F30POST
F30POST
2012-2015 BMW 3-Series and 4-Series Forum
BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
BMW 3-Series and 4-Series Forum (F30 / F32) | F30POST > BIMMERPOST Universal Forums > General Automotive (non-BMW) Talk + Photos/Videos > "Down grade" from a BMW, suggestions? choices?
Extreme Powerhouse
Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      11-30-2012, 06:34 AM   #45
thecadman99
Lieutenant
thecadman99's Avatar
52
Rep
450
Posts

Drives: e90 330i 6mt spt bk/bk
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Virginia

iTrader: (0)

It sounds like most of the cars being suggested are not going to really save you any money in the long run vs. just keeping your 3.

If you are serious about getting by on the cheap, sell your car outright, and just get some basic transportation, maybe something like an older model Focus. The wagons are very practical and usually have been taken decent care of. A zx5 is also good basic transportation and you'll be able to buy a used one for less than 5k.

If you are trying to buy a car that will compete with your 3 you might as well keep the 3. Buy some tools, and ramps, do the waterpump yourself, and start doing your own maintaining.
Good luck with your house!
__________________
06 330i 6mt Spt- Eibach Springs, BMW Perf Susp, Supersprint Exhaust, BSW Audio
RIP-94 325i 5mt 4d- M3 springs/susp, Z3 wheels, Chipped, Intake, Exhaust= FUN!
Appreciate 0
      11-30-2012, 06:43 AM   #46
AllBlackBimmer
Colonel
AllBlackBimmer's Avatar
United_States
813
Rep
2,868
Posts

Drives: 2019 X3 m40i
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Northeast

iTrader: (-1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by bbbuzzy View Post
If you don't already have an extended warranty (as the thread suggests) and you have 65K miles on it, then you're already out of warranty. Worrying about an electric water pump that may fail tomorrow or never and that only costs around $1000 seems to be losing sight of your concerns. If you want to save money, why do you want to want to buy a new car? You'll be entering into another financing situation. If you only have 2 yrs of payments left, you own the car after that. No more payments. You can pay yourself every month and build up a reserve to buffer the unexpected cost of a failed water pump, etc. but owning a car AFTER it's paid off doesn't mean you will spend more for repairs. If the car has been maintained properly, the N52 cars seem to be doing quite well for long-term reliability. I'm at 141+K in my '06 and I did proactively replace the water pump recently, as well as the T-stat. It cost about $1100 at a local BMW indy shop. Other work has been wear and tear and car is running good. No payments here!

Good luck with your decision.
My car is CPO'ed. And I could cut my monthly payments AND INSURANCE by 100's of dollers.
__________________
2019 X3 m40i:Carbon Black:Executive:Premium:Adaptive:Vernasca:699M:HK: Ambient:IND trim:M Mirrors:15mm spacers:Maxton lip:20% tint windows/pano:dsg paddles:TLG mudflaps
2008 328i E90 Jet Black:6MT:RWD:Premium:Sport:Xenon:MTEC V3 AEs:Front Splitters:CF spoiler:19" VMR FF v710
Appreciate 0
      11-30-2012, 06:44 AM   #47
AllBlackBimmer
Colonel
AllBlackBimmer's Avatar
United_States
813
Rep
2,868
Posts

Drives: 2019 X3 m40i
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Northeast

iTrader: (-1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Park2670 View Post
Im making the same decision now. I am thinking of going Mazdaspeed 3 and then saving up for an F80 M3 in the future.

Mazda has Adaptive headlights, Comfort Access, Streaming bluetooth music, turbo power, good handling, basically a lot of the things I like about my BMW but for much less. Only thing I am not excited about is going back to FWD.
Yea I do NOT want to go back to FWD, but understand I may have too. RWD FTW! ... I'll go AWD before FWD if I can...
__________________
2019 X3 m40i:Carbon Black:Executive:Premium:Adaptive:Vernasca:699M:HK: Ambient:IND trim:M Mirrors:15mm spacers:Maxton lip:20% tint windows/pano:dsg paddles:TLG mudflaps
2008 328i E90 Jet Black:6MT:RWD:Premium:Sport:Xenon:MTEC V3 AEs:Front Splitters:CF spoiler:19" VMR FF v710
Appreciate 0
      11-30-2012, 06:46 AM   #48
AllBlackBimmer
Colonel
AllBlackBimmer's Avatar
United_States
813
Rep
2,868
Posts

Drives: 2019 X3 m40i
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Northeast

iTrader: (-1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Kolyan2k View Post
15 year old BMWs are reliable and cheap to fix especially if you know where to get parts and can do some things yourself. Most e90s would never see 300-500k mile mark unlike e38s. Less electronics + cheap parts = reliable.

Its obvious that you can get worry free American shit box, but if you want a nice RWD car then older BMW is a nice way to go.
Yea, I think I am going to do some research on some of the older BMWs...
__________________
2019 X3 m40i:Carbon Black:Executive:Premium:Adaptive:Vernasca:699M:HK: Ambient:IND trim:M Mirrors:15mm spacers:Maxton lip:20% tint windows/pano:dsg paddles:TLG mudflaps
2008 328i E90 Jet Black:6MT:RWD:Premium:Sport:Xenon:MTEC V3 AEs:Front Splitters:CF spoiler:19" VMR FF v710
Appreciate 0
      11-30-2012, 06:47 AM   #49
AllBlackBimmer
Colonel
AllBlackBimmer's Avatar
United_States
813
Rep
2,868
Posts

Drives: 2019 X3 m40i
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Northeast

iTrader: (-1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by GChase View Post
Used Acura TSX's are hard to come by. When searching for cars a few months ago, I ultimately quit my search of TSX's just from the lack of good priced, low mileage, optioned choices.

I test drove a few in the 08-09 range and they felt great. My 328's engine bullies the TSX though, but Acura's (more specifically Hondas in general) are definitely the most reliable cars and one of the cheapest to maintain. I'd go for either a TSX or RSX type S. If you want to save even more money, maybe an Accord or S2000 if you don't have a family (guessing you do/will since you're getting a house).
No family. No wife. No kids. No dog.

Just a young, single guy, looking to make some good money choices.
__________________
2019 X3 m40i:Carbon Black:Executive:Premium:Adaptive:Vernasca:699M:HK: Ambient:IND trim:M Mirrors:15mm spacers:Maxton lip:20% tint windows/pano:dsg paddles:TLG mudflaps
2008 328i E90 Jet Black:6MT:RWD:Premium:Sport:Xenon:MTEC V3 AEs:Front Splitters:CF spoiler:19" VMR FF v710
Appreciate 0
      11-30-2012, 06:49 AM   #50
AllBlackBimmer
Colonel
AllBlackBimmer's Avatar
United_States
813
Rep
2,868
Posts

Drives: 2019 X3 m40i
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Northeast

iTrader: (-1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by NemesisX View Post
Then you don't "own" it. You're just leasing it.


No, I am financing my car, but I am not "leasing it" .. Yes I don't own it outright or have the title, but if I wanted to cut the springs, put on a huge exhaust on and modify some body panels, I could, unlike a real "lease" car.
__________________
2019 X3 m40i:Carbon Black:Executive:Premium:Adaptive:Vernasca:699M:HK: Ambient:IND trim:M Mirrors:15mm spacers:Maxton lip:20% tint windows/pano:dsg paddles:TLG mudflaps
2008 328i E90 Jet Black:6MT:RWD:Premium:Sport:Xenon:MTEC V3 AEs:Front Splitters:CF spoiler:19" VMR FF v710
Appreciate 0
      11-30-2012, 06:50 AM   #51
AllBlackBimmer
Colonel
AllBlackBimmer's Avatar
United_States
813
Rep
2,868
Posts

Drives: 2019 X3 m40i
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Northeast

iTrader: (-1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by JoshuaWong1989 View Post
May I suggest a FR-S/ BRZ / FT86 whatever they call it? Great little car, turns head and handles brilliantly.

As you can see, it doesn't look out of place beside my M3. Good on gas, insurance is cheap, and Toyota reliability + Subaru craftsmanship.
Those are really nice looking cars but..

They are a brand new car=probably some kinks to be worked out AND i am not looking to buy a new car for 25k (think thats how much they run new+well equiped) and for that much $$ I'd keep my bimmer.
__________________
2019 X3 m40i:Carbon Black:Executive:Premium:Adaptive:Vernasca:699M:HK: Ambient:IND trim:M Mirrors:15mm spacers:Maxton lip:20% tint windows/pano:dsg paddles:TLG mudflaps
2008 328i E90 Jet Black:6MT:RWD:Premium:Sport:Xenon:MTEC V3 AEs:Front Splitters:CF spoiler:19" VMR FF v710
Appreciate 0
      11-30-2012, 06:53 AM   #52
AllBlackBimmer
Colonel
AllBlackBimmer's Avatar
United_States
813
Rep
2,868
Posts

Drives: 2019 X3 m40i
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Northeast

iTrader: (-1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by cmyk View Post
Not sure if serious, but if someone is looking to get out of a 328 due to potential reliability issues, an E39 is about the last car I would suggest. Yes they are fun to drive, but they are very temperamental and everything costs more to fix.

OP I would have suggested a VW but you already said you aren't interested in those (why? I loved mine and never had any issues over 78k miles outside of maintenance stuff).

Have you thought about an American car? I have a Challenger RT and it's pretty fun and has been rock solid so far (can't comment on long term since it's still fairly new). They are way cheaper to fix at least

I have always told myself, I will never own a VW or Audi. A bunch of my friends have had those cars and have had nothing but problems - from little things to huge issues. I know they have improved and VW is "bmw's little wanna-be brother", but am just not a VW fan. I don't want or like jetta's that much and GTIs are fun to drive, but a hatchback is not for me. VR6's and R32s are great cars, but not for me.
__________________
2019 X3 m40i:Carbon Black:Executive:Premium:Adaptive:Vernasca:699M:HK: Ambient:IND trim:M Mirrors:15mm spacers:Maxton lip:20% tint windows/pano:dsg paddles:TLG mudflaps
2008 328i E90 Jet Black:6MT:RWD:Premium:Sport:Xenon:MTEC V3 AEs:Front Splitters:CF spoiler:19" VMR FF v710
Appreciate 0
      11-30-2012, 07:00 AM   #53
GChase
Captain
GChase's Avatar
United_States
37
Rep
701
Posts

Drives: 2009 E90 328i
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Louisville, KY

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by AllBlackBimmer View Post
No family. No wife. No kids. No dog.

Just a young, single guy, looking to make some good money choices.
Definitely go for the S2000. Throw a supercharger in that b***h and go crazy.
Appreciate 0
      11-30-2012, 07:04 AM   #54
fireline43
Lieutenant
42
Rep
497
Posts

Drives: 2013 Mercedes C250
Join Date: May 2012
Location: South Florida

iTrader: (0)

everyone is pretty much naming cars over his price range. 15k area is either older luxury cars or newer cheaper cars. You could get a decent mustang probably? An fr-s/brz would be in the 22k range.
If you have to go that cheap and your looking to buy a house, I'd say just lease something cheaper. That low monthly payment will help you with a house. Get the fr-s leased.
Appreciate 0
      11-30-2012, 07:25 AM   #55
Kolyan2k
Major General
916
Rep
5,538
Posts

Drives: 2006 S2000
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Boston

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by AllBlackBimmer View Post
Yea, I think I am going to do some research on some of the older BMWs...
We just sold 2 2000 740s, both below $5k and both had around 110k miles. Pretty good cars.

Guy I know sold 2000 740i sport w/ 130k miles for $1700 Carfax had miles rolled back thing......but $1700 is still cheap, those sport wheels must be like $1000 lol

EDIT: my bad, one 740 sold for $5.8k, another was below $5k for $4.5-4.8k

Last edited by Kolyan2k; 11-30-2012 at 08:12 AM..
Appreciate 0
      11-30-2012, 07:25 AM   #56
AllBlackBimmer
Colonel
AllBlackBimmer's Avatar
United_States
813
Rep
2,868
Posts

Drives: 2019 X3 m40i
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Northeast

iTrader: (-1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by GChase View Post
Definitely go for the S2000. Throw a supercharger in that b***h and go crazy.
Need a little more car than a 2 door roadster But seriously, I would love an s2000, but they are unpractical for what I need.. I don't need a kid hualing mini van, but I do travel for work and sometimes need to put things in my car - either things or people, which is way I have a BMW sedan and not coupe... however not completely opposed to another 2 door car, as long as it atleast has rear seats and decent trunk...
__________________
2019 X3 m40i:Carbon Black:Executive:Premium:Adaptive:Vernasca:699M:HK: Ambient:IND trim:M Mirrors:15mm spacers:Maxton lip:20% tint windows/pano:dsg paddles:TLG mudflaps
2008 328i E90 Jet Black:6MT:RWD:Premium:Sport:Xenon:MTEC V3 AEs:Front Splitters:CF spoiler:19" VMR FF v710
Appreciate 0
      11-30-2012, 07:27 AM   #57
AllBlackBimmer
Colonel
AllBlackBimmer's Avatar
United_States
813
Rep
2,868
Posts

Drives: 2019 X3 m40i
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Northeast

iTrader: (-1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by fireline43 View Post
everyone is pretty much naming cars over his price range. 15k area is either older luxury cars or newer cheaper cars. You could get a decent mustang probably? An fr-s/brz would be in the 22k range.
If you have to go that cheap and your looking to buy a house, I'd say just lease something cheaper. That low monthly payment will help you with a house. Get the fr-s leased.
very hesitant to lease a car... however, perhaps is not as bad as I always thought... would keep me under warranty and any repairs would be on their bill... I don't like the thought of mileage restriction and not being able to do whatever I want with my own car... even though I wouldn't be modifying anything other than maybe a new set of wheels.
__________________
2019 X3 m40i:Carbon Black:Executive:Premium:Adaptive:Vernasca:699M:HK: Ambient:IND trim:M Mirrors:15mm spacers:Maxton lip:20% tint windows/pano:dsg paddles:TLG mudflaps
2008 328i E90 Jet Black:6MT:RWD:Premium:Sport:Xenon:MTEC V3 AEs:Front Splitters:CF spoiler:19" VMR FF v710
Appreciate 0
      11-30-2012, 07:28 AM   #58
AllBlackBimmer
Colonel
AllBlackBimmer's Avatar
United_States
813
Rep
2,868
Posts

Drives: 2019 X3 m40i
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Northeast

iTrader: (-1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Kolyan2k View Post
We just sold 2 2000 740s, both below $5k and both had around 110k miles. Pretty good cars.

Guy I know sold 2000 740i sport w/ 130k miles for $1700 Carfax had miles rolled back thing......but $1700 is still cheap, those sport wheels must be like $1000 lol
sounds like good deals, but no way do I want an older 7 series... 5 series maybe, but those 7 series have to have a bunch of electronic gimos and gadgets, and on a car that is 13-14 years old... I am going to look into older 3 and 5 series though...
__________________
2019 X3 m40i:Carbon Black:Executive:Premium:Adaptive:Vernasca:699M:HK: Ambient:IND trim:M Mirrors:15mm spacers:Maxton lip:20% tint windows/pano:dsg paddles:TLG mudflaps
2008 328i E90 Jet Black:6MT:RWD:Premium:Sport:Xenon:MTEC V3 AEs:Front Splitters:CF spoiler:19" VMR FF v710
Appreciate 0
      11-30-2012, 07:30 AM   #59
Sedoy
Captain
676
Rep
996
Posts

Drives: F10
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: New England

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Kolyan2k View Post
And Honda is not as reliable as people think. Need to know what you are buying or will end up with having to replace a tranny for $3-3.5k
True Hondas have great engines but really crappy transmissions. My DD 2002 Civic coupe had a tranny replaced at 97K miles, BUT not even close to 3-3.5K... I paid $400 for rebuilt one and $400 to install it at my local mechanic. I guess I saved myself 2.7K

Back to topic, how about 2012 Mazda3 with skyactiv DI 2.0L rated at 40 HWY MPG. Hatch looks great but sedans are cheaper, saw few around $15K. Non-skyactiv 2011s are about $11K.
Appreciate 0
      11-30-2012, 08:15 AM   #60
SaMaster14
Brigadier General
SaMaster14's Avatar
4321
Rep
3,850
Posts

Drives: '23 G80 M3C xDrive; '13 e92 M3
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Southern California

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Infiniti G37 (although I doubt that would be less expensive than a 328i)...

Maybe VW GTi, BR-Z/FR-S, Subaru WRX
__________________
2023 G80 M3 Competition xDrive Isle of Man Green on Kyalami Orange full leather - 826M black wheels - Carbon Fiber Trim - Carbon Bucket Seats - Executive/Driving Assist/Parking Packages - Laserlight - M Shadowline Lights - M Drive Pro - CS Trans/Diff/Steering Coding
2013 E92 M3 Mineral White on Bamboo Beige noviello leather (Base w/ Nav, Comfort Access, Lighting Pack) - DINAN Stage 1 and Free Flow Axle-Back Exhaust
Appreciate 0
      11-30-2012, 08:17 AM   #61
Kolyan2k
Major General
916
Rep
5,538
Posts

Drives: 2006 S2000
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Boston

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Sedoy View Post
True Hondas have great engines but really crappy transmissions. My DD 2002 Civic coupe had a tranny replaced at 97K miles, BUT not even close to 3-3.5K... I paid $400 for rebuilt one and $400 to install it at my local mechanic. I guess I saved myself 2.7K

Back to topic, how about 2012 Mazda3 with skyactiv DI 2.0L rated at 40 HWY MPG. Hatch looks great but sedans are cheaper, saw few around $15K. Non-skyactiv 2011s are about $11K.
was it manual ? or maybe just Civic ? I saw a bill for new tranny in Accord (Vtec V6) and it was $3000. But rebuilds are also different. I had mechanic quote $2k for Saturn tranny, but $3.5k with warranty.

some cars people just never buy and they are SO cheap at least at auctions. for $3500 you can get yourself 2001-2002 TL or RL with just over 100k mark.
Appreciate 0
      11-30-2012, 09:44 AM   #62
e90Krisztian
Private First Class
9
Rep
110
Posts

Drives: LeMans Blue e90 M-Sport
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Charlotte, NC

iTrader: (3)

Quote:
Originally Posted by CombatNinja View Post
You act like a 2008 328 is some kind of incredible car. Seriously...
Looks like you have two 328's in your garage... troll
__________________
328i LCI E90 / LeMans Blue / Black / ZMP / ZPP / Shadow-lined / Heated Seats / Park Distance Control / Paddle Shifters / Park Distance
Mods: 15% tint / 45% windshield tint / 3500k fog lights / matte black kidney /15mm Rear Spacers / 12mm Front Spacers / Euro AirBox / k&n / magnaflow
Appreciate 0
      11-30-2012, 09:53 AM   #63
son_of_siggy
Lieutenant
15
Rep
432
Posts

Drives: CTS-V
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: United States

iTrader: (0)

Go pick up a nice E36 M3. I had one a few years back and it was a fantastic car. Decent MPG, good performance, good handling, and great looks. I stole the rims off my Dad's 335i and I think it updated the dated look a bit.



Only issues I had was that it needed a new evap canister, and new timing tensionsers. I drove it from 78k to ~120k.

There are plenty around, some in better shape than others, but for the money you'd have a hard time finding something more entertaining to drive in my opinion.

Mine was a 4 door-5 speed, so it had a lot of practicality, but still all of the fun.
Appreciate 0
      11-30-2012, 09:54 AM   #64
Ovaltine
floor sweeper
1
Rep
47
Posts

Drives: 2007 Z4 Coupe
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: West Chester, OH

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Beamer325xi View Post
Well I have had my 06 325xi since I was 16 which was in February of 06 I have had the car ever since and have drive it all over back in fourth from ohio to Georgia and it has 172,000 miles on it and I just now had to replace the water pump the car has been amazing and to me is something special and i don't think I would ever get rid of it but I don't have to worry about a payment and maintenance since its paid for but I think if you really love your car don't get rid of it unless u have already experienced major problems I'm sure it can last you many more miles!
World record contender for the longest sentence with no punctuation.
Appreciate 0
      11-30-2012, 11:19 AM   #65
cuiter23
Major
cuiter23's Avatar
81
Rep
1,094
Posts

Drives: 2023 G87 M2 6Spd
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Canada

iTrader: (1)

Garage List
2007 BMW 328i  [6.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ovaltine View Post
World record contender for the longest sentence with no punctuation.
LOOOL
__________________
[SOLD] 2007 E90 328i - Titanium Metallic l 19" VMR V710 l H&R Trak+ Spacers l M-Sport Rear Bumper l Mtech Rear Lip Spoiler l Hamann Front Lip l Eibach Sportline l AA N52 Signature Exhaust l OEM Blacklines l MTEC V3 AE l 6000K HID l Nokya 7000K Fogs l MTEC License Plate LED l Interior LED l 15% Tint l BlackVue DR380G-HD + PMP
2023 G87 M2 6Spd - HEA Package | OEM M Performance Carbon Wing
Appreciate 0
      11-30-2012, 01:11 PM   #66
Sedoy
Captain
676
Rep
996
Posts

Drives: F10
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: New England

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Kolyan2k View Post
was it manual ? or maybe just Civic ? I saw a bill for new tranny in Accord (Vtec V6) and it was $3000. But rebuilds are also different. I had mechanic quote $2k for Saturn tranny, but $3.5k with warranty.

some cars people just never buy and they are SO cheap at least at auctions. for $3500 you can get yourself 2001-2002 TL or RL with just over 100k mark.
No, that was auto, I think manuals are much more durable. Actually also rebuilt auto tranny (german ZF unit) in my 2001 X5 4.4i at 90K which was $2200 after everything, done by local AAMCO. That’s why I think $3000 for any Honda is way too much.
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 05:09 PM.




f30post
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST