget, im saving £1200 on insurance. The driving position isn't as desirable as the BMW but it not as bad as expected. only time will tell weather it will be reliable
Reply 36
100% 1 series mate, can't go wrong with german engineering in this day and age :smile:


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Reply 37
Original post by big1wun
HI
After test driving both cars the BMW is in another class, the Vauxhall is great but the BMW is much more fun to drive and the way the seats hug your body as your tear through corners, you'd think you were in a super car ( i have never been in a super car lol), Interior build quality is top class except from the cheap plastics under the glove box and around the gear lever.My budget only allows for a older (05/06) bmw, which dont come with electric rear windows. So i bought a 2010 plate 1.6 sxi astra with 35k on the clock, full service history,1 previous owner and two sets of keys for £6000, i will post pictures if i can but it looks great. After all your help which is very much appreciated, the astra made more sense for my budget, im saving £1200 on insurance. The driving position isn't as desirable as the BMW but it not as bad as expected. only time will tell weather it will be reliable


I am very glad you have found a car you are happy with - at the end of the day that is the most important thing :smile:

£1200 saving on insurance is very significant, so I can understand your decision. And of course, we need pics!

Happy motoring
I own a 2016 astra Biturbo elite with loads of extras, intellilux lights (auto main beam, bends lights around corners - fantastic xenon lights), electric folding wing mirrors , lane departure warning, parking sensors front and back, parks itself, heated steering wheel, heated seats front and back, touch screen display, Colision warning device, rear camera, side sensors to help you see cars in blind spot and then 160bhp. What a car it is - like sitting in an aeroplane with it wrapping around you keeping you safe on a long journey.I have friends who own a 1 series m sport - it does not have any of the above and it is sparse in comparison and smaller in space inside. Would I pay more to get the badge - no chance.The astra is British built and the quality is much higher than bmw. Try using the hands free device on the bmw and the astra - the astra is far superior. People are being conned by buying german - they are not always the highest quality - look at others you will be surprised what is available from other manufacturers.
Original post by Other student
I own a 2016 astra Biturbo elite with loads of extras, intellilux lights (auto main beam, bends lights around corners - fantastic xenon lights), electric folding wing mirrors , lane departure warning, parking sensors front and back, parks itself, heated steering wheel, heated seats front and back, touch screen display, Colision warning device, rear camera, side sensors to help you see cars in blind spot and then 160bhp. What a car it is - like sitting in an aeroplane with it wrapping around you keeping you safe on a long journey.I have friends who own a 1 series m sport - it does not have any of the above and it is sparse in comparison and smaller in space inside. Would I pay more to get the badge - no chance.The astra is British built and the quality is much higher than bmw. Try using the hands free device on the bmw and the astra - the astra is far superior. People are being conned by buying german - they are not always the highest quality - look at others you will be surprised what is available from other manufacturers.


Congratulations, this thread was made 3 years before your car.