Car appreciation... the aesthetics, the engineering, etc

It's always good to have an acceptable example for comparison. Good luck.

Soo, I think BMW may have got the mileage wrong on my new(used) 5 series...
Was advertised as 7888 miles, but display and connected drive app show just over 1900 miles. I wonder if some misread a 1 as a 7....

Also a previous Scirocco owner, would not recommend.
Golf all the way.

I sort of wanted to put off the ‘golf until driving licence taken away’ inevitability, but sounds like it’s the only way to go!

You've got consistently good taste in cars ;)

Glad to hear you're happy with the rims btw, just realised I totally forgot to reply to your PM!

So much this

Honestly, though, it just sounds like a good reason not to buy a BMW.

Good advice from the Constable. I'd add to it check everything electronic works - all the windows, air con, cruise if it has it, radio, all the lights (good to have an assistant for this but something that reflects like a garage door or wall can work well too) etc. etc.

Start it from cold and get someone to check what comes out the exhaust. If you're on your own get the owner to start it. Once started just let it idle and listen to the engine note/revs and the exhaust. Generally listen when you test drive it, any noises/squeaks can be warning signs you can google later.

Go around each corner and press down your weight above each wheel - if it doesn't spring back up as you'd expect the suspension probably needs attention.

Much more subjective and difficult to measure but if it feels 'tight' when you drive it that's good, if it feels 'sloppy', not good...

Make sure there's at least two keys - and check they work!

Also if the seller has conveniently been for a drive right before you view and the engine is warmed up or if you meet them and they have the engine running be suspicious.

Try braking with no hands on the wheel - if it pulls to one side there's a pad issue.

I mean until we went full SW London and got an SUV my favorite car was my Mk3, followed closely by our joint Mk6. The XC40 has me able to drive (pre-LD) for a day of surf in Woolacombe (a 4hr jaunt) without feeling like death having left London at 4am. It is really a magic thing.
(and I can sleep in the back having finished the above and drive back the next day).

Golf will take a bike without the front wheel out. Have gone to a Scirocco which is a much prettier and fun car but the front wheel has to come out

If you fancy a coupe have you thought about an Audi TT? The boot is surprisingly bike friendly with the rear seat folded

Also if the seller has conveniently been for a drive right before you view and the engine is warmed up or if you meet them and they have the engine running be suspicious.

In other words, walk away. Been stung by that before...

I made a point of popping the bonnet on my C55 and showing that the engine was stone cold before I started it, in front of the chap who had come to look at it.

Indeed. If the engine is warm when you go to inspect the car it either means the seller is a fucktard or they have something to hide. Plumes of blue smoke on a cold start up in my case, due to shot valve stem seals.

Fucked up starter motor in my case. Lesson learnt.

Cheers all! Very much appreciated.

The same applies to the presence of air freshener and interior smells.

E46 320d is running cold. Temp needle just on the cold limit. Google reckons I'll need to do the thermostat, and potentially the EGR thermostat.

Another thing to the list of stuff I can't be arsed with until it gets a bit warmer outside!

Is it cold or sensor. OBD2 reader compatible?

Start with main thermostat, they are notorious for running cold, think I only ever changed one for an EGR in 25 years

Always with the knowledge! Regular thermostat was deffo my first port of call - good to know I probably won’t need to bother with the EGR.

What is it with BMW and poor quality thermostats/waterpumps/viscous fan and even radiators

Does anyone have an OBD2 compatible diagnostic tool I could borrow? Clio dash is lighting up like a christmas tree these days...

Accountants override the engineers these days, timing chains you can add to that list as well :(

Yeah where are you again?