Auto Trader’s most searched used BMW cars

Trying to decide which car is perfect for you? With so much choice, why not see what other people are searching for on Auto Trader?

Used BMW 3 series – (2,993,016)

Often it takes top spot, but this month the BMW 3 Series was searched for just a few thousand times less than the Volkswagen Golf. The BMW 3 series is constant hit thanks to its long standing pedigree and desirability. It has a reputation for its fine handling and engines, and it’s one of the only rear-wheel-drive cars in the class. – More Used BMW Cars

Used BMW X5 – (478,691)

The hottest off-roader according to your searching is the BMW X5, followed by a trio of Land Rovers, the Range Rover, Freelander and Discovery. The BMW X5 blew the opposition out of the water in 2000 when BMW turned their hand to the four-wheel-drive market with remarkable success. BMW realised most people don’t go ‘mud plugging’, so they honed the BMW X5 to feel great on the road while offering the space and stature of a premium SUV.

Used BMW 5 Series (1,089,552)

It seems you can’t get enough of the Munich carmaker, and the BMW 5 Series is the most searched for executive car, with more than one million searches in March. The styling of the BMW 5-Series was controversial when it was launched, but its sharp-edged look has been a massive success and now it’s a style been adopted for the rest of the BMW range.

Used BMW Z3 (252,852)

The BMW Z3 was launched in 1996 at a time when Mercedes was launching its SLK coupé-cabriolet and shortly before Audi launched its TT, which was initially offered in coupé form only. Porsche was also introducing its open-topped Boxster, just as there was an explosion in demand for premium coupés and convertibles. Well received for its superb handling and bullet-proof build quality, early Z3s were criticised for their lack of performance, as only small-capacity four-cylinder engines were initially offered. However, the arrival of six-cylinder powerplants was a huge improvement, as now the Z3 had the performance to go with its great chassis, strong brakes and superb attention to detail.

Honda Accord is known for its look and plenty of features

Honda Accord is a great looking car. The V-shaped grille and 17 inch alloys add an air of class, and the overall design a fine balance of not being too showy or understated. The rear – especially the light clusters – lifts the Accord above the sober styling of its predecessors, and the fancy 17 inch multispoke alloys fitted to our top-of-the-range test car hoist the looks yet higher.

Honda Accord combines high technology and high quality with everyday economy of operation and keen attention to detail. The popular LX and EX sedans are terrific cars with comfort and convenience features that make them great daily drivers. Order the leather interior, and the EX becomes an affordable luxury sedan. The four-cylinder i-VTEC engine is powerful and responsive, delivering strong acceleration performance for passing. The V6 adds another level of sporting appeal.

The leather interior on our EX test car suits the Accord particularly well, and the fittings and dash feel solid, although the plastics used look a little shiny and low-rent. There’s plenty of storage space, and the dashboard instruments are well presented, although the buttons on the central unit could be a little more intuitive to use. The steering wheel adjusts, meaning finding a good driving position is easy.

Honda cars are about as reliable as you can get. The Accord feels well built, and the chances are, apart from servicing and replacing consumables such as brakes and tyres, you’ll never need to see the inside of a garage.

Used Car Buying & Selling Advice – by Auto Trader UK

Auto Trader – Used Cars guide

Buying a used car can have potential pitfalls – but it needn’t be a painful experience if you follow a simple set of rules and checks.

View our car buying slide show

Do your research

It’s vital to research thoroughly before buying a used car. Search our used car ads online or in your local Auto Trader magazine to find out the model’s going price.

Find the right car for you

• Browse Auto Trader’s car reviews
• Read user reviews at drivethedebate.co.uk
• Read the latest car news at Auto Trader’s News Hub
• Use Auto Trader’s used car search to find the best deals on new cars
• Search from more than 300 insurance quotes at Auto Trader’s Car Insurance Centre

How to sell your car
We help you get the most money for your car with our complete guide to selling.

Sell Safe
Stay safe with our essential selling advice.

Dealing with buyers
For many owners the worst part of selling a car is having to deal with potential buyers, but it doesn’t have to be like this.

Seal the deal
Get the most money for your car and a quick sale in five simple steps – from payment to paperwork.

Car Depreciation Advice
Depreciation is the single biggest concern for thousands of car buyers – we help YOU beat it.

Essential test drive advice
Buyers won’t buy your car without taking it for a test drive first. We list the do’s and don’ts of the test drive.

Setting the price of your car
We show you how to get the true market value for your car.

Wording your car advert
Read our complete guide to wording your advert correctly and find out how to get it right first time.

Preparing your car for sale
From washing your car to repairing damage, we show you the essential steps before putting your car for sale.

Canvassers
You should NEVER hand money over to canvassers – over the phone. Read our advice on how to avoid being a victim of fraud.

Alfa Romeo 147 Q2 Sport

Alfa Romeo is releasing a limited number of stunning special edition Alfa 147 Sport and Sport Q2 models in the UK.

The new Alfa 147 Sport features a number of unique enhancements to the Alfa’s exterior styling. New 17-inch 5 spoke wheels add poise, while satin effect wing mirrors, a roof spoiler and chrome exhaust hint at the sporting prowess. The sport theme continues inside, with some subtle touches starting with exclusive Q2-type cloth used for the seats, aluminium pedals, sports dials, steering wheel-mounted audio controls and darkened roof lining.

 Search New and Used Alfa Romeo 147 Q2 Sport Cars

Alfa Romeo thinks there’s no harm in emphasising the sporting credentials of its 147 prestige hatch. Will buyers agree? (Motoring.co.uk)

Adding the Q2 differential has revitalised the 147. It rivals the best hot hatches for driving enjoyment and provides extra stability, particularly in the wet. The diesel engine is smooth, willing and frugal, while the body has lovely Latin looks. On the downside, the interior is cramped, while the quality and reliability remain questionable. Until these issues are addressed, the Alfa will remain charismatic and fun – but ultimately flawed. (Auto Express)

How to haggle for a used car

Earlier this week we reported how buyers spend too much because they don
’t haggle, so how can you push down the price of a used car?

Dominic Sacco spoke with TV’s haggling master and Strictly Come Dancing star, Dominic Littlewood, and used car expert Jason Dawe, to help save you money.

Millions of pounds worth of classic cars will be auctioned tonight.

Millions of pounds worth of classic cars will be auctioned tonight.

A Mercedes Benz from the collection of Formula 1 mogul Bernie Ecclestone is expected to fetch up to £4 million as the historic cars change hands for a total of up to £20 million.

Basic Car Checks |

Many general checks can be carried out by the driver/owner but there may be safety and driving implications. For guidance, a skilled technician should be referred to for help in accordance to the manufacturer’s service schedule and the Owner’s manual or whenever you are unsure about what to do.

Maintenance you may need help with:

• Engine Oil
• Engine coolant level
• Radiator
• Brakes
• Air filter
• Battery – if this becomes flat you will need jump leads. To start your car off somebody else’s by attaching the positive terminals of each car together and the negative terminals of each car together then starting the engine.
• Exhaust
• Belts
• Shock absorbers
• Steering fluid -Transmission, brakes, clutch and power

Maintenance to consider in winter:

• Engine anti-freeze
• Special battery care
• Ignition and starting

Maintenance to consider in summer:

• Cooling system
• Suspension

Simple maintenance you can do:

Windscreen washers and wiper blades – As it is now a legal requirement to have washers filled up, fill the reservoir up to the brim with windscreen washer fluid when it is only ¼ full. Look out for wear, cracks and damage. Wiper blades should usually be replaced once a year and earlier if smearing occurs.

Lights: Check all lights are operating correctly. It is advisable to use the help of a friend to inspect the exterior of the vehicle whilst you are operating the controls. See lights diagram