Overhaulin'

Should I accept a free BMW?

My present car has taken a bashing and my sister's boyfriends mum has offered me a BMW that she doesn't want completely free of charge. I don't know much about it at this point but it's a '3i' (not sure of the other numbers) 1.9 litre, automatic, saloon and is about 8/9 yrs old. Checked out a rough insurance quote and it doesn't seem too bad (about £400) I've been driving 5 yrs. What are they like to drive? Do they guzzle fuel? I'm 24 yrs old and a student, I have a 5 yr old son, will I look totally out of place driving a car like this?! Not sure whether to accept or not (it's a genuine offer and the car is in excellent condition) Thanks Hi John Paul, this lady is very well off and already has a new merc, the BM is just a 'spare' car she wants to get rid of and on hearing of my car being bashed she's offered it to me! I'm just not sure it will suit my needs/may be a bit much for me to handle being a 1.9, what do u think? Also I've never driven an automatic, what are they like to drive?

Public Comments

1. It will use more fuel than a VW Polo or something like that, but it's a free car so I'd accept it!
2. Accept it. Buy USA standards they are miserly on fuel. By UK standards they are probably not great.
3. accept and sell it if you don't like it
4. Please take the gift BMW. Just remember to have it checked for maintenance and try to keep all the servicing up. You'll love fine German automobiles. Join the BMW Club and get to know all about your car. Remember there is some underlying reason for such a luxurious gift or some hidden problem the car has. Accept it gratefully and go about returning the car to full maintenance and proper running.I hope I am just a cynical old car mechanic
5. hmm tough...yes?! the car is free. youd be a fool not to to take it
6. Eleanor, I currently own a 2006 325i since when it was brand new and I now have 57,000 miles. I drive this car everyday including weekends to go to work and visiting family......all I can say is that this car has never left me stranded and has been very reliable. You won't be disappointed with this car, accept the gift gracefully.....that is a very nice gift. They are very fun to drive cars. Also, have a mechanic to look at the car to make sure everything is in working order. Be sure to keep up with the maintenance and the oil changes and the car will take care of you. As far with gas, for a 1.9 litre engine, you should get very good gas mileage. I have a 3.0 litre on mine and I average 28 to 30 on the highway. It's one of the best cars I have ever owned. Good luck to you and take care!