Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

isellhondas

Michaell said:

Assistance, please!

Poster looking for opinions on how to spend $25K on a used luxury car. He wants low cost for maintenance, but suggests both the Audi A8 and Land Rover LR2




https://forums.edmunds.com/discussion/44479/general/x/which-car-should-i-buy#latest

You are kidding, right? I have to assume someone is since I can't think of two other cars that will cause as much trouble and expense as an Audi A8 or ANY Land Rover!

andres3

I think it's possible for many Chrysler models to make A8's and LR2's look like peanuts.

Michaell

isellhondas said:

Michaell said:

Assistance, please!

Poster looking for opinions on how to spend $25K on a used luxury car. He wants low cost for maintenance, but suggests both the Audi A8 and Land Rover LR2




https://forums.edmunds.com/discussion/44479/general/x/which-car-should-i-buy#latest

You are kidding, right? I have to assume someone is since I can't think of two other cars that will cause as much trouble and expense as an Audi A8 or ANY Land Rover!

Hey, I'm just the messenger here. You should see some of the questions I get in the various lease discussions, mostly around down payment.

"If I put $10,000 down, I can drive this (fill in the blank car here) for $100/mo. Do you think it's a good deal?"

andres3

nippononly said:

Really feeling like I need to go out and buy an Alfa now...think I can afford one??!!

Riding on the backs of dragons? Priceless! And boy does this car sound great.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ySBY1OpvNrY&feature=youtu.be&list=PL6bK2yHquQjouVtm2Xp3odJznLf6LAv67

Looks like a Pontiac. With all the Superbowl commercials yesterday, you might not be able to afford one anymore!

Of course, Audi had their commercial too.

fintail

I like how the historical progression jumps from around 1967 to around 2012. What happened to Alfa between those years? Nobody seems to want to talk about that

andres3

Mr_Shiftright said:

Well there is that saying "There's nothing older than old tech". I suppose that if a 2-3 old car doesn't have the infotainment or driver assist packages that you can now often find on entry level cars, then that would affect resale somewhat.

On the other hand, one could argue that there are definitely buyers out there who don't want an overly complicated used car out of warranty.

The less fluff, bells and whistles, the less potential you have for having to spend money on a repair. If it doesn't exist, it can't break on you!

Lots to be said for that!

Mr_Shiftright

andres3 said:

xwesx said:

LOL Well put, @carnaught!

Shifty, do you have some knowledge about what constitutes a report of "structural damage" on a Carfax report? I've seen a lot of reports that say "accident reported," but did not also include a warning of structural damage, but just came across one that does have this warning on it.

Is there some standard of what they consider structural damage without airbag deployment?

Based on my limited experience studying this issue due to a claim, it is open to interpretation and whoever has the best lawyers.

You'll get some biased insurance company reps saying things like "upper right rail" isn't a structural component. To me, that's absurd, as the upper right rail doesn't cool my cabin like an AC compressor. So what is its purpose if not structural (to mount things to, support, or hold shape) would be my definition. There is no reason for it to exist other than be structural. Of course, this makes all "mounting" hardware for every piece of equipment "structural," and I'm OK with that.

My repair estimate had "pull upper right rail" on it.

Here's a good definition of "structural damage"

"This happens when any part of the vehicle which is part of the main body or frame, or is designed to ensure structural integrity, is damaged. Even minor car frame damage from a trivial collision can seriously undermine the structural integrity of a vehicle.
Examples of vehicle components which are part of the body or frame include suspension mounting, lower and upper frame rails, and for unibody vehicles, the A, B and C pillars, windshield, rear window frame and rocker panels.
Anything which can be bolted on is not considered part of the underlying structure.
Cars have either a unibody or frame construction."

andres3

Mr_Shiftright said:

andres3 said:

xwesx said:

LOL Well put, @carnaught!

Shifty, do you have some knowledge about what constitutes a report of "structural damage" on a Carfax report? I've seen a lot of reports that say "accident reported," but did not also include a warning of structural damage, but just came across one that does have this warning on it.

Is there some standard of what they consider structural damage without airbag deployment?

Based on my limited experience studying this issue due to a claim, it is open to interpretation and whoever has the best lawyers.

You'll get some biased insurance company reps saying things like "upper right rail" isn't a structural component. To me, that's absurd, as the upper right rail doesn't cool my cabin like an AC compressor. So what is its purpose if not structural (to mount things to, support, or hold shape) would be my definition. There is no reason for it to exist other than be structural. Of course, this makes all "mounting" hardware for every piece of equipment "structural," and I'm OK with that.

My repair estimate had "pull upper right rail" on it.

Here's a good definition of "structural damage"

"This happens when any part of the vehicle which is part of the main body or frame, or is designed to ensure structural integrity, is damaged. Even minor car frame damage from a trivial collision can seriously undermine the structural integrity of a vehicle.
Examples of vehicle components which are part of the body or frame include suspension mounting, lower and upper frame rails, and for unibody vehicles, the A, B and C pillars, windshield, rear window frame and rocker panels.
Anything which can be bolted on is not considered part of the underlying structure.
Cars have either a unibody or frame construction."

I'd accept that definition. At least it is reasonable.

stickguy

Nice Mustang. I plan to drive one during my looking later in the year. And I love that color. Looks better in person.

jpp75

breld said:

Michaell said:

breld said:

This Mustang is pretty spot on - 2016 with very low miles. One of my favorite colors available, and if I'm not mistaken, those black wheels indicate the performance package. I don't necessarily need that package, but it does seem like a pretty decent buy.

2016 Mustang GT

Weren't we just talking at lunch as to how impractical the Mustang is for you?

RWD, small back seat, not much cargo space.

You'll enjoy it for about 3 weeks then want to figure out a way to switch it out.

And, your point?

That's a great color. But I agree with @Michaell and I also think you should get it.

Had a great lunch with @breld and @michaell today in Denver. It's always good to meet up with fellow enablers from here.

stickguy

So, being as I have nothing better to do, I spent my usual evening spare time researching cars. Did a features comparison on the civic models again. And to compare, did the CRV too. Some interesting findings.

first thing I was surprised to see, the CRV is actually 2" shorter. Pretty nice, considering how much roomier it is inside. Hard to beat a box with high seating position!

and looking at key features, the models I would get (touring Civic, EX CRV) are almost identical in price. Assuming a FWD CRV (fine for me, but almost impossible to find around here!) at least. About the only thinks noticeable lost are leather, heated rear seats, drivers seat memory and LED lights. And probably homelink. And out of all of those, the only thing I would really miss is the homelink. Oh, and of course, the extra MPG

gained, power (4 way) lumber adjustment. A lot more space. higher hip point so not low riding (really notice that in the Jetta!). Probably a smoother, quieter ride (just less sporty).

Tough call, definitely different types of options. Guess the first thing to do is decide which one (if either) is the way to go. But both are really good values for what cars cost these days.

stickguy

just got an interesting text from my son. His roommate (he lives up near oldfarmer in Albany) just bought a 1989 MB 420SEL. Supposed to be super clean. But an odd choice for a guy in his middle 20s. His other car is a newer GTI, so really weird fit. Even better, he is considering selling the GTI and just using the MB as his only car. And banking the money not being put into payments for repairs "just in casae"

I gently suggested that he should find a good local Indy repair shop ASAP. Because no matter how clean it is, you are going to need it.

Buyer seems to think he got a steal. Paid $3,000 for it. Though even showing nice and clean, I'm sure the seller had some dirty little secrets. But he will find out soon enough.

and man that thing is a Barge.

Fin, is this the model you had? I can't remember exactly. Or was it this body style with the big straight 6?

kyfdx

I think that's the same car that Fin had..

He'll need more than $3000/yr, just to keep it running.. Maybe, a lot more.

stickguy

I did not push it. already bought I think. and not my son buying it. That would have been a different conversation. he said he would rather pay to have a new Audi with a warranty. might be a wash anyway financially! Plus he could not deal with reliability issues with his only car. Can't blame him there.

qbrozen

Just read a magazine comparo where the Alfa beat out the C63S, M3, and ATSV, in that order. Very very impressive to kick off a comeback tour.

stickguy

Nice. I can't imagine having something that wildly overpowered though. I know I could not even scratch the surface of what it can do living around here.

At most, if my budget improved, I would be shopping a base model of those cars. All with the 2.0T engine. I am really digging those these days after test driving a few. Plenty of power for my needs, and can still get good mileage.

fintail

Yeah, I had a similar car, but with the I6. Those are W126. A barge indeed, the 6 being maybe easier to maintain, but actually not with much better mileage, as the engine has to do some work to move the car around, and it is only a 4-speed auto. I'd want to go over one with a fine tooth comb at any price, but at 3K it might not be bad. They are lovely when sorted, but require by the book maintenance. Being a 28 year old complex car, it can have issues. Hope for the best, but find a good indy shop not scared of older cars, if one can't do a bit of DIY. I didn't have many issues with mine over the years I had it, but it had been cared for. I had mine when I was in my mid 20s too, but I am a little different when it comes to such cars.

stickguy said:

just got an interesting text from my son. His roommate (he lives up near oldfarmer in Albany) just bought a 1989 MB 420SEL.

Fin, is this the model you had? I can't remember exactly. Or was it this body style with the big straight 6?

breld

jpp5862 said:

breld said:

Michaell said:

breld said:

This Mustang is pretty spot on - 2016 with very low miles. One of my favorite colors available, and if I'm not mistaken, those black wheels indicate the performance package. I don't necessarily need that package, but it does seem like a pretty decent buy.

2016 Mustang GT

Weren't we just talking at lunch as to how impractical the Mustang is for you?

RWD, small back seat, not much cargo space.

You'll enjoy it for about 3 weeks then want to figure out a way to switch it out.

And, your point?

That's a great color. But I agree with @Michaell and I also think you should get it.

Had a great lunch with @breld and @michaell today in Denver. It's always good to meet up with fellow enablers from here.

Agreed! Both about the great lunch AND that I should get the Mustang.

The three of us can do some shopping trips - an apartment for @jpp5862 and a muscle car for me!

On a slightly different note (but not all that different for my purposes), I've been eyeing this Subaru example that keeps going down in price.

2016 WRX Limited

These generally don't get the big hit in depreciation, particularly in CO, but this one seems to be a pretty good buy for a 2016 Limited.

28firefighter

breld said:

This Mustang is pretty spot on - 2016 with very low miles. One of my favorite colors available, and if I'm not mistaken, those black wheels indicate the performance package. I don't necessarily need that package, but it does seem like a pretty decent buy. 2016 Mustang GT

Weren't we just talking at lunch as to how impractical the Mustang is for you? RWD, small back seat, not much cargo space. You'll enjoy it for about 3 weeks then want to figure out a way to switch it out.

And, your point?

That's a great color. But I agree with @Michaell and I also think you should get it. Had a great lunch with @breld and @michaell today in Denver. It's always good to meet up with fellow enablers from here.

Agreed! Both about the great lunch AND that I should get the Mustang. The three of us can do some shopping trips - an apartment for @jpp5862 and a muscle car for me! On a slightly different note (but not all that different for my purposes), I've been eyeing this Subaru example that keeps going down in price. 2016 WRX Limited These generally don't get the big hit in depreciation, particularly in CO, but this one seems to be a pretty good buy for a 2016 Limited.

Wow. That's a steep hit. Assuming all checks out, I would jump on it. At that price you could probably drive for a year and not lose any money. 

Michaell

breld said:

jpp5862 said:

breld said:

Michaell said:

breld said:

This Mustang is pretty spot on - 2016 with very low miles. One of my favorite colors available, and if I'm not mistaken, those black wheels indicate the performance package. I don't necessarily need that package, but it does seem like a pretty decent buy.

2016 Mustang GT

Weren't we just talking at lunch as to how impractical the Mustang is for you?

RWD, small back seat, not much cargo space.

You'll enjoy it for about 3 weeks then want to figure out a way to switch it out.

And, your point?

That's a great color. But I agree with @Michaell and I also think you should get it.

Had a great lunch with @breld and @michaell today in Denver. It's always good to meet up with fellow enablers from here.

Agreed! Both about the great lunch AND that I should get the Mustang.

The three of us can do some shopping trips - an apartment for @jpp5862 and a muscle car for me!

On a slightly different note (but not all that different for my purposes), I've been eyeing this Subaru example that keeps going down in price.

2016 WRX Limited

These generally don't get the big hit in depreciation, particularly in CO, but this one seems to be a pretty good buy for a 2016 Limited.

Hmmm, that link says the car has been removed.

Yes, shopping does seem to be in order for the three of us - I'll just tag along and offer my opinion.

graphicguy

Interesting....in my nearest Costco, they have a C300 4 Matic next to the service desk touting their car buying service. Pretty well loaded up, close to a $50K sticker. Costco has a price breakdown putting it at $41K if you use their service. That looks like a pretty darned good deal.

stickguy

I would join Costco for that if I wanted one. Heck, might investigate the program before next purchase just in case.

Michaell

graphicguy said:

Interesting....in my nearest Costco, they have a C300 4 Matic next to the service desk touting their car buying service. Pretty well loaded up, close to a $50K sticker. Costco has a price breakdown putting it at $41K if you use their service. That looks like a pretty darned good deal.

20% off sticker does seem like a lot.

I can almost see the gears turning in your head from here...

suydam

The $700 gift card we got from Costco for leasing the Volt more than paid for the membership cost. A nice bonus.

stickguy

My son sent a picture of his roommates new 420SEL. black. Huge. Said he went full gangster and it smells like grandpas Cadillac.

Though other than a small rust spot on trunk and a tear on drivers seat from a he seatbelt, said it seems really clean. And made it the 50 or so miles home with it, so already ahead of the game.

nyccarguy

graphicguy said:

Interesting....in my nearest Costco, they have a C300 4 Matic next to the service desk touting their car buying service. Pretty well loaded up, close to a $50K sticker. Costco has a price breakdown putting it at $41K if you use their service. That looks like a pretty darned good deal.

ThOse C300 4Matic Sports are sharp looking. Adaptive suspension and skinny 5 spoke, 19" Wheels.

iluvmysephia1

Oh, yeah, it's not just new cars at Costco. Wal*Mart is joining the fiasco soon.

breld

Michaell said:

breld said:

jpp5862 said:

breld said:

Michaell said:

breld said:

This Mustang is pretty spot on - 2016 with very low miles. One of my favorite colors available, and if I'm not mistaken, those black wheels indicate the performance package. I don't necessarily need that package, but it does seem like a pretty decent buy.

2016 Mustang GT

Weren't we just talking at lunch as to how impractical the Mustang is for you?

RWD, small back seat, not much cargo space.

You'll enjoy it for about 3 weeks then want to figure out a way to switch it out.

And, your point?

That's a great color. But I agree with @Michaell and I also think you should get it.

Had a great lunch with @breld and @michaell today in Denver. It's always good to meet up with fellow enablers from here.

Agreed! Both about the great lunch AND that I should get the Mustang.

The three of us can do some shopping trips - an apartment for @jpp5862 and a muscle car for me!

On a slightly different note (but not all that different for my purposes), I've been eyeing this Subaru example that keeps going down in price.

2016 WRX Limited

These generally don't get the big hit in depreciation, particularly in CO, but this one seems to be a pretty good buy for a 2016 Limited.

Hmmm, that link says the car has been removed.

Yes, shopping does seem to be in order for the three of us - I'll just tag along and offer my opinion.

Hmm - I posted that ad for the WRX last night around 10:00 or so. So apparently it was a good price for it - I'll have to keep that in mind.

Mr_Shiftright

qbrozen said:

Just read a magazine comparo where the Alfa beat out the C63S, M3, and ATSV, in that order. Very very impressive to kick off a comeback tour.

I read a lot of nice things about the Alfa, but I'm still trying to wrap my head around the price tag. Problem is it doesn't look like $80K. It looks like $40K.

nyccarguy

breld said:

Michaell said:

breld said:

jpp5862 said:

breld said:

Michaell said:

breld said:

This Mustang is pretty spot on - 2016 with very low miles. One of my favorite colors available, and if I'm not mistaken, those black wheels indicate the performance package. I don't necessarily need that package, but it does seem like a pretty decent buy.

2016 Mustang GT

Weren't we just talking at lunch as to how impractical the Mustang is for you?

RWD, small back seat, not much cargo space.

You'll enjoy it for about 3 weeks then want to figure out a way to switch it out.

And, your point?

That's a great color. But I agree with @Michaell and I also think you should get it.

Had a great lunch with @breld and @michaell today in Denver. It's always good to meet up with fellow enablers from here.

Agreed! Both about the great lunch AND that I should get the Mustang.

The three of us can do some shopping trips - an apartment for @jpp5862 and a muscle car for me!

On a slightly different note (but not all that different for my purposes), I've been eyeing this Subaru example that keeps going down in price.

2016 WRX Limited

These generally don't get the big hit in depreciation, particularly in CO, but this one seems to be a pretty good buy for a 2016 Limited.

Hmmm, that link says the car has been removed.

Yes, shopping does seem to be in order for the three of us - I'll just tag along and offer my opinion.

Hmm - I posted that ad for the WRX last night around 10:00 or so. So apparently it was a good price for it - I'll have to keep that in mind.

What was the color & price for the WRX?

andres3

I have to say the next time I'm in the market, I'm likely to just use Costco pricing. For sure they will be first up to bat at least, and evaluate from there.

Although the Sportwagen pricing Costco provided didn't impress me, their pricing since then has been much improved.

No one came within $500 of their pricing on the Subaru Outback or Forester, which was very good, and with my $500 ambassador coupon, was equivalent to the offer another Subaru dealer let me walk out with no vehicle. Of course, I didn't have the coupon at that time, but shows beating Costco might be futile, or at best, will take a large chunk of time and energy.

kyfdx

Speaking of Costco:

New set of Pilot SuperSports for my vehicle (staggered 18") is $899, including installation and tax.

That's a strong deal. We joined Costco about 15 months ago, just to get tires for my wife's car. ($200 cheaper than anywhere else). Downside is I have to re-up my membership for $45.

qbrozen

Mr_Shiftright said:

qbrozen said:

Just read a magazine comparo where the Alfa beat out the C63S, M3, and ATSV, in that order. Very very impressive to kick off a comeback tour.

I read a lot of nice things about the Alfa, but I'm still trying to wrap my head around the price tag. Problem is it doesn't look like $80K. It looks like $40K.

But all the competitors are in that same boat. They all have starting prices somewhere near $40k and only get up there when you get the full-on performance version, which doesn't change the aesthetics substantially.

And, personally, I wouldn't spend $70k on ANY of them.

By the way, the M3 in the test was somewhere north of $80k and the Benz was $94k!

Mr_Shiftright

I just built a Quadrifoglio and came out with $84,000.

Does this look like $84K ? (check out where the B pillar is).

nyccarguy

Found this interesting 328xi on swap-a-lease:

http://www.swapalease.com/mobile/details.aspx?p=1&salID=1036648

2016 328xi
Estoril Blue/Black Guts
Renter claims it has ///MSport Package plus adaptive suspension
No Xenon Lights - Plain Old Halogens
Slick Top - No Sunroof

Payment after $3K incentive is approximately $507/month (not sure if this includes tax or not. 1,635 miles per month would be good for me. 20 months left to go.

qbrozen

Mr_Shiftright said:

I just built a Quadrifoglio and came out with $84,000.

Does this look like $84K ? (check out where the B pillar is).

No. But neither does this.


nor this



They all have remarkably similar profiles.

andres3

That BMW lease seems pricey when you look at what's available for half the monthly cost.

stickguy

I look at it as spending $10,000 to drive a used car for a year and a half. Too rich for my blood.

28firefighter

nyccarguy said:

Found this interesting 328xi on swap-a-lease: http://www.swapalease.com/mobile/details.aspx?p=1&salID=1036648 2016 328xi Estoril Blue/Black Guts Renter claims it has ///MSport Package plus adaptive suspension No Xenon Lights - Plain Old Halogens Slick Top - No Sunroof Payment after $3K incentive is approximately $507/month (not sure if this includes tax or not. 1,635 miles per month would be good for me. 20 months left to go.

You could lease brand new or even an executive demo for far less than that. 

stickguy

Looks like spending $10k to drive a used car for a year and a half. Out of my budget.

nyccarguy

28firefighter said:

nyccarguy said:

Found this interesting 328xi on swap-a-lease:

http://www.swapalease.com/mobile/details.aspx?p=1&salID=1036648

2016 328xi
Estoril Blue/Black Guts
Renter claims it has ///MSport Package plus adaptive suspension
No Xenon Lights - Plain Old Halogens
Slick Top - No Sunroof

Payment after $3K incentive is approximately $507/month (not sure if this includes tax or not. 1,635 miles per month would be good for me. 20 months left to go.

You could lease brand new or even an executive demo for far less than that. 

I'm not so sure about that. The executive demo would have to be VERY aggressively priced like your X1. New? I put a few options in a 330xi to give it an MSRP of $51,020, then plugged the numbers in using a $1,000 under invoice selling price. Pre Tax payment comes to $609.54. Add $38.71 tax each month and you get a total payment of $648.25. Plus I'd have to come up with 1st month, Bank Fee, & DMW Fees. And that only gets me 15,000 miles per year. Let's say I pre pay at $.20 per mile (x 15,000). It comes out to an extra $3,000 (or $83.33 per month plus tax). $730 something per month. YIKES!

The one i posted from swap a lease looks expensive, but it has the miles I need.

Yes @stickguy, $10K to drive a used car for 20 months. It is better than spending $26K to rent the new car for 3 years.

Keeping the Legacy (for now)

breld

nyccarguy said:

breld said:

Michaell said:

breld said:

jpp5862 said:

breld said:

Michaell said:

breld said:

This Mustang is pretty spot on - 2016 with very low miles. One of my favorite colors available, and if I'm not mistaken, those black wheels indicate the performance package. I don't necessarily need that package, but it does seem like a pretty decent buy.

2016 Mustang GT

Weren't we just talking at lunch as to how impractical the Mustang is for you?

RWD, small back seat, not much cargo space.

You'll enjoy it for about 3 weeks then want to figure out a way to switch it out.

And, your point?

That's a great color. But I agree with @Michaell and I also think you should get it.

Had a great lunch with @breld and @michaell today in Denver. It's always good to meet up with fellow enablers from here.

Agreed! Both about the great lunch AND that I should get the Mustang.

The three of us can do some shopping trips - an apartment for @jpp5862 and a muscle car for me!

On a slightly different note (but not all that different for my purposes), I've been eyeing this Subaru example that keeps going down in price.

2016 WRX Limited

These generally don't get the big hit in depreciation, particularly in CO, but this one seems to be a pretty good buy for a 2016 Limited.

Hmmm, that link says the car has been removed.

Yes, shopping does seem to be in order for the three of us - I'll just tag along and offer my opinion.

Hmm - I posted that ad for the WRX last night around 10:00 or so. So apparently it was a good price for it - I'll have to keep that in mind.

What was the color & price for the WRX?

It was silver, Limited model (no H/K package), about 10k miles, for $24,900.

28firefighter

@nyccarguy I'll PM you a thread elsewhere I've been following - the executive demos can be very very aggressively priced;

stickguy

I just missed on an exec demo 328xi back in December. Well, seeing it. Would not have bought. Screaming deal at $299/mo. I'll be haunting them next Christmas season.

28firefighter

They are still out there. I just sent a sample I found on another board on a 2016 328 xDrive with a 51k MSRP on a first month, tags and doc fee at signing, 24/10 lease for $276/month plus tax; 24/15 was $336. 

Sandman6472

Dumb question I know but need an answer. What's the difference besides price between a 320i and a 328i? For some reason, still fixated on the 328i I drove a couple years back, the first German vehicle I drove that made me sit up and notice. See plenty of these down south here and like 'em. New ones are a bit pricey but going cpo might just be the best way. The nearby BMW/Mini Cooper store always has a good selection on hand so if one waits a bit, a perfect vehicle will show up there. Few times I've been there to check out a 1 Series, place was mobbed with folks especially in service.

The Sandman

28firefighter

The 320 is a de-tuned version of the 4 cylinder engine. I believe it has a 18X HP engine vs the 28i has a 240 hp engine. 

stickguy

28firefighter said:

They are still out there. I just sent a sample I found on another board on a 2016 328 xDrive with a 51k MSRP on a first month, tags and doc fee at signing, 24/10 lease for $276/month plus tax; 24/15 was $336. 

That's about what I saw. No cap cost due, and 12k miles for $299. Hard to pass that up.

ab348

stickguy said:

might have a new top contender. Though 9 months out (at least) that will change probably 175 times. maybe more.

really interested in the Civic. If I want a moderate sized sedan, with lots of features, for not that much money, it looks like a great option. The touring is loaded and MSRP is not too bad. But, we shall see.

Even has a color my wife likes! And can't beat the MPG.

I've been tough on how the new Civic looks. Today I was out and encountered a pair of them. Parked next to one in a lot, then followed another for some time.

I took a good look at the one I was parked next to. It is a surprisingly long car and the interior space looks very generous, except possibly rear headroom. It looks to be a useful size, not too big nor too small. The dash is certainly improved over past models as well. This one was a medium gray metallic and the black inserts in the front and rear bumper covers were less jarring than with some other paint colors.

Later I was behind a white one in traffic. The rear end view on these is the worst part and this car was white, which made those inserts in the bumper cover really stand out. It occurred to me that if I owned one, perhaps the best thing to do would be to get a rattle can of touch-up paint and spray those black inserts body-color, white in this case. I think then all you'd have to deal with are the taillights. I really do not like the upper "wings" on those lights although they are certainly distinctive on the road at night. But maybe I could live with them if the inserts weren't competing visually.

Certainly you would see yourself coming and going all the time but if that isn't a big problem it is likely a good choice.

stickguy

sandman_6472 said:

Dumb question I know but need an answer. What's the difference besides price between a 320i and a 328i? For some reason, still fixated on the 328i I drove a couple years back, the first German vehicle I drove that made me sit up and notice. See plenty of these down south here and like 'em. New ones are a bit pricey but going cpo might just be the best way. The nearby BMW/Mini Cooper store always has a good selection on hand so if one waits a bit, a perfect vehicle will show up there. Few times I've been there to check out a 1 Series, place was mobbed with folks especially in service.

The Sandman

Same basic car and engine, just detuned. But that can be fixed if you want! Otherwise, a little less standard equipment (and options available) and a bit cheaper. If you find one with options you like, a 320 should do you just fine.