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03/29/2005 05:17:21 AM · #1 |
Thanks :) - pictures will definitely be coming - although I'm up north (away from my personal computer) for awhile, so when they get uploaded is still a question. I'll probably take some within the next few days, but my mom only has a 56k connection, so it may be another week or more before I get them up.. I'll post them here for anyone interested (although it does just look like every other one out on the road - maybe I can get some unique angles or something).
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03/29/2005 04:00:44 AM · #2 |
| congrats ! great choice.. love the BMW :) |
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03/29/2005 03:38:23 AM · #3 |
Congrats on the car ... but where are the pictures???? ;)
David
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03/29/2005 03:37:32 AM · #4 |
| Congrats on your BMW. I was going to recommend a Toyota Camry which served us well for a while. |
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03/29/2005 03:00:02 AM · #5 |
First of all, I want to give a big THANK YOU to everyone for all of your wonderful help and suggestions. I definitely tried to keep them in mind during the search.
As for the car, I figured I would update here once everything got figured out. We certainly ended up going higher end than I expected, as my previous vehicles were a '89 Toyota Pickup (no model name), and a '95 Ford Windstar. Anyhow, my parents decided that it would be best to get a car that would be safe and reliable for a long time to come. That car ended up being a '02 BMW 325i (48k on it) - MUCH more of a car than I ever expected (and much more than I feel I even deserve).
I wanted to wait until the end of the week to have time to think about it and make a decision, but my dad isn't always the greatest about being patient when it comes to things like this and wanted me to make a decision that day after visiting only three dealerships (he chose not to go through a private seller, which I think is why we ended up with a newer model - the dealerships we visited didn't seem to carry anything below '01/'02 in most cases).
In any case, it's a wonderful car - it just has the basics and is a 5-speed (although I'm not much of a speed demon, to be honest - and oddly enough, I think I drive slower in this thing than I did in my Windstar). It came down between this car and a new Mazda 3 for just slightly less, but I figured that the resale value on this would maintain longer (especially considering that we are buying it used and not losing 5 or 6 thousand just by driving it off the lot). It was indeed a 2-year lease that was returned after the lease was up.. we checked the carfax and I ran my fingers and eyes over every inch of it (and drove it a decent bit too) before I made my decision. I think that it will end up being my car for the next 160,000 miles or more - and I hope that that's without many problems (crossing fingers). We did add an extended warranty (mfr ends in 2,000 miles) until 100,000 to be safe.
The guy at the dealership was extremely helpful, not pushy, and had an amazing wealth of information. He said that he used to work at a BMW dealership and the average maintenance costs (per year) on a BMW are less than any other car on the road (per service costs are higher, but required maintenance usually ends up being less severe/necessary).
Message edited by author 2005-03-29 03:00:58.
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03/27/2005 01:12:38 PM · #6 |
Originally posted by ClubJuggle:
Originally posted by nsbca7:
Well common sense should tell you not to get another Ford. Toyotas and Hondas are the most reliable vehicles on the market to my knowledge and their resale value is also good. |
Why would you say that? I have a Ford with 112,000 miles on it and no problems.
-Terry |
See, with a Toyota or a Honda you wouldn't even be quoting that fact. Most Toyotas are rated at about 500K if the oil is changed on a regular basis. Very few Fords ever live beyond the 200K mark without a major component such as the engine or transmission being replaced. There are exceptions to this, but they are that, exceptions. I own a Ford and a Toyota and have owned quite a few Fords and one other Toyota in the past. I like both of the ones I have now. I trust the Toyota. I work on the Ford.
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03/27/2005 12:50:37 PM · #7 |
Originally posted by drydoc:
The suggestion to look at two years lease cars is also fantastic. |
You can also often get good 1-2 year old cars (with warranty) from the major rental companies. |
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03/27/2005 12:21:16 PM · #8 |
I'll stick with my recommendation of the Passat. As for the new car info, I think one of the best ways to shop for a used car is to start looking at the new cars (the model you are most interested in). . .then work backward to what you can afford. I look to see if the consumer satisfaction is the same today as the year of the vehicle I am interested in. The Consumer Report suggestion is right on for this purpose. Don't do anything without looking at that.
The suggestion to look at two years lease cars is also fantastic. My son bought a Ford Ranger off a used car lot that was returned after the two year lease was up. It still had a warrenty on it. The lease program also makes sure that they are well taken care of. That was 8 years ago and the truck is still running strong. |
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03/27/2005 11:39:04 AM · #9 |
Originally posted by ClubJuggle:
Originally posted by FirstAid:
With the way gas prices are going up check out the Toyota Prius. It gets like 50 something Mpg city. We test drove one and for a small car it drove better than most. It is cutting edge tech. Check it out. |
Remember he's looking at a used car... with the waiting list for new ones, used Priuses are very difficult to come buy, and when one does find them, they typically sell for very close to their original price.
-Terry |
I got this 2001 Prius for the new year in Santa Monica ... they had six on the lot, and marked the price down from about $18,500 to $14,500 (with tax and registration and everything it was back up to about $18k). I've been getting about 45 mpg combined city/highway driving. |
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03/27/2005 11:38:54 AM · #10 |
Don't forget Consumer Reports magazine. I think the April issue is the one where they review a lot of cars. The web site has a lot of info but you need to subscribe. I do subscribe and have gotten a lot about a lot of things, including cars.
Just my $0.02.
I like Toyotas BTW. On my second Camry. |
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03/27/2005 11:34:31 AM · #11 |
| BTW, congrats on your graduation. Best of luck to you in the future. |
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03/27/2005 11:30:33 AM · #12 |
Brian,
My personal choice is a Passat. Absolutely one of the best cars I have ever owned. And the new Jetta is supposed to be equal to it. (Yes. VW does have some issues to overcome. But the reviews are great.) Also, if you are going to a new car dealership, I cannot recommend strongly enough that you visit this site and subscribe to this service: //www.fightingchance.com Not only did I get all the latest research on the two cars to which I narrowed my choice, but I also got an immediate return call on a question I had during the purchasing process. This absolutely works! The idea is to get you the very best price under retail- not only in your area but based on national trends as well.
The best of luck. |
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03/27/2005 11:22:38 AM · #13 |
my father still has a chevy astro that runs @ 216,000 miles...
but not my recommendation for a car ... :)
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03/27/2005 11:15:21 AM · #14 |
I would make sure to check what ever model your wanting for typical gas milage and how many miles they go without major break downs. I drive chevy astro vans. They are really the only logical vehicle for us(I work out of one and need a wheel chair lift in another). The one I work with has 210,000 miles with no major breaks and gets 18mpg. We have another one with over 200,000 and have seen them go over 350,000 with no motor or trans work. We did have one that had to have a trans at 140,000. 2005 is the last year for the Astro so I guess we will have to buy used or change to something else soon.
Tim |
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03/27/2005 11:01:29 AM · #15 |
My advice is to buy a two year old off lease car. Someone else has taken all of the depreciation and the lease cars are very low mileage and generally in great condition.
The last two cars I've purchased have been off lease. I bought a 1998 Saab 9000 CSE $39500 new, I got it for $16500 with the balance of the factory warranty. Still have the car and will for a long time to come.
Then I bought a 2001 Saab 9-3 ($27500 new) I payed $17000. It only had 21K miles on it. Factory warranty was pushed out to seven years and 100k miles.
So, do think about a two or three year old lease return for a good bargain... |
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03/27/2005 10:59:10 AM · #16 |
I've have owned several fords in the past and currently drive one as we speak. I'm almost to the 100K mark. I've had good look with mine....as with any car...they need to be serviced regularly. I bought this last car through auto trader....the made a list of the things that were most important to me (low miles, AC, 4-doors, less than 5 years old) and then started searching autotrader online...and found one that a little old couple had owned and pulled behind their motorhome....bingo!
Toyota and Hondas are good cars...and if you have the money to get one that's fine.......I myself was not able to afford one within my range. (I paid cash, didn't want payments)
Good Luck! |
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03/27/2005 10:36:21 AM · #17 |
| Your getting some good advice here. My advice is keep it real, I mean dont buy a Mercedes or Bmw if cant afford a $300-$500 oil change and tune up. I see a lot of people financing vehicles outside there means. Brad is right on and always check with your insurance co. (I lend in Southern Calif. everyone whats a Mercedes, BMW, Porsche...so on) the best interest rates are with the Credit Unions.....ace |
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03/27/2005 10:35:20 AM · #18 |
We bought a second new car 2 years ago..great price and super nice car/suv. It was a Kia Sorento. Have not had a "SINGLE" problem from it, great gas mileage (much needed now), v6, auto, fully loaded! It is one of the best cars we have purchased, and it has a 10 year, 100,000 mile warranty. Just my 2cents........... Good luck
EDIT: We also pay $510.00 monthly on this car, and another $400.00 on my truck... so be careful that you stay within your means!
Message edited by author 2005-03-27 10:40:14.
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03/27/2005 10:23:42 AM · #19 |
One thing to bear in mind...Carfax.com is a great resourse to research the history of a vehicle, but it isn't infallible. I had a Corvette that had been wrecked by the original owner, who fixed it out of his own pocket. If insurance doesn't make a claim on the damage, Carfax doesn't get any info about previous damage.
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03/27/2005 10:21:31 AM · #20 |
"never set aside common sense by allowing your emotions to get involved, such as "just having to have that red convertible".
LOL That's just like me ,never make sense when it comes to buying a car.
Thanks for the great post.
Message edited by author 2005-03-27 10:21:53. |
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03/27/2005 10:17:34 AM · #21 |
Originally posted by brianlh:
...is it crucial to take it to 'my' mechanic? Our mechanic in the past has always been the dealership of whatever car we own.. |
It should be the mechanic of your choice not the seller. That is unless you both trust the same mechanic. I personally distrust dealership mechanics. They have enormous pressure on them to make the dealership a profit. They also normally have a higher per hour rate. For example the Ford dealership near me has an hourly of ~$118 while other non-dealerships mechanics in the area have hourly rates in the $50-$75 range. |
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03/27/2005 09:15:39 AM · #22 |
a car is just a car.. they all brake down in the end.. and all cars cost the same, the only difference is if you pay the full price upfront or only half price upfront and the rest for all the spareparts needed to keep the car running.
I´ve had Mecedes, BMW, Hyundai, Toyota, Honda, Ford, Chrysler, Mitsubishi, VW, and many other types of cars, I drive about 100.000 miles per year so I buy 2-3 cars every year to keep the milage below 50.000 when I sell them. and after about 50 cars I´ve learned that it is better to pay the whole price upfront and skip the garage part for the next 3 years, I have a BMW 318i now and after 60.000 miles I have only exchanged the front brakepads and nothing else, and the Hyundai I had went 45.000 miles before the first service needed, the toyota is ok.. rather simple cars so there´s not much to break, but they are overpriced.
go with an old BMW that´s under 100.000 miles and has belonged to an older man not a teenager, then you have a good car that will last a long time before service is required :) |
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03/27/2005 07:56:04 AM · #23 |
Consumer Guide is very good place to research and price used (and new) vehicles. It's a great resource! This section contains the ratings and reviews on vehicles.
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03/27/2005 07:37:11 AM · #24 |
Originally posted by ClubJuggle:
Originally posted by nsbca7:
Well common sense should tell you not to get another Ford. Toyotas and Hondas are the most reliable vehicles on the market to my knowledge and their resale value is also good. |
Why would you say that? I have a Ford with 112,000 miles on it and no problems.
-Terry |
My Ford has 163,719 miles on it...
Guess they aren't so bad after all... |
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03/27/2005 05:53:25 AM · #25 |
Originally posted by FirstAid:
With the way gas prices are going up check out the Toyota Prius. It gets like 50 something Mpg city. We test drove one and for a small car it drove better than most. It is cutting edge tech. Check it out. |
Remember he's looking at a used car... with the waiting list for new ones, used Priuses are very difficult to come buy, and when one does find them, they typically sell for very close to their original price.
-Terry
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