Looking for a used car (opinions please)--->

If your looking seriously at keeping the BMW, I would take it to a specialist and ask them to carry out a full inspection. Items such as shock absorbers can be bought quite cheaply. If I remember correctly, BOGE are the OEM supplier and I would guess you could buy the same OE spec for not a lot of money.



I bought a 5 series many years ago at 50,000 miles and sold it at 250,000 miles, it was still going strong and there was easily another 100,000 miles left before the need to spend big money.



Maybe I was lucky but if you have a good car, consider the cost of keeping it on the road.
 
i think u should try to find a lexus is300... i had found a 2001 for 21000, and it only had 11000 miles AND it was 5 SPEED!!! too bad i ended up getting something else... but that car is great, and it will keep its value.
 
2002 VW GTI 337?



12k miles, needs nothing, chipped, CAI, 28mm sway, tires have 85% tread left (originals). A few *slight* stone chips in the lower spoiler and nose area. 0-60 5.9, 1/4mi 14.53 - 104mph, 70-0 153 feet... 25-30mpg, warranty through 2006 or 50k miles, whichever comes first.



:D



I sold my BMW for the GTI. Handles better, is more fun to drive, and doesn't get vandalized like the BMW did. As far as problems go - it's been much more reliable than the BMW. And it's 1 of 1500, so depreciation isn't as big of a deal.





And to whoever said domestics suffer the worst depreciation - I have to beg to differ. My 1998 528i sold for $15k in 2001.... sticker was $43k - that's a big hit for just 3 years, and it had 50k miles when it sold. :( For comparison, my 93 Cobra sold in 1998 for $18k (sticker = $23k)... *all* cars suffer depreciation - BMWs and Porsches are no exception.
 
geekysteve said:
And to whoever said domestics suffer the worst depreciation - I have to beg to differ. My 1998 528i sold for $15k in 2001.... sticker was $43k - that's a big hit for just 3 years, and it had 50k miles when it sold. :( For comparison, my 93 Cobra sold in 1998 for $18k (sticker = $23k)... *all* cars suffer depreciation - BMWs and Porsches are no exception.
Click to expand...



of course there are specific cars that will retain their value - and a few have proven to be collectibles - but for car manufacturers in general, bmw & honda have respectably held their markets for best retention of value as far as percentages of their original value.



i can't find my magazine article that statest the particular percentages, but i did find this article that reflects the ratings.



ALG Ratings
 
Heh, I would urge caution when buying a used VW. If what you want is something cheap and easy to maintain, the Jetta isn't it. Spark plugs must be replaced every 40K. V-belts, whatever they are, must be replaced every 60K. Oil must be replaced every 5K, which is fine, if the filter wasn't located so awkwardly in a small engine compartment. The excellent perceived quality of my Passat, the soft touch materials and cool grab handles, is fading in talent. The doors now creak on their hinges, an interior panel is loose, and so are all four exterior door handles. My past 3 and 5-series have held up so much better.



Plus, the 1.8T VW engine really does feel and sound like a tractor compared to a BMW straight-six.
 
I've got an 01 Audi A4 Quattro 1.8T for sale for $16,500, was asking $17,500 but no takers. It's a very nice car but I doubt it's what your looking for.
 
geekysteve said:
2002 VW GTI 337?



12k miles, needs nothing, chipped, CAI, 28mm sway, tires have 85% tread left (originals). A few *slight* stone chips in the lower spoiler and nose area. 0-60 5.9, 1/4mi 14.53 - 104mph, 70-0 153 feet... 25-30mpg, warranty through 2006 or 50k miles, whichever comes first.



:D



I sold my BMW for the GTI. Handles better, is more fun to drive, and doesn't get vandalized like the BMW did. As far as problems go - it's been much more reliable than the BMW. And it's 1 of 1500, so depreciation isn't as big of a deal.





And to whoever said domestics suffer the worst depreciation - I have to beg to differ. My 1998 528i sold for $15k in 2001.... sticker was $43k - that's a big hit for just 3 years, and it had 50k miles when it sold. :( For comparison, my 93 Cobra sold in 1998 for $18k (sticker = $23k)... *all* cars suffer depreciation - BMWs and Porsches are no exception.
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blackcaraddict said:
Right, just my opinions...and here's one more:



I think that Boxter's are a poor man's Porsche. Great idea from a business standpoint cause they've sold alot, but everytime I see one I think "that person couldn't afford a 911". Its sort of fake to me. The Porsche name exudes exclusivity, elegance and sport only for the wealthy. At $50k, the Vette is a much better buy.



These are not meant to insult people, just how I feel about certain "gender-friendly" vehicles. Some say my Denali is a gaudy gas guzzling monster that's harmful to the environment. But I love it.



Oh, and M3 is borderline, I'm just totally not into the compact scene. The M5 is a monster though.
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It is always interesting to hear an opinion from a person who doesn't own the car:rolleyes:
 
SergC said:
quote:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Originally posted by blackcaraddict

Right, just my opinions...and here's one more:



I think that Boxter's are a poor man's Porsche. Great idea from a business standpoint cause they've sold alot, but everytime I see one I think "that person couldn't afford a 911". Its sort of fake to me. The Porsche name exudes exclusivity, elegance and sport only for the wealthy. At $50k, the Vette is a much better buy.



These are not meant to insult people, just how I feel about certain "gender-friendly" vehicles. Some say my Denali is a gaudy gas guzzling monster that's harmful to the environment. But I love it.



Oh, and M3 is borderline, I'm just totally not into the compact scene. The M5 is a monster though.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



It is always interesting to hear an opinion from a person who doesn't own the car:rolleyes:
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I agree 100%



If someone has spent some time behind the wheel of a Boxster he/she would know that it epitomizes what a superbly balanced car should drive like with just phenomenal handling. Take the car to a tight track or blast down some twisty roads and the driver will know the car is what a Porsche is suppose to be (b/c the ultimate 0-60 and ¼ mile times are not what Porsche is about). Sure one can criticize the car for lack of power but with more power the Boxster would undoubtedly put a hurt on the sales of the 911 because arguably the Boxster is a better handling car than the 911.



To say it is a “poor man’s Porsche� and to think that the person got it because they couldn’t afford a 911 is ridiculous. This is the type of statement some wannabe, status seeking, look at me, 911 driver that says he drives a “Porsch� makes....or by someone who has not driven the car enough to understand it.
 
I saw the comment after I posted and I figured it was pretty ridiculous. Here's a couple of pictures which may help the uninitiated realize the car is much more than a pretty face...it is an engineering masterpiece, and drives like one too! :)



cutaway986a.jpg




cutaway986b.jpg
 
Well, you may feel a Mazda is a significant step down from a Bimmer, but I love my RX-8. That and the Miata are such fun cars to drive, you might consider one of them. Also, the 6 is a fine car, as is the 3, if you want something compact.



The RX-8 is a very well engineered car that handles like a champ, but doesn't beat you up on the road.
 
The Boxter is a great car to drive, but I do think they went over the top with the effort to reduce weight as shown in the second pic :)
 
Lowejackson said:
The Boxter is a great car to drive, but I do think they went over the top with the effort to reduce weight as shown in the second pic :)
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Not to mention the weight distribution is going to be way off :D
 
Detailking, I tried to send you a PM, but your PM box is full.



So ... you looking to sell a well-kept BMW? I'm looking to buy a well-kept BMW. But I have some particular requirements. PM me if you want to chat.
 
I find it hard to beleive that when you have to spend two grand on susp. parts within 45k.That really is great german car!!! Not to mention $170 oil changes.Look at how much you are spending on maint on german cars and even some of the higher priced japan cars!I would rather spend my money else where. I drive a 2002 Dodge Neon ACR,which I brought new two years ago for 14K out the door. I know Dodge Neon. First I keep my cars forever. My 1995 Neon ACR 1 of 183,I still have with 170K. My 2002 has 42K and has been to the dealer only once.It has adjustable struts and because where I drive and the fact I keep them on full stiff,one of them went bad. For your info my Neon is faster than the 325,handles better and stops better. Check the SCCA record books. Also check SCCA showroom stock c .whcih is the class my car runs in. It runs in G-stock in autocross. I am now putting my flame proof underwear on!!!P.S my next new car will be the 300C

with the HEMI. 38K with everything new. I will buy used next year.
 
Gosh, Andrew ACR2, you've just rocked my world. :eek: Why would ANYBODY buy a BMW when they could have a Dodge Neon?? Our departmental secretary would heartily agree with you, I'm sure, as she totters out to her Neon each day. And my 87-yr-old next door neighbor supports you too!! NEONS ROCK!!!!
 
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