Buying new car up to 35K..any suggestions?

OhZyeah

Member
Oct 27, 2003
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Anybody have any suggestions as to which car I should check out. Price max around 35K.
I was thinking about the 2004 TL. Best bang for the buck, you know?


Would you guys get a fully loaded 2004 TL or a very base 2004 325i? The price range are very similar for these 2 cars.
 

Ryan

Lifer
Oct 31, 2000
27,519
2
81
The TL is it. It's got more features at a cheaper price than any other car maker - none of them can compete.

 

CraigRT

Lifer
Jun 16, 2000
31,440
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TL is really nice!
GS-400 is also a nice bet! love those things. G35C perhaps as well.
 

CChaos

Golden Member
Mar 4, 2003
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I think any TL is a fully loaded TL. The only significant option is Nav which is probably $2k. Personally, I'd definitely consider the TL, but I'd also take the time to drive a BMW, G35, and perhaps an A4.

Have fun and good luck!
 

maziwanka

Lifer
Jul 4, 2000
10,415
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dont get a bmw. overpriced in that price range (if that makes sense). personally, i like the subaru wrx sti, infiniti g35, and mustang cobra (2004). (not in that order).
 

Asharus

Senior member
Oct 6, 2001
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How about a Certified Pre-Owned 530i or 540i? Don't buy a TL before you test drive a CPO 530i or 540i.
 

Viper GTS

Lifer
Oct 13, 1999
38,107
433
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Go with something a couple years old, you'll get a much nicer car for your money.

You mention the TL, does that mean you're looking for sedans?

Viper GTS
 

OhZyeah

Member
Oct 27, 2003
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Originally posted by: Viper GTS
Go with something a couple years old, you'll get a much nicer car for your money.

You mention the TL, does that mean you're looking for sedans?

Viper GTS

Yea, I prefer sedans over coupe, however I am open to anything? Maybe the 350Z?
 

OhZyeah

Member
Oct 27, 2003
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Originally posted by: Asharus
How about a Certified Pre-Owned 530i or 540i? Don't buy a TL before you test drive a CPO 530i or 540i.

Aren't CPO usually cars that people give up at the end of the lease? And what about warranty on it?
 

Boogak

Diamond Member
Feb 2, 2000
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I'd get the TL over a base 325i. The 350Z is nice but not as a primary car. Lack of rear seats and decent luggage space makes it a perfect second car. A G35 coupe would be a better choice as a primary car if you want something fast.
 

OhZyeah

Member
Oct 27, 2003
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Seems like alot of you think TL is the way to go....however, i do like BMW..its just a bit pricey....ahhh, what to do...
 

Asharus

Senior member
Oct 6, 2001
987
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Originally posted by: OhZyeah
Originally posted by: Asharus
How about a Certified Pre-Owned 530i or 540i? Don't buy a TL before you test drive a CPO 530i or 540i.

Aren't CPO usually cars that people give up at the end of the lease? And what about warranty on it?



Text

The BMW Certified Pre-Owned mark is respected around the world, and given only to pre-owned vehicles which have passed BMW's demanding inspection procedures. These exacting standards and BMW's expansive protection benefits ensure that your BMW ownership experience is unparalleled.

All Certified Pre-Owned BMWs:


Meet specific selection criteria.
Are certified by factory-trained technicians in accordance with a comprehensive Inspection Checklist.
Are backed by a comprehensive 2-year/50,000-mile Protection Plan.*
Offer BMW Roadside Assistance.**
Have attractive lease and retail finance options available through
BMW Financial Services.***
Are supported by BMW of North America, Inc. and a nationwide network of BMW Centers.
Details:
* Coverage begins upon expiration of the 4-year/50,000-mile New BMW Vehicle Limited Warranty. Contact your BMW Center for complete information on coverage and limitations
** Services provided by Cross Country Motor Club, Inc., Boston, MA 02155, except in CA, AK, HI, WI, OR, and WY, where services are provided by Cross Country Motor Club of California.
*** Financing programs vary depending upon model. All financing subject to credit approval.


Owning a Certified Pre-Owned BMW is its own reward, a driving sensation made even more pleasurable considering BMW's demanding standards and extensive protection benefits.
The Certified Pre-Owned title is awarded only to those BMWs which pass meticulous inspection. Once certified, they enjoy comprehensive roadside assistance and protection plans.

What are the benefits of the Certified Pre-Owned BMW program?

Every Certified Pre-Owned BMW is backed by a special BMW Protection Plan which provides coverage on the car for up to two years or 50,000 miles (whichever comes first) from the date of expiration of the 4-year/50,000 mile BMW New Vehicle Limited Warranty.1

The Certified Pre-Owned BMW Protection Plan has two elements:

Limited Warranty

Roadside Assistance

1 Subject to all terms, conditions and exclusions of the Plan as in effect on February 1, 1999. See your BMW center for complete details.

Only the best pre-owned BMWs qualify for the Certified Pre-Owned BMW Vehicle Program. To be eligible for enrollment in the Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle Program, a late-model vehicle must be in service for at least six months or have more than 6,000 miles but less than 60,000 miles on the odometer.

They must pass an extensive examination - a thorough and rigorous inspection by BMW factory-trained technicians. They inspect the vehicle for safety, performance and wear. If something is not right, it is fixed. If it cannot be fixed, the car cannot become a Certified Pre-Owned BMW.

In short, we're picky. But when you see everything covered under our Protection Plan, you'll understand why.

Ask to see the Certified Pre-Owned Inspection Checklist. It is your assurance of the quality, reliability and overall pleasure BMW owners have come to expect.

Even the most reliable and durable automobile may someday need roadside attention. Should this happen, BMW Roadside Assistance is ready to help.

The BMW Roadside Assistance program reflects BMW's commitment to your complete satisfaction with the BMW ownership experience. It is available for U.S.-version BMWs that are covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty or Certified Pre-Owned BMW Protection Plan. Assistance extends to all 50 states, Canada and Puerto Rico, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. This program provides towing, lock-out service and on-site assistance during the original New Vehicle Limited Warranty or Certified Pre-Owned BMW Protection Plan. Additionally, the program provides for towing your vehicle to the nearest authorized BMW center in the event of an accident; custom trip-routing services (maps and itineraries); and even provides trip interruption benefits for mechanical breakdowns when you are 100 or more miles from home.

BMW Roadside Assistance is provided through Cross Country Motor Club, Inc, Boston, MA 02155, except in Alaska, California, Hawaii, Oregon, Wisconsin and Wyoming, where services are provided by Cross Country Motor Club of California, Inc, Boston, MA 02155. Full details on BMW Roadside Assistance are provided in the Warranty Booklet, which all purchasers of new BMW automobiles and motorcycles receive from BMW of North America, LLC after taking delivery. Owners of Certified Pre-Owned BMWs can find full details about BMW Roadside Assistance in their Consumer Information Statement, which was provided by their BMW center at the time of delivery. Vehicles not covered by the Certified Pre-Owned BMW Protection Plan can, for a nominal fee, purchase the BMW Service Card that extends this service after expiration of the New Vehicle Limited Warranty for as long as you wish.

The toll-free Roadside Assistance number is:

800-332-4BMW

800-332-4269
 

OhZyeah

Member
Oct 27, 2003
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Asharus,

I see that you also own a BMW...u mind if ask how much you paid for it, and what made you select a CPO BMW over other cars in the same price range?
 

Asharus

Senior member
Oct 6, 2001
987
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Originally posted by: OhZyeah
Asharus,

I see that you also own a BMW...u mind if ask how much you paid for it, and what made you select a CPO BMW over other cars in the same price range?

Oh, my car is NOT a CPO. It's too old to be one! It's a 92! I bought mine from a private seller. She sold it to me for $5000. It needed fresh paint and some repairs on the rear, since it was hit, and cost about $2000. The whole car was stripped to metal and repainted. That was about 2 years ago. 2 years and 20,000 miles later, she still purrs like a kitten! I've had to replace the radiator/thermostat and some other things like front end suspension components. Overall the maintenance costs for the past two years are under $750. Not bad for a 14 year-old car, huh?

My budget at the time was under $10k, so we're in totally different leagues. But if I was the one spending the $35k right now, I would definitely look at used cars. That way, you get a car that is around 30 percent nicer, and let the first owner take the hit on the depreciation. Make sure you drive the competition when you're shopping, there's a big difference in Japanese and European cars in terms of handling, power, etc. BTW the V8 in that 540i is sick! Make sure you look at the models w/ the Angel Eyes and Celis LED taillights (2002 and up).
 

vi edit

Elite Member
Super Moderator
Oct 28, 1999
62,484
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Originally posted by: xEDIT409
Why do people thing TL > CTS?

TL is quicker, newer, bettering looking to many, has a better interior, has better features, better resale, oh...and it's not a GM product.

Don't get me wrong, I really like the CTS, but the only advantage it has going for it is that it's RWD which the TL isn't.