Thread: Thinking about buying a 325i Sedan. Need some help.

Going to be getting my first car. I found a used 2006 325i Sedan with 104,000 miles from a used car dealer. They are asking $14k but Im going to off either 9 or 10 and see what they say. I have some questions. 1. I read some reviews on Edmunds.com, and a lot people are saying theirs are ALWAYS in the shop. That is worrying me. 2. Am I going to be getting into trouble and spending a ton of money repairing it? 3. Can I routine maintenance on it? Like Oil change, Brakes, etc.

I really would like to get a used BMW for my first car but not if its always going to be in the shop. Im gonna go to the dealer and test drive it hopefully. (I just found it on the internet tonight.)

Trying to get a 2006 because the credit union is offering anywhere from 2.99 to 7% apr. And I can finance for 72 months vs 60 which will lower my payments.

If it doesnt work out, Im going to get my second choice which is a 2005 jetta GLI.

It sounds like you may be looking for just the more practical car of the two? I ask because it usually seems like on this forum when people ask about cars they may purchase the debate is about the brand, options, etc for enthusiast reasons. Rightfully so, this is a car forum. But if you're just looking for practical help then you should be happy with either choice. I'm sure you know the 2006 was a weird year between the 2005 E46s and the 2007 E90Xs, but the only way anyone would really be able to tell is with the different steering wheel unless they knew exactly what they were looking for. I know I would rather be in an accident in the E90 BMW than the GLI, but I'd rather pay the maintenance costs on a Jetta. Good luck!

Sounds like you need a honda then if you dont like repairs. If you don't know how to work on cars, bmw is going to kill you.

Honestly if you're worried on payments, especially over 60-72 months, of a grand total of 12k (if they bargain), with likely 5-6% APR, a BMW shouldn't be on your radar. Unless you can do the work yourself, BMW's tend to have minor issues which turn to large issues which turn to paychecks and paychecks, especially when you're younger and not making a lot. Even if you find a 'good' independent mechanic, they still want to get paid, half of dealer labor (typically 100-150 an hour) is still 50-75 per hour, and nothing takes only a few hours, there's almost always a 'but then I had to...' story, honest or a white lie, it's never cookie cutter with german repairs.

I spent thousands on repairs on my first car, a 1992 325i, looking back I should've gotten some beater and spent my money elsewhere during highschool.

The VW is going to be a better choice for you at this point, at least it sounds that way. Better MPG, less headaches, more reliable, less payments, cheaper to insure.

104k? Gross.

Don't finance a car with 104k miles for 5 years.

Originally Posted by Dr. Handsome

Don't finance a car with 104k miles for 5 years.

Its the only thing I can do. I dont have the cash for it.


I dont mind doing repairs on cars. But I dont want to be fixing it every week/month.
I would like to get a nice car not some POS.

And I plan on making payments 2 times a month instead of 1 so I can pay it off in 3 years vs 6. Im just going with a longer term so it will make it possible to make payments twice.

Originally Posted by SBasham

Its the only thing I can do. I dont have the cash for it.

Then you can't afford this car. It's the sad truth. You should get something more recent for around the same price (think a new, cheaper car with 0% APR). Or just get a beater until you can cough up the dough to buy a Beemer with lower miles and can afford the repairs. My honest opinion !!

Never have a BMW out of warranty unless you have the cash to back up the repairs. People will respect you more for getting what you can afford than pretending to be a baller by buying a 6 year old BMW. And you really won't have any fun in a 325. Get a Toyota or Honda

Originally Posted by SBasham

Its the only thing I can do. I dont have the cash for it.

Wow.