To swap or not to swap?

jayware33

Member
 Fife
Hi everyone, been a while since I last posted. Ill keep this short and to the point, but really in need of some opinions please :).

So, I'm moving house at the start of of July and my car service, road tax and 2 new back tyres need done at a total cost of around £800.

This is terrible timing and has caused me to look at getting into a cheaper car. The dealer has found a car that works for my finances, a 318i 2011coupe M Sport. If I swap, it means I save on the immediate costs listed and the car will do better MPG, cheaper tax and running costs BUT .... I throw away all that driving fun and the good old straight 6.

I'm really stuck between the two. I've had issues with my Z4 in the past and worried I'm just waiting on the next thing to go wrong too. I love it though ... feel like it's part of me. Gut says no but head says yes.

EDIT ... I have about 3 years left on my current PCP deal, so an another option, keep it for now and swap it later on for something that can deliver similar performance but less road tax and better MPG??

Thanks,

JB
 
You can always pick up another Z4 in a year or so when you have spare cash again. It's not a rare car.
 
the belgian said:
Don't laugh, try an SLK 250 cdi. Bet you love it when you look into the cost and driving fun.

My sister-in-law has one of these and it has far more kit than my wife's 20i and, on a nearby, mile long, steep hill, also leaves the 20i for dead. Are you also saying they are cheaper, presumably on some sort of finance deal, as I don't think they are when buying for cash?
 
The E92 is a great car but the 318i is just gutless. Decked out with the full msport kit it will look sporty and fast but struggle to keep up with even the most mundane cars.

If the aim is to save money and still enjoy what you drive then how about an older 330d Coupé? I'm guessing a 2011 318i would be worth about the same as a 2008 330d. The 330d will depreciate slower (due to its age), cost less to tax and fuel and be much faster.

If tyres and servicing is your worry you will also be better off an older 330d especially in SE spec. With it being an older car you don't have to worry about keeping it dealer serviced and in SE spec the tyres will be drastically cheaper. (Msport adds staggered wheels in larger sizes)
 
We only live once and not given the opportunity to practice life so go with what makes you happy and gives you the most pleasure. :D
 
Thanks everyone for the replies.

I have decided to keep my car as the new car (318i) will need all 4 tyres replaced soon so, will work out costing me about the same plus ... Would be a new 4 year deal. Already about half way through my Z4 deal. So just going to take the hit for now and then hopefully enjoy it fault free for another year or so :)

And yes, only live once so, more reason to enjoy :D
 
Hi

Sorry just read your last post - but couple of points

Car Tax you can now pay monthly :o
318i to be honest would not suit an enthusiastic driver "all pose but no show" :cry:

I came from an E92 335i to an 4 pot and the cost of ownership is saving me £2,000 per year :driving:

Good Points :thumbsup:
I think it will be quicker than an 3.0l,
Definably more economical
Lower Car Tax

Negative :thumbsdown:
Not an sweet 6 - but its not an tug boat neither
 
Twin Turbo - all good points that I had seen when reviewed :).

The 28i is definitely on the list. It's amazing how it has the same tax band / CO2 emissions as the 18i Z4 yet twice the performance.

Thanks for the reply.
 
R.E92 said:
The E92 is a great car but the 318i is just gutless. Decked out with the full msport kit it will look sporty and fast but struggle to keep up with even the most mundane cars.

If the aim is to save money and still enjoy what you drive then how about an older 330d Coupé? I'm guessing a 2011 318i would be worth about the same as a 2008 330d. The 330d will depreciate slower (due to its age), cost less to tax and fuel and be much faster.

If tyres and servicing is your worry you will also be better off an older 330d especially in SE spec. With it being an older car you don't have to worry about keeping it dealer serviced and in SE spec the tyres will be drastically cheaper. (Msport adds staggered wheels in larger sizes)
If the OP was going to change this would be what I would have suggested too.
 
R.E92 said:
The E92 is a great car but the 318i is just gutless. Decked out with the full msport kit it will look sporty and fast but struggle to keep up with even the most mundane cars.

If the aim is to save money and still enjoy what you drive then how about an older 330d Coupé? I'm guessing a 2011 318i would be worth about the same as a 2008 330d. The 330d will depreciate slower (due to its age), cost less to tax and fuel and be much faster.

If tyres and servicing is your worry you will also be better off an older 330d especially in SE spec. With it being an older car you don't have to worry about keeping it dealer serviced and in SE spec the tyres will be drastically cheaper. (Msport adds staggered wheels in larger sizes)


Good suggestion and a great car however; I can't PCP loan a car less than 4 years old :(.
 
New2Zed said:
the belgian said:
Don't laugh, try an SLK 250 cdi. Bet you love it when you look into the cost and driving fun.

My sister-in-law has one of these and it has far more kit than my wife's 20i and, on a nearby, mile long, steep hill, also leaves the 20i for dead. Are you also saying they are cheaper, presumably on some sort of finance deal, as I don't think they are when buying for cash?

not sure about a finance deal, I just bought mine. They are cheaper to run, with my 2.3i I got average 30 MPG slk 43 MPG that's 25% more. road from £260 to £130 , insurance is a bit dearer £30.
it is not a lot of money but if the budget is tight, every bit helps, :cry: What I am more impressed with is the driving fun, its a diesel yes I know , but my e89 was no match in speed and acceleration :rofl: to the diesel slk
 
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