[sunscreemer]

My 320i xDrive on a 4 year PCP will be 2 years old on 1st March. Plan was to either change after 2.5 years (September plate this year) or 3.5 years (following September) as I did not take out extended warranty (in truth i don't like owning a non-warranty vehicle).

My key criteria is xDrive, automatic gearbox and 4 or 5 door (non negotiable - no arguments please). I am open minded as to whether I stick with petrol or diesel. I am currently doing ~10,000 miles pa and therefore petrol may be best, especially if legislation changes considering diesel emissions.

If I stick with BMW given current / planned models (which may have an impact on changing this year or next) I am currently considering the following:-

1 series LCI 120d
3 series LCI 330d touring
New X1 - unsure which petrol or diesel engines will be available
4 series GC 330d

Available discounts will have an impact, as will the equity i have on my current car. Thinking of asking the finance company for a settlement to get an indication.

Just putting this out there for 2 things:-

1. - any views on timing of change
2. - in experience am i likely to have equity after 2 years (on a 36k car I put 8k deposit down)
3. - thoughts on the options i'm considering

Next time I plan to go for a 4 year PCP once more (avoid pressure to change within 3 years) and will probably buy the extra year's warranty for only ~£250.

Cheers.

[335dMSport+]

Morning bud,

Timing is up to you, the one thing I'd say is that you should have a couple of grand equity based on your deposit and depending on the mileage and current spec etc and that you should haggle for the extended warranty as part of the deal. I waited until the negotiations had finished before saying that I'd only sign it if they included the warranty. No brainer from their part.

Good luck with whatever choice you make.

[Andy30D]

Originally Posted by AlpineWhiteF30MSport

Morning bud,

Timing is up to you, the one thing I'd say is that you should have a couple of grand equity based on your deposit and depending on the mileage and current spec etc and that you should haggle for the extended warranty as part of the deal. I waited until the negotiations had finished before saying that I'd only sign it if they included the warranty. No brainer from their part.

Good luck with whatever choice you make.

+1

you will have the most equity 2.5 - 3 years into a 4 year PCP, they want you to change so you stay a customer of BMW too. Use it to your advantage. and at £250 definitely agree with the above. cracking deals on the 4 GC too but make sure you get a good deal or you could lose your deposit in depreciation, as it will be heavier than the 330D touring.

[sunscreemer]

Thanks guys. So visiting the dealer in June looking for September/October delivery should be a winner then (my only concern may be a decent deposit this time around). If i've a couple of £k equity then this should help greatly and 10% shouldn't be an issue assuming a decent deal on purchase price. My PCP deal was based on 12k miles pa and so it'll be a few k under that. Also pretty highly specced - M Sport, Pro Nav etc...

Good to note comment on decent deals on 4 GC. It's flexibility of load space versus 3 saloon i'm looking at (hence touring on my list) and it's a good looking motor. With the 3.0d it certainly shifts too! I'd just started looking at 1 series LCI and new X1 as something a bit different and if I couldn't afford the 4 GC.

[sunscreemer]

If I could get 20% off list on a 430d GC xDrive I may be clamouring to sign on the dotted line!

[mmcc1972]

You can't so you won't!

Originally Posted by sunscreemer

If I could get 20% off list on a 430d GC xDrive I may be clamouring to sign on the dotted line!

[sunscreemer]

Originally Posted by mmcc1972

You can't so you won't!

That's pissing on my chips alright!

[Nick the Greek]

Golf R.

[sunscreemer]

Originally Posted by Nick the Greek

Golf R.

Seriously?

[Irnbrukid]

Nick has a point. Does it have to be BMW? as there are other manufacturers who have cars that match your criteria.

[moonshine]

The 330xd is a bit of an odd car.
Conventional wisdom seems to be one goes for 330d sdrive or the 335xd as it is really a drive train choice rather than an engine choice as the 335xd is just a little bit more expensive than the 330xd (£1200?)

[Zippeh]

Originally Posted by moonshine

The 330xd is a bit of an odd car.
Conventional wisdom seems to be one goes for 330d sdrive or the 335xd as it is really a drive train choice rather than an engine choice as the 335xd is just a little bit more expensive than the 330xd (£1200?)

Ive had some recent quotes with the 330xd only £14 a month cheaper than the 335d

[sunscreemer]

Originally Posted by Irnbrukid

Nick has a point. Does it have to be BMW? as there are other manufacturers who have cars that match your criteria.

I meant "seriously" based on the fun with F30 and his Golf R posts.

I am open to other cars - I had an A3 quattro before this car and loved it, but Audi have been stubborn on discounts, insisting on very high deposits, taking their own Gap insurance, poor interest rates etc... BMW were keen to do business. Like the Golf R but i'd always wish i got an S3!

[sunscreemer]

Oh, and I test drove a A-class before i bought the BMW. That may now be available in all wheel drive but the ride quality was terrible, have heard their auto gearbox is poor and the dealership was a shambles!

[mmcc1972]

Apologies! I've just recently got some figures for a 4GC for my partner from 2 of the best dealers on here and their figures were nowhere near 20%, and I know from buying from one of them that his figures are the best available.

Originally Posted by sunscreemer

That's pissing on my chips alright!

[sunscreemer]

Originally Posted by mmcc1972

Apologies! I've just recently got some figures for a 4GC for my partner from 2 of the best dealers on here and their figures were nowhere near 20%, and I know from buying from one of them that his figures are the best available.

No offence taken mate - just my comment was a little bit tongue in cheek at a snap your hand off offer and if anything your abrupt response kind of made me laugh!

From other things i've read though it's not as far fetched as it seems, but i'm prepared to take my business to whoever offers me the best deal or at least is best to deal with - both of which BMW were when i bought my current motor.