Advice on a car

[S2000 Driver]

Originally Posted by vh_bu98

I've narrowed it down to a 2004 325i and a 2005 IS300. I can't get them to budge on the price of the Lexus, but the BMW has some serious wriggle room.

Both sound vehicles.

Is each currently owned by the orginal owner and are complete service records available?

Have them thoroughly inspected by a mechanic you trust.

And run a CARFAX report on their VINs if you haven't done so already:

CARFAX Vehicle History Reports

[996]

Originally Posted by S2000 Driver

Both sound vehicles.

Is each currently owned by the orginal owner and are complete service records available?

Have them thoroughly inspected by a mechanic you trust.

And run a CARFAX report on their VINs if you haven't done so already:

CARFAX Vehicle History Reports

yes make sure you buy with confidence.

Surely the BMW will have better residuals? It certainly would in the UK.

post a pic once you have her!

[Arturo]

I am a former German car addict. Also owned lots of Volvos. I will probably buy more as I am interested in the X3 or the C30 (little Volvo coupe) or the new little 1 series BMW coupe that is coming to the states.

BUT these days I usually get SMART and go Japanese at the time to write the check. The reliability and seemless perfection of the Japanese cars is really impressive. I think the TSX is a nice car, but the road noise was not something I really liked so were I you I would look for a 2005 TL. That is the car I gave my former wife, and it has a stereo like Carnegie Hall and is exceptional. The only drawback was a larger than average turning radius.

Just get in any Civic or Accord or CRV...any Honda, and sit at the parking light. You will not even hear the engine. I love the V tech technology that is so pure...non interfering turbo technology, just pure engine and they love RPM's so you can drive them hard and they go forever. My neighbor has a CRV with close to 200K niles on it with never a hiccough. With Acura you will get the turbo and that is nice too if you need it....fast freeway entries etc or passing trucks on hills. But for my money..and I am talking about smart money, I personally think Honda is the smartest car to buy.

I also think that frequently people get 6 cylender engines, when the 4 is more than adequate. I cannot get over the power that little V tech Honda engine finds.

But you have listed some nice cars. I would not go with the Volvo due to parts costs. I have had Volvos and I love the ergonomics of the seats...best feature. You will be buying a Ford product in many ways, good car, but not as reliable as the Japanese.

And I echo the comments on Hyundai.....You could go NEW with one of these, get 100K drive train warranty, and get a car that is giving a lot of benefits away in order to get market share. If you don't give a rip about what the Jones think, you could get lots of great reliable car with a Hyundai. I rented a Sonata recently...a 6 cyl....and it was flawless.

Basically I like German for road stick. The VW GTI is the most fun car to drive I have driven in a long time....as is the Audi A3. So that is the kind of car I like for mountain roads as I like to drive corners and have fun. But for family car and basic car, go Japanese and get a seemless car. The new Accord looks great and I really like the way they put all thh features now on the steering wheel along with the bluetooth. I will not buy another car without Bluetooth.

[vh_bu98]

Both vehicles are certified pre-owns from the respected dealership so they will have the warranty extended on both of them.

I did run a carfax report and both are fine. The BMW was a lease through the dealership so there's only 1 owner. I really like their promotions on 2004 models, 2.9% APR and the first 2 payments are paid by the dealership. So I can save $1000 up front and than $3000 from the lower interest rate over the life time of the loan. That will help off-set any higher out of warranty costs with the BMW.

The Lexus was from Michigan and also one owner. It's also a great car. The IS300 has more oomph than the 325i and it's a smoother ride. The BMW has a sportier feel to it and a more luxurious cabin.

I found out that Carfax does not report accidents in California and Texas. Something to think about when buying a pre-own in either of those states.

Hondas and Acuras are great cars and I know that from first hand experience. I just want something different since I want a different feel from my Accord.

I was disappointed with the Camry SE v6. I didn't find the brakes very responsive and it's too big of a car for my liking. Probably fine for a family, but I like to put the peddle to the medal and sometimes that will require me to stop pretty quickly.

The head says Lexus, the heart says BMW so tough decision. Pricing will probably be the determing factor. Hopefully I'll pick up one of those cars this week. I'll post pictures when it's all done.

[Steve V.]

the winter conditions it was driven in. Salt on the roads equals bad news for the metal on the cars.

Steve

[Ed Rooney]

Lexus makes the most reliable vehicles in the world.

BMW does not, but they are headed in the right direction.

There is some merit to the salt thing. I lived in Minnesota for a while, and salt is a factor with used cars.

[Arturo]

The BMW will have rear wheel drive....nice on clean, dry highways but not so on snow and ice. The Lexus would do it all in my view. Get the one you want, not the one that has a price that will budge.

[996]

Originally Posted by Arturo

The BMW will have rear wheel drive....nice on clean, dry highways but not so on snow and ice.

True the BMW will be rear wheel drive..... AWESOME fun in rain and snow

[S2000 Driver]

Originally Posted by Ed Rooney

Lexus makes the most reliable vehicles in the world...

Actually, it's pretty much a dead heat between Honda/Acura and Toyota/Lexus in terms of highest reliability.

However, the most reliabile car model made for years now is the Lexus LS.

For dependable transportation, a new (or used) Lexus LS is truly a standout!

[mailman]

Originally Posted by Ed Rooney

Lexus makes the most reliable vehicles in the world.

I couldn't believe it either but they're tied with Buick

http://www.core77.com/blog/object_cu...buick_7218.asp

[S2000 Driver]

Originally Posted by mailman

I couldn't believe it either but they're tied with Buick

http://www.core77.com/blog/object_cu...buick_7218.asp

That is a 2007 JD Power reliability study of only 2004 model year cars.

The fact that Buick tied for first place with Lexus should tell you something about the study's credibility.

[Ed Rooney]

Buick has always placed very highly on those studies. GM in general does much better than the other "traditionally domestic" brands. I'm beginning to suspect that they are secretly controlled by the Japanese.

Ford is making a few good vehicles this year, but they are so hit or miss. One year they make a world-beater, then the next year they decide to use nitro-glycerin as radiator coolant and kill 140 families.

Go to the library and read the Consumer Reports annual auto buying issue that came out last summer.

Then go get your Lexus.

[S2000 Driver]

Originally Posted by Ed Rooney

...Go to the library and read the Consumer Reports annual auto buying issue that came out last summer.

The Consumer Reports Annual Auto Issue (April 2007) is a must before purchasing a vehicle.

You'll come away being a believer in Acura and Lexus and you'll be shocked how poorly Mercedes-Benz fairs.

Not one MB is recommended.

Contrast this with Honda and Subaru -- every one of their models is recommended. They are the only two marques with that distinction.

[vh_bu98]

Well it's a done deal, I drove the BMW 325i home tonight. The whole process was a lot less stressful than I thought. I did most of the negotiating through e-mail with the internet manager. So it only took about 40 minutes to take care of everything when I arrived at the dealership. Half of that time time was me double-checking everything. I got $4,500 off the asking price, 3.9% APR for 60 months and the first two months free.

I've wanted a BMW since I was a kid and now I have it. Okay, it's not brand new, but a certified pre-own isn't bad. I'll take pictures later this week when I get a chance.

Side note...I noticed that the finance guy was wearing a Panerai and he noticed that I was wearing a Rolex.

[S2000 Driver]

Originally Posted by vh_bu98

Well it's a done deal, I drove the BMW 325i home tonight...

...I've wanted a BMW since I was a kid and now I have it...

A fine choice.

Sounds like your decision was not based purely on logic. But unless you're Spock, that can be expected!

Look forward to seeing pics of her later this week.

[Arturo]

How many miles on the BMW? Sounds like a smashing deal.

[vh_bu98]

Originally Posted by Arturo

How many miles on the BMW? Sounds like a smashing deal.

31,000 miles on a 2004 model that was shipped in October 04 making it about 3 years old. Probably one of the last 04 models before the 05s started shipping. Got it for $24.6K USD which isn't too bad for a certified pre-own especially since it has real leather and xenon head lights. I also like the fact that it was a lease vehicle from the same dealership and they have the complete service record available.

[East Bay Rider]

Excellent, good luck with it. Now lets see some pics.

[Arturo]

Great car. I love the 3 series, and you don't need the bigger ones to get fabulous performance. I am really curious to see the new 1 series that is coming....some call it an M1 but that is not accurate. The current 3 series has gotten bigger...like the former 5 series. So the new 1 series will be about the size of the smaller earlier 3 series of 4 or 5 years ago...I think before your car. And so this little new 1 car will be a coupe and very hot and fast and fun. I think it is taking shots at the A3, R32, GTI, SI Coupe market in its entry version, but there will be a twin turbo one with a 5 series engine in it with something like 350 hp that will be zoom zoom.

But those are my earlier days. I think the car you got is fabulous and what a great price. Also with certified pre owned cars they extend the warranty so you are in great shape. Congrats.

[vh_bu98]

The new 1's will definitely be something. I always love coupes and would have gotten another one if I didn't already own one. Not to mention my friends kept complaining what a pain it was to get in and out of the back seat. They are much happier with the 325i sedan. But I always feel that BMW gives special preference to their coupes...they always look better than their sedan counterparts. And with BMW continuously increasing their prices, they need the 1 as an affordable entry level. Have you seen the price on the new M3?

I have to take the bimmer to the dealership on Wednesday for some cosmetic work so I'll see if they have a 1 on the floor. I may be lucky and get one as a loaner for the day.

For now, I'm happy with my E46 face lift sedan. I'm actually resisting the temptation of getting clear corner and side lights and LED tail lights for more of a European look. My friend who drives a E46 M3 is trying to talk me into 18" or 19" rims and m3 side mirrors to replace my elephant ones. I'm already started planning on replacing the audio system with new amps, speakers and a sub woofer. Owning this car is going to get expensive pretty quick. But it's sure fun to drive.

Sorry, no photos yet because it's rainy and cold outside.

[diamonddatejust]

If you go with a BMW go with an 06. New body style and all around better car. I have an 06 325i sedan and its the best car I have ever owner. Has the sport,premium and cold packages,black leather w/aluminum trim and has the most sought after color,Titanium silver. Just added a $4k set of 19" BMW M6 rims and it just sets the care off. The only reason I am selling it is because I ordered a 2008 model. Hit me up if your looking for an 06 and i will send photos.

[vukotab]

I`m from Europe and I have some experience with European cars,most of them premium brands.BMW is overpriced,believe me,SAAB is not reliable as near as it is said to be,so my choice would be Lexus IS,without a doubt!And,as some of the guys said,re-consider purchasing of new Hyundai Sonata,a remarcable car for more then fair price.