coldel said:
Yes the M Sport are definitely a better spec - the more I look at the E85 I am in conversations about the more I dont want to buy it given the paint work rectification, oil leaks, new tyres needed etc. I dont mind a project, but when all that project is is paying other people to do stuff it feels less of a project and more of a money pit
If I've read correctly your budget is around £9k?
That is a tricky figure TBH. You will get 'bottom of the barrel' E89s (unless you are extremely lucky), or a 'just above average' E85 3L by the look of it, and your comments.
If you want an E89, for another £2-3k you will get a much better choice and, you would hope, much better cars.
To put that budget into context, you will get an average 10 year old Ford Focus with around 60k miles. Cars are just expensive, no matter what flavour they are.