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Buying a Used 3-Series

758 messages,  Last post on Dec 17, 2012 at 9:34 AM

You are in the BMW 3-Series Forum.

What is this discussion about? BMW M3, BMW 3 Series, Motorsports, Engine, Suspension, Car Buying, Coupe

Messages Page 28 of 76

#268 of 758 Re: Used 2007 BMW 335i coupe - BUYBACK [randyjstark] by ronaries10

Mar 27, 2008 (7:15 pm)

Replying to: randyjstark (Mar 17, 2008 2:56 pm)
Of course, the price & car are attractive. Things you want to know are:
 
1. what has the dealer/service done since they took the car back to remedy problems?
2. Is the warranty a true warranty and not the service pkg extended.
3. Will BMW see if previous owner will consent to talk or email you re car history . Or can you otherwise find/contact previous owner?
4. How much inconvenience will your personal schedule tolerate if the car turns out to have above average trouble?
5. Do you have any basis to "trust the dealer" more than any other new car dealer - IMHO you could be asking for disappointment here- they are there to sell cars, and some are more honest and knowledgeable than others.
Good Luck whichever way you go.
ronaries
2004 BMW 330ci
Orient Blue, manual.

#269 of 758 lights for milage/ouside temp by smurg

Mar 30, 2008 (4:33 pm)

I was wondering if anyone knows why my light for the mileage and outside temp wont go out when i shut the car off in my 2001 325xi, i recently charged the battery and it was hooked up correctly and the problem started then i believe. Mabey it was on before which caused the battery to drain??????any thoughts, thanks Scott

#270 of 758 Buying an E36 M3 by sake

Apr 03, 2008 (10:38 am)

We found a 1997 M3 with 138,500 miles on it that we are very interested in purchasing. This would be our 3rd car & more of a project car than a daily driver. The seller agreed to take it to a BMW dealership in order to have a pre-purchase inspection performed on the vehicle prior to us purchasing it. Are there any thing that anyone can think of that we should specfically look out for? Thanks so much!

#271 of 758 06 325xi CPO by bfluegie

Apr 07, 2008 (10:08 pm)

I'm looking at a 2006 325xi with almost 25k miles. It has premium package, satellite radio, cold weather package, wood trim, manual transmission, split rear seats. Dealer price is almost $31K. The free carfax report (cars.com) showed no problems (although I can no longer view the free report--the link sends me to a page that asks me to pay for the report). The car was returned from a two year lease and is offered by a BMW dealer as certified pre-owned. Does this seem like a good deal? How much negotiation room should I expect on this car?
 
I've also been looking at the Infiniti G35 which I can get new for about invoice by the VPP. I really like the Audi A3 V-6, but I don't want to pay almost $40K new and used are hard to come by. The 325xi is roomier than the A3 and gets better mileage than the G35. I do want to make sure I am getting a good deal, though. Any suggestions for negotiating?

#272 of 758 05 330cic versus 05 330cic by jakestermd

Apr 21, 2008 (2:36 pm)

I'm comparing two similarly equipped 330 convertibles; 04 330 with only 9500 miles, sport, premium and 18 inch wheels for around $32k versus a 05 330 with with 30k miles, sport, premium pkgs for $29k. The 04 has the std mfg warranty expiring 7/08 while the 05 std mfg warranty goes to 3/09. Both are in excellent condition. Any recommendations?

#273 of 758 CPO-2 payments by BMW by 03cobra

May 07, 2008 (7:19 am)

Anyone know if there is a minimum term, such as 12 or 24 months, where BMW will still make the first 2 payments? Also, does the dealer have to kick in anything? If the dealer has to contribute, then it will effect the final negotiated price.

#274 of 758 Re: CPO-2 payments by BMW [03cobra] by kyfdx HOST

May 07, 2008 (9:38 am)

Replying to: 03cobra (May 07, 2008 7:19 am)
There is no dealer contribution..
 
That's an interesting question... I'm guessing there is some sort of payment limit on the financing... but, I don't know..
 
2 free payments on a 12-month loan...

#276 of 758 3-Series with 73k or new? by backy

Sep 14, 2008 (12:34 pm)

I need another car in the family and have been looking for a new one with all the latest safety features. It will be driven only about 7-8k a year, but I might want to keep it in the family for 10 years or so. A new car with ESC will run me at least $15k + TT&L; options include Elantra SE, Sonata GLS, and Optima LX. I've also been considering used cars. For $14k or less I could get something like a 2005 Jetta A5 with relatively low miles and ESC.
 
Or... what about a 2003 325i with 73k for under $14k?? I've always wanted a 3-Series, so I started thinking about this after I looked online at what's available around town. I've heard that maintenance costs on a Bimmer will be very high. This one might be in great shape (haven't seen it yet, it's at my local BMW dealer) but it's at least 5 years old with 73k miles on it. FE won't be great, but given how little I drive that won't be a killer. And it does have all the safety features I want. And it's a 3-Series. I know my daughter won't mind getting it in a few years... if I give it up. And I'm not sure I'd want to put a car like that in the hands of a 17-year-old--safety features or not.
 
So what do you think... is this a really stupid idea? Should I go with the new low-end car with a long warranty, and likely low maintenance costs, or a "mature" 3-Series?

#277 of 758 Re: 3-Series with 73k or new? [backy] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Sep 14, 2008 (12:57 pm)

Replying to: backy (Sep 14, 2008 12:34 pm)
Well 73K is just about at the cusp when a 3-series *might* be needing some things, so I'd certainly have all the usual trouble spots carefully examined.
 
Certainly it's a better idea than buying a used Jetta IMO. Jetta reliability ratings are not good.

Messages Page 28 of 76

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