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Has anyone attempted this lately? Any positive or negative experiences with the Costco program in general?
Also, should I expect to pay more if a dealer has to pull a car from another dealer's inventory?
Thanks
I will buy at the end of the month, and they are first in my list. will let you know what happens.
It is a CPO, so it has the warranty extended out to 100,000 miles.
What's nice about this car, is that the owner was thoughtful enough to extend the maintance contract. For an additional $900 more, I can have all maintenance covered up until 100,000 miles, which makes me feel a lot more comfortable, getting such an older car.
The dealer told me the car was listing at $30,900. She said that BMW is running a new program on their pre-owns that they will make the first payment when you finance.
She's willing to take $1100 off the price, and include the extended maintenance for a total of $29,000.
The 330i or AWD is a pretty great car, otherwise too expensive for my blood.
I had been looking for a 325AWD, but this one has the benefit of the extended maintenance.
On the other hand, $29,000 can get you a brand-new car, a dozen or so I can think of.
I was told both the 325xi and the 330xi, new or 2004, are past the $35,000 mark.
I wanted the all-wheel-drive version to help ensure that I won't have a problem in snow.
Was wondering what the people in the "know," over here, thought about this proposition?
Thanks!
I went to a BMW dealership in South FLA today... and here's what my experience was like:
1) I have my eye on a 2004 (one of the few left on the lots) Jet Black, 330i, automatic, no other extras. I want to lease 36 mo. / 15k miles.
2) As I negotiating the cap cost / sales price, I mentioned the TMV info I got off Edmunds. The salesman said he'd never heard of Edmunds. His manager however, had a different reaction -- the manager told him to tell me that "HE WILL NOT HONOR EDMUND'S FIGURES" and offered no explanation why... any idea why they'd react that way?
3) They also pretended not to know about any dealer incentive on 330i. Edmunds shows a $3K dealer incentive starting 10/1. Can anyone confirm?
4) Their final offer was $34,170 cap cost, $1,499 at inception, $482 / mo. for 36 month lease, 15K miles. They were very evasive and wouldn't share much information (e.g., invoice price). Any thoughts on the numbers? I may go back and continue negotiating if I'm close to a good deal.
Thanks a lot!
Miami
Exactly what was the MSRP of this car?
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1) The main thing I would be concerned with is the warrranty expiration.. With this being an '01, it could have only two years of warranty and maintenance left, or as much as three years.
If only two years left, you probably won't even get to your 60K inspection (the expensive one) before it expires... And, you will be almost out of the original warranty period as soon as you buy it.... The CPO warranty covers less and has a $50 charge, each time you use it..
To me, an '01 with an in-service date of July '01, is worth at least $1000 more than one with an in-service date of October 2000.
regards,
kyfdx
P.S.: Steel Blue is the fastest color.
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My first bimmer, would like to hear:
1) The dealer probably will try to throw a few other things at me, like maintenance package and etc. What should I be watching out for and what might be a good deal worth getting?
2) What/where do I need to check on the new car to make sure it is in great shape?
Thanks for any help!
Cmbaus
1. Yes, the F&I person will try to sell you a few things. I was offered the extended warranty, extended maintenance, gap insurance (loan not a lease), window tint and maybe a couple of other things. I had the tint negotiated as part of my purchase but did purchase (a few days later) the extended maintenance plan. IMO this was well worth the price to extend the maintenance period from 48 months/50,000 miles to 6 years/100,000 miles. Since I plan on keeping my car at least that long, and the 60K Inspection II is about $600-$700 and I will likely need brakes ($450 per axle), these two items alone covered the cost.
2. Do a full walk around. They should also show you how the controls, systems, etc. work. Plus you do have the new car warranty for most any workmanship issue that may arise within the first 12 months.
So you were saying the extended maintenance worth 600-700$ and covers brakes and etc? I am confused when called that 60K Inspection II, is that basically the same thing? Also, is the extension transferrable? Sorry I am new to those. Thanks!
Cmbaus
KYFDX thanks for all your help on this board. With the info I obtained here, I felt confident going in to try to negotiate my first lease
I see that kyfdx is from the local area, would you like to put our heads together and figure out where the best deal is?
I am specifically seeking a 36 mo. lease, w/ very little down and less than 300 month, 10k year mileage is fine.
Try Voss BMW in Centerville/Dayton if you are having trouble making a good deal with Sweeney or The BMW Store.. Neither of those dealers is famous for making great deals...
regards,
kyfdx
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$289.00 per month for 36 months (based on MSRP of $30,070.00)
2004 325i with automatic.
$3,089.00 due at signing includes first month’s payment, down payment and security deposit but excludes tax, title, license, and registration fees.
Mileage charge of $.20 per mile for miles driven in excess of 10,000 miles per year
2004 325i with optional Sport Package, Xenon headlights, moonroof and metallic paint.
MSRP of $32,420.00
$331.00 per month for 36 months
$3,181.00 due at signing ($331.00 monthly payment, $2,500.00 down payment and $350.00 security deposit).
I cant afford the payment on the 5 to purchase/finance outright, so I am really just looking for a "steal" on a stripped down 3 series 4 door, options dont really matter at all to me, neither does mileage (I work and live downtown).
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1) '04, BMW 330i, automatic, no extras, $34,170 price, $1,499 inception, $482 + tax.
2) '04 BMW 325i, automatic, sun/moonroof, no other extras, $30,000 price, $900 inception, $440 + tax
Thanks!
Unless those are the MSRPs?
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$31,800 on the 325i
$37,170 on the 330i
At this point in the year, you should be getting sale prices of invoice minus the incentive, not MSRP minus the incentive.. With maybe $500 extra thrown in for profit.. Plus, these are basically stripped models with almost no options.... There is a reason they are left over.. they are hard to get rid of.. they should be working hard to get your business.
I can't speak specifically to your monthly lease quotes, because I haven't heard what the specific money factors and residuals are for October, but the selling price of that 330i should be about $2500 less and the 325i should be about $1200 less.
regards,
kyfdx
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Liz
Miami, FL
I was wondering:
1) Should I be nuts about that and drive back to the dealer to ask them to fix that?
2) How do I treat scratches like those down the road? I am sure I will make plenty of them myself, and a lot of salt here in winters.
Please suggest and Thanks!
$29K sounds like all the money, but this does sound like a nice one.. And... if they make the first payment, that is another $500 or so off.
1) The main thing I would be concerned with is the warrranty expiration.. With this being an '01, it could have only two years of warranty and maintenance left, or as much as three years.
If only two years left, you probably won't even get to your 60K inspection (the expensive one) before it expires... And, you will be almost out of the original warranty period as soon as you buy it.... The CPO warranty covers less and has a $50 charge, each time you use it..
To me, an '01 with an in-service date of July '01, is worth at least $1000 more than one with an in-service date of October 2000.
Hi KYfdx,
Thank you for responding. The car has the balance of the factory warranty until sometime in August, 2005 (I think that's right), plus the extended maintenance contract, plus the further addition of taking that one out to 100,000 miles.
The dealer didn't mention the $50 per problem charge... Hmm... She did say that with the combined warranties and contracts, almost everything save for the tires, would be covered. Is that right?
Further,
I was just notified of another car that arrived at the dealership. It's a 325 xi in Oxford Green with beige leather. It has the fold-down rear seats, an upgraded stereo, the premium package, etc. All except for the heated seats. Thought that was a little odd. Guess I could go without.
Anywho, it has 19,000 miles. It's an executive demo purchased at a BMW auction. The price is $29,9++ with the balance of the factory warranty, the CPO, and the maintenance contract that can be extended up until 100,000 miles (I like this idea to be taken care of completely).
I don't know what to do! The 2001 has a bigger engine and I assume a nicer ride, but it's two years or so older, and doesn't have the fold-down rear seats. The 2003, is well, a 2003. It's a 325, so it's the base engine. They seem to be both about the same price.
Someone I spoke to tonight thought I would be better off with the bigger engine. I have to make a decision, ASAP, because my car is panting its last miles....
I had been looking at Passat, too, I understand that car isn't as reliable, nor drives as well. However, the v6 looks pretty handsome to dumb ol' me. The thing is Volkswagen doesn't include the maintenance warranty.
I also looked at a Mini Cooper...which can be thought of, sort of, as a really scaled down BMW with its own quirks.
I wish I could get the sports wagon in an all-wheel-drive in my price range, alas!
I would appreciate any guidance you could offer?
Thanks,
Cargal2U
I am still trying to get the prices down here on Long Island which is where I live, but if the spread continues to be big, I may have to buy elsewhere.
2) All CPO cars have that $50/occurrence charge, after the original warranty is up.. But, you are right..other than that, you are pretty much just looking at tires..
3) The 330 will be noticeably more powerful than the 325...
4) In the long term (3 years or more), resale will probably be better on the 325, just because it is 2 model years newer, though it sounds like the purchase price is $1K more than the 330...
5) Oxford Green? I'd have to get the deal of the century to take that color.. not that it doesn't look good, but they just can't give them away...
6) I personally like the Passat and MINI, but... I wouldn't recommend either one over what you are looking at.
7) Without making a value judgement on the two cars (I don't keep up with used prices that closely), I'd vote for the 330xi.. It sounds nicer.. and I usually voter for newer..
8) Fold down seats.. I have them, and have never used them in this car.. I've had them in other sedans, and can only remember using them once or twice in the last ten years.. I wouldn't let that affect my decision.
Once you make your decision... you don't have to let them know that is your final one.. Don't let them know that you "have" to have the car ASAP. You want them to think that you are "ready", but not necessarily at their price.. You might be able to squeeze another $500-$1000 off the price.
Good luck!
kyfdx
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jpl
330Ci
2004
Automatic
7,761 miles
Titanium Silver Metallic
Black Leatherette
Moonroof
Navigation System
Xenon Headlights
$37,900
330Ci
2004
Automatic
8,610 miles
Orient Blue Metallic
Premium Package
Heated Front Seats
Natural Brown Leather
$36,900
330Ci
2004
Automatic
12,596 miles
Mystic Blue Metallic
Black Leather
Automatic Transmission
Cold Weather Package
Premium Package
$36,900
The closest I can find with your requested option items is the following 2003 330Ci located at Westchester BMW in White Plains, NY:
Automatic
13,801 miles
Gray Green Metallic
Premium Package
Xenon Headlights
Cold Weather Package
$33,900
plan on keeping it a while!! Thanks Again!!!
jpl
Not sure of current dealer stocks on the 330Ci as September was a strong sales month for that model as BMW sold 471 versus 254 in September 2003.
Went to Cunningham in San Diego recently, so I thought I'd better debunk the Costco myth (invoice - incentives + $400, no maco). See message #1641.
On the first 'no haggle costco price' they 'forgot' about the $3000 incentive on the 2004 330i sedan. (I politely reminded them.)
The second price was about $1800 over my invoice number. Turns out it was $1300 markup with MACO of $300 and training of $160.
Not outrageously bad, but I didn't need costco and a drive to El Cajon for that kind of price (I live in SD, so no harm done.)
The costco price on a 325 is $800 over invoice - incentives, with, I assume, the same high?!? MACO/training.
I contacted another dealer through Costco as well and got quoted $1500 over cost with the same MACO and training fees (for a 330 on another dealer's lot.)
No-haggle does not exist. Costco just channels sheep to the wolves.
On a positive note, Cunningham does have an excellent test drive circuit.
I went to take a look at these two cars in person. It's always important to not exclusively base a decision on specs, reviews, etc.
The other week, I tried a 330xi pre-owned at a different dealer and really, really liked it (they wanted about $32,+ and wouldn't go down on the price for a 2001).
The 330xi tonight was a real disappointment for some reason. It was kind of noisy, and the ride was pretty bumpy, and I can't figure out why. I mean, I liked the outside of the car, the upgraded stereo, the heated seats, but it was just a ho-uh....
Next up was the green 325xi. Keep in mind, I drove a 2002 or 2003, at the other dealer, too, the week past. The test-drives for those cars at dealer #1 were just duh, rather than wow.
This Oxford green looked pretty sharp on the showroom floor, all polished up. Don't know how it will deal with the dirt. Beige leather, split seats. It has about 15K miles. What it's missing is the better stereo, the little windshield wipers on the headlights, and the heated seats, of course (can't get everything, I guess). It's in very good shape. I was more impressed with how this car drove versus the 2001. Much smoother, handled better, and had a soft growl of the engine.
One bizarre thing happened when I opened the sunroof. There was a really wild vibration that kind of shook the car, stopping when I closed it.
This car is $29,995 with the balance of the factory warranty, plus the certified warranty, plus the balance of the maintenance contract to 4yrs/50,000 miles and I can upgrade it to a full 100,000 miles.
Maybe I should go back and drive it again. It was nice, but for some strange reason, I didn't get the thrill of contact with the road, and the ride seemed a little harsher than the Passat v6.
The mini cooper is awfully cute, and it has a big hatch, with more space than people would think. Too bad that they don't come in All-wheel-drive. That would be an awesome hit.
I know I want and must have some space while driving. I have a 98 Saab 900S. The cockpit is terribly cramped. All the controls are in the center, with this one measely and failed cup holder that makes a mess. No real cubbies. The doors to the back passenger seat don't open that wide, so it's real tough to get in and out of the car, in general.
I don't want that to happen in my new(ish) car. I want to keep things in their place and neat. If I could afford it, I'd buy the x3, but all the BMW dealers are real greedy. They'll do you no favors on the SAV.
The other car I saw that was of interest was the Subaru Outback, 2005, LL Bean edition. That was a really nice car. Too bad it had an MSRP of $33,000. About the same price as a BMW. On ther other hand, it's a wagon. On the third hand, it just does not include maintenance. Oh well....
Thanks for all your thoughts and help!
Cargal2
P.S. I found out that the 2003 325xi was bought at a BMW auction. I was told, whether or not this is true, that BMW gives cars to their executives, and they drive them short-term, and then, sell them off. It's considered an executive demo. Is this all true? Someone told me to be wary of auction-bought cars. I haven't seen the carfax, yet, on it.
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My problem with Subaru is service. Subies are reliable but they are linked to Ford service and my experience with them is the pits. There are also complaints about BMW service but in my experience with both, BMW is in another league and I have had no problems with them.
I'm on the fence between the Outback XT and X3 favoring the latter. I ruled out the 325xi wagon because of room.
Then again if you can wait until next summer and fall I think there will be considerably better deals on outgoing 3-series and X3s because of the upgraded engines coming for 06.
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BMW executive demos:
The car might have been driven by an executive.. or it could have been a short term lease by an assembly line worker.. or any number of other things.. But, no reason to be wary of auction bought cars, because that is where 95% of used cars come from.. And, that is where ALL of the BMW executive demos come from.
About the only other way to get a one-year-old BMW is if it was put into service loaner/demo service at the dealership.
There are a LOT of used BMWs out there.. take your time, and find one you like and feel comfortable with.. A $20/day rental from Enterprise is cheaper than making a rash decision on a used car.
regards,
kyfdx
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2004 330CI
Performance
Metallic paint
Moonroof
Xenon
Heated Seats
Manual transmission
No leather seats
MSRP $44,220
I am wondering if this the best I can hope to do?
Thank you for the advice and guidance
2004 325i Titanium Silver
Black Ette
Automatic
Moonroof
MSRP $31,595
27,965 plus TTL.
If you like to trade often, I'd consider leasing it.... It is a good color, and auto and moonroof, but no other extras.. Might be a tough sell..
regards,
kyfdx
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Do they still have the 1.9% financing? If no financing deals, and that is as low as they will go, I'd see how much more for an '05.
For $2K more, if the finance rates are the same, I'd go with an '05.
regards,
kyfdx
EDIT: Something interesting.. the same car configured as an '05 model only has an MSRP of $43,670.. $550 less than the '04. Invoice of $39,965
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'05 - yes that is interesting on the MSRP numbers. Have been told they won;t come off that much and if financing is needed it is a bit over 4%.
I appreciate the advice, I fear being the one who walks aways from a good deal.
J
If you really want that car, a little money here or there won't kill you.. but, if you are wondering if you are walking away from a great deal, I don't think you are...
$41,500 at 2.9% is $3780 less over five years than $43,500 at 4.25%.
An '05 will always be one model year newer, and you can pick the exact car you want..
If you aren't in any hurry to get a car, I'm betting deals will get better on '05s as the year goes on...
Good luck,
kyfdx
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First off, I want to thank everyone as this board is awesome!
Just purchased a new 04 325i sedan with auto, premium pack, load thru, metallic, myrtle wood trim listing at ~$47K less $5,800 discount. Frt, prep, PDI, taxes extra, all Canadian dollars.
Do you think it's a decent deal?
Thanks.
steel blue
cold weather package
performance package
manual
xenons
run flats
If you include the destination charges of $695 the MSRP on the car is $42,8206. I now have my favorite dealer down to $41,000. He is also going to install satellite radio for $650 including the parts. What do you think of this offer?
Also, I have lower quotes from other dealers but I have gotten them over the phone and am feelng not as comfortable dealing with people who's reputations I dont know and who I havent personally met. The other figures I have been quoted have been as much as $500 lower so I dont feel comfortable just dismissing them out of hand. Any advice here.
Many thanks.
Blueangel
Your dealer's price doesn't seem out of line for an '05.. You might try to get him to match the other offer, or at least get closer to it..
You'll kick yourself if you get started on a deal somewhere else, and they start jerking you around. $500 is a lot of money, though..
I think that is a decision you'll have to make for yourself...
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Since I'm buying a car to keep a few years I want to get the latest and greatest tech, plus I find these features very useful. I would like to get Navi, Bluetooth, and sat radio (Sirius).
Couple of questions, on the BMWUSA website there is nothing on bluetooth, can't seem to configure it and no mention of it in features. But, my friend told me his came with it. So I'm confused. Is this an option? Also I read somewhere there is a separate option for voice recognition? Is that true, and if so why aren't these things on the website. And finally I had heard somewhere there is a problem with some combo of these options, maybe it was nav and sat radio, can anyone confirm whether or not you can have bluetooth, navi and sat radio working together?
One nice thing about the Acura TL I looked at, the options are well documented and all come based on the trim level of which there is only Nav or no-Nav. But I want AWD and like the style of the BMW better, so assuming I can figure out if the options I want come with the car, and figure out what it will cost (and it's not ridiculous) I will get the BMW.
Info on the BMW options seems very hard to find.
Also I'm surprised that the dealers near me (Boston) don't seem to stock cars with nav, at all. Is that typical?
Thanks!