Suzuki Swift 318i Touring

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Mon 26 Aug 2002 20:19
Suzuki Swift 318i Touring - Pat L
Some of you may recall my request last week for opinions re the Swift Sky special edition at £4995.

We went for a proper look at one and have a test drive yesterday. It's not bad value for money, but I couldn't bring myself to buy one. I've spoilt myself with German cars in recent years and the difference in quality/ownership satisfaction was too big for me! I love cars and I just couldn't love that one!

Anyway, we wanted to replace the Merc 190E so I searched the Autotrader site for something German. Spotted a 'right one'- sometimes you get an intuitive feeeling about a car- and went to see it today. It was a BMW 318iSE Touring, 1998 S reg, metallic dark green, full BMW history, 134,000 miles, lovely condition, loads of extras (inc. sports suspension and leather sports steering wheel, passenger airbag), full MOT. Ex company director's car (really!), being sold by a trader who deals with a few big companies, selling their better comany cars.

The deal: £5,700. (Advertised at £5950, but it's due for a service so I knocked him down a bit) This is £500 more than a Swift with metallic paint! I'm so much happier to spend the money on this! It seems like a good deal to me, and hopefully I'll pick up the car later this week.

Incidentally, it's hard to tell the difference between the E36 and E46 with the Touring model. I think it's an E36, as the E46 Touring came in 1999, but does anyone out there know? Any other comments on this car/deal gratefully received.

Regards,

Pat (grinning!!!)

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Mon 26 Aug 2002 21:29
Suzuki Swift 318i Touring - svpworld
I agree that its hard to bite the bullet and buy a new car, when you consider what you can get just 3 yrs down the line! Of course no doubt the cost of running the beamer is going to be more than the swift over the next few years, I dont think 134K is too bad for a Beamer but as a 1.8 engine I wouldn't hang on to it for too much longer. Has it got air con? Sounds a nice car though, I dont think high miles are of much worry if the cars been looked after, I assume its a manual?

S.

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Mon 26 Aug 2002 21:41
Suzuki Swift 318i Touring - Pat L
Yes, Simon, it's manual and has climate control. The CC is actually playing up and the dealer is getting it fixed tomorrow. Strange fault, it doesn't work at all and then will come on if you turn on the indicator or another electrical device! I assume it's only a dirty connection or something.

It will cost more to run than the Swift, but it will replace a Merc 190 as a second car, and hopefully be pretty reliable for 2-3 years.

Regards

Pat
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