Opinions on used BMWs????

Question

I'm looking at purchasing a used BMW. I haven't heard any positives or negatives about the cars. Specifically I would be looking at a 3 or 5 series from 2002 or 2003. I'm trying to keep it under $20K and I have found a couple that I like. Anyone have any advice for me?

Answer 1

the best advice I can give is NOT to buy a BMW...

Buying a BMW is like paying more just for the status BUT the car is a throw away car..  

Answer 2

They may be a bit unreliable, all European cars kind of are. I love the 5 Series, but the 3 Series is also good. You can probably find a 2000 model for under 10k, so that's also worth a shot. BMW's have traditionally been safe and powerful, good engines.  

Answer 3

bmws are great. nothing like them in the world.

go to your nearest BMW dealership and look at the certified pre-owned models. these come with a complete bumper to bumper warranty. all maint. is free. all oil changes etc. the only thing you pay for is tires.

you can get an 02 3 series for less than 20k EASILY.

just be prepared to spend some money on repairs if you dont get a certified pre owned. all cars need regular maint.  

Answer 4

I have purchased several used BMW's. The real key is are they properly maintained and do they have the records to prove it. A certified used can be a great alternative because they actually have a warranty! You should be able to find one in the price range you are looking for, the local dealer has a certified 2004 325i with 38,000 miles for $21,000. I disagree with the "break down a lot" and "expensive to repair" BS. I ran a 325i for 386,000 miles with only routine maintenance. An oil change does cost about $100, but it is only needed every 15,000 miles making it cheaper than a chance every 3,000 at $25+ each. The 3 series has been a car and driver best buy for 17 years in a row, so they must be doing something right. Whatever you do, have the car checked by the dealer or a certified BMW mechanic. It is well worth the money to know what you are getting!

Answer 5

European cars are very reliable. Just that we sell you Americans c**p because that's all you deserve...lol.

Answer 6

The certified pre-owned is a good way to go, but 2002-2003 is getting old for that program. If you find one that you like from a private seller, set up an appointment at a service department and tell them you will pay labor rate for one hour for them to do a good once over on the car. They will be able to go into thier system with the VIN number and look up all the service records (if they were done at a BMW dealership) and point out any issues they find. I did this with my first BMW purchase and they fixed a few items on the car while it was in there since I paid the 1 hour labor rate. I ended up getting that off the price of the car when I bought it.

Answer 7

i hate them

Answer 8

Great to drive. Nice looking. Expensive to repair. Often needs repairs.  

Answer 9

   ANY car that old -- well, it just depends on how it was maintained before you bought it. Even a Rolls Royce can be made into c**p if the bodily fluids are not maintained!

  You must go to a BMW shop and ask about the price of a tune-up or transmission or clutch repair. Ask how much to replace the alternator? Radiator?   Brake job?   The price may astound you -- evan make a little tear run down your face!   Buy a Corolla and glue BMW stickers on it. Save yourself MUCH money!

   If you have no knowledge of cars and repairs stay the heck away from any even slightly upscale car.

Answer 10

bought my 05 325i sport certified pre-owned from a well known bmw dealership... my car has a lifetime warranty and service for as long as i own the car... thats not just changin the oil and whatnot thats everything.... anypart that breaks they fix... for free... im sure a fraction of that was added into the price of my car.. but hey... my 325i is FULLY loaded with only 18k miles for 29,995...

its a great car, handles like nothing ive ever driven. handles 10x better than my dads new vette...

its fast safe reliable great gas mileage and super HOTT

and you can pick em up kinda cheap

Answer 11

There is nothing that drives like a BMW (for under $100K) I chickened out and got a loaded toyota instead but my partner got a brand new 3 series and i drove it the other day - it grips the road with tiny movements of the steering wheel - amazing.

However, buying a BMW (or other luxury car) is like a vote of confidence on your financial responsibility.  There is an old saying if you have to ask what something costs you probably cannot afford it - holds true here.

Get your cash flow in good shape then lease a brand new BMW - you will put 5K down and pay about 600 per month (for a loaded 3 or a decent 5) that is about 30K -then when you get sick of it after 3 years, get another new one.  Beats the repairs and headache.  In order to do this, though you should have about 1,000 left over after you have paid all your expenses each month.

Even if you have to wait a couple of years - there is nothing like it!

Answer 12

These people are not lying a family member just bought an 04 325ci with 54000 and have had to put a 600.00 part price only power steering pump on it a 800 evap canister on go look a comsumer affairs web site you will see a bmw is a fun to drive car but you better have alot of money for repairs and they need work alot for some reason.