Change of car needed - currently drive BMW 116d (2016)
Discussion
Hi - I'm a long time lurker, but signed up more recently, and this is my first post.
Sorry for a long winded essay, but I would like some advice from fellow PH's
I'm into my cars - although I know my car history is not particularly exciting.
I drive around 13k per year (mix of motorway/town driving). My last car was a 2012 VW Up! - boggo-basic "Take Up" spec - silver, no electric windows or air conditioning. I initially bought the Up as an urgent replacement for my 2004 MINI cooper (which needed $$$ spent on it). However, I ended up keeping the Up from 2015 until 2021. It was a fantastic little car, and I sold it with 80k on the clock, after driving 70k in my ownership.
As I wanted something more "grown up" (being 33 years old, and doing around 14k per year) - I bought a BMW 116d (same 1.5 3cyl diesel engine as the new MINI). Car came from a main dealer with low miles (40k) and a good price. I was probably drawn in by the "main dealer", good spec, low miles... yes, I know!
Unfortunately, I've had several problems over the past 2 years (ironically, not the DPF!):
- Gearbox leak - repaired under warranty
- EGR cooler fail - repaired via recall
- DPF flexi pipe coming loose - not repaired yet, as quoted £400!
- Cooling fan has failed - currently getting repaired under warranty
- Inlet manifold
- Vibration something-or-other
Luckily, much of the above has been repaired under BMW warranty, but this is becoming expensive to buy every year. I've been advised the warranty will increase to around £700 in 2024, and I am paying a few hundred pound excess each time.
So...
I am considering selling the BMW and getting something cheaper to run. I bought my first house last year and I don't want to be ploughing my savings into the BMW.
I am considering maybe a 2019 Suzuki Swift, with the basic/simple 1.2 petrol engine. The reviews for these are quite positive, and I cant imagine the 1.2 N/A having much to go wrong. If I was to get a Swift, it would mean be putting around 2-3k towards the car, as I wont get much in part ex for the BMW.
My budget is around 8.5k. I do some motorway miles, but my driving becoming more town driving.
Can you think of any more options for a new-ish (under 6 years old and below 50k) and reliable car?
The other option is to keep the 116d - when it works, it is fantastic, good looking (I know that's a devisive comment hahaha), and economical. However - I'm beginning to loose faith, and I'm listening out for the "BMW warning bong".
Any help will be appreciated
Thanks
Sorry for a long winded essay, but I would like some advice from fellow PH's
I'm into my cars - although I know my car history is not particularly exciting.
I drive around 13k per year (mix of motorway/town driving). My last car was a 2012 VW Up! - boggo-basic "Take Up" spec - silver, no electric windows or air conditioning. I initially bought the Up as an urgent replacement for my 2004 MINI cooper (which needed $$$ spent on it). However, I ended up keeping the Up from 2015 until 2021. It was a fantastic little car, and I sold it with 80k on the clock, after driving 70k in my ownership.
As I wanted something more "grown up" (being 33 years old, and doing around 14k per year) - I bought a BMW 116d (same 1.5 3cyl diesel engine as the new MINI). Car came from a main dealer with low miles (40k) and a good price. I was probably drawn in by the "main dealer", good spec, low miles... yes, I know!
Unfortunately, I've had several problems over the past 2 years (ironically, not the DPF!):
- Gearbox leak - repaired under warranty
- EGR cooler fail - repaired via recall
- DPF flexi pipe coming loose - not repaired yet, as quoted £400!
- Cooling fan has failed - currently getting repaired under warranty
- Inlet manifold
- Vibration something-or-other
Luckily, much of the above has been repaired under BMW warranty, but this is becoming expensive to buy every year. I've been advised the warranty will increase to around £700 in 2024, and I am paying a few hundred pound excess each time.
So...
I am considering selling the BMW and getting something cheaper to run. I bought my first house last year and I don't want to be ploughing my savings into the BMW.
I am considering maybe a 2019 Suzuki Swift, with the basic/simple 1.2 petrol engine. The reviews for these are quite positive, and I cant imagine the 1.2 N/A having much to go wrong. If I was to get a Swift, it would mean be putting around 2-3k towards the car, as I wont get much in part ex for the BMW.
My budget is around 8.5k. I do some motorway miles, but my driving becoming more town driving.
Can you think of any more options for a new-ish (under 6 years old and below 50k) and reliable car?
The other option is to keep the 116d - when it works, it is fantastic, good looking (I know that's a devisive comment hahaha), and economical. However - I'm beginning to loose faith, and I'm listening out for the "BMW warning bong".
Any help will be appreciated
Thanks
Edited by LT1987 on Tuesday 17th October 12:38
If you want reliability and peace of mind, then Japanese are the answers. Be it Honda, Toyota or Suzuki. Suzuki is underrated, they are built cheap, not fun to drive but extremely reliable.
My suggestion would be if you want little fun as well with reliability then get Suzuki 1.0 turbo, they are one of most reliable turbo engine out there.
Other option would be Honda Jazz with 1.3 NA engine.
If you want bit bigger car then you can also consider Mazda 3 2.0 Petrol.
My suggestion would be if you want little fun as well with reliability then get Suzuki 1.0 turbo, they are one of most reliable turbo engine out there.
Other option would be Honda Jazz with 1.3 NA engine.
If you want bit bigger car then you can also consider Mazda 3 2.0 Petrol.
Ive been a mechanic for years and it sounds like you've got stung with the "German engineering" myth. 
I think your on the right lines looking at Swifts.
If it was me I would look at finding a cheap zippy Jap motor with good history. Even if you spent near half your budget on the car. You could spend the rest on a few mods to make it more enjoyable.
I think your on the right lines looking at Swifts.If it was me I would look at finding a cheap zippy Jap motor with good history. Even if you spent near half your budget on the car. You could spend the rest on a few mods to make it more enjoyable.
Another vote for the Mazda 3 2.0 petrol. They actually have quality interiors on post 2013 models.
Something like the below
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2023082310...
Something like the below
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2023082310...
Rob 131 Sport said:
Definitely keep the BMW 116d as they are basically a very good reliable car. I would find a good independent as regards servicing and future repairs.
If it's the 1.5 3 cylinder diesel, it's s
t. If it's the 1.6 diesel, it's s
t.If it's the 2.0 N47 diesel, it's s
t.If it's the 2.0 B47 diesel, it's not s
t. Hope this helps.
(Also. Yes. Buy a Suzuki. Cracking, underrated cars - the Baleno is incredible value for money).
LT1987 said:
Hi - I'm a long time lurker, but signed up more recently, and this is my first post.
Sorry for a long winded essay, but I would like some advice from fellow PH's
I'm into my cars - although I know my car history is not particularly exciting.
I drive around 13k per year (mix of motorway/town driving). My last car was a 2012 VW Up! - boggo-basic "Take Up" spec - silver, no electric windows or air conditioning. I initially bought the Up as an urgent replacement for my 2004 MINI cooper (which needed $$$ spent on it). However, I ended up keeping the Up from 2015 until 2021. It was a fantastic little car, and I sold it with 80k on the clock, after driving 70k in my ownership.
As I wanted something more "grown up" (being 33 years old, and doing around 14k per year) - I bought a BMW 116d (same 1.5 3cyl diesel engine as the new MINI). Car came from a main dealer with low miles (40k) and a good price. I was probably drawn in by the "main dealer", good spec, low miles... yes, I know!
Unfortunately, I've had several problems over the past 2 years (ironically, not the DPF!):
- Gearbox leak - repaired under warranty
- EGR cooler fail - repaired via recall
- DPF flexi pipe coming loose - not repaired yet, as quoted £400!
- Cooling fan has failed - currently getting repaired under warranty
- Inlet manifold
- Vibration something-or-other
Luckily, much of the above has been repaired under BMW warranty, but this is becoming expensive to buy every year. I've been advised the warranty will increase to around £700 in 2024, and I am paying a few hundred pound excess each time.
So...
I am considering selling the BMW and getting something cheaper to run. I bought my first house last year and I don't want to be ploughing my savings into the BMW.
I am considering maybe a 2019 Suzuki Swift, with the basic/simple 1.2 petrol engine. The reviews for these are quite positive, and I cant imagine the 1.2 N/A having much to go wrong. If I was to get a Swift, it would mean be putting around 2-3k towards the car, as I wont get much in part ex for the BMW.
My budget is around 8.5k. I do some motorway miles, but my driving becoming more town driving.
Can you think of any more options for a new-ish (under 6 years old and below 50k) and reliable car?
The other option is to keep the 116d - when it works, it is fantastic, good looking (I know that's a devisive comment hahaha), and economical. However - I'm beginning to loose faith, and I'm listening out for the "BMW warning bong".
Any help will be appreciated
Thanks
With your budget I'd suggest going for a Mazda3 Sport Nav:Sorry for a long winded essay, but I would like some advice from fellow PH's
I'm into my cars - although I know my car history is not particularly exciting.
I drive around 13k per year (mix of motorway/town driving). My last car was a 2012 VW Up! - boggo-basic "Take Up" spec - silver, no electric windows or air conditioning. I initially bought the Up as an urgent replacement for my 2004 MINI cooper (which needed $$$ spent on it). However, I ended up keeping the Up from 2015 until 2021. It was a fantastic little car, and I sold it with 80k on the clock, after driving 70k in my ownership.
As I wanted something more "grown up" (being 33 years old, and doing around 14k per year) - I bought a BMW 116d (same 1.5 3cyl diesel engine as the new MINI). Car came from a main dealer with low miles (40k) and a good price. I was probably drawn in by the "main dealer", good spec, low miles... yes, I know!
Unfortunately, I've had several problems over the past 2 years (ironically, not the DPF!):
- Gearbox leak - repaired under warranty
- EGR cooler fail - repaired via recall
- DPF flexi pipe coming loose - not repaired yet, as quoted £400!
- Cooling fan has failed - currently getting repaired under warranty
- Inlet manifold
- Vibration something-or-other
Luckily, much of the above has been repaired under BMW warranty, but this is becoming expensive to buy every year. I've been advised the warranty will increase to around £700 in 2024, and I am paying a few hundred pound excess each time.
So...
I am considering selling the BMW and getting something cheaper to run. I bought my first house last year and I don't want to be ploughing my savings into the BMW.
I am considering maybe a 2019 Suzuki Swift, with the basic/simple 1.2 petrol engine. The reviews for these are quite positive, and I cant imagine the 1.2 N/A having much to go wrong. If I was to get a Swift, it would mean be putting around 2-3k towards the car, as I wont get much in part ex for the BMW.
My budget is around 8.5k. I do some motorway miles, but my driving becoming more town driving.
Can you think of any more options for a new-ish (under 6 years old and below 50k) and reliable car?
The other option is to keep the 116d - when it works, it is fantastic, good looking (I know that's a devisive comment hahaha), and economical. However - I'm beginning to loose faith, and I'm listening out for the "BMW warning bong".
Any help will be appreciated
Thanks
Edited by LT1987 on Tuesday 17th October 12:38
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202307059...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202309162...
Kia Rio 3:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202308311...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202308080...
4:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202308241...
Ceed 3:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202307209...
l20 Sport:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202307049...
i30:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202310062...
All the above are reliable but for me the Mazda3 would get the nod.
Is there any specific reason for getting a hatchback?
A bit older I know but still...
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/134741679731?hash=item1...
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/195969430144?hash=item2...
A bit older I know but still...
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/134741679731?hash=item1...
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/195969430144?hash=item2...
Edited by Mark-insert old BMW on Sunday 22 October 11:28
Edited by Mark-insert old BMW on Sunday 22 October 11:29
Abacus_8607 said:
If you want reliability and peace of mind, then Japanese are the answers. Be it Honda, Toyota or Suzuki. Suzuki is underrated, they are built cheap, not fun to drive but extremely reliable.
My suggestion would be if you want little fun as well with reliability then get Suzuki 1.0 turbo, they are one of most reliable turbo engine out there.
Other option would be Honda Jazz with 1.3 NA engine.
If you want bit bigger car then you can also consider Mazda 3 2.0 Petrol.
Thanks for this. The Mazda 3 is everything I want in terms of look/build quality, however, it would be too thirsty for my journeys (although I know that the Skyactive is probably one of the most economical 2.0 N/A's)My suggestion would be if you want little fun as well with reliability then get Suzuki 1.0 turbo, they are one of most reliable turbo engine out there.
Other option would be Honda Jazz with 1.3 NA engine.
If you want bit bigger car then you can also consider Mazda 3 2.0 Petrol.
ChrisH72 said:
If you're looking at a swift for 8500 I'd be going for the previous generation 1.6 sport. It may be a little older than you'd like but it's a reliable car and also great fun.
Thanks, I love the previous gen Swift Sport... something "old school" about it, and I can imagine it being bombproof. Oddly, I prefer the 5 door to the 3 door! However, Im looking for something a bit more economical and newer (if it had the boosterjet engine of the current gen sport, that would be ideal)Flame Grilled said:
Ive been a mechanic for years and it sounds like you've got stung with the "German engineering" myth. I think your on the right lines looking at Swifts.
If it was me I would look at finding a cheap zippy Jap motor with good history. Even if you spent near half your budget on the car. You could spend the rest on a few mods to make it more enjoyable.
Yes, I agree! I think your on the right lines looking at Swifts.If it was me I would look at finding a cheap zippy Jap motor with good history. Even if you spent near half your budget on the car. You could spend the rest on a few mods to make it more enjoyable.
ItsBouquet said:
If it's the 1.5 3 cylinder diesel, it's st.
If it's the 1.6 diesel, it's st.
If it's the 2.0 N47 diesel, it's st.
If it's the 2.0 B47 diesel, it's not st.
Hope this helps.
(Also. Yes. Buy a Suzuki. Cracking, underrated cars - the Baleno is incredible value for money).
Haha - Yes. The Baleno is overlooked! t. If it's the 1.6 diesel, it's s
t.If it's the 2.0 N47 diesel, it's s
t.If it's the 2.0 B47 diesel, it's not s
t. Hope this helps.
(Also. Yes. Buy a Suzuki. Cracking, underrated cars - the Baleno is incredible value for money).
On a side note, is the B47 diesel reliable? I thought it would have timing chain issues, as per the other 2.0d's?
ZX10R NIN said:
With your budget I'd suggest going for a Mazda3 Sport Nav:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202307059...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202309162...
Kia Rio 3:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202308311...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202308080...
4:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202308241...
Ceed 3:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202307209...
l20 Sport:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202307049...
i30:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202310062...
All the above are reliable but for me the Mazda3 would get the nod.
Thanks for your suggestions. The mazda looks good - its just annoying that it would be too thirsty (I currently spend nearly £200 per month in fuel in my 116d!). The I20 sport is surprising. They don't look great in 5 door guise, but in 3 door form, they look quite good!https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202307059...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202309162...
Kia Rio 3:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202308311...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202308080...
4:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202308241...
Ceed 3:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202307209...
l20 Sport:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202307049...
i30:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202310062...
All the above are reliable but for me the Mazda3 would get the nod.
Well I'm going to hand in my PH card now... Just bought a 2018 Peugeot 108, 20k miles, collecting on Saturday
I know its not very PH, although, there's something liberating my getting rid of my wallet draining unreliable 116d, and getting a 3-pot to thrum around in, cheap to maintain, japanese(ish) engine...
I may end up doing about 14k per year in this... might start a thread about how it holds up
I know its not very PH, although, there's something liberating my getting rid of my wallet draining unreliable 116d, and getting a 3-pot to thrum around in, cheap to maintain, japanese(ish) engine...
I may end up doing about 14k per year in this... might start a thread about how it holds up
Edited by LT1987 on Sunday 22 October 22:11
LT1987 said:
Well I'm going to hand in my PH card now... Just bought a 2018 Peugeot 108, 20k miles, collecting on Saturday
I know its not very PH, although, there's something liberating my getting rid of my wallet draining unreliable 116d, and getting a 3-pot to thrum around in, cheap to maintain, japanese(ish) engine...
I may end up doing about 14k per year in this... might start a thread about how it holds up
You... won't last long - especially on a blustery day!I know its not very PH, although, there's something liberating my getting rid of my wallet draining unreliable 116d, and getting a 3-pot to thrum around in, cheap to maintain, japanese(ish) engine...
I may end up doing about 14k per year in this... might start a thread about how it holds up
Edited by LT1987 on Sunday 22 October 22:11
You'd have been far better off with one of the VAG trio - if we realised you were going for something so small, that's what I would've suggested, in particular a Mii FR-Line.
LT1987 said:
Well I'm going to hand in my PH card now... Just bought a 2018 Peugeot 108, 20k miles, collecting on Saturday
I know its not very PH, although, there's something liberating my getting rid of my wallet draining unreliable 116d, and getting a 3-pot to thrum around in, cheap to maintain, japanese(ish) engine...
I may end up doing about 14k per year in this... might start a thread about how it holds up
Glad you got sorted although I can't help thinking something from the next segment up would be better suited to your usage.I know its not very PH, although, there's something liberating my getting rid of my wallet draining unreliable 116d, and getting a 3-pot to thrum around in, cheap to maintain, japanese(ish) engine...
I may end up doing about 14k per year in this... might start a thread about how it holds up
Edited by LT1987 on Sunday 22 October 22:11
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