Any experiences with buying a used BMW 3 series AWD?

[Anonymous]

Retiring so driving maybe 10,000 miles/year. Looking at 2000-2022, <35,000 miles, one owner, no accidents. These usually go for around $32,000. Or is it more a matter of a new Mazda or Camry SE where it is not a performance car, but good handling and for the same price can have a new car?

[Anonymous]

I would *never* own a newer BMW (newer than the 1980’s) out of warranty. No friggin way.

I have a ‘74 2002 and I do all the work on it myself. You can do that for cars made up until the early 90’s but then they become really complicated.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would *never* own a newer BMW (newer than the 1980’s) out of warranty. No friggin way.

I have a ‘74 2002 and I do all the work on it myself. You can do that for cars made up until the early 90’s but then they become really complicated.

It would have an extended warranty, 7 years, unlimited miles through BMW.

[Anonymous]

DH has a 335XI and loves how it drives, but we are actually getting rid of it soon.

If you are getting warranty that's great. We had a few expensive repairs which I was not thrilled about. I will probably never buy a BMW again though, so YMMV.

[Anonymous]

AWD is bit of waste of money and costs more. The RWD goes for less. I had one and with high performance tires and low to ground with a low to ground plastic front spoiler not really going to be driving in snow much

[Anonymous]

I owned a used Mercedes, used BMW and a used Cadillac.

The BMW was best handling car ever. Very tight. I had no repair issues at all. But maint like tires, battery, oil changes, brakes is quite expensive.

The Mercedes was way too over complicated and did also have expensive maint

The Cadillac don’t laugh not as “tight” and fun to drive as BMW but pretty good and it has been very reliable and maint much cheaper and parts easier to get and cheaper.

The Audi A4 is a similar car to BMW 3 series and plenty used ones for sale.

Buy what you want but I did love the handling of the BMW.

[Anonymous]

I sold one and was shocked by the interest. I used Auto Trader. It sold in one day.

[Anonymous]

Get the 2022 you’ll have free maint for at least 1 more year.
Great handling, AWD is totally worth it in the snow/ice.
Fun drive
You could get a boring Japanese car, but you’re retiring and YOLO so have fun driving

[Anonymous]

I've had 3 BMWs, all great cars. 2 certified pre-owned, which I think is the best use of money for a BMW and 1 new. Most recent was a certified 2018 X1. Great car for very little driving, but it didn't have any drivers assists, which with that sort of hatch back made it hard to to change lanes. It was a Pandemic car for me when we moved and needed a car.

Make sure you get the more basic assists. They are amazing features.

[Anonymous]

We've added extended warranties on to certified pre-owed. For us worth the money because the repairs outside of warranty are pretty steep.

[Anonymous]

And be prepared for little PITAs. Be a bit handy helps.

Get the convertible!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Retiring so driving maybe 10,000 miles/year. Looking at 2000-2022, <35,000 miles, one owner, no accidents. These usually go for around $32,000. Or is it more a matter of a new Mazda or Camry SE where it is not a performance car, but good handling and for the same price can have a new car?

We have this bmw. Bought new but have no issues at all. New tires were expensive but I really believe you get what you pay for. It is so much fun to drive. My other car is a toyota and it's fine. But the BMW and I are simpatico. If I think I want to be somewhere on the road , it just takes me effortlessly.