Although an equivalent secondhand car would have a warranty, you don't know how that particular car has been maintained, driven etc., whether its had an accident and been repaired or even if the previous keeper has had the mileage "corrected" to stay within a mileage limit on a lease/PCP deal.

Unless the price for an equivalent car is massively lower, I'd stick with the car with the known history, assuming that history is good....

I'm slightly unclear why you've mentioned BCA. Other people I know who've bought an end of lease car have dealt directly with the lease company, with the car physically remaining in their hands throughout. If the BCA price is allowing for the cost of collecting the car and putting it through their system as a private sale (which I think has a significant premium over a trade buyer) that might explain the higher price.

I would keep your 420 GC which you've had from new and a known, good car, serviced properly and sounds like it's had an easy life. As such I would expect years of decent service from it if you keep up with the maintenance. You've no idea how an alternative will have been driven. It did make me chuckle that this is a less posh car for situations that require it! My idea of a less posh car is somewhat different!! But yes, keep it, it's a good one!

Thanks for that insight Sparrow. You are right on both counts. The 420i is close to an ideal car for me. The four wheel drive gives huge traction in adverse conditions and the hatchback provides a surprising amount of usable space. It was used in an office move and carried far more than any of us expected. Flattened the back seats, covered everything with a large tarpaulin, drove it back and forth all weekend and then simply vaccuumed it out at the end. The only wish I have is that I miss the feel and sound of a six cylinder petrol. Metallic grey, light leather interior, and it looks really elegant too. Far better than the 4 series that followed it. That large nostril look has simply not grown on me at all.