Long-Term Car Updates

Long-term update: Running costs of Omar's BMW M135i in Qatar

Long-term update: Running costs of Omar’s BMW M135i in Qatar

It’s been a good while with the 2013 BMW M135i so let’s talk about running costs. Servicing is cheap as it comes with a 5-year service pack so the only thing I should have to cover are tyres (which I’m sure will be fearsomely expensive if I stick with the OEM Pilot Super Sports) and batteries. The car came as standard with a 3-year service pack, but the cost to extend this to 5 years was a paltry QAR 500 — a real bargain considering that this period will probably include at least one major service (Inspection II in BMW parlance).

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Long-term intro: Shijil's 2013 Toyota 86

Long-term intro: Shijil’s 2013 Toyota 86

When time came to replace my daily driver, a 2008 Volvo S40, I wanted something that’s fun and involving to drive. Soon a list was formed which included V8 Mustangs, Nissan 350Z’s, Hyundai Genesis Coupes and VW Golf R’s. As with all my car purchases that start from one thing and end up at something else entirely, I randomly checked the Toyota 86 listings online and bingo! There was a base-model 2013 model Toyota 86 automatic within my reach.

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So we bought a brand new 2014 Nissan Patrol LE

So we bought a brand new 2014 Nissan Patrol LE

Having let go of our Range Rover, we were on the look-out for a three-row SUV that could fit up to 7 people. Requirements change, and now that my second child was born a month ago, I’d have run out of space once my parents come to stay with us for babysitting duties. Car-shopping is easily one of the most awful processes you can go through, especially when it comes to used cars. However, the bigger story is why we bought this 2014 Nissan Patrol LE — with zero mileage and a full dealer warranty!

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Long-term update: Vivek’s Renault Megane running the marathon

Long-term update: Vivek’s Renault Megane running the marathon

It has been quite a long time since we posted an update about our Renault Megane. Nine months, three dealer services, and 37,000 km later, the odometer in our Megane now ticked over at 67,246 km, thanks to my other business that requires a lot of driving. Contrary to popular belief, the Megane seems to be easy on running costs even with dealer maintenance, so its Nissan underpinnings are a blessing.

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