Hi guys, looking for a bit of buying advice really and a few questions. Ive just sold my 2007 Focus ST3 and looking to buy a 320 or 325 M sport coupe in the 07/08 shape, petrol or diesel. Im 23 and decided its time to go for something cheaper to insure and run fuel wise to save quicker to buy my own place. My Focus was only averaging at 17mpg and £1400 a year to insure, the BMW is quoted to be around £530 fully comp for the year so massive saving there. Im looking to spend between 10 and 11k on the new car.

What are your thoughts on the 320 and 325, speed, acceleration, sound? Coming from the focus which was modified and running at 300bhp, id still like something with a bit of poke and a nice sound. I prefer a manual car but ive heard that the gearbox on the manual are fairly poor and to stick to the autos?

And last thing in my mind with buying one is mileage, are these cars still reliable with around the 100,000 miles mark. Theres alot more out there to choose from if I increase the mileage in my searches.

Any info and advice would be appreciated

Cheers

Welcome to BMWOC !! good luck with your purchase

Welcome aboard, Kane... For the power you're looking for and prefering the 3series, I would recommend a 3 ltr straight-six or better still, the V8 4ltr Twin turbo !!

You won't get 300bhp out of the 2.5ltr unless mod it very hard and bolt a turbo on !!

As for insurance, as you are 23 my advice is to go with a 320d !!!

Welcome Kane, good luck with finding car, enjoy the forum. :D