brorick

Hey

I am looking to buy a used car in Qatar with a budget of maximum 37,000 QAR.

I have been doing some research and taking advice from some people and they suggest a Japanese car, but if I compare the price of a 2008 Toyota Corola or a 2007 Nissan Altima and a 2007 BMW 523i they are basically the same price (around the 37k mark). So obviously the I'm attracted to the BMW (which actually has more options too)

But people tell me that owning a BMW is far too expensive especially if its more that 5 years old, but these people normally dont own BMW's. I have asked someone who owns one and they said that its not as expensive as everyone says (the bmw they drive is a 2004 320i)

I was wondering if anyone owns a German car thats more than 5 years old? Whats it like to look after? Should I be looking out for anything in particular?

and if you don't recommend a German car, what do you recommend?

Thanks in advance

OleJanx

I've run both Mercs and BMWs at age 5 -20 years old, and never had a problem beyond the 535 I had being stolen, and somehow I don't see that as a problem in Qatar...
With Beemers, it's best to try and find a specialist rather than the main dealer for repairs (is it still Al Fardan? Their rep wasn't much cop when I was in Doha)
The things to watch for are poorly repaired accident damage and shagged out engines, as for the most part, routine servicing means replacing the engine when it seizes up due to lack of oil and water, and being driven full tilt and recklessly. Try buying from a western expat - they have a bit more mechanical sympathy ( well, normally...!) Oh, and it is usually a good idea to buy new tyres for what ever you buy.

msalih

Im going through the same thing. everyone who doesnt own an old (5 years or older) BMW tells me how expensive it is.
Ive been looking at small SUVs but they are also very expensive as demand is high for them!

Can I ask olrjanx...did you own the BMW in Qatar or in the UK because in the UK laws are different about servicing (which apparently bites you hard in Qatar)
Also the german cars cant handle the weather and dust

OleJanx

The BMW was bought and driven about in Sharjah for a while before being exported to Azerbaijan, but I also had a 318 in Qatar. Don't buy a 4 cylinder Beemer!(Didn't keep it long...)