Hey Guys and Gals i need some help here, my son Matt aka Ferrari_Matt is looking to buy his first car. he is looking at used BMW's, his budget is up 14,000 he is in the Navy. What i need is some advice on what the best models are and what to stay away from, maintenance cost, and any problems that some of the older cars may have. So any help would be great, i am not really familar with BMW's. What dealerships should i stay away from and who are the best to work with?

Thank You All.........

 

Hmmm I just sold my former daily driver 525i for $15k it was a fully loaded 2002 with 45k miles to give you an idea so therefore I think he can comfortably afford and E46 3-series and E39 5-series.
These will be the newest models that he can probably get a nice example of in that price range. I loved my 5-series but I have an M5 too and sold it in favor of something newer.
Maintenance was not bad on it at all and any parts I replaced were pretty cheap however it did require some attention from time to time. (thrust arm bushings and a final stage resistor).
An E36 M3 could be had in that range as well and I love them but it might not be as reliable as it will be a little older and probably higher mileage.
Do you know what he is looking for out of the car? Fun, track it, or just a nice dd?

 

Afew more dollars...but worth IT!!

I can let you have it for $22,500.00 !

http://www.catsexotics.com/web/1317/.../2006-BMW-330i-

 

I've always considered Total Cost to Own (TCO) as my actual budget. The projected $14k might be disappointing considering BMWs are relatively expensive to maintain. Perhaps $11k with $3k room for "error" (unforeseen problems)?

 

e36 m3

 

I agree with PJ. I've owned a couple E36 M3s and will probably get another one of these days. The best bang for your buck at that price range and a total blast to drive. I think you would be hard-pressed to find a more balanced, performance car that can get you 30 MPG on the freeway. Makes a terrific daily.

There is a nice white 4-dr listed on Craigslist for $14.5K, 2-owner car and it's local (http://seattle.craigslist.org/est/cto/1178890247.html). Common issues to look for are:

rear shock mounts
cooling sytems (stock thermostat housing and the neck of the radiator are plastic and are prone to fail over time)
bushings (rear trailing arm, lower control arm)

PM me if you end up getting one and I can help with providing advice on maintenance and mods. But Roy, that is a smokin' deal for the 330i. Someone should jump on that.

 

Buy a 350Z!! One of the best bang for buck sports cars you can get. Plus it's a Nissan so maintenance is pretty reasonable.

 

Roy that is a awesome deal, but this is out of his budget. I should consider it!!!!!! But i am holding out for my first exotic and when i am ready i am coming to you.........

 

You know i could count on you guys for some awesome advice, i can use this if i decide to buy a BMW, i love the M series, i am really partial to M6's. But i really want an Exotic have not yet decided on which one yet.

So once again i would really like to thank you all for your advice you guys are great.

Sid

 

This one may fit the bill. Good luck.

http://www.munichevo.com/carlot/detail/210/1998/BMW/M3

 

I love those M3s with 4drs!

 

A gour door E36 M3 would be an excellent daily driver/fun car. They are loads of fun, tons of aftermarket parts if he wants to upgrade, great forums and knowledge available on them, and four door is always great for a daily IMO.

 

Finding a nice clean E36 is harder to come by these days. A lot of them seem to be beaten up a bit, I think the E46 is a better buy for a 3 series.


John

 

E36 M3 all the way great bang for the buck. I know both of these cars below well and if I did not already have 3 BMW's I would buy one of the two for a fun daily driver.... Both of these cars have been kept up very well.

http://bmwpugetsound.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=39910

http://bmwpugetsound.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=37781

Adam

 

SOLD...on its way to Texas!!