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Used BMW or a brand new Kia?

R

RgrPark

Golden Member
I'm thinking of replacing my aged car...

I am considering a used E36 BMW 3 series, preferably from 96-99 with about 70k-90k miles. Hoping to spend about 10k or under...
Been looking for a while but nothing has been catching my eye...then...

I ran across the Mazda3 and the Kia Spectra5 (pretty much a Mazda3 wannabe)...
They both look sporty and nimble and I just found out Kia is owned by Hyundai and is considered to be producing very high quality stuff... Read the reviews and both of them seem to be an excellent chocie for a new car for around 15-17k.

Now, should I go with a classy 3 series and deal with little things that come up (replacing belts, water pump, etc) or do I pay more for a new car with full warranty?
 
How about a nice compromise with a used Honda, Toyota, Subaru, or something like that?

You've managed to picked extremes that both suck.

Viper GTS
 
I would go for a BMW... the re-sale value of these things aren't exceptional, so you should be able to get a cheap used one...

I wouldn't buy a KIA new, no re-sale value at all, you will lose so much after the 1st year...
 
As much as I'm not sold on korean quality in the manafacturing of cars, the BMW would be a really bad choice. First of all, a lot of people have problems with pre 2000 BMW's.

Second, repair costs would be very expensive when compared to domestic or japanese parts. While probably fast, it may turn out to be more than you bargained for. Chances of having peace of mind are with the new car.

What about Civic or corolla? or domestic?

Originally posted by: RgrPark
I'm thinking of replacing my aged car...

I am considering a used E36 BMW 3 series, preferably from 96-99 with about 70k-90k miles. Hoping to spend about 10k or under...
Been looking for a while but nothing has been catching my eye...then...

I ran across the Mazda3 and the Kia Spectra5 (pretty much a Mazda3 wannabe)...
They both look sporty and nimble and I just found out Kia is owned by Hyundai and is considered to be producing very high quality stuff... Read the reviews and both of them seem to be an excellent chocie for a new car for around 15-17k.

Now, should I go with a classy 3 series and deal with little things that come up (replacing belts, water pump, etc) or do I pay more for a new car with full warranty?
Click to expand...

 
I've got a 95 325i w/112K miles.

Its fun to drive but my car is literally falling apart. Every time I drive it, which is rarely, something breaks. So far its been the fan, lights, ABS, window, wiper, radio, radiator, water pump and brakes not to mention the clutch hasn't gone yet.

I would reserve some money for repairs if you get a BMW.
 
Well I currently have a 99 Prizm (corolla in disguise) and want a change.

It's not like i NEED a new car, I just want a change since my life sure as heck isn't gonna.

Already went through a sports car phase (300zxTT with 340rwhp), just wanna try something different before my mid-life crisis hit in a few years.
 
How long are you keeping it?

If BMW, you better be in for short. Probably don't want to keep it too long after 100k+.

If Kia, you'd better keep it a long time. You'll lose too much on resale otherwise.
 
Originally posted by: RgrPark
Well I currently have a 99 Prizm (corolla in disguise) and want a change.

It's not like i NEED a new car, I just want a change since my life sure as heck isn't gonna.

Already went through a sports car phase (300zxTT with 340rwhp), just wanna try something different before my mid-life crisis hit in a few years.
Click to expand...

Why would you go from a Prizm to a Kia?

I really like my BMW but I wouldn't buy one used. If I were to get another BMW, it would be for a 3 year lease only. Let someone else deal with the problems.
 
Originally posted by: Doggiedog
Originally posted by: RgrPark
Well I currently have a 99 Prizm (corolla in disguise) and want a change.

It's not like i NEED a new car, I just want a change since my life sure as heck isn't gonna.

Already went through a sports car phase (300zxTT with 340rwhp), just wanna try something different before my mid-life crisis hit in a few years.
Click to expand...

Why would you go from a Prizm to a Kia?

I really like my BMW but I wouldn't buy one used. If I were to get another BMW, it would be for a 3 year lease only. Let someone else deal with the problems.
Click to expand...

I forgot to mention I picked up the 99 Prizm for dirt cheap cuz it had a salvage title with some minor frame damage. The engine and the tranny is perfect with only 59k but there's a lot of creaking and sometimes i think it would just literally fall apart. DOn't wanna die just yet.

 
How muc money have you got for repairs? Hopefully a lot if you buy the BMW. that's my answer. I was considering a mid 90's 5 series before I bought my 97 maxima. I'm so glad I made the choice I did.
 
Are you kidding me?!?! a Kia Spectra5?!?!?!?! NOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!

If you have the cash get the Mazda3. I bought my Mazda3 Hatchback in March and I love it SOOOO much!

If you don't got the cash and are willing to go without a warranty on a car who's parts cost 250% more than american car parts, then go for the BMW.

I persoanlly LOVE BMW's and was actually looking for one before I bought the Mazda3, I eventually gave up. Obviously. I will have a BMW later but it will be new not used.
 
If you're going with BMW with 70K-90k miles be ready to spend $2k-$3K in maintenance. Depend on the BMW model, the BMW inline 6 are very reliable just the little stuff like ABS sensor, coolant sensor will add up very fast.
 
Originally posted by: V00DOO
If you're going with BMW with 70K-90k miles be ready to spend $2k-$3K in maintenance. Depend on the BMW model, the BMW inline 6 are very reliable just the little stuff like ABS sensor, coolant sensor will add up very fast.
Click to expand...

LOL!

That's exactly what's wrong with my car right now. The ABS sensor is broken I believe and the warning system keeps telling me I've got a coolant problem even though I got the radiator replaced about 10K miles ago.
 
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