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

D

DETAILKING

New member
Well, I think it's time. As much as I love my 2001 325i it's just not worth keeping it now that I am out of the factory warranty and Maint plan. I just got back from the dealer to the tune of around 2K for front and rear brakes, rotors, sensors, front control arms, bushings, and ball joints....ouch. Soon I will need tires, shocks, and god knows what else, along with the 170 dollar oil changes.



I'd like to get another new or slightly used car, but really can't decide what I want. My plan is to sell the bimmer ASAP, and pick up a used car that is 2002 or newer, with 25K miles or less. I'd like to spend 15 - 20K max on this, and the goal will be to find something that will hold it's value for 1-1.5 yrs till I get my next new car. I would like something with 4 doors, good handling, decent acceleration, and sporty (and a manual tranny).



So far, the only 2 I came up with were the VW jetta and acura TSX. Any other opinions?
 
Unfortunately, the used car market has a glut of used cars because of rebates and incentives. This in turn has devalued most used cars on the market. That said, the cars you have listed sound like fine automobiles. Good luck.
 
Maybe an IS300, I'd really look at BMW, Lexus, Acura, Mercedes, Honda, Toyota, and VW for cars that will retain the most of their value.
 
Acura TL Type S



You really can't beat Honda engineering and reliability. It is pretty close to bimmer quality IMO and it will easily outperform the 325.
 
Lowejackson said:
Why not go for another BMW
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Yeah, my thoughts exactly. Going from a rwd Bimmer to a fwd anything would be quite a change.



Actually, I'd consider keeping the one you have now. You just spent a bunch on it and that sort of major repair doesn't happen very often. I generally believe that cars don't really "nickel and dime you to death" if they're well taken care of. If you spend a few thousand buying something else, well, that's a lot of repairs and ($170) oil changes. Accumulatorette falls in love with her cars and keeps them forever, and I've found that the seemingly awful maintenance bills don't really compare with buying something else (with unknowns of its own).



Maybe find another shop to work on it. I'm certain you can get oil changes done cheaper than that on a 3-series.



But if you're just interested in getting something different, then that's different :D
 
Keep the car you have. If depreciation is important to you over the next 1 1-5 years and I would keep the 325. The car has already taken its biggest depreciation hit and 3 series BMW’s after the initial depreciation have a very good depreciation curve. Since you have all new brakes you should be good to go on that until you decide to get rid of it. The ball joint/control arm bushings are a known problem with the 3 series (getting ready to replace mine this weekend) but should be good to go for 35-40k+ miles.



I only buy used cars but you just aren’t going to know how it was maintained prior to your ownership. The potential for large repair cost are about equal for any used car. At least with your BMW you know the maintenance history and how it has been cared for. In general, financially speaking, the best decision is to keep the car you have, especially if it is paid off.



However if you simply want a different car (which I completely understand as I seem to be a car whore myself) then that is different.
 
DETAILKING said:




So far, the only 2 I came up with were the VW jetta and acura TSX. Any other opinions?
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If you are a girl, then the Jetta will be fine. If you are a ricer, the TSX will be fine. If neither applies, then move some money around, spend a bit more and get the Acura TL. Fine looking sedan-type car.



And don't waste your money on another 3 series BMW, this is also not exactly a man's car.



Hey, you wanted opinions.
 
blackcaraddict said:
If you are a girl, then the Jetta will be fine. If you are a ricer, the TSX will be fine. If neither applies, then move some money around, spend a bit more and get the Acura TL. Fine looking sedan-type car.



And don't waste your money on another 3 series BMW, this is also not exactly a man's car.



Hey, you wanted opinions.
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Interesting perspective :D . LOL
 
blackcaraddict said:
If you are a girl, then the Jetta will be fine. If you are a ricer, the TSX will be fine. If neither applies, then move some money around, spend a bit more and get the Acura TL. Fine looking sedan-type car.



And don't waste your money on another 3 series BMW, this is also not exactly a man's car.



Hey, you wanted opinions.
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:p :D Spoken like a true Mustang guy!



I see your logic, but would agree with it if he were to say he wanted a VW Beetle or VW Golf.



The 3 series is a chick car? :confused: I disagree. My folks have a fully loaded 2004 325xi that is pretty sweet (that I love driving). Does a M3 qualify as a "girly" 3 series?



I have a Jetta VR6 fully loaded with the 17" wheels (225/45 Z), sports suspension and it's a blast to drive. *I* wouldn't call it a "girly" car either.



The VW and 325 that I drive, in their Autopian condition are chick MAGNETS rather than chick CARS. :p



But, opinions are like a-holes; everybodys got one. :)
 
Keep what you have. You know the history, hopefully it's paid for, and I am sure the appearance quality and maintenence you have invested will not be found on a Used Car lot.

It's cheaper to keep her. :wavey
 
Spilchy said:
:p :D Spoken like a true Mustang guy!





The 3 series is a chick car? :confused: I disagree. My folks have a fully loaded 2004 325xi that is pretty sweet (that I love driving). Does a M3 qualify as a "girly" 3 series?



I have a Jetta VR6 fully loaded with the 17" wheels (225/45 Z), sports suspension and it's a blast to drive. *I* wouldn't call it a "girly" car either.



The VW and 325 that I drive, in their Autopian condition are chick MAGNETS rather than chick CARS. :p



But, opinions are like a-holes; everybodys got one. :)
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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.
 
bet993 said:
Keep the car you have. If depreciation is important to you over the next 1 1-5 years and I would keep the 325. The car has already taken its biggest depreciation hit and 3 series BMW’s after the initial depreciation have a very good depreciation curve.
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I agree 100%. It would be just about impossible to come out ahead in the 1/1.5 year time frame before you want another car.



-Charlie
 
Change oil yourself? Not that hard. Shocks, you can do those yourself too. Tires, ya, a little pricey, but after that, you've pratically got a brand new car.
 
TL-S does not come in manny until 2004 - BUT!! you can get the acura CL-S in 6 speed, same V-TEC engine - 2 door all the bells and whistles of the TL in a lighter car...and not that many on the road so you don't run into 10 CL-S's every day!
 
And don't waste your money on another 3 series BMW, this is also not exactly a man's car.[/B]
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that might be sig worthy material... right next to a pic of my M3. :D



the problem i see here is that DETAILKING wanted something that would retain its value... and well, that ruled domestics out right off the bat. :eek:



in actuality, the main problem is that there's very few carmakers making vehicles that meet his listed criteria. i would tend to agree with others' opinion that it might be better to hold on to your bimmer.
 
DETAILKING said:
I'd like to get another new or slightly used car, but really can't decide what I want. My plan is to sell the bimmer ASAP, and pick up a used car that is 2002 or newer, with 25K miles or less. I'd like to spend 15 - 20K max on this, and the goal will be to find something that will hold it's value for 1-1.5 yrs till I get my next new car. I would like something with 4 doors, good handling, decent acceleration, and sporty (and a manual tranny).

[/B]
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Get a new (04 - old bodystyle) mustang GT or V6. the GT can be had for 20k, and the V6 for like 10K right now.
 
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