BMW 3-Series Saloon (2005 - 2011) 325d SE (08) 4d (2009/09) Owner Review
Want to know everything there is to know about this car?
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Summary
What does this car say about you?
I've finally saved up for a bit of quality and I'm enjoying it.
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
Wife likes the comfort and build quality. Friends are surprised by the power of a diesel and the economy. A solid thumbs up although some are a little disappointed at my conservative driving style. Alas, the price at the pumps has buffered my heavy right foot.
Would you buy this car again and why?
Yes. The quality and comfort have exceeded my expectations. I spend just over 2 hours a day commuting which would have finished me off in my old Astra.
What are you likely to buy next?
Another 3 Series diesel.
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Buying experience
Type of dealer you bought from?
Independent
Did you buy this car new?
No
What price did you pay?
£13,500
When did you buy the car?
December 2011
Did you get a good deal and why?
He wasn't budging on price but it was already pretty competitive. It was in better condition than all the other examples I'd seen and he chucked in a bit more than expected for my tatty old Astra.
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
Wanted something a bit more comfortable and refined than my 10 year old Astra.
What was the dealer like?
IAC Cars, Winchester. Absolutely no pressure, happy to nip out for a test drive without an appointment. Friendly bunch with a nice selection of cars.
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Driving it
What's it like to drive?
Great motorway cruiser with comfortable and supportive seats. Good fun on rural roads with enough poke to get past tractors and Sunday drivers. Run-flat tyres mean you feel every pot hole around town and nobody lets you out of a junction because of the badge on the front.
What's it like to park?
Parking sensors prevent rear strike. Some parking bays can be a little short meaning if you don't drive in forwards you might struggle to get the shopping in the boot.
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Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
Rear indicator. 3 x LEDs burnt out which required the whole cluster to be replaced.
What's most practical about your car?
Economy. I get about 50mpg from my 60% motorway commute. Driving with a heavy boot on a Friday afternoon drops it to about 48mpg.
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
Integrated satnav offers up near real time traffic updates and can receive destinations from Google Maps. Makes route planning a doddle.
