Older luxury cars vs newer cars with a payment

[RetiredUSNChief]

So here's my dilemma now...

Do you like the car?

Is the price/mileage reasonable for this car?

Did the car get a clean bill of health from the mechanic (meaning no problems that need fixing and the mechanic has no "warnings" about this particular vehicle)?

Do you have reason to believe the owner mistreated the vehicle?

If you are happy with all the answers to these questions, then buy the car. Just accept the fact that, as a rule, maintenance on this vehicle will be more costly because it's a BMW. Keep up on your routine maintenance and repairs like you should and see how far you go.

Life is full of "what if's", especially with used cars. But in the end, all you can do is make a reasonable approach to the vehicle and either go for it or not.

BMW does NOT, as a rule, make crap cars. They have a well earned reputation. So if the car is in good condition, not been abused, reasonable miles on it with a reasonable price...go for it.

 

[IrishCannon]

I did some searching for other vehicles in my price range but couldn't find anything exactly how I wanted regarding mileage and price, so I'll be picking this up later in the week.

2003 525d E39

I would have preferred the 530d, but they were either older with far more miles, or the more troublesome and expensive E60. - I'd personally rather have the manual, but my wife wanted an automatic.

I'll be back in the States in a couple months for a bit, and then head back here. How it has treated her will determine what I get for myself when I'm back...if anything at all. I'd love to keep it to one car if possible.




Sent from my Moto G (5) Plus using Tapatalk

 

[RetiredUSNChief]

Lord...I dread having to work under the hood of cars, nowadays. That's actually a make-or-break deal for me: If it doesn't look like I can do basic maintenance myself under the hood (oil/filter, plugs/wires, coolant hoses, serpentine belt, etc.), I won't buy it.

 

[IrishCannon]

Lord...I dread having to work under the hood of cars, nowadays. That's actually a make-or-break deal for me: If it doesn't look like I can do basic maintenance myself under the hood (oil/filter, plugs/wires, coolant hoses, serpentine belt, etc.), I won't buy it.

I know I can at least do the oil. Very easy on this vehicle. - As for the other stuff I would definitely need guidance. I have access to a garage with a lift and tools, all free to use, but sometimes I watch the DIY videos and think I'd get way in over my head without someone there to assist me in the process.

Sent from my Moto G (5) Plus using Tapatalk