Car-Shopping

We went to see a used right-hand-drive BMW today.  Very nice car and in great shape.  No major cosmetic problems, very clean, no rust, engine sounds great, it handles wonderfully, a lot of zip in it.  The engine is clean and the full-size spare tire has not been used from what I can tell.  I think it might have been painted or had some touch-up done.  Also it seemed to pull a little bit to the right, though it might have been the particular section of road we were on at first and the fact that the car is designed to drive on the left hand side.  When we turned around to head back to the dealership, it didn't seem to pull much.  I will talk to the owner of the dealership to try to find out if it has been in an accident when he returns from the UK on Wednesday.  Kristen is working on getting an insurance quote.  If the quote is reasonable, I think we will go for it. 

My only apprehension about it is the fuel economy.  While it is not horrible (actually better than the Jeeps we had in the US), it is a bit fuel-hungry at about 6 liters / 100 km highway and 10 / 100 km in the city (in the range of 20 - 35 mpg).  This is Europe after all and gas is not cheap here.  Looks like it's about 5.45 euros for a UK gallon (4.54 liters).   However, we intend to be riding bikes and taking public transportation as much as possible (like we have done here), so that we aren't relying on a car for commuting long distances.  But instead to take trips on the weekends and going to the store, etc.  That's why it would be nice to have a car like this because when we do drive, we'll be riding with comfort, class, and safety.

BMW 520i SE 
Manual 5-speed
M50 24v 6 - 1990cc 147hp / 150bhp
Metallic grey w/ cloth interior
86,429 miles
Air Conditioning
Electric windows and mirrors
Alloy wheels
Next service due at 90,000 miles
Two owners from new
3,000 GBP out the door

-RP-