High matienence costs? Fun to drive? I seen some for $10,000 and think its a good deal. It would be nice for my first car. What are good first cars?
2006-06-23 08:57:55 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Car Makes ➔ BMW
Great cars! Don't listen the people that say buy Japanese. Jap cars break too. German cars do have quirks make no mistake about it but I worked at a BMW service dept for 12 years and I can tell you that maintainers is the key. Check for service records and any accident damage. Also keep in mind German luxury cars are rear drive and Japanese knock offs are front drive. When buying any high end car do yourself a favor get a pre purchase inspection at a BMW dealer or whatever make it might be. You wont be sorry, it is money well spent to make sure you aren't getting 3 cars to make one.
2006-06-23 10:43:41 · answer #1 · answered by Chuck P 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I drive a 2001 330 CI, manual (bought in 2000 new). Depending on the engine size, mileage and maintenance history, you could be looking at a sweet deal there.
My car has been 100% reliable, BUT maintenance costs are high. Not much ever goes wrong with the car, but the tires, for instance will cost a fortune. On my model, the rims are such an awkward size that your standard tire place won't be able to fit them, so you have to go to the dealership and they will charge a lot. I average about $ 1,000 a year in maintenance and that's just for fluff stuff.. last year, 1st new set of break disks, this year two new sets of tires and an ac box...
Despite the high cost, I've never regretted buying the car. BMWs hold their resale value quite well.
I've also owned a Nissan 240SX for 11 years and that was a great car as well with virtually no maintenance required other than routine. Don't think they're made anymore. Mazda RX series is also a great choice, imo.
2006-06-24 00:58:19 · answer #2 · answered by scubalady01 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Like there was ever any question that maintenance is key in keeping a car running, lol.
Sure Japanese cars can break down. Ask yourself if you'd like a margin of error or not. All things considered though, if you care about your money you buy Japanese. Would you take a 20% increase in risk that your car will leave you stranded or buy a Lexus that performs well and actually feels and sounds like a performance/luxury vehicle inside?
If you have plenty of money - purchase a name and the prestige. If you work for your money - let it buy you the most car = not German manufactered. If you know anything about their car companies in recent years you'll find that their employees are all overpaid and they can't keep up with modern methods of putting out well put together cars faster.
2006-06-23 17:15:56 · answer #3 · answered by Dan 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Reliability of a vehicle depends primarily on it's care and maintenance history! BMW's are awesome to drive, responsive-both in their speed and their handling capabilities, and retain their resale value. Whenever owning a high performance car, you HAVE to service essentials religiously and attend to any repair that might be needed expeditiously! My first car was a 1968 Camaro (4 speed, 327), second, a 1972 911T that I received for college graduation, have always opted to drive fast! .A good first car depends on your financial situation, your taste in cars vs. that financial situation and your driving style! I have driven BMWs for the last 20 years (733i, 540i) and currently drive an X5 (4.4)...I AM biased in regards to this make of vehicle, but have enjoyed many years of stress free driving!! Good Luck!
2006-06-23 18:36:40 · answer #4 · answered by lydlykarug 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'll just show you a chart and let you deciede.
Land Rover - Most in the Shop
Benz - Next most in the shop
Audi - 3rd most in the shop
BMW - 4th most in the shop
every other car on the planet....
Lexus - rare if she see's a shop
BMW is not cheap though to fix once it gets into the shop. A buddy of mine is looking to sell his 750i after he got sticker shock for plugs, wires and a new radiator, the bill was $4300.
2006-06-23 10:22:46 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go for it, 3 series are very reliable and cool as a first car, if u have the money definately buy one
2006-06-23 09:01:19 · answer #6 · answered by samdha14 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
--->> Tips---> https://trimurl.im/e46/are-1999-bmw-3-series-coupes-a-hassle-to-own-reliability-wise
2015-08-04 05:08:00 · answer #7 · answered by Sigrid 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends. If the car was well maintained they are great cars but they do need things with age. Look for a stick shift car.
2006-06-23 10:06:36 · answer #8 · answered by uthockey32 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋