Nobody has talked about servicing costs. Whilst the 3.2 can be a cheap (ish) reliable car they do need to be looked after, for example it is v. important to get the car serviced regularly by a decent independent. A service, at list is not too bad (£300) its all the bits that need doing on top that can add up. I bank on 2k a year to run mine, and I do a lot of the work myself (where it makes sense), some years I spend less, some years I spend more, it all balances out.
Budgeting high at the start for running costs will pay off, if you assume you can run it for 500quid for 12mnths, you may find you get caught out. For example, this year, I havent had much done but, 1 service, 2 rear wheel bearings and a full alignment and a few little bits I did myself comes to about £1200. Oh I had a new set of boot for about £400 as well. So that is 1600 + it'll need a service at the end of the year, and a change of brake fluid, .......and I need a new sunroof cable....and I bought some zymol......getting the picture?
Dont skimp on it, it wont pay off in the long term. They be as cheap as a hothatch (or modern whatever) to buy, but they do cost more to run.
Its all worth while though[
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