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7H15 M3554G3
53RV35 7O PR0V3
H0W 0UR M1ND5 C4N
Nah, that sounds more like how you talk when you’ve been smacked by too many hockey pucks.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
I am just glad they didn't ask me if I speak American.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Tim Horton's
Curling Fever ... Catch It!
Swiss Chalet
Politeness of its citizens
The cool accent - not American, not British, something in between
Things I don't like about Canada:
.. nope, nothing I can think of
It SUCKS
jmonroe has handled driver's last couple of posts better than I could dream doing so.....
Thought the old 1988 Vandura was off to the crusher. The lower control arms had rusted to the point that the coil springs were poking through and almost dragging on the ground. To make it worse, that part is no longer made so what to do? My indie mechanic and I managed to find some junk yard parts in Syracuse and had them shipped. In the mean time I was wondering if the old beast was a lost cause. Everything underneath was incredibly rusted including the axle which looked like flakey pastry dough.
Well, I'm happy to report that my miracle worker mechanic was able to weld and wire everything together well enough that nothing beyond the control arms needed to be replaced. Total cost--about $400.
I asked him how long the remaining parts would last and he said "I wouldn't worry, something else will break and kill that thing long before any more suspension parts do."
I like that guy, he knows just how I think.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR
Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name.
2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h)
Review your vehicle
The first time I went to visit my wife up in Victoria, BC (she was at a project there for 13 months. Incidentally, today is her last day up there) the curling world champsionship was taking place.
We were going to go out for dinner on Sunday night, but ended up getting room service and watching the finals. It was pretty exciting.
I also recommend the movie "men with brooms." It's pretty funny.
Is anyone here going to turn in their name as "Pity" to one of the restaurants that call out your name? None that we go to do that at the times we go--no lines.
I can just hear it: Pity, party of 2... Would anyone catch on?
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
This is what happens when they don’t give me enough to do around here.
I went to two middle aged guys here who own BMW’s. One guy is on his 3 rd the other on his 2 nd. Obviously the guy that is on his 3 rd has the most experience between the two. However, he is throwing in the towel on another purchase, just can’t take the out of warranty repair bills anymore. He swears by its handling ability just like all BMW owners (sounds a lot like ‘driver’) but he says it’s not worth it anymore. His 2006 325i will be his last.
The guy on his 2 nd has a 2005 325i but for whatever reason has not had the same out of warranty repair bills but he admits it’s still worse (a lot worse) than his wife’s 2004 Accord that has more miles on it. As of right now he’s contemplating (pretty sure) getting a 2012 325i this summer but the guy on his 3 rd keeps telling him to reconsider. Both of them say they’d like the car to be more reliable out of warranty and then there would be no question about another purchase.
After listening to our poster buddy ‘driver’ talk about BMW’s, as much as he likes them, it doesn’t sound like he wants a BMW when it’s out of warranty either. I know this is just a poll that I took here of 2 owners but it seems to be what I have always “heard” about BMW ownership over the years.
I will say this, nobody that has owned one (from what I have heard) questions its ability to hold the road. Now, what price some are willing to put up with for this is another question.
FWIW, both of these guys are pretty meticulous (that’s why I went to them and not a couple of the other BMW owners here) so I doubt that either of them have abused or not maintained their cars according to BMW specs.
I don’t have a dog in this fight so maybe I shouldn’t be talking. I say buy what makes you happy as long as you can afford your habit.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
Can't be any more expensive than a Hyundai, in warranty...
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I think that you hit the nail on the head. An old friend of mine has owned BMW's since 1970. When we all saw his new car in 1970, few of us had even heard of BMW. George is as passionate today as he was then about BMW. For him, there is no other car that meets such high standards of performance. He has always told me, however, that there is a price to be paid for owning a BMW....especially if you keep them beyond the warranty period. He says that you have to be willing to spend the money to purchase it and the money to keep it up after the purchase. Like many other things, it depends on what you want and what you can afford. If you have to complain about the expense, you shouldn't make such a purchase.
In 1967, we were furnishing our first home after living in a small apartment. My wife wanted a Stiffel Lamp for the living room. I complained that the price tag was $300---quite a bit of change for a lamp in those days. My wife put it to me this way, "If it makes you unhappy, we can find a lamp for $25. It depends on what you want. If you want something nice that will last, buy it. If you're going to complain about it afterward, there will be no enjoyment in the purchase." She was right. We bought the lamp and 45 years later, and 14 houses later, there it sits---just as beautiful as the day we bought it. A person just has to decide where they wish to allocate their money. As you say, buy what makes you happy as long as you can afford the habit. You might have to do without something else. It's a personal decision.
Richard
.. nope, nothing I can think of
I would agree with your choices of some of my favorite things about Canada. But, there are lots of things I like about the U.S. of A too.
Most things are so cheap here in comparison, especially restaurants. We went to Village Inn, had a great turkey dinner, cranberry sauce, choice of potato which was potato pancakes (with lots of apple sauce and sour cream), an excellent fresh salad, and a huge slice of pie (I chose chocolate and peanutbutter cup) all for $7.50, and it was delicious. There were four of us and we had endless coffee in a carafe and the total bill came to $40. My SIL had a 20% off coupon from the newspaper so dinner for 4, and we couldn't eat another thing was $32!!!!! You couldn't make all that food at home for that price.
Gas at $3.50 a gallon is much better than the $5 we pay in Canada.
You'd never find a 2003 Crown Vic for $4500 back home.
I have a 1300 square foot home for less than it would cost to buy a garage back home.
Is this country great or what.
I like Canada too, but vive la difference, that's what makes it all so much more fun.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Kirstie and Richard said as well as any one can.
You paid a lot for repairs that were made while the car was under warranty.
No one wants expensive repair bills, but once you experience the ride, handling and engineering, you just won't be satisfied driving something else.
Those 325s are probably 10 years old so it is possible most other cars wouldn't even be on the road at that age.
Some people have few problems with BMWs, such as roadburner and my friend who has a 2003 with over 100k miles.
We went with friends on a long trip in a Honda Odyssey. It was very comfortable, and a good solid ride. Would I want to own one? Never in a million years...fun quotient out of 100 is about 0.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Maybe. Many years ago, we went to dinner with some friends from South Carolina. My friend gave his name to the hostess for a table. Thirty minutes later, the hostess announced, "Snotty, your table is available." The crowd in the waiting area cracked up when they heard it. I looked at my friend and said, "We love you, but next time it might be better if we use my name." He said, "I know. It happens all of the time." He and his wife owned a really upscale jewelry store. You guessed it---"Snotty's Jewels".
Richard
Thanks for reminding us of how fortunate we are in terms of the cost of things. Though we complain, we certainly don't have to look far to see how much better off we are in the world. There are three things that I love about Canada: green, clean, and so friendly.
Richard
If you drive inland about 50 miles from Sarasota you will have one of the most unique experiences ever. His daughter runs the restaurant and the food is excellent, especially the Walnut Pie which they said is good if it was made today.
He also has a car museum across the road;
A lot of the items are made from old car parts or beer cans. The guides are a lot of fun with their comments. Howard has a very different view of the world. The $10 admission price is a bargain.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Don't write it down.
It was pretty easy after solving the first line.
But still, pretty ingenious that you can read it even though it is a mixture of numbers and letters! Doing jumbles is a good way to keep your brain working.
I saw a few Town Cars today, white with sand colored cloth roofs. I didn't realize how popular that combo is until you mentioned it. Only on Fords though.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
But still, pretty ingenious that you can read it even though it is a mixture of numbers and letters! Doing jumbles is a good way to keep your brain working.
I saw a few Town Cars today, white with sand colored cloth roofs. I didn't realize how popular that combo is until you mentioned it. Only on Fords though.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Don’t be so sure about that. The XG350 that had a blown engine cost me $3K because even though I came out ahead by selling it as it sat for $2800 vs. trying to sell it for $5800 after paying for the new engine, if Hyundai had paid the $3K for a new engine I would still be driving it and it would still be worth the same $5800.
When I mentioned this to the guy that has had his 3 rd and last BMW he said, “don’t feel bad. As best as I can I figure right now, without my receipts, I have paid at least $5K probably more like $5500 for all three of them. The guy that will probably buy another one said he’s paid out something like just under $2K for the 2 that he has had for his out of warranty repairs.
If all of us did the ‘driver’ method of cost averaging per year or miles or any other way of rationalizing ownership, none of these expenditures would seem all that bad. But the BMW owners at least had the “feel of the road” that I didn’t.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
If the thought of raising the hood on your car makes you pee your pants AND your local dealer overcharges for needed -and unneeded- repairs, then an out of warranty BMW is definitely not for you. Case in point: my son noted that the X3's left xenon headlamp was out. I did a little research and found that people were reporting that some dealers were charging upwards of $500 to replace one bulb. I checked the BMW online parts database and determined that the headlamp uses a D2S bulb. I ordered two Philips D2S bulbs(manufactured in Germany, of course) from Amazon for the exorbitant sum of $83.70. It takes @10 minutes to replace both bulbs and I will have saved $916 compared to the poor [non-permissible content removed] who went to Gouging Motors, handed his credit card to the service adviser, dropped his pants, and grabbed his ankles.
Here's another example from a few years ago:
I had put off changing a noisy idler pulley on my wife's 128,000 mile 1997 528i, and my procrastination was rewarded by the pulley bearing disintegrating and taking out both serpentine belts as well as the fan shroud. It was the middle of winter, so I decided to let my independent BMW tech handle the repairs. While he had the car we decided to replace the radiator, the water pump, and the remaining idler pulley as a precaution. My tech also found and replaced a bad tie rod and had the car aligned. Anyone care to guess the total repair bill?
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Yep, it sounds like they are getting hosed but good; I'd also like to know what the "repairs" involved. In over 130,000 miles my wife's 2004 X3 has needed one set of pads and rotors, a serpentine belt, a battery, and the previously mentioned headlamp bulbs.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Given that I plan to look at a couple of used BMWS this weekend, I am getting worried that it really may be a bad idea. So please, talk me in or talk me out of it!
conditions: 1 is a 2005 with 92K, and the other is a 2004 with 75K. Both 325i RWD automatics. '05 at a VW dealer, '04 is a private sale (original owner).
Plan is to use as my DD for the next year (mostly local, maybe 7.5K/year now) and then let me daughter use it when she hits 17. So not getting a lot of miles.
I "know" a lot more than I can/will do these days (can talk the talk but not wrench the wrench) and there is a well regarded indy (BMW/MB only) shop 5 minutes away (charges $85/hour) that I would use for everything.
one issue, may not have the opportunity to get either one there for a PPI.
So go at it. Should I jump in or run, Forrest run?
Oh, my other option would be something "safer" like a 2005ish TSX, Mazda 3 maybe. Something like that.
And budget is 10K or so tops.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
This can happen in all makes of cars. The fellow with the Odyssey told me his windshield cracked when the heat came on during a cold day. Dealer wanted $800 to replace it, the independent window specialist charged $225.
Whoever said I would rather push my VW than drive a Toyota got it right. So, you do pay more for the privelege of driving a BMW, but what about the enjoyment factor?
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
The only way I would own a BMW/MB/AUDI/VW is to lease it or sell it as soon as the warranty is up.
RB has it right that many small items such as filters, headlight bulbs etc should not go to the dealer, however, there are still many expensive repairs I could never touch. This holds true with any car, but I would take rather take my chances on other makes out of warranty.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
I tend to agree. If you do go with a used BMW I would strongly suggest going with the extended warranty, at least your expenses will be capped.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
And budget is 10K or so tops.
I am not a technological or mechanical expert, and I do have a slight bias towards BMWs, but in my opinion, if you have a budget of $10000, then I would not chance a BMW. It is just that maintenance could be an endless money pit, and you would end up very unhappy.
For $10000, it would be better to choose a car with low maintenance and repair costs. Not sure what that might be, but possibly Toyota, Honda, Buick, etc. I would try to choose a car maybe at $8000 and have a reserve in case it needs a few things right away.
I don't think a used BMW out of warranty, without a reserve to draw on is the best senario.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Richard
The guy that is on his 3 rd and last BMW said his current, ’06 325i, had a transmission problem (automatic) when it was around 5 months out of warranty and a few thousand miles over the mileage limit if it had still been in the warranty repair period. However, unlike my Hyundai dealer, his dealer stepped up and got BMW to pay a little over half of the repair cost. This is probably because it is the third BMW he has bought from this dealer but he said it still cost him $1600. This guy doesn’t think his dealer charges any more than what other BMW dealers charge for service work but he said, “it’s still a BMW so they CHARGE”. He goes to a different BMW dealer than the other guy so they compare notes. That’s all I can say about the 2 dealers that they use. FWIW, I think this guy, having had 3 BMW’s is like ‘driver’, he doesn’t like the ride of the car as much as he did in his younger days but he does like the handling. Since you can’t get one without the other he’s going to get something else when the time comes. I’ll suggest a 5 Series and see how that goes. Dollar wise I think he can do it. Now that I’m writing this, I think I’m going to have some fun and suggest, that to save a couple bucks on a 5, he should consider getting it used. Man, that otta be fun hearing him go off about getting a miled-up used BMW. Yeah, I just talked myself into doing that.
Now for the second guy that has had two and is probably going to get another one. He goes to a different dealer and like I said above he doesn’t think that he over charges but it’s still a BMW. This guy hasn’t had that much out of warranty repairs (around $2K for his two so far) but he did have some peripheral items go bad. On his current ’05 325i I think he said it was the power steering pump that went and on both of them he has had some electronic gizmos go out which is what drives the first guy nuts. But like I said he’s leaning towards getting another one.
I’m not knocking BMW’s, I’m just pointing out that they cost a good bit more to repair, regardless of who does the work, compared to your average appliance grocery getter when out of warranty work is needed.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
I'll bite. With your savvy for car repairs and a good tech, I'll guess $1,500 for the total repair. Me? I'm sure that I would have shed a good $5K or $6K for the same amount of work. Though I'm looking at some 128i convertibles, I doubt that I will pull the trigger because of the maintenance factor. Writing too many checks for car repairs definitely wouldn't keep me happy for long, even if I loved the car. I'm also looking at new Mustang and Audi convertibles and MB Sports sedans.
Richard
Weren't you just looking at F150s? What a contrast! :P
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
You got that right.
Lets’ knock off this Hyundai talk. How about the new Subie? How did the paint chip stuff go?
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
Buy a CPO car, there's a warranty on the big-ticket items for 6 years/100k miles. Maintenance isn't bad at all, especially if you have a good indie tech. It's basically oil and filter changes prior to 100k miles- plus a coolant flush every four years and a brake fluid change every two(and you should be doing that on any ABS car regardless).
Any more guesses on my final bill?
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Good idea, the 5 definitely has a softer ride and extremely comfortable seats. If he wants to save some money, it won't be as soft riding as a 5, but softer than a 3, he should try an Audi. Still good handling, but softer ride than a 3.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I "know" a lot more than I can/will do these days (can talk the talk but not wrench the wrench)
one issue, may not have the opportunity to get either one there for a PPI.
I’d say you answered your own questions about a used BMW. With those kinds of miles I’d make it a point to take either of them to your indy guy. Especially when you admit that you aren’t a wrench man.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
Well, since you caused all of this, I wouldn’t charge myself any more than $376.42. :P
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
This from the man who spent two weeks worth of paycheck for a lamp....
Alright, enough of that dreaded car company
The Subie is doing great. I picked it up Wednesday afternoon from the guys applying the film, let it dry until last night, and applied my splash guards and stainless steel side sill plates. We'll start our new Subie adventure by taking it to the hockey game tonight. Next week it takes on family duty when my wife uses it for car pooling and such. It looks great, drives great, and makes me smile.
but, to address a few points:
- I hate big. and don't want boring. This is actually my car. Just with the concept of passing it down eventually, but that does not have to happen. But, my duaghter will be getting trained on it so it has to be "kid friendly"
- TSX is a good choice (I like them) but way expensive thanks to good resale
- Hated the seats and interior IIRC on the prior generation Sonata.
- I have in the past done actual work (plugs/coolant/oil changes). Just not doing them now. I generally have a good feel for a used car (and can spot things) but not obviously like a pro that specializes and has a lift!
I actually find getting a PPI done to be a stumbling block in many cases, especially on private sales. Some people just can't/won't deal with the logistics. Dealers? Well, they might be more accomodating, but that is on the buyer to handle. And you pay for the priviledge.
IMO, on something like the Bimmer (unless you are trying to hide issues), I would go to the local hig-end Indy and pay the $85 for a full PPI and get the written report to show buyers. Most likely will make that money back many times over.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Richard
Yes, that is the only way that I would consider a used one.
Richard
In 1967, you would have been just about right. I think that each of us brought home about $400 per month. We went from $60 a month, including utilities, for the apartment to $150 house payment. It was frightening! :P As for the lamp, it has lasted far beyond the cars.
I have always put more money into the houses and furniture than I have in the cars. Though I have bought a few brand new cars, most of them have been one or two years old. Though we can now afford any car that we want, I just can't see spending a great deal of money on one. Regardless of how much money we now have, I still can't shake those "tight [non-permissible content removed]" habits.
Richard
Back in the 70’s and 80’s when I sold my cars myself. I told the would be buyers that if they if they wanted to buy the car, if they gave me a non-refundable deposit if they changed their mind, we’d both go to whatever mechanic they wanted to check out the car. If the car failed for any reason I would refund their deposit. Since we have annual safety state inspections here in PA they would have to get the car inspected as soon as they bought it anyway, so this was just a confidence factor that I was providing so that they’d know I wasn’t trying to unload a car with hidden problems. The inspecting garage would always say to the new buyer, “since I just inspected it and it’s OK, just bring it back to me and I’ll slap a sticker on it once you get the title transferred. That way you don’t have to pay again for another inspection at another garage”.
Most likely will make that money back many times over.
As I said above it wasn’t so much that I’d get it back “many times over”, it was just my way as a private seller to help sell my cars. I knew my cars were in good shape and it always worked when people were seriously interested and not just kicking tires.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
Sounds like you want to go with a bimmer. Good luck, if you are looking for handling and engineering, and not boring, that is the right way to go. But, keep a reserve of cash handy just in case.
My friends car is a 325 about 150 miles and he has very few problems. He is in the automobile business, and though he can't afford a newer car he knows he wants to drive a bmw.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Yes, that is the only way that I would consider a used one.
Definitely the way to do it. Worry free driving for 100k miles or 6 years.
Better than most new car warranties, and much better than
Hyundaisnew car warranty....sorry, forgot, we're not supposed to talk about it any more.2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I'll gladly take care of that excess money for you. I'd get a nice BMW and even come down now and again so you could see it.....