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After years of only buying specialist cars that I was fairly confident that I wouldn't lose money on I have recently succumbed to the temptation of tumbling second hand prices and bought a well loaded 2004 330D SE with 96k and full BMWSH for £7.5k.

I must say that I'm very pleased with the car, it's in superb condition and drives beautifully, however, I have this knawing in the back of my head worrying about how much I'm going to lose on it.

I suppose I'd be happy to keep it for a couple of years (and about 18K) and get £5k back - am I dreaming?

We are in a time of flux at the moment with used car prices and over the next couple of years this isn't going to get much better.

Using the market over the past couple of years as a guide, you are probably not far off the mark with the value of around £5k, on the assumption the car still in the same sort of condition and the service history is kept up.

However, if diesel prices continue at the current level or rise, then people may re-consider their options.  Certainly I know several company car drivers that have taken the option of a 318i petrol over the diesel counterpart because of the costs involved.

Ultimately though if you enjoy the car, don't worry about it.  You could have done a lot worse.

Thanks for the reply, it really is a funny period in the used market atm.

I see that a lot of classics have taken a real hit recently as well, even "cast iron" classic 911 values have softened considerably, though, like houses, they'll come back in the end...

However worried you may be, it could be worse!  I paid over 20 K for my car (BMW Z4 3.0), it keeps going wrong.  So much so I have decided I need to get rid of it (preferably part ex it).  Went to a reputable garage the other day asking for a price.  Book price is around 11.5K part ex.  The dealer offered me 9.5K.  Told you it could be worse... ! 

That is harsh!

How old is the car and how long have you had it for?

Point taken - but all things are relative!