Which Car:

[Oneeyedvic]

Should I choose a BMW 735i 1996 on a P plate with 127,000 miles, with a very good history and a lot of work done on it buying from a BMW specialist dealer I (sort of) trust with a 6 month guarantee

or

a Audi A8 3.7 1998 on a S with 124,000 miles with a full service history. I don't know the dealer and feel he is not as reputable. Doubt any guaranteee would be honoured. Also doubt he takes credit cards so would get no protection that way either.

The Audi drove beautifully and I have yet to test drive the BMW.

Both will cost about the same to run, and both costing around the same - circa �5000.00

Any advice appreciated

[Loosehead]

Well Vic I have a 735 slightly newer but more miles and I'm very happy with it, I'm biased of course. You won't get protection from a CC firm anyway for second hand goods so forget that aspect. When you say a lot of work what sort of things? is it prone to problems or was the work cosmetic and for consumables? A 6 month guarentee does demonstrate confidence on the epart of the dealer, assuming the milage and service history are genuine then it sounds fine. Does it have the Alpina wheels? (2k option when new!). I assume you have checked the panel gaps, etc.

Sound like the BM is a better bet if you have reservations about the dealer for the A8. Anyway which ever you choose Vic, welcome fellow gas guzzler, we can p1ss off the eco warriors together!

[Oneeyedvic]

Cheers Loosehead - now am really confused as have spotted a 735 in Eastbourne for �5000 from a private individual - a 99 V with 133,000 miles on it. Need to sell my car first - and won't get as good a price for it if not part exing - no time to sell privately. The one in eastbourne is 3 years newer, similar mileage and has a lot of extra toys on it (Sat Nav). Obviously no warranty and will need a service soon. Can't pay by card - so no 9 months interest free option either. (also I would get protection under CCA - same as I would if I purchased it on HP - but thats a seperate story).

The one locally has 18" wheels on (not Alpina ones though).

So confused......

[MORELLO]

Audi A8.

[Oneeyedvic]

Morello - any reason?

[Loosehead]

Well the Eastbourne one sound better value, but check the milage thoroughly, service history? A full BMW SH is worth up to �1000 when reselling the car. The 7 series is fundementally a very good car and will sustain a lot of abuse but as with all things one that has had a bit of TLC is better than one that hasn't. You can get a loan and then immediately transfer the balance to a 0% CC. I know for example Llyods TSB personal loans do not have an early repayment penalty so take one out for 5 years and repay it with the CC using the transfer of balance direct to the sort code account, easy. Then card surf the balance down to 0, viola!

[chazza]

Def the Audi, unless you dont mind being stereotyped...

[Loosehead]

We're talking about cars Chezza, what are you talking about?

[chazza]

cars

[MORELLO]

As chazza says. Plus, it's a better car.