This all depends on what roads your driving and what you what from your car. It really doesn't matter what you buy now a days, as long as you check it hasn't been run into the ground. So, simple checks for rust, leaks and sqeaks and im sure you will find something desent.
Not seen any Dual mass flywheels go on bmws, mostly on vw diesels. It would be cheaper sticking a solid flywheel in, but you should be looking at £450 parts plus £200 to fit it at a good independent garage, also I'd stick a new clutch/pressure plate in while you're at it.
Cost me £1100 at BM Tec. Autologic was around £1300 and something and Stratstones was just short of a couple of grand. The parts alone cost £900. My old car was also due a new particle filter, the on board computer gave me another five hundred miles and it needed replacing. Unit price for the part alone - just short of a grand. I also think an injector was going. Cost to repair- about one thousand. The thing with BM's is they do cost more to repair than most other cars. That's why I'd stay clear of one with over 100,000 miles on. BM Tec are by far and away the cheapest BMW specialists and are really good lads as well. I know I was getting a good price and would recommend them to anyone with a BMW or a mini.
We have had 2 cars since we have been in Australia(44 years).Best of them was a Nissan Pintara 2.4 litre Auto which was purchased as my company car in 1991 and is now our second car. Over 250,000 kms on the clock today(stopped a couple of years ago) and has had no major problems over its 20 year life and its paintwork condition is still very good even though it has rarely been garaged. Incidentally one of my extended family runs a second hand car business in Hull.
For what you are doing the best option is a Ford Focus 1.6 petrol. Very well made car and not expensive to repair. 2 grand will get you a nice example with a low mileage. Just make sure it has documented history and regular oil and filter changes at least. Stay clear of Vauxhalls and any car manufactured in France
Toyota Supra, Sir? [video=youtube;ZYAFoso0CLk]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZYAFoso0CLk&feature=related[/video]
No contest... [video=youtube;VRLUn7_A4f0]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VRLUn7_A4f0&feature=related[/video]
Been offered a citroen c5 2.0 vtr automatic, mot till april 13, tax to sep 12, 04 reg. 105,000 miles, air con, power steering, sports suspension, cd/mp3, trip computer, c/locking, guy wants £1,500 for it. what do we think ?>
The milage might put me off. Like I said I had a BMW with over 100,000 on the clock and the thing was a money pit. Imagine what a Citroën would be like? For that money you could get a Primera with 42000 on the clock. Spec might not be as good but if you want a car that ain't gonna cost a fortune to keep on the road I probably wouldn't go French.
It's a Citroen. This might suit you, reliable, high spec and low mileage... http://www.exchangeandmart.co.uk/used-cars-for-sale/nissan/primera/14457948
I put a Lambretta up on ebay half an hour ago, I've got 1 bid and 14 watching already, it's amazing how many people are on that site.
Whaddya mean "It's a Citroen"! I've got a Citroen! (Wait a minute though - mine is ****ed at the moment....)