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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 74 of 77

#725 of 758 Mileage Factor by loyalist

Sep 23, 2011 (5:22 am)

Good morning.
 
I realize there's no easy answer to this, but how do you factor in mileage when deciding whether to purchase a used BMW? I'm looking at a 2003 330ci 2D coupe with 137,000 for about $9500. That seems to be pushing the limit, but I've seen BMWs push well into 200,000 or beyond.
 
I realize it's all a bit of a crapshoot, but the car does have a very consistent maintenance record going back to its birth. Is there some guide or formula or something that would help?
 
Thank you!

#726 of 758 Re: Mileage Factor [loyalist] by qbrozen

Sep 23, 2011 (7:05 am)

Replying to: loyalist (Sep 23, 2011 5:22 am)
Factoring mileage into what? The purchase price? Any online pricing guide takes mileage into account. And 137k on a 9-year-old car isn't exactly outside the bell curve. It is right within it, as a matter of fact (just a hair over 15k/year).
 
High mileage doesn't always scare me. It all comes down to how it was taken care of. If it is ultra-clean, well maintained, and everything checks out by a mechanic prior to purchase, I see no reason why such a vehicle wouldn't last you for years to come.

#727 of 758 Re: Mileage Factor [qbrozen] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Sep 23, 2011 (9:49 am)

Replying to: qbrozen (Sep 23, 2011 7:05 am)
As a rough guideline, I'd knock off about $1200 off asking price for mileage at least. Actual value depends a lot on condition and the options the car has. It could be worth from $7000 to $9500.

#728 of 758 2008 328i Coupe CPO Price and Thoughts by gshocksv

Sep 25, 2011 (6:36 pm)

Hi Everyone,
 
It's been a while since I last posted a msg. The first car I got out of college was a 2002 Ford Mustang V6 manual, it was a fun car to drive and was problem-free, perfect for a young out of the college kid. I had since gotten a 2002 Jaguar S-Type and a 2007 Mercedes E350 Sport. The E350 was a lease and after I returned the E350, I kept the Jaguar. The Jaguar had too many problems so I decided to get a new car. I really wanted a manual sports car but it was nearly impossible to find a manual 328 coupe, so I finally caved in and got an automatic. I actually bought it back in June, by just looking at the numbers, it seems like an ok deal, but the condition of the car is amazing, the interior looks absolutely new, and that's why I think this is a good deal. Dark Gray exterior with black interior, and black walnut wood.
 
2008 BMW 328i Coupe
Premium Pkg
iPad adaptor
Automatic with sportshift
34,500 miles
CPO to 100,000 miles
Bought it for $26,400 (not including tax), and a 2.9% loan.
 
Although the car drives tight and I do like the look and interior of the car, it seems a bit slow to me. It is certainly a lot slower than the G37, not to mentioned it's not as well equipped. Overall, I am still happy with the car, but I think I will look at other options harder next time if BMW doesn't match their competitors in the future.
 
G

#729 of 758 Re: 2008 328i Coupe CPO Price and Thoughts [gshocksv] by roadburner

Sep 27, 2011 (9:44 am)

Replying to: gshocksv (Sep 25, 2011 6:36 pm)
The 328i is a LOT more fun with the manual. The 335i automatic is a much better combination- although I'd still prefer a manual...

#730 of 758 Re: 2008 328i Coupe CPO Price and Thoughts [roadburner] by gshocksv

Sep 27, 2011 (9:27 pm)

Replying to: roadburner (Sep 27, 2011 9:44 am)
I will manual is a lot more fun in general, but I just couldn't find any manuals. Probably 99% of the BMWs now days are automatic.

#731 of 758 Re: What is a better buy: 1999 BMW M3 or 2001 330ci (same mileage each) [fdg07] by airshowshelly

Oct 01, 2011 (1:56 pm)

Replying to: fdg07 (Aug 08, 2006 3:17 pm)
Am looking at a 2001 330i convertible with just under 50k on it....it appears to be in good shape - just under $16K price tag....is it a keeper?

#732 of 758 Re: What is a better buy: 1999 BMW M3 or 2001 330ci (same mileage each) [airshowshelly] by roadburner

Oct 02, 2011 (5:18 pm)

Replying to: airshowshelly (Oct 01, 2011 1:56 pm)
it appears to be in good shape
 
As always, I strongly recommend a pre-purchase inspection performed by a good BMW tech. Once you know the true condition of the car you can begin to discuss price.

#733 of 758 Re: What is a better buy: 1999 BMW M3 or 2001 330ci (same mileage each) [airshowshelly] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Oct 03, 2011 (9:08 am)

Replying to: airshowshelly (Oct 01, 2011 1:56 pm)
"all new cars are the same, but each used car is different".....so the value is very much pinned to the condition, service records and owner history. Once you know THOSE things, then the question of value is easier to research.
 
That's why getting a pre-sale inspection is important. But at least drive the car first. Even if you aren't a mechanic, you can often tell if some very important components aren't working right. You can also look and smell and learn a lot.

#734 of 758 Re: What is a better buy: 1999 BMW M3 or 2001 330ci (same mileage each) [Mr_Shiftright] by shipo

Oct 03, 2011 (9:46 am)

Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Oct 03, 2011 9:08 am)
To underscore your point...
 
My son has been looking for a used car and had settled on a mid to late 1990s Audi 90/A4 2.8 Quattro 5-Speed; the first car we drove was a late production Audi 90 with only 90,000 miles on it and in very nice shape. A few dogs with fleas later we drove a nearly cherry looking A4 a year or three newer than the 90 and with 140,000 miles on the clock.
 
On the surface the Audi 90 was a better deal because the only obvious flaw was a crack in one headlight lens; on the other hand, the A4 was desperately in need of rear struts and brakes and had a few other cosmetic flaws (and also had a complete service history from its one and only owner). Which one did we buy? The A4 with 140,000 miles on it. Why? Because after a good long test drive in the Audi 90 I stopped by a Dunkin Donuts, grabbed a few napkins and swabbed out the tail pipe tips. When I pulled the napkins out they were saturated with a considerable amount of oil; the same test (which was one of many) on the A4 revealed some nice grey dust.

Messages Page 74 of 77

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