What car for £0-£10,000
Discussion
raw1981 said:
Is driving like a tit a prerequisite for BMW ownership? I can drive like a tit (when the road's quiet)
When I mentioned that it was more about BMW's feeling very dull and boring when driving steady, it's only when you drive like a clown that they get interesting because they hide their speed so well and have masses of sound deadening so you feel very detached from them. 
Yeah they do seem rather cold and lacking in character, but maybe that's the price of compromise. I mean they will do 30mpg, 0-60 in 6.3 seconds, plenty of room in the back for the dog, decent boot space, I quite like the looks. Insurance is reasonable, road tax is steep but doable and 5k will buy a good one. I have to admit I'm quite tempted. Seen quite a few club sports which have a lot of the sound deadening removed, no? The spoiler is ridiculous but I think it dilutes that stuffy image.
How expensive are they to maintain? I know parts will be more expensive than Ford. I'll be using a local specialist for jobs I can't do myself.
I think the strongest competitors are the integra and the wrx. WRX has better practicality but slightly thirstier, integra has a much more interesting interior and slightly better economy but FWD. But it seems a more raw driving experience.
Years back I had a shot in a TVR S series and the sensation at the steering wheel was like no other car I'd ever driven. I felt very connected to the road, almost like you could feel the road surface with your finger tips. The closest car I had was the Ford puma, but power steering dulled that sensation somewhat. I guess the BMW will lack that quality.
How expensive are they to maintain? I know parts will be more expensive than Ford. I'll be using a local specialist for jobs I can't do myself.
I think the strongest competitors are the integra and the wrx. WRX has better practicality but slightly thirstier, integra has a much more interesting interior and slightly better economy but FWD. But it seems a more raw driving experience.
Years back I had a shot in a TVR S series and the sensation at the steering wheel was like no other car I'd ever driven. I felt very connected to the road, almost like you could feel the road surface with your finger tips. The closest car I had was the Ford puma, but power steering dulled that sensation somewhat. I guess the BMW will lack that quality.
I've always admired the Puma and I was close to going for one when they first came out, don't get my wrong I love the 330i and I've always wanted one since I drove the E46 330i back in the year 2000 my friends bosses car at the time.
As you mention though the TVR is a good example because it's an engaging steer and my 200sx was as well, so those types of cars just show that BMW's are just comfortable cruisers when all said and done but they are very good at that though.
As an all round car the 330i is cracking but I've never driven a BMW that puts a big smile on your face or delivers an exciting driving experience but as a car to live with they are spot on.
As you mention though the TVR is a good example because it's an engaging steer and my 200sx was as well, so those types of cars just show that BMW's are just comfortable cruisers when all said and done but they are very good at that though.
As an all round car the 330i is cracking but I've never driven a BMW that puts a big smile on your face or delivers an exciting driving experience but as a car to live with they are spot on.
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