Are BMWs practical cars?

Question

...compared with Toyota

Answer 1

They hold their value longer, so in a investment sense - yes.

However, they are more likely to be stolen and cost high to fix - so in an insurance sense, no.

Answer 2

Depends on what you mean by practical, because by no means are they a way to save money. First you will spend for the purchase of the car, then you will spend for maintainence unless you buy new then you get the awesome warranty which can be extended to 100,000 miles for 2 grand er so which is also awesome because you are covered. During that time you will develop a fondness for both the car and the brand and you will soon become a raging enthusiast buying all kinds of things the car does not necessarily need, BMW tire stem covers ($8), BMW Front and Rear Liscence Plate Covers ($80), BMW KeyChain ($25). And then after visiting so much for your maintainence and various other trips to the BMW centers you will find out that there are free car washes every week and that you made the right decision in choosing the ultimate driving machine. Because its ultimately the best driving experience you can find on the road in a myriad of underpowered 4-Cylinder Toyotas. And as of recent you may even find a more eco-friendly BMW because of Models like the Hydrogen-7. And more realistically the newest 530i receives something in the neighborhood of 30 mpg. So economical, most owners view it as a long term investment in happiness. Happiness in a car you could live with for the next ten years. Until it of course is officially more important than your firstborn and you have to give her a break and go out and start all over.

Answer 3

I think you should make it a BMW over Lexus battle, not toyota. If you are going to buy it used, get a toyota or lexus. Just go to consumer reports and look at the most reliable cars. Toyota, which includes lexus and scion, have 22 out of the top 41. BMW has 2 of the worst 12. Bimmer does not have any on the top. Mercedes and VW are the only worst cars. I hope this helps. also go to jdpower.com and compare the two.

Answer 4

Toyotas are great cars with spotless reliability records. They're dependable, and the resale value is very good as well. There's nothing wrong with getting a Toyota.

But not all Toyotas are built with sporting characteristics in mind. BMW engineers all of its cars with a certain amount of sporting flair. More intricate suspension, stout engine performance, and better ergonomics. A 330i is going to be more fun to drive than a Toyota Corolla, even though they're about the same size.

It's like comparing a tailored Armani suit (BMW) and a nice suit (Toyota) from Men's Warehouse. The tailored Armani will fit much better and the texture of the fabric will feel much nicer than your average suit.

Answer 5

BMWs are the most practical and most reliable of the upmarket brands, if you're talking 3-series.

Once you get into the 5- and 7- series cars, you'll find that there is another world of complexity with regard to gagetry, etc. that makes the toyota vs. BMW an impossible comparison.

What you have to personally decide is whether you'd be willing to fork out some of your disposable income on either maintenance costs, or a higher car payment (if you buy newer). The deal is, you get it coming and going. A newer car costs less, but has lower maintenance costs. The entry cost of an older car is lower, but you'll pay preventative maintenace costs (note: neglecting these services is a sure way to drive ownership costs up).

You can greatly lower your costs is if you are interested in learning more about the marque and simple repairs yourself. The BMW Club of America has a fantastic community that can assist with all sorts of questions, and there are many dedicated independent garages and parts sources that love to help those who are interested in learning about the car.

I have a 1998 BMW M3 as a daily driver, and I drive it in all conditions - rain, snow, etc. I would not say the issues I've had with the car are truly abnormal, but I have been very committed to preventative maintenance, something relatively foreign to most other car owners. Because I love the car, and I find it fun to debug simple problems, it has been an enjoyable ownership experience. And, I can take it to the track on weekends.

So, long-winded, but there are lots of factors - and I do think that they can serve as everyday cars. And, if you take the time to join the car club, meet with your local chapter, try a driving event, and scout out some indepenent garages, you'll see why BMWs are truly great - the network of enthusiasts and independents, and some dealers, that support them.

Answer 6

Toyota does not even compare to BMW. Why are you comparing the 2 anyway? BMW's are buil for performance, handling and luxury. I have an X3 and love it. It's fast and fun. After having a BMW, I will probably never drive anything else.

Answer 7

It depends on your point of view and what you mean by practical.

Money wise, there's a lot of cheaper cars to buy and maintain, and Toyota is one of them, but would you rather drive a BMW or a Toyota?

Personally, I'd take almost any BMW over any Toyota ever made.

Answer 8

Compared to Toyota.. hmmm knowing both cars.. NO
BMWs are more exspensive to buy and maintain.
They don't hold resale value any better then a Toyota.
Almost everything you want in the car costs you extra, while the Japanese throw lots of things in for no extra charge.
A BMW might give you a better feeling as a status symbol, but also stands out in a crowd for a thief as possible having valuables inside.
We will have to see about the new models, but up until now, once a BMW hits over 60,000mile they are known for cooling problems. If they overheat and you drive it, 99.9% you break the engine. They have problem with leaking valve guides, not bad, just makes them smoke blue.

I am a mechanic with the US Forces in Germany. I have lived over here for 20 some years and have quite a bit of experience with US, Japanese and European cars. BMW is second behind French cars for most for my most disliked due to various reasons.

But don't let me stop you.

Answer 9

too lots of the gas that's used to warmth the water may well be wasted in in simple terms shifting the mass of water. It takes time to get the water as much as steam-temp interior the boiler. (besides the undeniable fact that i assume it truly is conceivable which you will strengthen a steam engine that runs in a closed re-cycling circuit with condensing tubes such which you do no longer decide on lots water interior the boiler or in reserve). They use boilers that run the threat of exploding if the strain-launch valve fails. i'm no expert yet possibly steam engines nevertheless score properly while very intense-torque is needed of an engine, yet that's no longer the case for a automobile. With greater present day diesel & petrol engines, why might every physique decide directly to strengthen a steam engine?

Answer 10

They are practical, but they cost more to buy and to service.