[apocalypse]

Hey everyone, first time posting here, just looking for some advice about buying a used BMW. I'm budgeting around 25K, is that a realistic amount to get a good 335 here, or should I be looking at a 328? Is it even worth it to get a 335 thats not CPO/under warranty?

Also, for mechanic inspection, should I take it to a dealership or can someone recommend a good independent shop to check out the used car?

[Yvette]

U r looking at 328

[PepE92M3]

328i is your best bet.

[slenfe]

what ever you end up with, you should take the car for an inspection, find a good independent dealer or a BMW dealership nearby and have them inspect the car. having a warranty is always a plus if you can get a CPO which will always cost you more.

for 25K you most likely to get a 328 or 323, if you are not in rush waiting for late fall or Winter might be the best time to buy.

Good luck.

[apocalypse]

Originally Posted by slenfe

what ever you end up with, you should take the car for an inspection, find a good independent dealer or a BMW dealership nearby and have them inspect the car. having a warranty is always a plus if you can get a CPO which will always cost you more.

for 25K you most likely to get a 328 or 323, if you are not in rush waiting for late fall or Winter might be the best time to buy.

Good luck.

Yea, I'm not in a hurry, could wait it out; so prices tend to drop toward the year end?
And how much is a dealership inspection vs an independent?

Hm, ok I'll focus on a 328 for now, though if I test drive a 335, I might have to bump my budget up.

[vantage_coupe]

I would recommend against the 335 test-drive unless you're sure you want to bump the budget. I was looking for a manual 328 coupe when the sales manager suggested I take the 335 auto for a quick round.

I now own the 335.

[KCX_335xi]

Originally Posted by vantage_coupe

I would recommend against the 335 test-drive unless you're sure you want to bump the budget. I was looking for a manual 328 coupe when the sales manager suggested I take the 335 auto for a quick round.

I now own the 335.

lol...

Exact reason why I did not test drive an M3 !

[apocalypse]

Alright, lol, I will try to heed that advice.

Any BMW specific things to look out for when checking out a used car?

[vanondemand]

Listen for engine noises, give it a test drive obvs.

[slenfe]

Originally Posted by apocalypse

Yea, I'm not in a hurry, could wait it out; so prices tend to drop toward the year end?
And how much is a dealership inspection vs an independent?

Hm, ok I'll focus on a 328 for now, though if I test drive a 335, I might have to bump my budget up.

Post October 2009 will start making way to the market, for that 2008 will see a price drop, from my observation non X market will slow down from Nov-Feb/March and heat up back Spring/fall, so generally speaking you are in better position to negotiate, equally BMW has more incentives; I picked up mine in Feb with 1.99%rate.

if you are in the GTA, places like RMP motors and others speciality shops can do a great inspection jobs, as for BMW dealers perhaps they have to be more politically correct when inspecting cars and they have to go more or less by the book. again if you are in the GTA there has been some good posts on enthusiasts friendly dealers, I personally use BMW Waterloo a great team , I also used Maranello and had a great experience, equally people seems to like Toronto BMW.

last for 335 vs 328 its all depends how long you are planning to keep the car, for long term 328 might be the best bet, short term it depends on your budget as others said don't test 335 as it's contagious and might cause budget shift. personally I would go with 335XI.

Good luck.

[AmericanInToronto]

Originally Posted by apocalypse

Hey everyone, first time posting here, just looking for some advice about buying a used BMW. I'm budgeting around 25K, is that a realistic amount to get a good 335 here, or should I be looking at a 328? Is it even worth it to get a 335 thats not CPO/under warranty?

Also, for mechanic inspection, should I take it to a dealership or can someone recommend a good independent shop to check out the used car?

Make sure you check out the vehicle's service history and that way don't end up with a vehicle with a problem background.

I personally wouldn't do a used 335 for myself.

[BenTrovato]

I would echo would slenfe just said and take the vehicle to RMP for a pre-inspection: wise advice. There are plenty of 335's out there that have been properly maintained and are for sale as a CPO. if you can afford to have some patience and wait for the right one, it will eventually come up.

[farbmw]

Hi,

If you are looking for a 335i coupe 6MT for around 25k, I know of one that would be available soon.

I just got a call last night that my 335is just arrived from out west so my 2008 will be at the dealer soon and I know after that it will be going to auction because of the 3 accidents, so you maybe able to get it from them.

[apocalypse]

Thanks for the advice guys. Are there any good independents in Markham or Scarborough?

Originally Posted by farbmw

Hi,

If you are looking for a 335i coupe 6MT for around 25k, I know of one that would be available soon.

I just got a call last night that my 335is just arrived from out west so my 2008 will be at the dealer soon and I know after that it will be going to auction because of the 3 accidents, so you maybe able to get it from them.

To be honest I'm looking for an auto (don't flame, lol), with the daily 404/401 commute in mind. But PM me the details of the car/history, I'll take a look.

[farbmw]

Originally Posted by apocalypse

Thanks for the advice guys. Are there any good independents in Markham or Scarborough?



To be honest I'm looking for an auto (don't flame, lol), with the daily 404/401 commute in mind. But PM me the details of the car/history, I'll take a look.

Here is the link to the 3rd time it happened:

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=555240

I well PM you the rest of the info.

[Glim]

A quick look on autotrader shows 392 335i for sale in Canada, starting at $19,900.

For a 2007 and up 328i there are 482 for sale starting at $14,500.

Shameless plug: There are 33 2006 330i for sale in Canada starting at $15,600

My advice: get a carproof report and a pre-purchase inspection. Also see if you can get your local dealership to fax you the vehicle service history.

For me I wanted a 2006 manual sport 330i with black leather Alu trim, no accident, took half a year to find the perfect one.

[Cyclops]

Originally Posted by Glim

For me I wanted a 2006 manual sport 330i with black leather Alu trim, no accident, took half a year to find the perfect one.

Same here. I wanted an 06 330i 6sp, black leather, sport package, nav, under 85K, owned and not leased, no accidents and it took me a year to find the right one. Had it looked over a a local BMW dealer and then I drove 500KM to get it.

[Volasko]

I was going to say don't count out the 330i! Only was out for one year but it does have 25 HP advantage on the 328i.

[Glim]

Originally Posted by Volasko

I was going to say don't count out the 330i! Only was out for one year but it does have 25 HP advantage on the 328i.

If you can find a good one, they are rare gems.

[Chadd]

Get a 335. I think you can get a cpo 335 for 25k. I picked up an 08 335 with a mrsp of 50k for 25k out the door. It had 40k miles and also came with a maintenance plan and tire warranty.

If you shop hard enough you'll find one. When you find one make sure it has a warranty.

[Pewterss]

I just purchased a 2007 335i 75k miles with a year left on CPO for 20k. It just takes some searching to find the right one.

[apocalypse]

Those are some great deals! I think the price in Canada is around $5000 higher than a similar car sold in the US.

Hm, 330i is nice, but I think I want to stick with an E9X.