They become cheap when a bit older as the parts and service become very expensive like up to $150 for a hubcap ! maybe if you want a european car try VW + If you like this car ask him to put a new WOF on it
pandai,
May 22, 6:56pm
Really well looked after and serviced
Pass the tui
They didn't even have enough pride to wash the car before listing it, or even replace that foglight that's been smacked out.
franc123,
May 22, 6:57pm
Nah, day to day servicing isn't really much more expensive than anything else on the road.If you really really want that particular model, that example would be hard to go past.NZ new, a great service history and only 2 owners in 15 years points to a car thats been good in the past and no doubt will be for a while yet.Looks to be a reasonable price too.
foxdonut,
May 22, 6:59pm
Cheap enough. These forums are very galvanised on their opinions of BMW. Some of us love them, some of us hate them.
For the money its probably alright. If you're coming from a 1200cc Toyota you can expect some pretty hefty increases in ownership costs but if you're driving an old Holden Commodore you'll probably see no difference.
Remember though, it was an executive saloon for well to do management types when it was designed, just because its "value" has dropped its "cost" hasn't.
foxdonut,
May 22, 7:00pm
IMO If you're going to buy a 5, you might as well hold out for the 540 with the V8.
vtecintegra,
May 22, 7:00pm
Carjam says the warrant recently expired so check out what the deal is there.
foxdonut,
May 22, 7:13pm
Again - awesome or GAY depending who you ask. They're not really on the same playing field as a car. A4 is more a BMW 3 Series - smaller and more economic.
Same thing though, its a flagship car when its released. Although if you're driving a mitsi 3 litre you're probably used to paying proper money for repairs and what have you.
Drive a few and decide after. They're both good cars if they're in good nick, but if they've been serviced on the cheap and neglected they'll just be expensive and put you off Euro's for ever.
aleestar,
May 22, 7:16pm
it gay
stevo2,
May 22, 7:16pm
I'd prefer the Beemer to the A4. Cheers Stevo
foxdonut,
May 22, 7:18pm
Pretty much as far as I understand it. I haven't driven a 6 cyl 5, only the V8. The owner reckoned it did okay although I was driving a 2 litre 3 series at the time that we were comparing it to and that was a heap of shit all over, including fuel economy.
With a BMW you want as much grunt under the bonnet as possible, they're heavy, and if you're going to pay for gas you might as well enjoy doing it.
vtecintegra,
May 22, 7:19pm
Quite a bit more but its worth it.Even the 528i is going to be thirstier than that Diamante would have been if it was running properly
vtecintegra,
May 22, 7:29pm
Get a smaller car then.
Although its certainly possible the Mitsi was running poorly and using more fuel than it should have been.BTW i don't think a 30R was MIVEC just a normal DOHC 3l.The 30M had the DOHC MIVEC engine
noelsgimps,
May 23, 9:12am
I would give it a miss. That is the worst colour car to sell for starters. At one point when I sold cars, a third of the yard was that colour because they just sat there. The BMW will be thirsty, particularly around town because they are heavy as mentioned earlier. You really aren't changing much going from that horrible Mitzi though. They are a dog. Last BMW I had was a 735 and never again. Too dear on everything. After I sold it the guy who brought it had to spend 2 grand to get a warrant 6 months later. Parts aren't that cheap and labour is dear if you go to a dealership. Buy a Jappa but not a Mitsi. And I would pass on the Audi too. Just my thoughts having sold and driven alot of different cars.
200sx,
May 23, 9:21am
Man, thats a great example of how not to sell a car on Trade Me. Treat with suspicion until proven otherwise - not to slight the seller, but simply to cover your own ass - at the end of the day it's your hard earned coin that will be handed over. Agree with earlier poster. Take your time and seek out an NZ new example with full history. Or perhaps an import that has full history from the time it landed. There are plenty out there, so don't purchase on price along. Good luck.
horsygirl,
May 23, 4:14pm
the sellers feedback would really inspire you to do business.
r15,
May 23, 5:10pm
dunno if anyone noticed, but its a nz new one-more likely to have been serviced from new as some old man would have paid 5x too much for it and would want to look after it for the first 5 years or so
richard198,
May 23, 7:08pm
If you go for the 5 series, make it a 6 cylinder motor. The V8's have been more unreliable/expensive!
farmer25,
May 24, 4:13pm
think that is the airbag warning .
franc123,
May 24, 4:18pm
Yes, SRS warning lamp, and the reason its on is going to have to be sorted before it gets a new WOF.If you do go back with a view to buying the car, check that this light comes on when the ignition is turned on, goes off a few seconds after it starts and stays off.If it stays on don't buy until its sorted.
rovercitroen,
May 24, 9:04pm
Friend has a late 90s 5 series. I think he has had problems more than once with faulty front passenger seat occupancy sensors causing an airbag warning light. Not sure but I think it cost about $300 to replace sensor but as I say I'm not 100% sure.
franc123,
Mar 29, 11:40pm
All depends on what the problem is, but the point being that its the sellers problem and not yours!
Since the public registrations are closed, you must have an invite from a current member to be able to register and post in this thread.
Have an account? Login here.