Advice for a noob

[scalino65]

Hi there
I'm after a little of the board's collective wisdom if I may...
After a couple years of thinking "hmm..my next car is definitely going to be a X5", I'm now in a position to start a proper search.
I have decided on a V8 given : (i) I only average around 3k miles p.a. and given current prices,etc I think I can getter good deal on the V8 that will to some extent offset horrendous petrol prices, (ii) its a V8 for goodness sake - what isnt to like about it!

So, firstly: where to search currently using pistonheads,autotrader, bmw dealer network, anywhere else?
Secondly, I live in SW London and would ideally like a recommendation for a good indy for servicing and possibly pre-purchase inspection.
Thirdly, what sort of thing do you think I might get for my budget? I'm thinking somewhere between 10-15k ideally and as low a mileage as poss (hopefully 40k or under). Colour, spec, etc. I really am genuinely not that bothered about as I'd rather just take my time and get a nice honest car at a good price. Perhaps would prefer without the pan roof as one less thing to go wrong.

I noticed this car in the ads: any thoughts at all? http://www.sovereign-trading.co.uk/ anyone have any thoughts on this one?

All thoughts/advice gratefully received.
cheers
Will

[shadrack]

Milage is low, but on your budget and petrol I would definately go for a 4.8is as opose to the se spec 4.4 and then it will be fully loaded with all the toys, your budget should get the last of the e53s

[Cannondale]

I would second going for a 4.8is,

You can get good 4.4,s for little cash but the 4.8is is a diffrent beast again.

I have just bought a 2005 4.8is and looked for a low mileage high spec car.

Good luck in your search and I hope you find a nice one.

[scalino65]

Hi
Many thanks to you both.
I will keep looking! I still have a lot of research to do e.g. comparing 4.4 vs 4.8. I am hoping to buy a low mileage good one and keep it for a good many years.
Cannondale, did you get a pre-purchase inspection done on your one?
cheers
Will

[Cannondale]

No I did not bother with an inspection. If you know a bit about cars I think you will know as much as most inspections will tell you. I bought mine from the original owner, compleat with original receipt and all service invoices as well as MOT,s and a fully stamped service book.

The car had just has an inspection 2 service done 2000 earlier and was still under BMW extended waranty. So I felt ok with the car after carring out all the usuall checks and a good test drive the deal was done.

I did concider a 4.4 as they are a fair bit cheaper, but I thought everytime I saw a 4.8is I would think should have got one of those. I am hoping the 4.8is will hold some of its value in the long tearm as good ones get hard to get

I would guess te running cost will be more or less the same for each the only negtive on the 4.8is is full air, or that could also be an advantage as the ride is slightly better.

Look at as many as you can then when you find a good one you will know.

Rich...

[Cannondale]

A couple of nice looking examples

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/ ... ?logcode=p

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/ ... ?logcode=p

[scalino65]

Thanks Rich
Interestingly the lower mileage dealer one is cheaper! Handily both are pretty near me - will take a look.
cheers

[X5Sport]

And welcome to the Board too.....

Looking forward to seeing the piccies once you find what you want..

[Sanj]

[quote=""scalino65""]Interestingly the lower mileage dealer one is cheaper![/quote]

Welcome the forum, most likely higher road tax bracket...

[Raj]

Welcome aboard. I'd agree with the very low mileage you're doing it's a no brainer with the 4.8is. So much more for your money and the noise alone is worth it.

With the mileages you're looking at it wouldn't cost a whole lot to have BMW warranty put on it to cover the expensive items if they should fail.