30 replies to this topic

[Black.Ghost]

I need a cheap run around for a short period. I know the risks of buying a car ridiculously cheap, but if it dies I'll just take the hit and sell it on for parts or something.

So after a quick search of AutoTrader, I think either a BMW 525 touring or a Rover 45 1.6. The BMW, being an estate, would be a good workhorse and I would be able to carry my bike around easily. Fuel economy is not great, but it will cruise comfortably. The Rover on the other hand, is British and if anything happens to the car, I have a K-series to drop in a mini. I'm also confident with the seats down I can put the bike in it. And the quoted economy seems to be pretty good.

BMW 525

Rover 45

Both are 350 quid. What would people go for? Looks aren't important, but the BMW is better looking!

[Black.Ghost]

I have just seen this as well
MG ZR
Double the price, but that engine will be fun in a Mini!

[ANON]

is this a serious question? you've got a choice between a rover and a bmw, bit of a no brainer

[Guess-Works.com]

I would see how much the insurance will cost you first....

Personally speaking, @ 350 even if the B'mer blows up, it's still worth about £200 as scrap... so that would be my choice

[BlueBell]

I think the 5 series tourings are great cars although I would have prefered the diesel and if you have any maintenance to do then its going to get expensive. If you feeling then need to be sensible then its probably the 45....The ZR would make a fun project

[R.S.P]

I would go for the BMW every time, aslong as it has been serviced it will go for a long time yet.

only downfall is once you have had a BMW you wont want to go back to another make.

[Shifty]

I like rovers, very underated cars indeed.

(Only the diesel ones though)

If I were in your shoes I'd be looking at 200/400 diesels, 306 diesels are cheap and easy enough to run.

Price of petrol the bmw will cripple you. If the head gasket goes on the rover, again time for a knee-capping.

http://www.autotrade...l/sort/priceasc

These would be my choice.

[Mini-Mad-Craig]

Rover for me

[Tommyboy12]

From experience of a 325i your fuel costs will be astronomical. Like low 20s. Id take an old diesel any day.

[Black.Ghost]

Yeah fuel on the BMW wont be great. I can live with the 1.6 petrol fuel usage on the rover. I'll probably have a look at eBay as well. Whatever it is, I want to buy something as close to Ashford as possible.

As pointed out as well insurance might be an issue. But it needs to be able to transport my bike easily.

[The Matt]

Beemer, hands down.

[Klevdo2202]

I'm with shifty on this one, if I was going to get a Rover it would definitely be a diesel, the K series engines is a bit suspect, wouldn't go near them imho. The diesel L series is a cracking engine.

[Cooperman]

BMW every time. I had a 730iSE which went round to 240000 miles with no real problems. That gave around 29 to 32 mpg. My current road car is a 325i manual and I get 34.8 mpg (same engine as a 525). I also have a Rover 214Si which gives about 38 mpg.
The BMWs just so civilised, and with RWD it's good to drive quickly too.

[Mini-Mad-Craig]

the K series engines is a bit suspect, wouldn't go near them imho.

Why?... don't you own a car with an A-series? sounds a bit suspect.

[samsfern]

, the K series engines is a bit suspect, wouldn't go near them imho..

Why do you think this?
I've driven a few of the two litre turbo diesel engined mgzr's, torquey but a lot of turbo lag and nothing really spectacular. I'd rather a petrol k series.

I'd opt for the BMW if insurance isn't an issue.

Edited by samsfern, 18 December 2011 - 02:09 PM.