Disclaimer: I do not currently drive a BMW though I expect to be driving a 3 series [ 335iS ] by roughly this time next year.
My research clearly indicates that all years of the 335 twin turbo have ongoing issues with the HPFP [ high pressure fuel pump ] – very frequent failures - that is worth knowing about, should someone be considering such a purchase.
Otherwise, they appear reasonably reliable. YMMV. - Ray Intending to buy one anyway . . .
THe HPFP though is starting to sound like a danger zone. And not sure if these are on any direct injectin engine? Not my area of expertise.
There are some horror stories of the FP going on th enew HP diesel VWs. 10K repair bills, since when they go, it basically spreads "shrapnel" through the intire fuel system, and everything (engine, tank, all of it) gets trashed.
My research clearly indicates that all years of the 335 twin turbo have ongoing issues with the HPFP [ high pressure fuel pump ] – very frequent failures - that is worth knowing about, should someone be considering such a purchase.
So why bother with it? Take a long, hard look at the 328i. With a stick, as God intended BMWs to be equipped, it's more than fast enough to get you into trouble anywhere in North America.
To me, it's the "pure" BMW - the one that comes closest to the sports sedan ideal exemplified by the original 2002.
Turbos are much more reliable today. Keep in mind that many automakers are going the turbo route to increase fuel efficiency. Much research has been done to ensure these powerplants perform long term.
Here's an interview transcript with BMW chief of electronics in 2005 over BMW quality and reliability issues. And he says they were making changes to that and those results indeed manifest in CR ratings that show that BMW's have been much more reliable from 2006+. They had their share of quality and reliab concerns before that and the BMW chief acknowledges that !! :P
They just aren't needed and they make the cars much more complex and MUCH more harder to work on.
I will disagree. With manufacturers expected to achieve lofty CAFE numbers, you're going to see more and more turbo applications as they replace displacement with forced induction and direct injection.
The new 3.5 V6 Ecoboost in the F150 will have more HP and torque plus about 20% better fuel efficiency than the current 5.4 V8.
I have a 1.8T in my Passat. 25 mpg regularly from 170 HP and 3000 lbs. I really can't complain about lack of power.
Yes, as you say it`s mixed. It`s better than previous years though. I think with the times that are now-- no make can afford to make unreliable cars especially as there are more options now with fierce competition than previous years.. :shades: :P
they make the cars much more complex and MUCH more harder to work on
As you may or may not know, I wrench on my own cars, and I can tell you this just isn't true. A turbo is actually quite an old idea and, as such, is pretty simple and antiquated in a way. The modern direct injection systems being used are actually far more complex and difficult, and those are cropping up in EVERY vehicle, turbo or not.
Heck, Honda's VTEC added more complexity to an engine than a turbo ever would have.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
I do know the turbos are MUCH better these days but I just think they are unnecessary. I, for one, don't need that much power.
It's not always for "that much power". Many of today's applications will be for power on demand from smaller engines. Cruze is going to a 1.4L from the 2.2L in the Cobalt with similar performance numbers and about 20% more fuel efficiency.
Think of it being like driving a 4 cylinder with the reserve power of a 6 cylinder.
But I wasn't referring to reliability. Just the complexity. Variable cam technology is definitely more complex, in my opinion, than sticking what is essentially a fan in the exhaust and a tube back into the intake.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
My research clearly indicates that all years of the 335 twin turbo have ongoing issues with the HPFP ........
So why bother with it? Take a long, hard look at the 328i. With a stick, as God intended BMWs to be equipped, it's more than fast enough to get you into trouble anywhere in North America.
There's an article in the July 2010 Roundel by Mike Miller, testing a 128i stick. He makes a strong argument that it's a better car than the 135i (turbo), & costs $6450 less. (I want one!)
Recently, I rode in a friend's 10 y.o Accord. It just seemed "flimsy" all around, the shocks/struts were shot (i know, 10 years old), etc.. When I got back in my 10 y.o 5-series, it's from a different planet. (Should be, they were 2x as much new). Way more "Solid", 10x better build quality, interior, handling, I might have spent $1500 over 10 years on maintenence & the 3-4 minor repairs......
It's funny how all the people here who love bmw's have owned them, & (I think) the people bashing them haven't. It's a fun thread tho, cheers, woody
When I got back in my 10 y.o 5-series, it's from a different planet. (Should be, they were 2x as much new). Way more "Solid", 10x better build quality, interior, handling, I might have spent $1500 over 10 years on maintenence & the 3-4 minor repairs......
I know what you mean. I feel exactly the same way when I climb into my 9-year-old 330i. Solid as a rock & every bit as much fun to drive as it was when I took delivery on June 28, 2001.
I'm thinking about the complexity a turbo adds. If you have to change a valve cover gasket or a water pump getting the turbo out of teh way can add immensly to the time and effort required to do a job.
With shop labor rates over 100.00 an hour in most places now, that can make a big difference.
Absolutely true-- Things can be very complex but reliable too. Complexity should not mean trouble prone. The Prius hybrid is very complex-- yet,it has been proven to be very reliable. Cant say that about cars like LR,VW etc.. :shades:
At the other end, GM and Chrysler have had such poor old outdated tech in their small and mid sedans ,yet they are trouble prone.
And yes, labor rates are expensive nowadays,even for mainstream brands like Hon/Yota/Ford/GM. Just to diagnose a problem can cost a couple hundred bucks + the repair cost.
I'm thinking about the complexity a turbo adds. If you have to change a valve cover gasket or a water pump getting the turbo out of teh way can add immensly to the time and effort required to do a job.
Depends on how they routed everything, but I have yet to have one that was in the way of anything. For instance, to do the timing belt, water pump, thermostat, etc, on my volvo turbo did not involve removing any parts attributed to the turbo. I did do the valve cover gasket once, and all I had to do was remove the air pipe that connects the turbo to the intercooler. That was 2 clamps right in plain sight.
Same applies to my VW. Nothing attributable to the turbo would interfere with normal maintenance.
Now, having said that, I believe the bimmer turbo is between the cylinder banks. So MAYBE replacing head gaskets could be problematic? I dunno, but heck, head gaskets on a modern car is a big job no matter what.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
When I got back in my 10 y.o 5-series, it's from a different planet. (Should be, they were 2x as much new). Way more "Solid", 10x better build quality, interior, handling, I might have spent $1500 over 10 years on maintenance & the 3-4 minor repairs......
Ditto for my 1995 3er and 1975 '02.
It's funny how all the people here who love bmw's have owned them, & (I think) the people bashing them haven't.
It's the same way on just about every forum.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Dont know if you read before you post . As I said, one of my close friends has a 2007 7 series that has numerous electrical gremlins and has to be dropped off at the dealership.. Do you want me to post the dealer invoices or what ?? And also I posted a link that has an interview with the BMW chief where he acknowledges problems with BMW's quality and reliability.. Why dont you go read it??:sick:
And you say , you have problems with your Mazda3-- whereas several posters here have had an excellent history with it.. So ,are you lying ?? :confuse:
Dont [sic] know if you read before you post . As I said, one of my close friends has a 2007 7 series that has numerous electrical gremlins and has to be dropped off at the dealership.. Do you want me to post the dealer invoices or what ?
Easy, big guy. Calm down & remember that roadburner has more BMW experience than all of your friends put together. Lose the attitude & take the opportunity to learn from him, as many others have.
Dont[sic] know if you read before you post . As I said, one of my close friends has a 2007 7 series that has numerous electrical gremlins and has to be dropped off at the dealership.. Do you want me to post the dealer invoices or what ??
Speaking of reading, you missed the salient fact that my post merely alleged that you have never owned a BMW- unless of course you are married to your "close friend"? Not that there's anything wrong with that. And your friend's experience with one 7 Series is supposed to trump my experience with the nine BMWs I've owned over the past 27 years?
And also I posted a link that has an interview with the BMW chief where he acknowledges problems with BMW's quality and reliability.. Why dont[sic] you go read it??
I don't have to. You see, I read that article when it was originally published- in 2005. Heiden(who by the way is actually the chief of electronics, not the "BMW chief") simply admits there was a problem with some electronics and gives a detailed explanation of the steps being taken to correct it. If anything that article illustrates that BMW makes QC a top priority.
And you say , you have problems with your Mazda3-- whereas several posters here have had an excellent history with it.. So ,are you lying ??
Nice reposte. Look, I'll try to make this as simple as possible; unlike your BMW "knowledge", my experience with Mazda is based on my actual ownership of a Mazdaspeed3. And yes, it has had more than its share of problems. In spite of that, I don't slam Mazdas every time the brand is mentioned. In contrast, you simply cannot resist opining on BMW reliability at every turn- even though your experience is almost totally based on reading the April issue of CR(oh yeah, and the fact that a couple of your friends own BMWs). Anyway, as I've said before, I believe that the other participants in these threads can determine who actually knows BMWs...
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
And your experience is supposed to trump CR's 30 years of reliability histories with millions of owners reporting data !!. Makes sense to me .. :sick:
And ,you can always use the scroll button. No one is forcing you to reply. Everyone can post his opinion here and whatever you say doesn't mean it`s the gospel truth .Everyone is entitled to his opinion.No need to be an owner for 27 years to report facts or opine. And may be your folks marry their close friends -- I dont know-- certainly not us.. :sick:
And your experience is supposed to trump CR's 30 years of reliability histories with millions of owners reporting data !!.
As one who has subscribed to CR for more than 30 years, I've pointed out several times that today's "worse than average" equates to a "much better than average" from the 90s. If you're a longtime CR reader, you should know this yourself. Cars are simply much, much better now than they used to be, so there's really no need to obsess over the data.
You clearly agreed with me when you posted that "I think with the times that are now-- no make can afford to make unreliable cars especially as there are more options now with fierce competition than previous years". (Your post #40018)
So let's agree that there's really nothing to argue about here & move on. OK?
Yeah, this is pretty far off-topic now, and isn't an inviting topic for members who might want to ask about trade-in values. Veering off-topic for awhile is OK, but I think it's time to leave this discussion for trade-in questions. Thanks!
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
Thanks so much for jumping in here...very tedious pissing match! Think we'll call it a draw!
Now, getting back on topic here, can anyone here give me a trade in value of a '05 Mazda 3s with 80k miles and some small hail damage? Just a ballpark figure will do. TIA all.
The Sandman :sick: :shades:
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2015 Golf TSI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
The hail damage will be the killer...how bad is it?
You'll do much better selling privately rather than trading it in. That's true in most situations, but much more so if the car is damaged or in need of major repairs. Dealers will give you peanuts just to get you to buy their car, then they'll dump it at an auction for dirt cheap.
The Mazda3 s, especially the 5-door, is a sought-after used car, especially among younger males. An AutoTrader ad will probably net you several thousands more than a trade-in would...
also, the 80K will not make it popular. So overall, this is a perfect private sale car, since the dealer may be offering a shockingly low value (depending on bad the dents are). 4K maybe? just guessing here.
certainly low enough that the craig's trolling cash buyers (young males in this case) will still be in play.
What trim level? Sedan or hatchback? Options? Tranny type? Cant give a value without these options. Hail damage- so no point trading in-- dealer will lowball you very low as they will auction it off. So private party is best option. But miles are high + damage. Also, no options mentioned. So a very rough estimate -- put 5k private party on Craigs or AutoTrade and take 4k !! :shades:
It's an S sedan with an auto tranny. Hard to see the hail damage, tires are at 90% and it still's running great. But I know it's usefulness for the wife is diminished a bit and once it strands her...it'll be gone. Car still drives exceptionally well, we're taking it on an over night jaunt up to Orlando on Monday afternoon, so I'll get to see how well it drives.
I realize we'll get peanuts if we trade it in, but that's been the usual route. Hoping to keep it till the 2012's roll out. Already have replaced the drivers side window motor and fixed a small tranny leak, the only money we've put into it. But if anything else goes on it, think she'll want it gone asap.
Thanks for all the input guys...very helpful!
The Sandman :sick: :shades:
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2015 Golf TSI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
Auction figures with similar miles would put it at $6300 or so before you factor in the hail damage. One with 70K just sold for $6700. Hope this helps.
Thanks for the numbers & since we're not doing anything at this point, the numbers will be going down also. But, hopefully the car will hold up till 2012. We just had "the talk" about my retirement plans & a new car isn't in the budget at this time. But since we buy our own rides now, wifey can go out & buy tomorrow if she'd like...a nice feeling.
Saw another commercial for the new Cruze & it has spurred some interest especially with the Onstar package...a great option if the price is right. We're not Ford people, but we'll test the Fiesta just to see how it drives. I've learned something in life as I've gotten older..."Never say never"! Thanks for the numbers all & will be asking again when she decides.
The Sandman :sick: :shades:
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2015 Golf TSI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
I am curious to see the cruze too. sounds interesting from the reviews.
for the Ford, since you aren't in a hurry, wait and look at the upcoming Focus. Probably closer to what you are used to with the mazda. the fiesta is very nice, but kinda small.
I find the Onstar scare tactic radio ads really distasteful. My G6 had it free for the first year, but when it expired, I didn't renew it because I knew if I wasn't successful getting it bought back under the lemon law, I was going to sell or trade the car.
I used the handsfree calling a few times (that worked better than my cell phone), but the Onstar navigation was a cruel joke.
I agree that the OnStar ads are a bit melodramatic, but as someone with a bit of experience in the field, I can tell you that the actual functionality isn't really a waste. The cost of it though, for me, would outweigh its benefits but for someone who is concerned there won't be anyone around to help them if they can't help themselves I absolutely see the point.
A single car accident is very disorienting and there aren't always people around to call 911 for you (particularly in the back areas of the suburb where I grew up). Those back areas were the most frequent location for our OnStar related calls, and were extremely precise in locating the vehicle and telling us what to look for. The only time we got better reports, were from other public safety personnel since the area is not well lit and street names are few and far between. It is hard to get better than, for example, "Vehicle Accident, OnStar reporting 123 State Road cross streets 200 block of Main Street and 200 block of County Road; 2007 Cadillac DTS, Black, PA Registration XXX-XXXX, front and side airbag deployments, occupant unresponsive."
That said? I'll take my chances without it - my current car has BMW Assist and I won't reactivate it. I'd rather keep my phone somewhere that it has less chance of being thrown if I'm g-dforbid in an accident. I absolutely respect the decision of people to use these systems though, because you're recognizing that you may not be a person who can think clearly enough to give the information necessary to a dispatcher.
2025 Jetta GLI Autobahn, 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xE
I'd like to have it but I have 20 minutes of commute through completely dead cell zone. Probably not the norm but I know there are a lot of folks that don't have the cell coverage of a metro-area. My other issue is I've driven my road on a snowy night and not pass a single vehicle for 20-30 miles. I just haven't bought a car with it yet as that's obviously not my only criteria for buying!
From all I've heard. the 2012 Focus is going to be a great car. For 2012, there will also be a new Civic and a new Elantra...the latter of which I expect to give them all a run for their money!
Comments
I do not currently drive a BMW though I expect to be driving a 3 series [ 335iS ] by roughly this time next year.
My research clearly indicates that all years of the 335 twin turbo have ongoing issues with the HPFP [ high pressure fuel pump ] – very frequent failures - that is worth knowing about, should someone be considering such a purchase.
Otherwise, they appear reasonably reliable.
YMMV.
- Ray
Intending to buy one anyway . . .
THe HPFP though is starting to sound like a danger zone. And not sure if these are on any direct injectin engine? Not my area of expertise.
There are some horror stories of the FP going on th enew HP diesel VWs. 10K repair bills, since when they go, it basically spreads "shrapnel" through the intire fuel system, and everything (engine, tank, all of it) gets trashed.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
So why bother with it? Take a long, hard look at the 328i. With a stick, as God intended BMWs to be equipped, it's more than fast enough to get you into trouble anywhere in North America.
To me, it's the "pure" BMW - the one that comes closest to the sports sedan ideal exemplified by the original 2002.
It is amazing how the definition of "slow" or "underpowered" has changed in the las tcouple of decades.
a 3 series, base engine, AT is probably what, a 7.5 0-60 car? maybe a little better?
20 years ago, almost no sports cars could do that. Maybe a vette, and a few others.
I know my 82 HP Mazda 323 coldn't!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
According to BMW's web site, a 328i coupe will do 0 to 60 in 6.8 seconds with AT & 6.2 seconds with MT.
An unreliable VW? I thought VW promised that, with the 2005+ Jetta, they were all going to be as reliable as Toyota? :lemon: :P
They just aren't needed and they make the cars much more complex and MUCH more harder to work on.
They had their share of quality and reliab concerns before that and the BMW chief acknowledges that !!
http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/05_10/b3923145_mz070.htm
I will disagree. With manufacturers expected to achieve lofty CAFE numbers, you're going to see more and more turbo applications as they replace displacement with forced induction and direct injection.
The new 3.5 V6 Ecoboost in the F150 will have more HP and torque plus about 20% better fuel efficiency than the current 5.4 V8.
I have a 1.8T in my Passat. 25 mpg regularly from 170 HP and 3000 lbs. I really can't complain about lack of power.
You've helped me on a few occasions, so allow me to contribute...
This is from the 2010 Buyer's Guide, p. 152 mentions "Vehicles to avoid" including:
3 series AWD 01, 08
3 series RWD 00
3 series turbo AWD 07
5 series 6 cyl 08
5 series V8 99-03, 07-08
7 series 99-01
X3 08
X5 6 cyl 01-02, 07-08
X5 V8 01, 03-04, 06-08
That's not a short list. From the very same page, Audi's list is shorter, and Cadillac's list is much shorter.
To be fair the BMW M3, Z3, and Z4 make their Best of the Best list on p. 154. Perhaps owners take the best care of those (sports cars/roadsters).
The X5 V8 is on the Worst of the Worst list.
I'd call the overall verdict mixed. It really depends on the model and year.
BMW 135i '08; 325i (AWD) '02; 330i (AWD) '02-03; 330i (RWD) '01; 335i (AWD) '08; 335i (RWD) '07, '09; 5 Series (V8) '00-03, '05; 535i '08; 7 Series '00-01; X3 '07-08; X5 (6-cyl.) '01-04, '07-09; X5 (V8) '01, '05, '07-08; Z4 '07
Yes, as you say it`s mixed. It`s better than previous years though. I think with the times that are now-- no make can afford to make unreliable cars especially as there are more options now with fierce competition than previous years.. :shades: :P
As you may or may not know, I wrench on my own cars, and I can tell you this just isn't true. A turbo is actually quite an old idea and, as such, is pretty simple and antiquated in a way. The modern direct injection systems being used are actually far more complex and difficult, and those are cropping up in EVERY vehicle, turbo or not.
Heck, Honda's VTEC added more complexity to an engine than a turbo ever would have.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
The VTEC's weren't that complicated and they didn't cause any trouble.
I do know the turbos are MUCH better these days but I just think they are unnecessary. I, for one, don't need that much power.
It's not always for "that much power". Many of today's applications will be for power on demand from smaller engines. Cruze is going to a 1.4L from the 2.2L in the Cobalt with similar performance numbers and about 20% more fuel efficiency.
Think of it being like driving a 4 cylinder with the reserve power of a 6 cylinder.
Nope.
But I wasn't referring to reliability. Just the complexity. Variable cam technology is definitely more complex, in my opinion, than sticking what is essentially a fan in the exhaust and a tube back into the intake.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
So why bother with it? Take a long, hard look at the 328i. With a stick, as God intended BMWs to be equipped, it's more than fast enough to get you into trouble anywhere in North America.
There's an article in the July 2010 Roundel by Mike Miller, testing a 128i stick. He makes a strong argument that it's a better car than the 135i (turbo), & costs $6450 less. (I want one!)
Recently, I rode in a friend's 10 y.o Accord. It just seemed "flimsy" all around, the shocks/struts were shot (i know, 10 years old), etc.. When I got back in my 10 y.o 5-series, it's from a different planet. (Should be, they were 2x as much new). Way more "Solid", 10x better build quality, interior, handling, I might have spent $1500 over 10 years on maintenence & the 3-4 minor repairs......
It's funny how all the people here who love bmw's have owned them, & (I think) the people bashing them haven't. It's a fun thread tho, cheers, woody
I know what you mean. I feel exactly the same way when I climb into my 9-year-old 330i. Solid as a rock & every bit as much fun to drive as it was when I took delivery on June 28, 2001.
I'm thinking about the complexity a turbo adds. If you have to change a valve cover gasket or a water pump getting the turbo out of teh way can add immensly to the time and effort required to do a job.
With shop labor rates over 100.00 an hour in most places now, that can make a big difference.
At the other end, GM and Chrysler have had such poor old outdated tech in their small and mid sedans ,yet they are trouble prone.
And yes, labor rates are expensive nowadays,even for mainstream brands like Hon/Yota/Ford/GM. Just to diagnose a problem can cost a couple hundred bucks + the repair cost.
In Orange County, it cost 320.00 to replace it. It had a xexon bulb and the labor was 160.00/hr.
According to the Service Advisor..." You got lucky. It was only a bulb!"
Depends on how they routed everything, but I have yet to have one that was in the way of anything. For instance, to do the timing belt, water pump, thermostat, etc, on my volvo turbo did not involve removing any parts attributed to the turbo. I did do the valve cover gasket once, and all I had to do was remove the air pipe that connects the turbo to the intercooler. That was 2 clamps right in plain sight.
Same applies to my VW. Nothing attributable to the turbo would interfere with normal maintenance.
Now, having said that, I believe the bimmer turbo is between the cylinder banks. So MAYBE replacing head gaskets could be problematic? I dunno, but heck, head gaskets on a modern car is a big job no matter what.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
Ditto for my 1995 3er and 1975 '02.
It's funny how all the people here who love bmw's have owned them, & (I think) the people bashing them haven't.
It's the same way on just about every forum.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
I wouldn't expect you to- in light of the fact that you have never owned one.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
And you say , you have problems with your Mazda3-- whereas several posters here have had an excellent history with it.. So ,are you lying ?? :confuse:
Easy, big guy. Calm down & remember that roadburner has more BMW experience than all of your friends put together. Lose the attitude & take the opportunity to learn from him, as many others have.
Speaking of reading, you missed the salient fact that my post merely alleged that you have never owned a BMW- unless of course you are married to your "close friend"?
Not that there's anything wrong with that.
And your friend's experience with one 7 Series is supposed to trump my experience with the nine BMWs I've owned over the past 27 years?
And also I posted a link that has an interview with the BMW chief where he acknowledges problems with BMW's quality and reliability.. Why dont[sic] you go read it??
I don't have to. You see, I read that article when it was originally published- in 2005. Heiden(who by the way is actually the chief of electronics, not the "BMW chief") simply admits there was a problem with some electronics and gives a detailed explanation of the steps being taken to correct it. If anything that article illustrates that BMW makes QC a top priority.
And you say , you have problems with your Mazda3-- whereas several posters here have had an excellent history with it.. So ,are you lying ??
Nice reposte. Look, I'll try to make this as simple as possible; unlike your BMW "knowledge", my experience with Mazda is based on my actual ownership of a Mazdaspeed3. And yes, it has had more than its share of problems. In spite of that, I don't slam Mazdas every time the brand is mentioned. In contrast, you simply cannot resist opining on BMW reliability at every turn- even though your experience is almost totally based on reading the April issue of CR(oh yeah, and the fact that a couple of your friends own BMWs).
Anyway, as I've said before, I believe that the other participants in these threads can determine who actually knows BMWs...
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
And ,you can always use the scroll button. No one is forcing you to reply. Everyone can post his opinion here and whatever you say doesn't mean it`s the gospel truth .Everyone is entitled to his opinion.No need to be an owner for 27 years to report facts or opine. And may be your folks marry their close friends -- I dont know-- certainly not us.. :sick:
25 NX 450h+ / 24 Sienna Plat AWD / 23 Civic Type-R / 21 Boxster GTS 4.0 / 03 Montero Ltd
As one who has subscribed to CR for more than 30 years, I've pointed out several times that today's "worse than average" equates to a "much better than average" from the 90s. If you're a longtime CR reader, you should know this yourself. Cars are simply much, much better now than they used to be, so there's really no need to obsess over the data.
You clearly agreed with me when you posted that "I think with the times that are now-- no make can afford to make unreliable cars especially as there are more options now with fierce competition than previous years". (Your post #40018)
So let's agree that there's really nothing to argue about here & move on. OK?
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2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h)
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Now, getting back on topic here, can anyone here give me a trade in value of a '05 Mazda 3s with 80k miles and some small hail damage? Just a ballpark figure will do. TIA all.
The Sandman
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2015 Golf TSI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
You'll do much better selling privately rather than trading it in. That's true in most situations, but much more so if the car is damaged or in need of major repairs. Dealers will give you peanuts just to get you to buy their car, then they'll dump it at an auction for dirt cheap.
The Mazda3 s, especially the 5-door, is a sought-after used car, especially among younger males. An AutoTrader ad will probably net you several thousands more than a trade-in would...
certainly low enough that the craig's trolling cash buyers (young males in this case) will still be in play.
could also be a great 1st car for a teenager.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Hail damage- so no point trading in-- dealer will lowball you very low as they will auction it off. So private party is best option. But miles are high + damage. Also, no options mentioned. So a very rough estimate -- put 5k private party on Craigs or AutoTrade and take 4k !! :shades:
I realize we'll get peanuts if we trade it in, but that's been the usual route. Hoping to keep it till the 2012's roll out. Already have replaced the drivers side window motor and fixed a small tranny leak, the only money we've put into it. But if anything else goes on it, think she'll want it gone asap.
Thanks for all the input guys...very helpful!
The Sandman :sick: :shades:
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2015 Golf TSI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
Saw another commercial for the new Cruze & it has spurred some interest especially with the Onstar package...a great option if the price is right. We're not Ford people, but we'll test the Fiesta just to see how it drives. I've learned something in life as I've gotten older..."Never say never"! Thanks for the numbers all & will be asking again when she decides.
The Sandman :sick: :shades:
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2015 Golf TSI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
What is it about On Star that you find appealing?
I know what they do and I wouldn't have the slighest interest in having this. I'm just curious, that's all.
for the Ford, since you aren't in a hurry, wait and look at the upcoming Focus. Probably closer to what you are used to with the mazda. the fiesta is very nice, but kinda small.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
I used the handsfree calling a few times (that worked better than my cell phone), but the Onstar navigation was a cruel joke.
A single car accident is very disorienting and there aren't always people around to call 911 for you (particularly in the back areas of the suburb where I grew up). Those back areas were the most frequent location for our OnStar related calls, and were extremely precise in locating the vehicle and telling us what to look for. The only time we got better reports, were from other public safety personnel since the area is not well lit and street names are few and far between. It is hard to get better than, for example, "Vehicle Accident, OnStar reporting 123 State Road cross streets 200 block of Main Street and 200 block of County Road; 2007 Cadillac DTS, Black, PA Registration XXX-XXXX, front and side airbag deployments, occupant unresponsive."
That said? I'll take my chances without it - my current car has BMW Assist and I won't reactivate it. I'd rather keep my phone somewhere that it has less chance of being thrown if I'm g-dforbid in an accident. I absolutely respect the decision of people to use these systems though, because you're recognizing that you may not be a person who can think clearly enough to give the information necessary to a dispatcher.