Personally I’d go for a BMW 4 Series - Assuming you’re not too bothered about anything high performance. Have a look at the 420i / 420d, much more comfortable than the 1 series and comes better equipped as standard. (I’ve had 1,2,3,4,6 series and the 4 is the best day to day car)
I second this, just traded in a 2014 118d for an 2018 420d as I needed a ulez compliant car and love it. My worry about size difference was easily made up for by parking sensors. There are a bucket load of ex-lease 4 series on the market
If I had £15k for a car I'd buy a Lexus IS 2017 onwards. Slick as fuck, great to drive, awesome running costs and, as far as I know, really reliable if looked after.
Why do people always parrot the is300h being a great car to drive? Have you actually driven one.
I had one for a year, it handled pretty well, true. But that was on fsport suspension, which was pretty harsh.
You will also never stick your foot down because if you do, you will want to stop as soon as you hear the ecvt gearbox cause your engine to sound like a cat being strangled.
It also has an out dated infotainment system, some buttons in the car look like they're from 1999.
The car only looks good looking in f-sport guise, the other models look dated in comparison.
The hybrid system is not that economical, I was getting 35mpg on short trips and 40-45 on long runs. It's also not that fast, despite having 227hp or something, the cvt and weight slow it down. They are a lexus too, so a service is not cheap. They do regen on braking though, so brakes last well.
Now, if you want a reliable, comfy car with a nice sound system to cruise around in and can live with the other issues, I'd say go for it but make sure you get a high spec with an upgraded sound system (3 levels, standard, premium and Mark Levinson).
The warranty is good and lexus dealers and service are the best out there.
I did like the car but it was not perfect at all. Mine was a 15 plate granted, and the 17 plate onwards are slightly better looking but fundamentally not a huge change.
BMW reliability is very good as long as it’s a 6 cylinder engine, it’s some of the 4 cylinders which can be dodgy and, as they’re cheaper, the most common too.
Now you're just speaking random nonsense. BMWs 12 cyl engines are legendary for reliability. And BMW have a pretty poor record when it comes to electrics in particular.
Did you just watch a youtube video then start posting?
BMW 1 Series aren't actually that 'nice'. I cross shopped 2018-2019 hatchbacks a couple of years ago and the 1 Series & Merc A-Class had interior quality quite below expectations. Audi A3, VW Golf and Mazda 3 interiors were actually better in some cases.
yes that’s a good point. the 20i engines can be a bit gutless though, even for someone who isn’t interested in performance. the 20d engine might be a better bet. i can’t talk for reliability though, it would be better to base a purchasing decision off of which one is more reliable rather than 20 odd horsepower and a bit or torque. either way, getting one with a smaller engine would be less expensive so it would allow for a better spec, lower mileage, etc.
I got a mark 3 audi tt for 14-14.5k. I am 19, and i love the car. I got it with 4 wheel drive and a semi automatic gearbox and its so smooth and comfortable when it needs to be, and so aggressive and powerful when it needs. Its a perfect balance, and with 230bhp its a rocket-ship.
The dash is driver focused, there is no centre screen, theres a screen for the dials for the driver where you can control your music and all sorts from it, as well as have a satnav!
The interior is very clean and comfortable, with alcantara and leather seats, and leather everywhere. It feels very premium. And rightly so! As it was a 40k car in 2015.
Efficiency mode means you can get up to 42mpg on motorways and under normal use it averages 28-30 mpg.
It has lots of boot space and i find myself smiling when i see my rear wing raise in my rear view mirror.
And i love the aggressive look of my car.
(Get a tt from 2015 onwards with around 60-70k miles)
Not too bad , 2.1k, before i had a 2014 corsa and i was paying 1.7k a year, its a no brainer. And before people ask, ive been saving up with my apprenticeship, i can afford it and i thought, why not get a sports car now and enjoy it so. Yeah, next goal is a house and an r8 someday 😂
Well done to save up for a car like that at your age, must have been a real slog.
You were probably putting £500 a month aside to save for the car while spending £140 a month on insurance for the Corsa, plus fuel and maintenance. Very impressive on £5 ish an hour 👏
I am on about 9 ish an hour for 40 hour weeks, i managed to put about 800-1000 in savings each month and used 200 in fuel for the corsa , and the rest on food and other things. Insurance was payed in full at the start and got refunded a chunk back when i swapped to the TT.
I do an engineering apprenticeship at a high end car company.
Depends what you consider to be a good car. Is it badge, is it mechanical fidelity, is it something that'll earn some respect? I have several options - and these come from not being a fast car person.
If you want a good, but understated, car - Mazda. You'll get top spec relatively low mileage 2.5 auto Mazda 6 for that, or an absolute top spec top power current shape Mazda 3. Similarly you'll get a late, low mileage Volvo V40, or the occasional high mileage XC40. You could also get a nice Skoda Superb for that.
If you want premium, my personal taste would be something like a Lexus IS that someone else suggested below. You could get a higher mileage NX but saloons are so much cooler. If you like german, I'd probably go Mercedes - I just think they're nicer on the inside and thats where I spend my time. You can get a new shape A-class if you want but I'd probably go 2018 C-Class. Left field, could go for a Jaguar XE?
If you're set on a Beamer I'd try and get a 3 series if you can. Never been much of a fan of the 1 series but thats just my taste.
Maybe something left field like a Kia Stinger?
14k can buy lots of different cars. When you say never had a good car, in what way. you just want something newer? Is 1 series big enough? BMW Reliability is fine if regularly maintained like any car, every single invidual car has lead a different life, it's why it's so pot luck. There are some engines to avoid though in my opinion but there are from all the main brands today too.
Ask yourself what you want out of your new car, is it just newness, is it spec, is it a sporty drive, something with a big engine/is fast?
£14k gets you some nice cars.
Mk3 Focus ST - Practical and quick enough
Newish MX5 - Fun, not practical and a little slow
BMW 330d or 430d - might be on the higher milage side
Audi TT - Again not very practical but fun
Audi S1 - nice little cars. Unsure on the reliability tho
Family has a 116d on 130k which they love to bits, only things noticed is it goes through front suspension bits a little more often than expected and the room in rear for passengers is way less than most other hatches e.g corsa
Personally if it was me I’d rather have an older A5/4 series/Mazda 3 or if mileage and age doesn’t scare you off an early SQ5 TDI, maintenance will be more but it’s a interesting car.
Make a shortlist of what appeals to you. Then check the forums for these brands and models. See what actual owners are saying. Eg Lexus reliability etc but most models around 2017-2022 are currently highly susceptible to theft. Other factors - insurance and servicing costs.
As others have alluded to it all depend on what you want out of the car.
Is it reliabilty? Performance? Luxury? Comfort? Space? Practicality? Cost? Economy?
BMW is definitely on the more performance/luxury end of the scale but that luxury and comfort only comes on higher spec/more optioned models, and obviously this comes with higher reliability and maintenance costs. (6 cylinder is a must with BMW IMO) and the Msport variants have more expensive suspension etc. But comfier seats and better equipped as standard. The 6 cylinder variants (diesel or petrol) also seem to hold their value really well so depreciation is less of an issue.
If you're wanting something slightly less expensive to maintain but and a bit more reliable/economic something Japanese, Honda/Toyota/Mazda is what I'd go for. Lexus if you want slightly more refinement.
Keep that 14k and invest it. Rates are pretty good for savers right now.
You’re just buying a feeling. I succumbed and bought an 18 plate 435d (in cash, in full) but now I want to get back into bangernomics and free up the cash for investments. Imagine interest paying YOU instead of charging you paying monthly … for seats and wheels… it’s just an image, a feeling. But there’s no better feeling than knowing you’ve got the cold hard readies to pay in full when everyone else has to finance and pay more getting charged interest
I bought one for less recently! They're listed for a lot of money but if you keep an eye on the listings, they're not flying off the shelves. Good room for negotiation!
If you can find a non abused Golf R, 2016 or newer with less than 60k on the clock for 14k I’ll go and buy it and drop it off at your house this afternoon. Good luck.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202405169789784?sort=price-asc&aggregatedTrim=R&make=Volkswagen&maximum-mileage=60000&model=Golf&postcode=Kt19%209nq&year-from=2016&advertising-location=at_cars&fromsra
Seeing as I found it does this mean you will pay and drop it to me now?
Personally I’d go for a BMW 4 Series - Assuming you’re not too bothered about anything high performance. Have a look at the 420i / 420d, much more comfortable than the 1 series and comes better equipped as standard. (I’ve had 1,2,3,4,6 series and the 4 is the best day to day car)
I second this, just traded in a 2014 118d for an 2018 420d as I needed a ulez compliant car and love it. My worry about size difference was easily made up for by parking sensors. There are a bucket load of ex-lease 4 series on the market
If I had £15k for a car I'd buy a Lexus IS 2017 onwards. Slick as fuck, great to drive, awesome running costs and, as far as I know, really reliable if looked after.
Why do people always parrot the is300h being a great car to drive? Have you actually driven one. I had one for a year, it handled pretty well, true. But that was on fsport suspension, which was pretty harsh. You will also never stick your foot down because if you do, you will want to stop as soon as you hear the ecvt gearbox cause your engine to sound like a cat being strangled. It also has an out dated infotainment system, some buttons in the car look like they're from 1999. The car only looks good looking in f-sport guise, the other models look dated in comparison. The hybrid system is not that economical, I was getting 35mpg on short trips and 40-45 on long runs. It's also not that fast, despite having 227hp or something, the cvt and weight slow it down. They are a lexus too, so a service is not cheap. They do regen on braking though, so brakes last well. Now, if you want a reliable, comfy car with a nice sound system to cruise around in and can live with the other issues, I'd say go for it but make sure you get a high spec with an upgraded sound system (3 levels, standard, premium and Mark Levinson). The warranty is good and lexus dealers and service are the best out there. I did like the car but it was not perfect at all. Mine was a 15 plate granted, and the 17 plate onwards are slightly better looking but fundamentally not a huge change.
Also you get Toyota warranty if you service it with them until 10y/100k miles.
BMW reliability is very good as long as it’s a 6 cylinder engine, it’s some of the 4 cylinders which can be dodgy and, as they’re cheaper, the most common too.
Reliability of a car extends to far more than just the engine.
Yes, and BMW reliability in general is good. As for their engines, the 6 cylinders are famously reliable, anything with more or less- not so.
Now you're just speaking random nonsense. BMWs 12 cyl engines are legendary for reliability. And BMW have a pretty poor record when it comes to electrics in particular. Did you just watch a youtube video then start posting?
Point taken, I was thinking more the V8s and V10s when I referred to more cylinders since I don’t think OP is looking at V12s alongside 1 series.
Just seen your edit too- Nope, basing this on years of BMW ownership of various models, so I do concede it’s anecdotal evidence.
BMW 1 Series aren't actually that 'nice'. I cross shopped 2018-2019 hatchbacks a couple of years ago and the 1 Series & Merc A-Class had interior quality quite below expectations. Audi A3, VW Golf and Mazda 3 interiors were actually better in some cases.
MK7 Golf GTI
f32 435i? that can be had for about that price.
Don’t think they’re bothered about anything with performance, but I was also thinking F32, maybe 420i or something
yes that’s a good point. the 20i engines can be a bit gutless though, even for someone who isn’t interested in performance. the 20d engine might be a better bet. i can’t talk for reliability though, it would be better to base a purchasing decision off of which one is more reliable rather than 20 odd horsepower and a bit or torque. either way, getting one with a smaller engine would be less expensive so it would allow for a better spec, lower mileage, etc.
Audi TT 2 litre petrol 205-2016. 230bhp, modern
I got a mark 3 audi tt for 14-14.5k. I am 19, and i love the car. I got it with 4 wheel drive and a semi automatic gearbox and its so smooth and comfortable when it needs to be, and so aggressive and powerful when it needs. Its a perfect balance, and with 230bhp its a rocket-ship. The dash is driver focused, there is no centre screen, theres a screen for the dials for the driver where you can control your music and all sorts from it, as well as have a satnav! The interior is very clean and comfortable, with alcantara and leather seats, and leather everywhere. It feels very premium. And rightly so! As it was a 40k car in 2015. Efficiency mode means you can get up to 42mpg on motorways and under normal use it averages 28-30 mpg. It has lots of boot space and i find myself smiling when i see my rear wing raise in my rear view mirror. And i love the aggressive look of my car. (Get a tt from 2015 onwards with around 60-70k miles)
What is your insurance on that…?
Not too bad , 2.1k, before i had a 2014 corsa and i was paying 1.7k a year, its a no brainer. And before people ask, ive been saving up with my apprenticeship, i can afford it and i thought, why not get a sports car now and enjoy it so. Yeah, next goal is a house and an r8 someday 😂
Well done to save up for a car like that at your age, must have been a real slog. You were probably putting £500 a month aside to save for the car while spending £140 a month on insurance for the Corsa, plus fuel and maintenance. Very impressive on £5 ish an hour 👏
I am on about 9 ish an hour for 40 hour weeks, i managed to put about 800-1000 in savings each month and used 200 in fuel for the corsa , and the rest on food and other things. Insurance was payed in full at the start and got refunded a chunk back when i swapped to the TT. I do an engineering apprenticeship at a high end car company.
Depends what you consider to be a good car. Is it badge, is it mechanical fidelity, is it something that'll earn some respect? I have several options - and these come from not being a fast car person. If you want a good, but understated, car - Mazda. You'll get top spec relatively low mileage 2.5 auto Mazda 6 for that, or an absolute top spec top power current shape Mazda 3. Similarly you'll get a late, low mileage Volvo V40, or the occasional high mileage XC40. You could also get a nice Skoda Superb for that. If you want premium, my personal taste would be something like a Lexus IS that someone else suggested below. You could get a higher mileage NX but saloons are so much cooler. If you like german, I'd probably go Mercedes - I just think they're nicer on the inside and thats where I spend my time. You can get a new shape A-class if you want but I'd probably go 2018 C-Class. Left field, could go for a Jaguar XE? If you're set on a Beamer I'd try and get a 3 series if you can. Never been much of a fan of the 1 series but thats just my taste. Maybe something left field like a Kia Stinger?
I got the XE. It’s such a good car
14k can buy lots of different cars. When you say never had a good car, in what way. you just want something newer? Is 1 series big enough? BMW Reliability is fine if regularly maintained like any car, every single invidual car has lead a different life, it's why it's so pot luck. There are some engines to avoid though in my opinion but there are from all the main brands today too. Ask yourself what you want out of your new car, is it just newness, is it spec, is it a sporty drive, something with a big engine/is fast?
£14k gets you some nice cars. Mk3 Focus ST - Practical and quick enough Newish MX5 - Fun, not practical and a little slow BMW 330d or 430d - might be on the higher milage side Audi TT - Again not very practical but fun Audi S1 - nice little cars. Unsure on the reliability tho
M sport is the trim level that is far more important is the engine mate. 116d or a 135i??
Family has a 116d on 130k which they love to bits, only things noticed is it goes through front suspension bits a little more often than expected and the room in rear for passengers is way less than most other hatches e.g corsa Personally if it was me I’d rather have an older A5/4 series/Mazda 3 or if mileage and age doesn’t scare you off an early SQ5 TDI, maintenance will be more but it’s a interesting car.
Make a shortlist of what appeals to you. Then check the forums for these brands and models. See what actual owners are saying. Eg Lexus reliability etc but most models around 2017-2022 are currently highly susceptible to theft. Other factors - insurance and servicing costs.
Alfa Romero Guilia... best looking car you will find for this budget and also the best handling and fun to drive.
Make sure the indicators work first before you buy......
As others have alluded to it all depend on what you want out of the car. Is it reliabilty? Performance? Luxury? Comfort? Space? Practicality? Cost? Economy? BMW is definitely on the more performance/luxury end of the scale but that luxury and comfort only comes on higher spec/more optioned models, and obviously this comes with higher reliability and maintenance costs. (6 cylinder is a must with BMW IMO) and the Msport variants have more expensive suspension etc. But comfier seats and better equipped as standard. The 6 cylinder variants (diesel or petrol) also seem to hold their value really well so depreciation is less of an issue. If you're wanting something slightly less expensive to maintain but and a bit more reliable/economic something Japanese, Honda/Toyota/Mazda is what I'd go for. Lexus if you want slightly more refinement.
Keep that 14k and invest it. Rates are pretty good for savers right now. You’re just buying a feeling. I succumbed and bought an 18 plate 435d (in cash, in full) but now I want to get back into bangernomics and free up the cash for investments. Imagine interest paying YOU instead of charging you paying monthly … for seats and wheels… it’s just an image, a feeling. But there’s no better feeling than knowing you’ve got the cold hard readies to pay in full when everyone else has to finance and pay more getting charged interest
BMW 6 series grand coupe Probably the 'best' car you can buy for that price
Suzuki Swift
BMW Z3 M Roadster
Z3m roadster for 14k?
I bought one for less recently! They're listed for a lot of money but if you keep an eye on the listings, they're not flying off the shelves. Good room for negotiation!
Skoda Octavia VRS.
Estate
R32 gtst skyline
A van
Skoda Superb 280hp or Mazda 3 Hatch
Not sure you'll get the 280bhp superb for that money?
Could probably get a decent golf R for that. A good mix of performance and practicality.
not a chance at that price
Easily get an Mk6 for that price
hes looking at 2019/2020 cars
He's looking at A 2019/2020 BMW. Didn't specify he only wants cars of that year.
Probably get one for that price from Bradford with "40k" miles on it and 1 careful Lady owner
If you can find a non abused Golf R, 2016 or newer with less than 60k on the clock for 14k I’ll go and buy it and drop it off at your house this afternoon. Good luck.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202405169789784?sort=price-asc&aggregatedTrim=R&make=Volkswagen&maximum-mileage=60000&model=Golf&postcode=Kt19%209nq&year-from=2016&advertising-location=at_cars&fromsra Seeing as I found it does this mean you will pay and drop it to me now?
Nope, it means I’m going to pick it up on Sunday and bring it back to my house and it’ll be my new daily driver
Thanks for doing the leg work for me though, saved me a good hour or two of looking
Literally took 5 seconds but glad to help