MOTORING NEWS - Car buyers are often warned that purchasing second-hand is buying someone else's problems, but every so often you come across a gem.
Having to replace a troublesome second-hand lemon a few years ago, I came across a shiny grey beast at a second-hand car dealer.
It was a 2009 BMW 523i that we have since dubbed "Lord Business" - a play on the Lego Movie villain and the fact that BMWs are seen as the businessman's vehicle of choice.
It ticks all the boxes. I have a deep love for large German vehicles, so that counts in its favour. We also travel long distances with equipment, a child and two boxers - and it has the space we need. Long distance driving also calls for comfort and Lord Business never disappoints.
Beginning of a love affair
I am not entirely sure where my love for all things that go vroom originated, but, for as long as I can remember, I have found cars more than just a mode of transport. For me a car should be an experience - the engine note should make you giddy, getting in behind the wheel must be exciting, and hitting the open road move you - figuratively speaking too! Come to think of it, it is almost like a relationship. My love affair with this car started the moment I laid eyes on it at the dealer.
Lord Business celebrated its 10th birthday this year and it turns out the car is far more than just a mode of transport for yuppie executives - it is exactly what I love about cars. My heart still skips a beat when I see the reflection of its angle-eye lights in a shop window. I still feel like a boss when I put my foot down and it instantly goes like the clappers (obviously within legal limits). In short, it is a blast to own and at the same time it has that German sensibility. An example of this yin and yang is that it has the combination of rear-wheel drive and power (an fun blend for any car lover) - and boasts multiple airbags, leather seats and climate control. Oh yes, and then there is that well-known BMW 50/50 weight distribution.
Shop wisely
So, how has it been living with this particular second-hand car? All I can say is that the usual second-hand car-buying stigma does not apply here.
Lord Business has given us wonderful service. Yes, tyres and parts can be expensive, but if you shop wisely you can source good aftermarket parts at a fraction of the price. You would think that a service would be expensive, but a general service turns out to be less than servicing my mother's smaller less luxurious car.
The cherry on top was the price. When I saw what Lord Business was going for, I checked what else I could find in the second-hand market at that price. Lots of small affordable vehicles popped up, but with the BMW you get a slab of German luxury (which these days comes just shy of a million rand when new) - a whole lot of car for less than a small hatchback. The depreciation is obviously not good news from an investment point of view, but you sure get a lot of bang for your buck!
I am definitely not naive to think that these vehicles are immune to issues, but the engine in this particular model seems to be e bulletproof. Lord Business has more than 200 000km on the clock and is still running smoothly.
At the end of the day, before you buy anything second-hand, do your homework. Check reviews, look at forums, phone the dealer and find out how much parts and services will set you back. But, most important of all, make sure you choose a vehicle you love - that way, if it does give you trouble, you should be able to cope gracefully with the extra TLC.
After all, you probably won't get rid of the love of your life if he or she needs a hip replacement...
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