SRSport

My wife has just passed her driving test and insurance on the Scooby is becoming laughable so looking for a low powered alternative. I have been looking at the E90 318i but have read some unimpressive things regarding the 320i/d reliability and not sure if this is the same for the 318 version.

Anyone driven/had/experienced one of these including real term MPG figures etc?

There is this one locally going for £8000 with circa 30,000miles.

Frosticles

iTrader: (1)

Go for an M Sport Version. Much nicer. Recently swapped my 320D due to size. Lovely cars.

fivetide

iTrader: (1)

If she's just passed I'd get her something a lot less expensive to repair if she prangs it. Let her have a year on the road in a tank first off.

5t.

SRSport

Cant afford two cars and cant afford the M sport. Ill be doing most of the driving hence me not wanting a complete banger.

I had a look at the Fiat Bravo 1.4 Turbo, seems nice on paper but not a patch on a Hawkeye that I have at the moment, albeit a Sport and they want £2000 extra for same miles and one year newer...No thanks.

The 318i is nice but slower still plus Ive read a few bad things on the 4pots.

austinwrx

my wife didn't pass her test until she was 29: I got her a fiat punto 1.2.

perfect as she literally did use the bumpers for bumping off things. ins was something daft like £420. then up to £450. can't see you getting a good deal on a bmw, even if it an underpowered one.

I quite liked driving the fiat: it was a bit like old school driving 20 yrs ago, thrashing the nuts out of it to get it to go.

Tidgy

my advice get her a cheap car, astra or summit like that for a couple of grand. let her have a couple of years driving in that first, then look at a decent car

BOB.T

Don't BMW used a lot of alloy in their suspension, ie lower arms? Might be worth getting something more kerb resistant

Jamz3k

I can't think of one single good reason to buy a 318i.....especially not for £8000.

CREWJ

Save yourself £5k and get her a 107/Aygo/etc....

You'll save a load of money on fuel/tax alone.

lozgti1

Got a 318d( well,wife and kids transporter) .It's great

Road tax £130 and about 600 miles to a tank plus low insurance.Not fast but nice sensible car

Problem is what people have said,re dings.Not saying she is not a good driver!

SRSport

Lol, I don't really know if she's a good driver or not. I have looked at the Aygo but it just looks so boring . I know the BMWs engine will be boring but at least it will be a good drive, look good and fell much nicer inside.

I liked the Fiat Bravo and they had very good engines but I went to see one up close the other day and wasnt overly impressed, there is no way Im giving my Hawkeye and £3000 for one of those .

BAD BOY V

iTrader: (1)

mate if your gonna give up your scoob then look at a bmw 330cd or 330d m sport, they are nippy not as quick as the scoob, but still give you a bit of fun, and can be re mapped, for more power, thats what i'll will look to do when i decide to sell the scoob

SRSport

It will be the same story as with the scoob for insurance unfortunately. Even a 320i is £1450 for us both, also I mainly do short journeys which with a diesel is asking for trouble.

Anyway we're starting to look at the B class as its more practical, more economical with cheaper tax and insurance than a 318i...or a 1 year old new shaped Astra 1.6.

Skoobie Dhu

iTrader: (3)

The 3 series is downright scary in any snow or ice conditions - it more or less won't go anywhere on normal tyres. Unless she's likely to appreciate RWD handling, I'd suggest a front wheel drive hatchback and then make a choice.

SRSport

Good point.