By accessing this website, you acknowledge that Edmunds and its third party business partners may use cookies, pixels, and similar technologies to collect information about you and your interactions with the website as described in our
Privacy Statement, and you agree that your use of the website is subject to our
Visitor Agreement.
Comments
ksso
Give yourself a break and go ahead and get the car. Within a week or so I'm sure that you'll feel that you made a good decision.
money and unless he is desperate and just wants to get rid of the cars on his lot, he won't accept it. I figured that the dealer's cost for the car is 31,455, which includes the $2,000 incentive and the $260 MACO and training fee he must absorb. I think that a fair offer might be $31,955 which would give him a $500 profit on the deal. It would still be a great deal for you. Maybe he can throw in the floor mats as well. You'd probably have to pay about $35,000 for this car similarly equipped in a 2004 model if that's what you really want in the car. Otherwise, why don't you look at another car with fewer options and save yourself some more money. If you really want the car, you should counter the dealer's offer or someone can come along this week end and
end up buying or leasing it. Just a thought.
It's not your daddys Lincoln. I can only suggest you read the reviews on the LS and drive one. Car of the year in 2000 and Lincoln has quietly made improvements every year since. This year many reviewers have stated that the performance and handeling have passed the 5 series. Some of the features that sold me. DOHC V8 rear wheel drive, Formula 1 inspired 4 wheel independent suspension with forged aluminum unequal length A arms with coil overs, stiffest platform in the business today, aluminum hood, front fenders and trunk lid, battery in the trunk over the right wheel, sports tuned suspension option with 17" aluminum wheels, Advance Trac, a really nice interior, 114" wheelbase vs the 107" of the 325. Drive the V8 Sport. You can tell a sport version.... there is no chrome on the top surface of the bumpers. Not bashing BMW here - I respect the mark. I was looking at 325s but the LS seems to be the better value at the moment once again. My only [non-permissible content removed] ......... they don't make a coupe.
Yes premium fuel. Gas milage on our 2002 has been as good or better than the factory advertised 18 city, 25 highway.
If your refering to my post regarding the Lincoln LS Sport I can only assume you have never driven the car and probably never even sat in one. It's as much a premium car as the 3 or 5 series BMW maybe not the 7 or 8 series. I also assume from your "handle" that you only have the Bimmer to try to make others think your a premium person. Although I have owned a few semi exotics in my time I shoot for value in an upscale ride these days. You see I could spend more but the money I save goes towards my race boat.
My late father was in the car business from 1947 to 1986 and part owner of a small New England Volvo dealership from 1970 to 1986. Granted times have changed since 1986 with the internet, but he would always advise me to deal from invoice, these guys have to move cars, it cost too much money to leave them on the lot. For every guy that buys at invoice, there's 5 that pay MSRP. Not sure if that is true today, but that was the old saying in the business. I have never paid a penny over invoice and I'm 46. My first BMW purchase among multiple Volvos, (1) Honda, (1)Ford, and (1) Nissan.
Again, I don't see this car's value much over the 30K mark with respect to what else is out there! Don't get me wrong, I love the car, but not willing to get suckered into it! LS was a nice vehicle, many nice options! Ride was fantastic.
MURRAY, discounting can be a trap. Ask anyone trying to trade in a 2 or 3 year old lincoln or cadillac that thought they got a great deal when they bought it.
the Charlotte or Greensboro, NC Area? Maybe even
in the Spartanburg/Greenville, SC area.
BMW dealers rarely will sell a car for less than $1K profit, and it seems they are under that a little on that car already. Its really not important whether that seems "right" or not, its just the way things are.
Also, dealers aren't going to sweat the $100 interest per month they are paying to keep that single car on the lot. I believe they are much more attuned to the big picture of their costs.
To recap (over my two paragraph limit already), if you want that car, you'll have to come up a little.
regards,
kyfdx
Edmunds Price Checker
Edmunds Lease Calculator
Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and share!
Edmunds Moderator
I notice you failed to address my question as to if you have driven an LS or even sat in the car. I guess not. I can now assume you are not qualified to speak on the matter.
Yes the LS will depreciate more but I think the long term ownership costs would wind up the same when you take into account the cost to maintain and repair the BMW after the 3 year 36k mile free stuff is over. I've heard all about the $600 brake jobs etc. By the way if you really want to know what car is the depreciation king ...it's the 7 series BMW.
Hip? With the exception of wheel displays and little boutiques tucked in the corner selling cheap trinkets like hats with BMW on the front for people who have to broadcast what they drive I don't see the difference between a BMW dealer and any other dealer. In fact the BMW salespeople seemed greezier than the Lincoln people. All they ask is "are you ready to buy today" That style went out years ago. Hip?
Hey, read up lady. A $35K 2002 BMW 325i has a trade in value of $22k.
Your long term analysis is way off. According to edmunds here a ten year old lincoln continental is worth about 2 grand trade value and a ten year old 325 is worth about 8 grand.
Consider that when your thinking long term.
Your going to lose a resale argument EVERY time when talking lincoln v. bmw.
Not to mention quality, reliability, performance.......
sales of 325i models have gone up substantially year to date 2003 versus 2002 as well as in the month of September. Overall BMW 2003 sales have also increased over 2002.
The competition, however resulted in lower sales of 330i and probably 325ci/convertible.
However the xi models are also doing well.
You can check out info on www.theautochannel.com/news/2003/10/01/169782.html
From this and previous comments I can tell you've never been in an LS.
<<<<<<Your long term analysis is way off. According to edmunds here a ten year old lincoln continental is worth about 2 grand trade value and a ten year old 325 is worth about 8 grand.>>>
Another attempt to avoid addressing your mistaken previous posts. I wasn't talking Continentals and you know it. Secondly I challange you to find 1 10 year old 3 series BMW on ebay that has sold for "8 grand" I don't even think BMW made a 325 10 years ago. I assume you can look for a 318. There was a great expensive car that couldn't get out of it's own way. BMW fans don't even want one at any price.
I quoted Edmunds. They post what people are actually getting in trade for their cars on a weekly basis. 2002 325i = $22.5k
<<<<Your going to lose a resale argument EVERY time when talking lincoln v. bmw. >>>>>
I never said anything different. I never tried to make that argument.
<<<<<<<<<Not to mention quality, reliability, performance....... >>>>>>
You've yet to post anything to prove this statement that you keep making. My only point through out this discussion has been that the Lincoln LS V8 Sport is near BMW quality with equal or better handeling and performance for less money. The LS blows away the 3 series and is now considered better than the 5 series in handeling. That's published information! As far as reliability goes why does every BMW owner I talk to tell me to unload the car before the warranty is up.
You're an owner so, enjoy your Ford product. They probably have a dedicated board for Ford, don't they?
Domestic people, geez!
If you have driven or rode in an LS then you would not have made the totally bogus comment "loose, raggedy and of poor overall quality" If you feel that the comment is not bogus I wait for your explaination of "loose and raggedy"
<<<<You're an owner so, enjoy your Ford product. They probably have a dedicated board for Ford, don't they? >>>>.
Can't take the heat?
<><<<Domestic people, geez!>>>>
This cool and intellegent comment sure proves what I said a few posts back. You need the ego boost of the hood badge.
Lincoln LS on the surface is a fine car, Ford did OK with this design and it's a positive step. I did go to the LS board and the customers seem overall happy and not too many complaints!
I am very worried about reliability on BMW! Reliabiltiy means more to me than resale.
Please use the search features on the left side of the page to find appropriate discussions.
We have an exclusive purpose here and that is to share prices paid for 3-Series BMWs and experiences in buying them. This is not the right place to get into debates over whether something else is a better value.
If you need help finding an appropriate discussion for your comments, please feel free to email me as always.
Thanks.
Thank you.
ksso #0
So wouldn't it be nice if BMW car dealers were like this? In fact, I think that BMW tried for a while to have some combined car and m/c dealerships, but they generally don't work out because it's hard for a car dealer to understand the expected "culture" of a m/c dealer. Oh well, we can always hope.
Quick note... I just purchased (2 weeks or so ago) a 2003 325i for 2K under invoice. So it is possible to get it at that price.
A few hundred dollars can make a difference to some people. It does to me. I am sure it doesn't to others but that is not the point. Everyone should be comfortable about what they are paying and not feel like they have to spend the extra $ if they don't want to. A few hundred dollars is equivalent to xenons, or HK's, or Heated seats. The dealer charges for those and doesn't just add them on since the car is over 30K and what's a few hundred dollars more. my two cents.
sjmurray3... what are your methods for making your bids? Email or calling? I found that calling the dealer directly and letting them know that I am purchasing that evening from the dealer that gives me the best offer, with my money in big brown paper bags, was very effective. I got two great offers and didn't call any other dealer after I hit my purchase point. Good luck.
Thanks to everyone here for all the valuable information I've gotten.
any chance you can let me in on
your LA area dealership identity.
I'm shopping from Irvine.
thanks !
Thanks!
Thoughts? Advice?
Is it a CPO. If so, what a great deal!! What options? Just curious.
So I ends up bought a 2001 330i, silver/gray leather, premium package and heated seats. The car is very clean and seems to be a good condition, but it does have 50K miles on it. I paid $26.5K after checking the Edmunds' site and the certified used vehicle value of clean condition is in mid $29K (excellent is over $30K). Thought I got a descent deal, but compare to mitris', I guess it could be better. Did I pay too much?
Perhaps you can try calling them directly and asking for their internet salesperson or dept if the email doesn't work out for you. I called directly and found it to be much more effective than waiting around for an email. (2 hours for the former vs. 3 days for the latter). Then again, I had a plethora of dealers to choose from in SoCal, while I am not sure how many you have in Virginia. Good Luck!
leather, AUTO, Xenon, and HK sound system for invoice ($32,390). Reading through these chat rooms and looking at TMV on Edmunds, seems like I could do better. My only hangup is that I currently lease a 2001 325i (one lease payment left). They are saying that they will allow me to turn in the car early and pick up the last payment -- so I guess that is good for me but good for them as well since the residual value is $20K and the dealers retail value of the car will be at least $22K. Any chance I should hold out for a better deal? Also, what is everyones opinion on the "money factor"? I called BMW Financial Services and they said that the mail out base money factors to the dealers depending on where they are located. The dealers can mark up these rates to make more profit on a deal. When I ask my dealer for the money factor, they heemed and hawed and finally came back at .0025 which equates to about 6% which seems high. Can I counter with a different money factor?
Thanks for any insights.