[Angry3]

So the better half got in on the end of life lease insanity with these cars, and has enjoyed an uber cheap lease on her 2011 328i for the past 27 months. She would like to keep the car, but part of the reason the lease deal was good was a hyper inflated 71% residual at signing.

So basically, the car isn't worth close to the contract buyout, and I knew it wouldn't be when we leased it. The plot has thickened a bit recently with a dealer offering to knock down the buyout on it.

Quick details on the car:

2011 328 Sedan, Alpine over Saddle Brown.
27k miles. 21 months of factory warranty/maintenence left.
No accidents, outstanding condition.
Options: Premium, Sport, Cold Weather, Nav/Idrive, Bi-Xenons, Folding Rear Seats.

Original MSRP was $45,125
Contract buyout is $32,038
Offer on the table is $27,900

I know that's not a smoking deal. If you've leased a BMW in the last few years and tried to buy it out, you know things have changed and you're almost never going to get a great deal on your own lease. The dealer pays more for the car if it's going to be sold to the original lessee, and that peace of mind of knowing exactly what your used car is comes with a premium attached.

So here's where I could use a little help. Given the circumstances, is that offer reasonable in this market? It's certainly over KBB, but it seems like a lot of these resources don't assign much or any value to what I consider desirable options on these cars. I've looked at asking prices, and have some real world info from here, but I'd appreciate thoughts on this decision.

The car has had 0 problems and unscheduled dealer visits (Unlike my '08 135, lol), runs and handles like a dream, and part of me thinks a chance to buy a nice example of the last "Analog" BMW sedan and a car I personally find more enjoyable to drive than its replacement is something she shouldn't pass up. Then again, if the car ain't worth it, it ain't worth it...

Sorry for the long read, thoughts are much appreciated!

[XM_Rocks]

If you want the car do it.

Honestly after being in a loaner poverty spec F30 I was so happy to be back in my E90.

You know its history... that's worth a little bump especially if you are going to keep it for a while.

[Dutchdaddy]

I had a similar situation........I walked.....to clarify, my numbers were different; this was on a 335d.

Sticker was $53K
Buy out was $27K
Dealer was willing to CPO/take care of taxes for $29.2K..... I laughed and walked out....

I looked for another 335d, spec'd the way I would've ordered my 335d, found that one in IN, and bought it...

Also, in that particular scenario, I was able to obtain special financing from BMW FS, which wasn't available to me if I would've bought out my lease.....

Edit: In your scenario, you know the car, you broke it in correctly (I presume), you didn't drive it like it was a rental (I presume again), so it makes sense financially, go for it....

[Angry3]

Thanks fellas, very much appreciate the thoughts. Definitely hard to pull the trigger when I'm seeing turbo versions selling frequently for a few grand more.

Getting down to the wire, other thought are most welcome!

[XM_Rocks]

Originally Posted by Angry3

Thanks fellas, very much appreciate the thoughts. Definitely hard to pull the trigger when I'm seeing turbo versions selling frequently for a few grand more.

Getting down to the wire, other thought are most welcome!

Does it matter to your wife?

My wife doesn't care about power and go fast bits.

When we were car shopping for her we narrowed down on the Golf and GTI.

It was only a $4k diff and she opted for the 2.5 Golf.

I am glad she picked it because the powertrain is reliable and runs on reg gas. Plus she keeps her cars for 10-12 years.

[wdeerfield]

Thats way to high. You should be getting that around $24k at the most. All the 2011's in my area are xdrive (which adds some to the price) and they are all lease returns, cpo'd with similar specs and miles for 22-26 depending on that.

[Jody62]

I would do it if they will CPO it. That was my biggest requirement when I was looking at the 335. That added two years of warranty is priceless, especially after the transmission fiasco I had with an aftermarket warranty company on my '06 530xi wagon.

[cruisetrend]

Would you consider reassigning the lease?

[nick380]

You know the car, you know the history. If your wife loves the car, keep it. If she wants to try something else maybe consider leasing another vehicle?