V-RS or 325D

Mr S

Member
Messages
821
A friend of mine is selling his rather nice 325D manual, which has been tweaked to 250bhp. Its a lovely car, and he has done a lot to it to make it reliable and decent. He wants 5k for it, its done 145k miles. I have also seen some Octavia V-RS wagons for sale at a similar price. Wondering what people's thoughts are on both. The BMW has more prestige, and grunt, but I fear for stuff going wrong with it, and general running costs. The Skoda I know will be cheap to run, tax and insure etc.
 

GeoffCapes

Member
Messages
14,000
A mate has a V-RS and loves it, says it goes like a stink, looks quite nice but is a little bit plasticky inside.
That said, I'd have one over a 145k BMW.
 

Andyk

Member
Messages
61,038
We have two VRS and loved both. They are a really good car. Reasonably quick, handle wel.....a bit plaxpsticy inside but I liked the design and seats. At 5k I take it you are looking at the mark 2 which look OK but for me the mark 1 and the latest look the best. In fact I nearly bought a later one which looks the business. If the BMW had less miles I would have that but with 145k up I would go VRS. Ours we're 100% reliable.
 

outrun

Member
Messages
5,017
Neither. You'll get a 325d with less miles on it for 5k. What do you want the car for? There's a lot of choice for a 5k daily.
 

zagatoes30

Member
Messages
20,759
We have an Octavia and agree with the above plastic abounds but it goes well, handles well and has never gone wrong.
 

azapa

Member
Messages
1,300
BMW's are pretty reliable in my experience, and there are good, cheap pattern parts. They also feel very nice to drive. Try both.
 

Mr S

Member
Messages
821
Neither. You'll get a 325d with less miles on it for 5k. What do you want the car for? There's a lot of choice for a 5k daily.

It will be a daily. The BMW im considering is pretty decent spec, and has had alot done to it to makesure its reliable. Its a manual, split tail gate, M sport kit, and its been remapped to 250bhp and 400lb/ft. My thoughts are, that i know the guy selling the BMW, and id rather spend 5k with a guy, and car i know, than spend it on a random car. However, i am open to opinions and thoughts.
 

FIFTY

Member
Messages
3,100
Which generation 3 series?

Imo the E90 was not the best put together 3er. I prefered my e46 or f30.

If the guy has put that much effort into it then why not
 

Mr S

Member
Messages
821
Here is the rest of the ad
 

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Zep

Moderator
Messages
9,110
He certainly seems like a fastidious chap and it is always a good idea to buy from someone like that.
 

mjheathcote

Centenary Club
Messages
9,033
Had both the e46 and e91 tourings as previous company cars doing about 120k miles on each, both 320d manuals.
The e46 was the better built for sure, like a tank.
The e91 was good, although a lot of clutch/flywheel problems in the early years (never 100% resolved with clutch judder), then it blotted its copy book by snapping its rear mounted timing chain. Game over.
 

Mr S

Member
Messages
821
Been discussing it, and I think that the BMW is out the equation. Im going to be looking at getting my own house next year now im single, and im not sure another car that I will want to love and cherish is a good idea, and the BMW will be more expensive to run, tax and insure. Just rediscovered Volvo estates, as id forgotten about them for some reason. Some good cars out there, and I think il be lowering my budget a little, so I don't care so much about it, and then can insure it 3rd party, which again, reduces costs
 

hashluck

Member
Messages
1,515
I was at Portobello Market yesterday and it was a good reminder what brilliant workhorses the Volvos are - yes stereotype antique dealer car but with good reason. Loved my past Volvos. Also a Skoda fan for pure VFM. I have a BMW courtesy car at the moment and it is boringly competent. Very few bad cars nowadays make choosing difficult and would steer me toward one where I knew the owner and history.
 

rockits

Member
Messages
9,167
The XC90 V8 I've had for last 2-3 years has been the car that has not complained about anything at all in all that I have thrown at it. It has been on building sites, loaded with work tools/gear, loaded stud panels on roof, loaded with carpet tiles and tons of other use. It is comfortable, safe, practical, never goes wrong, always starts, not flash but not naff. Not massive but not small and really well packaged with 7 seats.

It has 203k miles full main deal Volvo history and still drives like a car with way less miles.

I am going to be replacing it soon but have no idea how or with what