Possible to find a cheap BMW?

Question

Do you think I will be able to find a used BMW for around $5,000?

Something '95 and up that doesn't have way too many miles on it?

Answer 1

Yes to finding one for under $5K, no for low miles.

(For 3-series, pre-1991 are e30s, pre-2000 are e36s.) You'll be able to find an e36 for the money, but if it's that cheap, that raises questions about its history (accidents, etc). The e30s are classic already, and you should be able to find a nicer one for that price (since they're older), though again, it'll have high mileage. Try to figure out what you really want (coupe or 4-dr, manual or auto, engine size), and then use the online search engines (like yahoo autos or even ebay) to find cars in your area.

Here's a good e30 example: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/BMW-325ix-5-Speed-ALL-Wheel-Drive_W0QQitemZ290065880916QQihZ019QQcategoryZ6007QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Carfax or other tools are NOT 100%, or anywhere near it. Get a good BMW mechanic to look over the car. If you need to find one, I'd suggest going here - http://www.m3forum.net/m3forum/. If you scroll about halfway down, there are regional forums; register so you can post, and then ask for recommended mechanics in your area.

Answer 2

it isnt really possible to find a bmw over 10 yrs old with under 100k miles in that price range. i own a 2006 3 series myself, and all i hear from people is how much the repairs on a bmw are going to cost. i'm 21 yrs. old, and luckly i can afford to pay for the costly repairs.
from what i see in previous answers to your question, you are young and obviously have a budget.
Still determined to get a BMW? if i were you, i would wait untill at least 18 and make sure you have a semi-stable job and maybe you can finnance a newer one, possibly a 2000-2003 for under 20k. that way the dealership will offer some kind of warranty for you at an additional cost.

Answer 3

It is unlikely that you will find a low mileage BMW for $5,000. Since you are a 17 year old woman, I would recommend a good japanese car for reliability. I am a BMW owner and love it. I paid $2200 for mine but put about $2000 into it to get it running well. I'm pretty good with cars though. Repair work on BMW's can be quite expensive, so the initial cost is not the only consideration.

Answer 4

I'm another BMW owner. I purchased a 95 740i for $6,000 four months ago. I've owned several older BMW's, Mercedes and Porches over the years. If you've got the money to maintain it then it's a nice care to have. If you're on a tight budget monthly and this is your primary source of transportation then I would consider something else. The first day I had it the fuel pump went out....$625 including labor.

Answer 5

I concur with what everyone else has told you. Cheap and BMW do not even belong in the same sentence. My friend bought a 1992 525i, he tried to buy parts at a junkyard, they laughed at him because they only had 2 BMWs. BMW owners buy NEW parts and pay a lot of money for them. In return the cars are very well built and they last a long time. We went into the dealership and it was cleaner than my apartment, the techs were clean, the parts dept was staffed by an attractive woman and they had coffee in the waiting area. You get what you pay for.

Answer 6

Just like others have said here the maintenance is going to be costly. I bought an '86 325e 7 years ago for $3,000 and I just put in a new starter a couple months ago for $600. I also just found out that a new muffler, catalytic converter, oxygen sensor and all of the mounts is going to cost me $700 for stock parts (non perfomance) if I do it all myself.

However, even with the high maintenence cost, my BMW is still the best car that I have owned. It is so much fun to drive.

I hope you find a good used beamer, but before you do that you might want to find a good, local BMW mechanic and find out what they will charge you to maintain your "ultimate driving machine."

Answer 7

there are some find old BMW's that can be had for $5k but in the condition you would hope low miles 95 and newer not likely that's not to say it will never happen you would have to at the right place at the right time remember good things don't come cheap and cheap things don't come good

Answer 8

Its a good choice of car and you might be able to get one for around 5k but it will be older than 95 plus will have very close to 100k miles if not more. secondly the darn thing will cost you alot to maintain. these german cars are a pain to fix. not everyone can work on it and the ones that can will charge you good. plus dont forget the parts!! :) its a pricey car to keep. :)

Answer 9

There are over 1500 BMW's for sale on cars.com for $5000 or less. You should be able to find one near you.

Kelly Blue Book lists private party sale values for cars, and typically cars sell for less than the "Blue Book" value.

Answer 10

Why a BMW? You're seventeen, right? You most likley can't afford the TUNE-UP on a BMW, let alone a Major Repair...

Kids nowerdays have NO common sense...