Which BMW is the best for my price range?

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cr9c1

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I have a decent job, its part-time, but I get full time hours. I average about 50 hours a week.

I make ruffly 495$ a week. I got a bit of cash saved up, and was wondering, what you guys think the best route to go is.

I want a 3 series or 7 series. Which has cheaper upkeep? 3 series i would imagine, but you never know.

Also, I dont want a new BMW. Insurance will rape me as I am only 18. I was thinking in the 1995-1998 range. Getting a loan wont be a problem as I have a co-signer. Opinions? Advice?

Also, in case your wondering I work for the county, sp job security is very good.
 
Tom

Tom

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Making that much money should be no problem getting a loan at a dealer, you might have some issues with a bank because of your age. It's just a matter of how long you've been working and your credit history. Try filling out some loan applications at several banks to see if you qualify for car loans. Most cases banks will give you much lower interest rates than car dealers.

I think a used 97+ 328i would suit you nicely.
 
Auslander RML

Auslander RML

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Nice thing about the 3er is that there are plenty of different places online to shop around for aftermarket or OEM parts. BTW, which county do you work for?
 
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cr9c1

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Thanks for the advice guys. I appreciate it.

I work for Washington county. Good to see a fellow mainer [cheers]

Its either a used BMW or a new pontiac grand prix. I havent decided yet. The closest BMW certified dealer/garage is 4+ hours from my location. Its Bill Dodge in Westbrook. I wouldnt trust any other mechanics is my area.
 
MrElussive

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theBMWenthusiast said:
Really cuz i got my car and we got the loan at the dealership at 2.99% which my dad said was better then banks...
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I believe that car dealerships first offer not so hot rates, but when you show them some bank rates you received, they will be quick to beat the banks.
 
theBMWenthusiast

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MrElussive said:
I believe that car dealerships first offer not so hot rates, but when you show them some bank rates you received, they will be quick to beat the banks.
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im gonna check this out...family needs an X most likely an X3 so i can drive it too...im gonna tell my dad to do this and see if we can save some $$$ that he may give me to upgrade my car...thanks for the advice
 
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epj3

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cr9c1 said:
Thanks for the advice guys. I appreciate it.

I work for Washington county. Good to see a fellow mainer [cheers]

Its either a used BMW or a new pontiac grand prix. I havent decided yet. The closest BMW certified dealer/garage is 4+ hours from my location. Its Bill Dodge in Westbrook. I wouldnt trust any other mechanics is my area.
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Well if you want any advice from someone who's delt with pontiacs for the past 10 years -- i will tell you do NOT WASTE YOUR TIME AND/OR MONEY!! A pontiac is a shitty wanna-be BMW. There is no word "quality" with a pontiac, except their underpowered inefficient 3.8 liter V6. Our 99 pontiac montana had it's lower and upper intake gaskets go at 52,000 miles, and a HEAD GASKET go at 60,000 miles!! They put more money into major ENGINE repairs since they've owned it, than I paid for my entire car + it's insurance for 4 months + its repairs since January. Sad in my opinion.

My bmw has already cost much less to maintain than their pontiacs. My dad has a grand prix (99) and its not bad but it's quality isnt even that of my 16 year old bmw. It rattles a lot more too and his car is considered good condition. The new grand prixs are just the ugliest cars EVER from general motors!!



Please, get a bmw!! Do yourself the favor!! I make a very low income (senior in highschool who's saving for college by working at staples making a measily 6.50/hour...) so you could definitely afford a 328.
 
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epj3

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MyHarley said:
I've owned three Grand Prix GTP's, 1999, 2000 and 2001..........I wouldnt buy another one........
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I drove my dad's 99 grand prix which he bought about a month ago, and i think it was one of the most uncomfortable cars to drive. Those plush seats hurted my back and just everything inside it I hated. I also hate how the A pillar is in your way more than our minivan!!
 
brahtw8

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epj3 said:
Try to find a 328is (notice the "s") which is a 328i with a sport suspension -- definitely worth it.
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On the E36, "s" means coupe, not sport. The sports package is a separate option. This of course differs from your E30, where 's' does mean sport.

A 328i would be a fairly reliable (if well cared for-make sure the car is in good shape and passes inspection from a mechanic qualified to work on BMWs) and relatively inexpensive way to enter the bimmer world. The E36 chassis has a lot of great points, particularly its steering feel.

You could get a 7, but the upkeep will be considerably higher than the 3, all things being equal.
 
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cr9c1

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I have decided to step away from the Grand Prix. I not only heard it here, but on other sites too how shitty they were.

Thanks for the tips and advice, I will be poking around on some of the 3, 5 and 7 series models and choose the right one.
 
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epj3

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brahtw8 said:
On the E36, "s" means coupe, not sport. The sports package is a separate option. This of course differs from your E30, where 's' does mean sport.

A 328i would be a fairly reliable (if well cared for-make sure the car is in good shape and passes inspection from a mechanic qualified to work on BMWs) and relatively inexpensive way to enter the bimmer world. The E36 chassis has a lot of great points, particularly its steering feel.

You could get a 7, but the upkeep will be considerably higher than the 3, all things being equal.
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Ah thanks, i just assumed [poke]
 
flashinthepan

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Tom said:
Making that much money should be no problem getting a loan at a dealer, you might have some issues with a bank because of your age. It's just a matter of how long you've been working and your credit history. Try filling out some loan applications at several banks to see if you qualify for car loans. Most cases banks will give you much lower interest rates than car dealers.

I think a used 97+ 328i would suit you nicely.
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Agree !, and the 328's are the 1st generation of quicker 3 series cars.
 
A

AutoXfreak

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Why Not the 5 series, you ca pick up 93-94 M5 for about the same price as a 328 or even a newer 530. They are the best of both worlds, they are relativly sporty and they are practical in the sense that they will carry a lot of stuff. Just wondering the big jump from 3 series to 7 series? Both good choices, just thought I would recomend!
 
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