Looking at buying a used car for around 10k

[nick1985]

I will be able to put up about 3k down, plus maybe about 1k for my trade in POS.

Now, this may sound nuts but here goes...I want to try to snag a BMW 3 series for that price range. Ive looked around and there are some that are usually between 75-100k miles. Is it a completely retarded idea to even be looking at a decent used BMW? What else should I be checking out?


*EDIT*

I really like this guy...Text

 

[angry hampster]

a 2000-2001 BMW 323, 325, or 328 should be easily within reach for $10k. Remember that maintenance and repair costs for luxo cars are substantially higher than an average vehicle.

Anyhow, I assume you're looking for something sporty and luxurious since you mentioned Bimmers. Audi A4s and a few S4s fall under $10k with 75-100k miles. Keep the Nissan Maxima in mind, specifically '02-03.

 

[nick1985]

OK I have a few I have been checking out...I'll post the links and let you car nuts tell me what you think

2002 325I 11k with 85k miles

2001 325I 10k with 97k miles

 

[angry hampster]

I'd scoop up either of those sedans. The aftermarket wheels on the coupe throw up a red flag for me. I'd never buy a used car with *any* modifications unless I knew the previous owner. Do you care aout automatic or manual trans?

Here are 27 BMWs for you on Autotrader.

 

[nick1985]

...found 3 more worth looking at as well.

2000 323CI 11k with 75k miles

2002 325I 10k with 89k miles

2001 330I 11k with 83k miles

2001 330CI 11k with 90k miles --- My favorite one so far


*edit*

angry hampster you beat me to the punch before I could post my autotrader links! Thanks so much for your help, I really do appreciate it! :beer:

 

[Fenixgoon]

what about a cadillac CTS?

 

[nick1985]

Originally posted by: angry hampster
Do you care aout automatic or manual trans?

I prefer auto, but manual is not a deal breaker. I also prefer a coupe, but a sedan is also not a deal breaker. And for some reason I love moonroofs

 

[nick1985]

Originally posted by: Fenixgoon
what about a cadillac CTS?

Just doesnt do it for me /shrugs

 

[fstime]

Check out 2001-2002 Mercedes CLK320's or 430's if you want a V8.

Solid, reliable, cars. Design was introduced before crysler came into the picture so its built like a tank.

E-class of that same generation are also solid if you want 4 doors, the V8 is very smooth and pulls hard, 300 ft/lbs torque.

 

[nick1985]

Originally posted by: BouZouki
Check out 2001-2002 Mercedes CLK320's or 430's if you want a V8.

Solid, reliable, cars. Design was introduced before crysler came into the picture so its built like a tank.

E-class of that same generation are also solid if you want 4 doors, the V8 is very smooth and pulls hard, 300 ft/lbs torque.

Thanks for the suggestion, although there is only two 320's in my budget in my area, and neither really fit my style.

I do appreciate other suggestions though, I'm not shut off to other car brands.

:beer: for your effort BouZouki

 

[nick1985]

2002 325Ci Coupe 11k with only 55k miles -- too good to be true? Woah @ mileage, is there something about this car that I dont see?

 

[angry hampster]

Originally posted by: nick1985
...found 3 more worth looking at as well.

2000 323CI 11k with 75k miles -- No CD player =


*edit*

angry hampster you beat me to the punch before I could post my autotrader links! Thanks so much for your help, I really do appreciate it! :beer:

This car has both a CD player and a tape player. See the slot at the top of the stereo? It even says compact disc player in the description.

You're welcome. I'm shopping a similar market and spend way too much time researching it.

Originally posted by: nick1985
2002 325Ci Coupe 11k with only 55k miles -- too good to be true? Woah @ mileage, is there something about this car that I dont see?

That screams salvage title to me. If it seems too good to be true, it's been wrecked.

 

[nick1985]

Originally posted by: angry hampster

Originally posted by: nick1985
...found 3 more worth looking at as well.

2000 323CI 11k with 75k miles -- No CD player =


*edit*

angry hampster you beat me to the punch before I could post my autotrader links! Thanks so much for your help, I really do appreciate it! :beer:

This car has both a CD player and a tape player. See the slot at the top of the stereo? It even says compact disc player in the description.

Whoops, missed that. Thanks!

 

[cheesehead]

I'd go for a Mazda3. It's a very nice car overall -very efficient, very reliable, and very safe.

 

[Budmantom]

Originally posted by: nick1985
...found 3 more worth looking at as well.

2000 323CI 11k with 75k miles

2002 325I 10k with 89k miles

2001 330I 11k with 83k miles

2001 330CI 11k with 90k miles --- No CD player or moonroof = I really do like this one though


*edit*

angry hampster you beat me to the punch before I could post my autotrader links! Thanks so much for your help, I really do appreciate it! :beer:

Looks like it has a moonroof and a cd player.

 

[Black88GTA]

Rule # 1 - if you have to stretch your budget just to afford the buy-in price on an out-of-warranty european car...you can't afford the car. One big thing goes bad, and you'll be walking. Especially around the 100k mark, which seems to be the magic number for the service life of many parts.

Cars like that require either a generous "rainy day fund" for if/ when things break, or a 2nd car that you can use in the event that the euro car goes down and you can't afford the repairs. Honestly, you shouldn't even consider this car unless you know how to do at least basic repairs yourself, know someone who can help you or give you a VERY good labor rate, or have LOTS of $$$ available to drop on repairs, should they be necessary.

If you really want a car like that, look for one that is a few years older that you can pick up for $5-7k, and keep the extra $$$ available in case the car needs it. Or, if you have the space, keep your $1k trade-in beater around as a backup.

**EDIT: If you have already figured on this, and can comfortably spend the 10K without draining your finances, then go for it Although I agree with the poster above who said the '02 w/ 55k miles you linked is probably salvage. Could still be a good deal, depending on reason for salvage - if it was a theft recovery that has been rebuilt, for example, it will have all of the price benefits of a salvage title car, but none of the drawbacks except for resale, (and therefore would be a steal) See if you can get more info on it, or do a carfax and see what comes up.

 

[nick1985]

Originally posted by: Budmantom

Originally posted by: nick1985
...found 3 more worth looking at as well.

2000 323CI 11k with 75k miles

2002 325I 10k with 89k miles

2001 330I 11k with 83k miles

2001 330CI 11k with 90k miles --- No CD player or moonroof = I really do like this one though


*edit*

angry hampster you beat me to the punch before I could post my autotrader links! Thanks so much for your help, I really do appreciate it! :beer:

Looks like it has a moonroof and a cd player.

Yeah I just caught that, just not in the vehicle description for some reason

 

[nick1985]

^ for a couple more opinions

 

[Zenmervolt]

Just an FYI, if you do not have the time and space to do your own mechanical work you should expect that a BMW with ~100,000 miles on it will cost you at least $1,000 to $2,000 in maintenance during the first year of ownership. It is possible for it to cost more. At this mileage, you are looking at replacing things like water pumps and belts/hoses as well as potentially brake hardware. This is all normal maintenance, but it will show up even on a "perfect" car.

If just buying the car is a stretch, you should not do it.

ZV