[Lava Lamp Freak]

I've driven Mustangs for the last 6 years and love them. I currently have a 2007 Mustang GT that I've had a year, and am thinking about trading it in on a 2003 BMW 325 Ci with 40k miles. The trade will net me $6k profit.

It seems like a good deal to me, but I don't know a lot about foreign cars. I know that the BMW 3 series is the most popular BMW in the US. What I don't know is how much more it will cost to maintain than a Mustang. I don't want to make $6k only to spend more than that on maintenance over the new few years.

Also, is the resell value good on BMWs compared to Fords? The resell value on my past Mustangs has been horrible.

[d4nth3m4n]

any e46 will do much better than a mustang, especially a two door e46. i say go for it.

the 2.5 will feel a bit slower than the GT, but hey, at least it corners, right?

[macfantn]

i say spend the extra cash and get a 335i or at least a 328, of have you considered the 1 series? that is one bad ass machine.

[macfantn]

[d4nth3m4n]

Originally Posted by macfantn 

i say spend the extra cash and get a 335i or at least a 328, of have you considered the 1 series? that is one bad ass machine.

he's talking about a 2003 beamer [sic] and he's also talking about making 6 grand on the deal, pretty sure a new bmw is out of the question.

reading, it's fun-damental.

and the 1 series is an overpriced tank. might as well find another $4k and pick up a 328 or 335.

[macfantn]

his mustang gt is prolly worth close to 20k right? that'd make a nice down payment on a 1 series.

[d4nth3m4n]

now you're just backpedaling.

[macfantn]

If it wasn't me I wouldn't give up a 1 year old car for one that is 5. Even if it is a ford vs a bmw.

[d4nth3m4n]

Originally Posted by macfantn 

If it wasn't me I wouldn't give up a 1 year old car for one that is 5. Even if it is a ford vs a bmw.

but it's not you

[Lava Lamp Freak]

Originally Posted by macfantn 

his mustang gt is prolly worth close to 20k right? that'd make a nice down payment on a 1 series.

Originally Posted by macfantn 

If it wasn't me I wouldn't give up a 1 year old car for one that is 5. Even if it is a ford vs a bmw.

My GT is worth $24k if I sell it myself, which is what I plan to do. The BMWs I've been looking at are between $18k for a 2003 model and $22k for a 2005.

I owe less than my car is worth, so making the trade would benefit me even if it was only a couple thousand. I guess my main concern is if yearly maintenance is going to cost more than that over a few years of ownership. One of my friends tells me it costs a grand every time you take it in to change the oil.

[cjrivera]

Originally Posted by Lava Lamp Freak 

My GT is worth $24k if I sell it myself, which is what I plan to do. The BMWs I've been looking at are between $18k for a 2003 model and $22k for a 2005.

I owe less than my car is worth, so making the trade would benefit me even if it was only a couple thousand. I guess my main concern is if yearly maintenance is going to cost more than that over a few years of ownership. One of my friends tells me it costs a grand every time you take it in to change the oil.

Oil changes for BMWs aren't a grand, but might be in the $100-200 range depending on the dealer (I've seen varying prices on different boards). But then again, the oil changes are every 15,000 miles and they use 5W40 synthetic oil, so it's not the typical 3000 mile/10W40 oil change. They should be free the first 4 yrs or 50,000 miles (IIRC), but I am not sure if that is for the original owner or if it transfers to anew owner.

There are 2 major inspections that BMWs get (I forget at what milage) that can cost over a grand each time you get one done.

[Macfreak7]

Check for warranty/extended warranty. It might be worth it to buy some if it's about to expire (at 50k I believe).

BTW, might you be interested in a 2006 330i? My poor baby could see more action than it is right now.

[finboy]

Originally Posted by Lava Lamp Freak 

I've driven Mustangs for the last 6 years and love them. I currently have a 2007 Mustang GT that I've had a year, and am thinking about trading it in on a 2003 BMW 325 Ci with 40k miles. The trade will net me $6k profit.

A car is just a car.

Your maintenance question is the only relevant consideration. If you can find a local BMW specialist (NOT the dealer) ask them about what it will cost. Take the $6k and invest it offshore somewhere, or buy gold.

[pooka]

Originally Posted by finboy 

A car is just a car.

A meal is just sustenance. A wife is just a companion unit. A child is just a parasite.

Remove the passion, desire and joy from every aspect of your life and you'll end up like just about every other soulless sucker I know.

Use your head but have some fun, dood.

[imitchellg5]

I would probably keep the Mustang. The 325s are pretty sluggish, it won't have near the power (and especially torque) that you are used to in the 'stang. Handling would be pretty different, although I know the current Mustang's isn't too horrid. I would save my money and get a 330Ci, they have much better power and are very well equipped usually. Maintenance will be more expensive for the BMW, especially as it gets older. I was looking at some BMWs last year to replace my Volvo, and maintenance wasn't near as much as it would be for my Accord. And BMWs do tend to hold their value pretty decently if the car's in good shape. As I found out, there are a ton of crappy BMWs out there too that people flock to so they can get the BMW charisma for cheap.

[vmarks]

I once owned a BMW. It was a 1981 320iS that I bought for $100 off a college student. I rebuilt the top end of the engine in a weekend and drove it all over. Sold for $1300. Good cheap fun.

I would own a BMW again, but I would likely get the ones iMitchellg5 describes as crappy. I don't need the charisma, I just want the handling. As it is, for me, the most important point of car ownership is the ownership - I buy used and own outright.

In that light, the idea of changing to recoup some money is a good one, Lava Lamp Freak. Go for it.

[Face Ache]

Originally Posted by vmarks 

I buy used and own outright.

The way to go.

[Laminar]

I prefer credit. It's like magic.

I haven't given up yet...

[imitchellg5]

Originally Posted by vmarks 

I once owned a BMW. It was a 1981 320iS that I bought for $100 off a college student. I rebuilt the top end of the engine in a weekend and drove it all over. Sold for $1300. Good cheap fun.

I would own a BMW again, but I would likely get the ones iMitchellg5 describes as crappy. I don't need the charisma, I just want the handling. As it is, for me, the most important point of car ownership is the ownership - I buy used and own outright.

In that light, the idea of changing to recoup some money is a good one, Lava Lamp Freak. Go for it.

I probably should have explained what I meant by crappy. There are a lot of abused older Bimmers out there that have a ton of miles and haven't recieved much love from the owner(s). I think that anyone should stay away from those. A 325Ci in good condition is definetly not a crappy car.

[Railroader]

Originally Posted by Laminar 

I prefer credit. It's like magic.

I haven't given up yet...

must... refrain... from... biting... hook...

[Laminar]

If I had to list my two favorite things in the world, they would be:

1. Credit (it's free money!)
2. Tired jokes

[Railroader]

Why'd the chicken cross the road?











To get some credit.

[Laminar]

[packet of krisps]

Doesn't anyone appreciate American Muscle anymore? Sure they eat gas and aren't as fast as the bemurs. No one has pride in their country anymore? If you go to Germany their not all driving Mustangs.

My Dad has got the 745li, a 95k dollar car, my friend drives a 30k 1998 Cobra, my friend loves to drive, my Dad got a BMW because everyone wants one and he thought he'd be happy with it. After driving my friend's Cobra once, he's selling the BMW and getting a Shelby, go Dad! BMW makes an amazing car, but I prefer the roar of a GT with a nice cat back system.

[d4nth3m4n]

Originally Posted by packet of krisps 

Doesn't anyone appreciate American Muscle anymore? Sure they eat gas and aren't as fast as the bemurs. No one has pride in their country anymore? If you go to Germany their not all driving Mustangs.

My Dad has got the 745li, a 95k dollar car, my friend drives a 30k 1998 Cobra, my friend loves to drive, my Dad got a BMW because everyone wants one and he thought he'd be happy with it. After driving my friend's Cobra once, he's selling the BMW and getting a Shelby, go Dad! BMW makes an amazing car, but I prefer the roar of a GT with a nice cat back system.

[exca1ibur]

Originally Posted by packet of krisps 

..Sure they eat gas...

With gas at $4 a gallon I think that says it all. If this wasn't the case I'd take a 72' Chevelle SS 454 in a minute, but economically, thats not an option. Right now reliable '03 Corolla gets the job done and doesn't break me down at the gas station.

[ShortcutToMoncton]

Originally Posted by exca1ibur 

With gas at $4 a gallon I think that says it all. If this wasn't the case I'd take a 72' Chevelle SS 454 in a minute, but economically, thats not an option. Right now reliable '03 Corolla gets the job done and doesn't break me down at the gas station.

Plus it's. . . somewhat cheaper?

greg

(And: what's wrong with credit, really? Dumb if used improperly, very good if used wisely.)

[turtle777]

Originally Posted by Laminar 

Is that preacher there Salty ?

-t