I am still looking for a car. Preferably a golf. However my girlfriend has shown me how much value can be had from a BMW by looking at the prices on autoscout. She's right. There are many 3 series as cheap if not cheaper than the golfs. So what's the catch? My gut instinct is massive servicing and parts costs. Hope I am proved wrong as would choose one over the golf.
Hi all,
I suppose it depends on the age of the car but the service costs can be quite high. There are different service levels required depending on the mileage starting at about CHF400 and up. That said the 3 series are dependable, fine driving vehicles. I own one so I'm a bit biased. Admittedly, when I bought my 325 a few years ago when they went to the E90, I also looked at the Golf and the Mini because there was not really that much difference in the price but I'm glad I went with the BMW. It did cost more but don't regret it for a moment.
Was looking at the t318i or 320. Hope they have enough power. I know the golf 1.8 gti has a great engine. Compact BMW seem even better value. May have to get out and tes one next week.
I have an '01 BMW 3 series touring and have been very happy with it. It has been very reliable and feels well built. If you can find a good garage, like I did, servicing costs shouldn't be more than other German cars. Plus, it's much more fun bombing the German autobahn in a BMW than a Golf (unless it's a GTI or R32 ).
Saw a 00 touring. Nice condition 155000 miles for 10000 chf. What engine do you have?
^ 325. I just had my car in for servicing and it cost around chf 250 for my annual oil change, fluid top-ups, inspection - plus they detail the car which is pretty sweet.
For cars of that age - i.e out of warranty etc etc, I would consider looking at finding a good independent garage rather than a main dealer. That should cut servicing cost down a lot. In terms of parts, I guess on average a BMW might be a little more than a Golf.
Nice. Sounds very reasonable. Some of the scare stories I have heard bring tears to my eyes. You show it can be done.
edit. Just been told that I will have to be seriously careful in the Winter as it's rear wheel drive.
Right it's now a straight choice between a Golf GTI and the BMW 318i. However can someone answer me this please? Why does autoscout only show me car dealers in random little towns usually around Zurich. Are there no used car dealers in places closer to me such as Thun or Bern? I just think that a guarantee is fine but a dealer 3 1/2 hours away makes this redundant. Sorry but feeling frustrated.
Not sure if you have done this, but in autoscout you can search by postcode - and the distance therefrom.
Good luck with your purchase.
Thanks. I have tried up to 100km from Gstaad and nothing. It's only when I give it unlimited range I can find anything suitable. My only conclusion are that the second hand car dealers in the larger towns and cities don't need to advertise on the web. I have decided to go to Thun and Bern then travel up to Zurich and stay overnight and just randomly scour for garages. Surely a 10000chf BMW 318i or Golf GTI can't be that hard to find.
Friend in Saanen just picked up a 330iX (ie four wheel drive) recently for not much over 10kCHF. I'll find out where he got it from. There are quite a few car dealers on the road down from Zweisimmen to Thun. Might be worth a morning's drive and a spot of tyre kicking....
Cheers,
Ruaraidh
We have a 318 i BMW..It is great.
Best,
Swisslab