[Toast2]

Does the the 330i come with metallic paint and front and rear parking sensors as standard? The cost of those options might make the bigger car make more sense.

[magic juan]

Originally Posted by Toast2

Does the the 330i come with metallic paint and front and rear parking sensors as standard? The cost of those options might make the bigger car make more sense.

No, metallic isn't standard on the 330i. Not sure on the front parking sensors, but i'm not fussed for them.

[Toast2]

I had a 320i and thought it was great. I agree with your approach having a second fun car is ideal. A well looked after m3 will gain in value and should be more fun than any non m cars .
I am planning on doing the same at some point but just moved house and slightly short of cash.

My advice though is get the car with the spec you want. I didn't do this and took one off the dealers lot ended up changing it early and cost me more money.

[rossm]

Originally Posted by magic juan

I'll use savings plus personal loan from my bank at 3.5% whether i go brand new or AUC.

Assuming you have a valid quote from your current preferred lender, Nationwide building society will match the quote and beat it by 0.5%. I'm paying 2.4%

You do need a current account with them though http://www.nationwide.co.uk/products...-price-promise

Cheers

[lethbridge]

Yes I'd go new for reasons given by others in favour - get the spec you want and use the AUC as bargaining power too.

For me, it is either that or buy an older car that really has taken the depreciation hit (like mine at 18 months/35k miles is now worth half what I paid and that was with a 20% discount)...

[lethbridge]

There's some differences in spec between your wish list & the AUC that would make it a black & white decision for me - MT vs AT and HK vs standard. If you want MT and have specced HK I wouldn't of thought you'd be happy with auto and certainly wouldn't want to put up with the standard sound quality...

[magic juan]

Originally Posted by rossm

Assuming you have a valid quote from your current preferred lender, Nationwide building society will match the quote and beat it by 0.5%. I'm paying 2.4%

You do need a current account with them though http://www.nationwide.co.uk/products...-price-promise

Cheers

Cheers for the heads up. That's good info right there and a great rate you're on! Been with the Halifax forever, not getting much in return. Will look into the Nationwide.

[MattRST]

I would go new if planning to keep for 7 years