Nebor
Lifer
- Jun 24, 2003
- 29,582
- 12
- 76
Originally posted by: MrsBugi
Ouch.That echoes what we've heard from others (and ConsumerReports), which is disappointing but probably explains the relatively low resale values/prices of the cars.
Yeah, BMW 3-series sure are known for their low resale values. :roll: :roll:
bmw = money pit.
of the cars listed, i would lean most towards the accord (for practicality) and the miata (for fun). i'm buying a car after selling my a4. that thing was a money pit too, i didn't listen to the warnings, and i paid for it. unless you are either very lucky, or are mechanically inclined, a bmw isn't a very cost conscious decision.
of the cars listed, i would lean most towards the accord (for practicality) and the miata (for fun). i'm buying a car after selling my a4. that thing was a money pit too, i didn't listen to the warnings, and i paid for it. unless you are either very lucky, or are mechanically inclined, a bmw isn't a very cost conscious decision.
Honestly, I wouldn't go for any of the listed cars.
The 328 is an auto :thumbsdown: if it were manual, I like this one the most out of your list.
Honda V6 + auto transmission is a ticking time bomb (not sure if that model year was affected, but I wouldn't risk it after 2 people I know personally had to have theirs replaced).
323, no info available.
Z3, was never a fan of the looks.
Miata, love the car, just not this one - his idea of a garage is slightly different from mine .
The 328 is an auto :thumbsdown: if it were manual, I like this one the most out of your list.
Honda V6 + auto transmission is a ticking time bomb (not sure if that model year was affected, but I wouldn't risk it after 2 people I know personally had to have theirs replaced).
323, no info available.
Z3, was never a fan of the looks.
Miata, love the car, just not this one - his idea of a garage is slightly different from mine .
As a long time BMW owner, I feel I should throw out some caveats to you before you make the plunge.
First of all, as someone else has said, there is no 2003 323ci. They only made the 323/328 in 99 and 00, and after that, they went to the 325/330. If they're really trying to sell it as a 2003, I would stay away, as it seems the seller is lacking scruples.
For the 99 and 00 3 series cars, there is a bit of a problem in the rear subframe. Ask an indy BMW mechanic or search for it on the net. Now, because no one ever posts "hey, my subframe is fine, just checking in", you're going to see a lot of horror stories that will probably make you never buy a BMW in your lifetime, but its not really that big of a deal, usually like a $1500 repair (no more than an AC compressor or a trans rebuild on a normal car). My point is that some people would rather sell their cars at the first sign of the problem, so BE AWARE OF IT when looking, and use it as a bargaining chip.
You've GOTTA get a PPI on any used BMW, if for nothing else than the bargaining power of the maintenance they will find. Yes, they can be VERY expensive to maintain. I usually do all of my repairs myself, so it makes it a bit more practical for me to own one. If you can find an honest, qualified independant repair shop for a BMW, it can be decently affordable. If you're the type of person that goes to the dealer, then stay far away from the BMWs.
Although this should go without saying, and applies to all the cars, if you're getting the BMW, get a PPI. It will pay for itself in the bargaining power alone to reduce the price based on the repairs that will need to be made.
Now, for some anecdotal evidence that BMWs are great cars...
I had a 93 525i until I recently bought a 2001 330Ci. I bought it at 50k miles and it is a wonderfully performing car.
When I bought the car, it needed the following:
Control arm bushings (last ~ 50K miles) - Dealer: $450, Indy: $250, DIY: $100
Front Brakes (Pads and Rotors) - Dealer $950, Indy $300, DIY: $200
Oil Change, Air Filter, AC filter: Dealer $275, Indy $120, DIY: $65
Fix rear exhaust baffle: Dealer $125, DIY/Indy: $5
This is just to give you an idea of the swing in the repair costs and an idea of owning one.
Ok, I've rambled on long enough, hope this helps.
First of all, as someone else has said, there is no 2003 323ci. They only made the 323/328 in 99 and 00, and after that, they went to the 325/330. If they're really trying to sell it as a 2003, I would stay away, as it seems the seller is lacking scruples.
For the 99 and 00 3 series cars, there is a bit of a problem in the rear subframe. Ask an indy BMW mechanic or search for it on the net. Now, because no one ever posts "hey, my subframe is fine, just checking in", you're going to see a lot of horror stories that will probably make you never buy a BMW in your lifetime, but its not really that big of a deal, usually like a $1500 repair (no more than an AC compressor or a trans rebuild on a normal car). My point is that some people would rather sell their cars at the first sign of the problem, so BE AWARE OF IT when looking, and use it as a bargaining chip.
You've GOTTA get a PPI on any used BMW, if for nothing else than the bargaining power of the maintenance they will find. Yes, they can be VERY expensive to maintain. I usually do all of my repairs myself, so it makes it a bit more practical for me to own one. If you can find an honest, qualified independant repair shop for a BMW, it can be decently affordable. If you're the type of person that goes to the dealer, then stay far away from the BMWs.
Although this should go without saying, and applies to all the cars, if you're getting the BMW, get a PPI. It will pay for itself in the bargaining power alone to reduce the price based on the repairs that will need to be made.
Now, for some anecdotal evidence that BMWs are great cars...
I had a 93 525i until I recently bought a 2001 330Ci. I bought it at 50k miles and it is a wonderfully performing car.
When I bought the car, it needed the following:
Control arm bushings (last ~ 50K miles) - Dealer: $450, Indy: $250, DIY: $100
Front Brakes (Pads and Rotors) - Dealer $950, Indy $300, DIY: $200
Oil Change, Air Filter, AC filter: Dealer $275, Indy $120, DIY: $65
Fix rear exhaust baffle: Dealer $125, DIY/Indy: $5
This is just to give you an idea of the swing in the repair costs and an idea of owning one.
Ok, I've rambled on long enough, hope this helps.
I owned a 328i for about 4 years and was always very, very well pleased with the car. Very dependable, handles better than you can drive, quick off the line and easy to modify for a few extra HP.
I'd go with the accord as it seems as the most reliable car. I hear more horror stories about BMW in real life, than anything about Jap cars. Do It Yourself fixing when it comes to breaks...hmm i would rather just pay someone to do it for peace of mind.
Everything from insurance to tires on a BMW will cost more and they arent better cars than the Japs. Lets see BMW make reliable cars that dont break. Like clothing, its all in the branding it seems. Ask your friends in REAL life that have BMWs and accord then compare. V6 accord arent slow either if you've ever driven one.
Everything from insurance to tires on a BMW will cost more and they arent better cars than the Japs. Lets see BMW make reliable cars that dont break. Like clothing, its all in the branding it seems. Ask your friends in REAL life that have BMWs and accord then compare. V6 accord arent slow either if you've ever driven one.
JulesMaximus
No Lifer
- Jul 3, 2003
- 74,574
- 972
- 126
I'd avoid the BMWs at all cost. Especially one with high mileage. They are money pits.
Can't go wrong with the Accord coupe.
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