Hello everyone. I'm about to graduate from college and plan to purchase a used car. My first car was an '88 BMW and I LOVED THAT CAR. (Unfortunately, I had to get rid of it.) Anyways, I'm considering buying a BMW... my main concern is... the cost of upkeep. I'm looking at late '90s models with around 40,000 miles. I know changing the oil is more expensive... but what about more expensive repairs? are they that much more than a domestic car? Would I be getting into more than I realize if I went the BMW route ? My rationalization is that I would plan on keeping this car for a long time, since BMWs have a higher value and run longer than, say, a honda civic. Any comments/ideas/opinions?
Is a BMW right for me? please help
- Thread starter breezy22
- Start date
Parts are more expensive, but in my experience my car, with 175K+ rarely needs any work, other than normal upkeep (knock on wood). That being said, driving a BMW is so much fun. All cars require work from time to time, thats just life. The "fun" value with a BMW is well worth the price of parts for the occasional repair, IMO. Obvioulsly since I drive a 90's model BMW that is what I would reccommend, but thats just me..
With any used car, the main fear is maintenance. BMW's have proven themselves to last a VERY long time. Granted, when they do need the maintenance, it is not cheap. But if you take good care of your BMW, it will certainly take good care of you.
Although just so ya know, Honda probably makes the most reliable longest-lasting cars around.
Although just so ya know, Honda probably makes the most reliable longest-lasting cars around.
welcome aboard breezy.
simply, bimmers are a hoot to drive, but COULD get costly to keep up. it really depends on your part and also some on luck imo.
the civic may outlast whatever car you choose to get, but it prolly won't be anywhere near a fun as a bimmer.
congrats on the coming graduation, and dread the working world!![[:p]](/images/smilies/tongue.png "Stick Out Tongue [:p]")
hope you find a nice job to support your bimmer habits.
simply, bimmers are a hoot to drive, but COULD get costly to keep up. it really depends on your part and also some on luck imo.
the civic may outlast whatever car you choose to get, but it prolly won't be anywhere near a fun as a bimmer.
congrats on the coming graduation, and dread the working world!
hope you find a nice job to support your bimmer habits.
One thing that some used car dealers offer that sell BMW is that they also have a repair shop. With mine I get labor at 50.00 hr and all parts at cost. This is from a certified BMW dealership. Also I find it hard to believe you are going to find a late 1990 BMW with 40 k on it. It is good if you can find one with 10k a year driven on it.
Welcome to the board.
Maintenance can be more expensive, but there are a few things you can do to control it:
1. Before you buy a used car from an independent dealer, take it to a BMW Center for a pre-purchase inspection. It will cost maybe $100, but they will tell you if there are any visible issues.
2. Locate a good independent BMW service shop, labor rates will be less than a dealer.
3. Can you do any maintenance yourself? This can maka a huge difference.
Maintenance can be more expensive, but there are a few things you can do to control it:
1. Before you buy a used car from an independent dealer, take it to a BMW Center for a pre-purchase inspection. It will cost maybe $100, but they will tell you if there are any visible issues.
2. Locate a good independent BMW service shop, labor rates will be less than a dealer.
3. Can you do any maintenance yourself? This can maka a huge difference.
