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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

#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.

#278 of 758 Re: 3-Series with 73k or new? [backy] by srs_49

Sep 14, 2008 (4:25 pm)

Replying to: backy (Sep 14, 2008 12:34 pm)
I'm partial to 3 series BMW's (driving an '87 right now). But, if you have to rely on a dealer to do all the repairs and maintenance, they ain't cheap to keep up.
 
Have you considered an Acura TL in the same price range?

#279 of 758 Re: 3-Series with 73k or new? [srs_49] by backy

Sep 14, 2008 (4:44 pm)

Replying to: srs_49 (Sep 14, 2008 4:25 pm)
That's a thought. There's a few 2003 TLs in my area for around $14k with around 70k miles (those seem to be the magic numbers, don't they?). It would likely be more reliable than a 3-Series, but it doesn't have all the safety equipment the 3-Series does, e.g. side curtain airbags and ESC. That is one reason I like the 3-Series. And of course, a TL is not a 3-Series. Another one I thought about is the S80; 2002s with about 60k miles start under $13k. Those have curtain airbags, not sure about ESC. But the S80 isn't a 3-Series either. Lots of choices...

Messages Page 28 of 76

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