Is BMW’s 1 Series a good used buy?
The BMW 1 Series is a popular car, but does it stack up as a used buy? Here’s the Used Car Expert Buyers Guide
- The BMW 1 Series is a popular choice for used car buyers.
Why consider a BMW 1 SERIES?
There is something about the styling of the 1-Series hatchback that doesn’t quite work in comparison to its closest competitors, the Golf and Audi A3. But once in the drivers seat it feels like a 3-Series, so that explains the firm used prices.
Because the 1-Series feels like a 3-Series to drive but costs less people overlook the small boot and that is also hard to load. The rear legroom is pretty poor too, but not much worse than any other hatchback of this size, or indeed the 3-Series.
Which BMW 1 SERIES to buy?
The 1.6 petrol is the cheapest model. 3 year old versions are around £2,000 less than the 2.0 diesels. Depreciation stays low for the first 3 years, so it’s only after 4 or 5 years that they become good value.
The 2.0 petrol engine’s MPG is similar to the 1.6 petrol’s of around 38. So if you can afford the insurance, it’s hard to see why you wouldn’t take the more refined engine. But if fuel economy is the key factor, the 2.0 diesel manages around 15 MPG more.
What price to pay for a BMW 1 SERIES?
If buying nearly new, then you should be aiming for under £17,000 for the 2.0P and under £16,000 for 1.6P. The 2.0D is more like £18,000. Depreciation stays low for the first three years, but after the first MOT, you can pick up a 1.6P for under £12,000.
The 1.6P has an average mileage almost as high as the 2.0D which suggests they have been company or commuter cars. As a result, the 5 and 6 year old cars all have mileages in the 40 and 50,000s and are £7,500-£9,500 no matter which fuel they take.
What faults do I need to check before buying?
Here is one of the common faults that Used Car Expert has discovered on this car, how to look for it and what to do about it:
Test drive the car and check for a creaking from the rear suspension, particularly over rough roads and speed bumps. This creaking can be a problem with the ball joints in the rear suspension. If you find this fault try to negotiate a discount of £100.00 off the price of the car.
For a full report of common faults on the BMW 1 SERIES, visit www.UsedCarExpert.co.uk
I think its an absolute good investment to put in ur money in used bmw series 1 . it is reliable and have been stuck around for a long time.
Hi there
Does other people love BMW’s nearly as much as me?
This past May, I bought a used BMW Z3 roadster, and completely love it. BMW is seriously the most impressive manufacturer autos you can get. I am going to always purchase BMW’s from now on, however I must still say I love the older design a lot better than the newer versions. The old versions (really anything from 03,04 in some models back) look 100 % pure german. The newer ones look similar to japan makes, but nevertheless, they are simply remarkable.
Thanks
Chris