New or Nearly New??
New or Nearly New??
Author
Discussion

AlwynMike

Original Poster:

549 posts

103 months

Wednesday 5th April 2017
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Although I've had my current 335d Touring for nearly 4 years, and I'm not yet bored with it (startling!), I feel the need to change.

After some searching, I've decided to stay with BMW, and into a hatchback - a 440i Gran Coupe (Does "Gran" mean Grandad or Grandma??).

I've never had a new car for myself, although we do buy new for the OH's car as she has specific needs that aren't usually spec'd for second hand cars.

BMW Approved Used that I'd be looking at are reasonably spec'd, usually with the MSport Plus pack etc and I expect I could get one for around £33k on a 16 plate. Thanks to our friends at Broadspeed, they quote a new one OTR with the extra's that I NEED (rather than want) for £36k.

What do you think that in 3 years time, more or less, would have more value in - an older, 2 owner car with some toys, or a 6 month younger (on a later plate, but "enjoying" an increased tax burden), but an almost vanilla car??

I don't do a lot of miles in this car - maybe 6-7k per year. BMW AUC cars have around 6k on them.

Help and comments (rude or otherwise) appreciated.....



Frankthered

1,657 posts

196 months

Wednesday 5th April 2017
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Toys, whether optional or standard, typically devalue more quickly than the car itself, if that makes sense. It might just make it a bit easier to sell.

How does the price of the AUC car with toys compare with an AUC "vanilla" car?

I'm not familiar with the model nor the trim levels, but it sounds like you want the car with the toys - ultimately, it's up to you.

AlwynMike

Original Poster:

549 posts

103 months

Thursday 6th April 2017
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Obviously toys are good, but ultimately I don't NEED them as standard spec is acceptable to me.
No such animal as a vanilla AUC car, they are all spec'd with MSport Plus pack (£2k retail) as a minimum so there is nothing to compare it to.

I understand that when I come to sell on, the vanilla car will be less attractive to a private buyer but the car with toys won't necessarily fetch more.

Frankthered

1,657 posts

196 months

Thursday 6th April 2017
quotequote all
If there are no AUC "vanilla" cars without the M-Sport pack, that suggests that BMW aren't interested in retailing them, so that suggests they might reduce your trade-in by a chunk but I've no idea how big that chunk would be and whether it would be offset by the car being 6 months newer, you'll need to ask someone with a crystal ball!

Do you like the M-Sport bits? If you do, buy the car. I would suggest you stop thinking of what you NEED though. It sounds like you don't NEED a new car.

AlwynMike

Original Poster:

549 posts

103 months

Thursday 6th April 2017
quotequote all
No, I don't NEED a new car. I'm quite happy with a secondhand car.

But I am a tight miserable so-and-so, and want to get the best value for my hard earned.

Could do with a crystal ball!

Less than 10% premium for a new car is a little tempting - and Herr BMW like to have boring black or grey cars as AUC ones, and I'm not partial to either!

SteveS Cup

1,996 posts

176 months

Thursday 6th April 2017
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If you're thinking of a 440i in non M Sport spec I'd stop there now. Yes there will be a few on here that rejoice over an e39 in SE spec with a big engine but those people are few and far between.

Just look at the values of e39's SE vs M Sport, e46's SE vs M Sport...

Your money is definitely safer in the higher spec'd 6-12 month old car in my opinion.

mikey P 500

1,241 posts

203 months

Thursday 6th April 2017
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Don't know the figures but my brother in law recently bought a new 440i grand coupe, was looking at nearly new but said the deals on new were so good it cost less than buying a nearly new one. (His has loads of spec on it too, think this was mainly added by dealer for no extra cost as part of deal).

AlwynMike

Original Poster:

549 posts

103 months

Thursday 6th April 2017
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I'm looking at a Gran Coupe.
They are all MSport
The MSport Plus pack is an option pack with different brakes, 19" wheels and other stuff that will cost BMW next to nothing to load on to a new car.

I do like a large engine but although I have my moments, I'm too old to be scratching round all the bends these days. Plus, my skill level has gone the same way as my hair, looks and muscle tone :-)


steve-5snwi

9,530 posts

109 months

Thursday 6th April 2017
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Is it worth the extra £3000 to be the first on the logbook ? Personally i'd save the money, the new one will still depreciate.

I don't see the brakes making much difference, they look nice but both stop the car. There are lots of 4 series GC's going through auction at the minute. You could probably get a bit more discount on the used one too. I guess if you are going to finance the new car then you might get a better interest rate on the new one.