Is there a website...

[5lab]

I think he's more on about the fact that its rear wheel drive rather than its just big. Nothing wrong with big cars, everything wrong with big cars that will throw you into the nearest tree, backwards, if you make a mistake.

i dont think a 316 is in any danger of that.. more likely to walk into a tree when pissed

besides, 316s arent actually all *that* big, the coupes are positively child-sized in the rear.. they do also keep their values due to being a black mans willie.. someone i know recently brought an m plate 318 cabrio - £10k! for a 10 year old car?! jeeeezz..

if you do want a big car thats good value, look at the big manufacturers. the omega and the scorpio are both vaaaaaast (much bigger than a 3 - probably slightly bigger than a 5), and no-one wants them which means a 8 year old scorpio is worth less than an 8 year old fiesta. madness imo..

[XA04]

If you really think I shouldn't get the 316, suggest something else which is quite big in size then please. (3k max), used, insurance group 10(max) or lower, need low if possible because of my age, but don't worry about it too much because I will be doing all the documents through my dads name, and I will be added as an additional driver on the insurance.

[5lab]

if you want a bit of class, why not a audi a4 or volvo s40? failing that, a mondeo doesnt have much class but you get a lot more for yer cash, or maybe get a superb/octavia. i've even seen a 2001 saab 9-3 go for within your budget, and that is a LOT more car than you'll get from bimmer

[XA04]

Wow, all those cars look really good 5lab, you have good taste .

Will look into it more, thanks.

[Howard]

If you really think I shouldn't get the 316, suggest something else which is quite big in size then please. (3k max), used, insurance group 10(max) or lower, need low if possible because of my age, but don't worry about it too much because I will be doing all the documents through my dads name, and I will be added as an additional driver on the insurance.

That's what I was wondering... How you'd afford insurance


Anyway I like big cars too... I much prefer them to small cars... If I could afford to replace mine with something huge like a BMW 7 series or just a Mondeo or something I would

I was just saying that some people find it easier to start with smaller cars to begin with. Not everyone.. Just some people. You do have to be a little bit more careful anyway with bigger cars. Parking won't be as easy, for example.

If you can get an Audi or BMW or something then that would be ace

[Konan555]

I think he's more on about the fact that its rear wheel drive rather than its just big. Nothing wrong with big cars, everything wrong with big cars that will throw you into the nearest tree, backwards, if you make a mistake.

Mine was also RWD. And I dare say a bit more power than a 316 (unsure of BMW figures)?

[Howard]

103BHP. 12.4 seconds to 62.

[Konan555]

Yes, somewhat slower.

[Howard]

How quick is yours?

[Konan555]

Someone's 'tidyed up' my litriture so I'm not entirely sure on my versoin. I've got one of late catalyser ones, so it's 5bhp down.

But the non cat (which it will become soon 'cause I think it's about to die) is 125bhp. Book 0-60 is 9.7

[Howard]

Not bad for 125bhp. Considering it's h00ge

[Konan555]

It's big enough, but only weighs in at 1.25t for the fully loaded models, which is less than most people assume.

Also, it's an 8V engine (even though it's DOHC). Provides 173Nm torque at 2500rpm which is good for nice lazy motoring.

[XA04]

everybody was thread hi-jacking, hoo-wah, those posts were fast as lightning...

[Konan555]

Well.... question's been answered

[XA04]

Ya, thanks. It just fitted in so well

[Fox]

If you really think I shouldn't get the 316, suggest something else which is quite big in size then please. (3k max), used, insurance group 10(max) or lower, need low if possible because of my age, but don't worry about it too much because I will be doing all the documents through my dads name, and I will be added as an additional driver on the insurance.

Please can I have permission to Mondeo Pimp now? Thanks

A Mondeo. Mine cost under £3k:



Nice, safe FWD handling. Speaking of handling, its pretty damn good for a car of this type. Plenty of kit - full leather, aircon, electrics all round, sunroof, computer, cruise control, etc. Basically, all the stuff. Decent 2.0 16v engine, not fast but 0-60 in just over 9 seconds should satisfy most people. Huge boot, pretty big in size.

You will get a 99/00 model for this money. It's not a BMW, but it's not old either - on 00 Ford is, IMHO, nicer than a 93 poverty spec BM. And thats coming from a BM fan, my next car will be a BMW but it will be a proper BMW that no Ford or Vauxhall can compare to.

Only one snag - it's insurance group 12. But, in my experience, it doesnt make much difference. I insured mine properly, in my own name, and at 19 it cost only £150 to move between a Group 9 car and my Group 12 Mondeo.

My personal view of 'Prestige Cars' like Audi and BMW is that they are great - IF you can afford a good one. Proper, newish 6 cylinder ones are great, but over time, the other manufacturers catch up and they've got to raise the bar.

In 7-10 years time I'd expect a brand new Ford or Vauxhall to be equal in quality to a current 3 Series. You are looking at BMW's from over a decade ago, or more recent 'normal' cars. The gap between the two in terms of quality and reliabilty is far smaller than you'd think. No current Ford compares to a current top end BMW, but you are looking at early 90's bottom spec..