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Car Forum / Driving, Maintenance, Tuning / General Car Topics / February 2007Older BMW 328is or Newer Chevy Impala?
I drive back & forth to work each day (60 miles a day round trip) and have a budget of $15,000. I've narrowed down my decision to 2 possibilities and want to make a move tonight. I can buy a 1998 BMW 328is with 80,000 miles for $15,000. Or I can buy a 2005 Chevy Impala with 18,000 miles for $15,000. I've driven both vehicles and like them both. The BMW has a more expensive, smooth feel to it. I know that BMW is well manufactured and will probably last at least until 300,000 miles. The car is in immaculate condition, the owner was the original and only brought it in to trade it for a new BMW. The Impala is almost brand new and low on miles. It has more interior room, room to stretch out. I've done some research on the Impala and they all say this is a car that is well manufactured, but I don't have any real experience to know if the '05 will stand the test of time. Which would you buy in this situation? My biggest concern on the BMW are repairs. If this 328is breaks down I would most likely have to pay more to get it fixed than I would the Impala. How much more to fix a BMW than an American car, on average? I also need to know if the 328is is one of the BMWs that have mechanical defects or will not last, I've read of a few older BMW models not being very strong on reliability over 100,000 miles. Respond to group, thanks. > snip > My biggest concern on the BMW > are repairs. > snip > Respond to group, thanks. Check out the attached link to AllData.Com and make sure that the BMW has been in for all callback issues: http://www.alldata.com/TSB/06/98067833.html >I drive back & forth to work each day (60 miles a day round trip) and >have a budget of $15,000. I've narrowed down my decision to 2 [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > >Or I can buy a 2005 Chevy Impala with 18,000 miles for $15,000. >Which would you buy in this situation? You're trying to start WW III, aren't you?  SignatureDan. Why not buy a new car rather than depending on a car somebody else no longer wanted, to get you to your place of employment? mike hunt >>I drive back & forth to work each day (60 miles a day round trip) and >>have a budget of $15,000. I've narrowed down my decision to 2 [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > > You're trying to start WW III, aren't you? > Why not buy a new car rather than depending on a car somebody else no > longer wanted, to get you to your place of employment? I'm not willing to endure the $5,000 dollars that goes up in smoke (depreciation) the moment you drive a new car off of the lot. I like being able to buy a car and if I need to, turn around and sell it at roughly the same price. Why would you or anybody want to sell a new car they just bought?? It is not like one can find many used cars that do not have any mileage on the clock, it is the mileage and wear and tear that causes the deprecation. Buy a new car and let it sit in a garage for ten years and see what it is worth compared to one 150,000 miles on the clock ;) mike hunt >> Why not buy a new car rather than depending on a car somebody else no >> longer wanted, to get you to your place of employment? [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > being able to buy a car and if I need to, turn around and sell it at > roughly the same price. > Why would you or anybody want to sell a new car they just bought?? Perhaps because the buyer has decided he/she does not like the car they bought? > It is > not like one can find many used cars that do not have any mileage on the > clock, it is the mileage and wear and tear that causes the deprecation. Buy > a new car and let it sit in a garage for ten years and see what it is worth > compared to one 150,000 miles on the clock ;) What's your point? A 10 year old car with low mileage is obviously going to be worth more than one with 150k miles on it by a good margin. But by no means will it be worth anything close to new. As the OP said, there's a huge depreciation hit the first instant you take delivery of any new car. Signature-Fred W > Why would you or anybody want to sell a new car they just bought?? It is > not like one can find many used cars that do not have any mileage on the [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > > mike hunt One reason would be because it was a POS. I did that with a 2003 Chevy Malibu. I bought it new and unloaded it 9-months later. In 35 years, the wife and I have kept very few cars less than 10 years before gettting rid of them...that is until that one! You know the funny thing? The Malibu that year won the J.D. Powers award for initial quality. Pffffttt! >> Why would you or anybody want to sell a new car they just bought?? It >> is not like one can find many used cars that do not have any mileage on [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > of them...that is until that one! You know the funny thing? The Malibu > that year won the J.D. Powers award for initial quality. Pffffttt! Perhaps you should have returned it as lemon under the lemon laws in your state. However, there are plenty of people who have Malibus and love them. You may have just gotten one of the few bad ones. Jeff >>> Why would you or anybody want to sell a new car they just bought?? It >>> is not like one can find many used cars that do not have any mileage on [quoted text clipped - 16 lines] > > Jeff I agree Jeff. I had an '03 Malibu LS that I bought as a "stopgap"since my lease was up and just wanted something to drive for a few months. I ended up keeping it for a little over 2 years. I almost hate to say it but it was one of the best cars I ever had. Of course it had all the goodies - not your average Malibu. That didn't help a bit when it was time to trade it though. It still wasn't worth anything to the stealer when I traded it on my BMW. >> However, there are plenty of people who have Malibus and love them. You >> may have just gotten one of the few bad ones. [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] >little over 2 years. I almost hate to say it but it was one of the best cars >I ever had. What a horrible car. You must be very easily pleased. >>> However, there are plenty of people who have Malibus and love them. You >>> may have just gotten one of the few bad ones. [quoted text clipped - 10 lines] > > What a horrible car. You must be very easily pleased. LOL. I didn't say I liked it, I just said it was a good car. Good meaning the same old song - "I never did anything to it except change the oil". Being something like the 7th generation, GM had the bugs out of it. Finally. Then they went to the new model and started all over. Nobody is buying a BMW for reliability.... My SO's son just got rid of a 740i. What a rolling sink hole. Despite the almost weekly repairs, he say that he wants another one when he can afford the reapirs. Ed > Nobody is buying a BMW for reliability.... > [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > > Ed Newer 7 series are notorious for their problems. A BMW salesmen I use told me to steer clear. Tell your son to do the research first next time. I would recommend the 530 which Consumer Reports rated one of the best cars on the road and was praised by the same salesman I referred to (they also dissed 7 series). > <snip> I would recommend the 530 > which Consumer Reports rated one of the best cars on the road and was > praised by the same salesman I referred to (they also dissed 7 series). Note that was the E39, not the current 5 series. > Newer 7 series are notorious for their problems. A BMW salesmen I use > told me to steer clear. > > Tell your son to do the research first next time. I would recommend the > 530 which Consumer Reports rated one of the best cars on the road and was > praised by the same salesman I referred to (they also dissed 7 series). The CR rating you are referring to was for the prior model. Here is what they have to say about the 1004 5 Series: "The redesigned 2004 BMW 530i replaces the model that was CR's best car tested for two years. This new version has slightly improved fuel economy and rear-seat room. But these gains are offset by the complicated iDrive multifunction control system and less-agile handling. The BMW has a stronger powertrain than some competing models, such as the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, but doesn't match the E's balance of ride comfort and agility. Overall, the 530i is an excellent car, but it doesn't live up to the high expectations set by its predecessor." I looked at the CR problem areas for both 5 and 7 series and while the 5 series looks better, it is still pathetic for a car that cost so much. CR rated 5 series reliability average, which surprised me given the large number of black and half black circles for the various years. Amercian cars that have better looking ratings usually get a worse than average rating. I gusess when you spend big bucks on a car it is OK if you get screwed on the reapirs. The consumer opinions for the 2004 5 series on the CR web site were interesting. Most people said it was the best car they had ever owned. Interestingly a couple of people who had a significant number of complaints gave the car four or five stars. Nobody trashed it. Ed > I > gusess when you spend big bucks on a car it is OK if you get screwed on the > reapirs. The consumer opinions for the 2004 5 series on the CR web site were > interesting. Most people said it was the best car they had ever owned. > Interestingly a couple of people who had a significant number of complaints > gave the car four or five stars. Nobody trashed it. People who pay big bucks for a car just can't be negative on it, even if repairs are big bucks. > In article <RpsCh.3621$_73.3267@newsread2.news.pas.earthlink.net>, > People who pay big bucks for a car just can't be negative on it, even if > repairs are big bucks. A friend of mine got a Maserati Biturbo as a company car several years ago. A car lover and very wealthy man, he finally had to give up on it. He would drive it one week and it would stay in the shop for two. Nobody can tolerate a POS forever, no matter what you have in it. I doubt the BMWs are all that bad, especially when new, but I would expect more from a car like this. The German cars are beginning to lose their lustre to many people. Mercedes will hold its share of snob appeal, I guess, and Porsche has its diehard followers. Even Volkswagen doesnt have the reputation for reliability that it once had. >Nobody can tolerate a POS forever, no matter what you have in it. True... >I doubt the BMWs are all that bad, especially when new, but I would expect >more from >a car like this. The German cars are beginning to lose their lustre to many >people. Are they? I've seen no evidence of that. >Mercedes will hold its share of snob appeal, I guess, and Porsche has its >diehard >followers. Even Volkswagen doesnt have the reputation for reliability that >it once had. I didn't know VW ever had that reputation. You talking about the 70's with the Beetle? > Are they? I've seen no evidence of that. I have, particularly in Europe, and have seen printed stories which lend some support to this surmise. I guess that in the USA the BMWs and Mercedes are still seen as prestige purchases. As far as the Volkswagens are concerned, I have owned two, Passats, and both were exemplary cars. But I have also known other people who did not have such good luck. The old Beetles had a good reputation, deserved or not. >> Why would you or anybody want to sell a new car they just bought?? It >> is not like one can find many used cars that do not have any mileage on [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > of them...that is until that one! You know the funny thing? The Malibu > that year won the J.D. Powers award for initial quality. Pffffttt! Which means very little. It is common knowledge that J.D. Powers and others who rate autos (like magazines) have to give a favorable review (or at least NOT unfavorable) or they will not be used in the future or their advertising dollars will increase. In other words they are bought and paid for!!!! > Which means very little. It is common knowledge that J.D. Powers and > others who rate autos (like magazines) have to give a favorable review (or > at least NOT unfavorable) or they will not be used in the future or their > advertising dollars will increase. > > In other words they are bought and paid for!!!! JD Powers is a little different than enthusist magazines or Consumer Reports -they are in the survey buisness. They give the public the broad picture stuff and sell the details to the auto manufacturers. They cannot afford to be dishonest if they want to keep selling information to their "Customers." And before you say they are in the pocket of US Manufactuurers, they do a lot of buisness in the Far East, so they can't afford to play favorites. References: http://www.jdpower.com/corporate/about/overview/services.asp http://www.jdpower.com/corporate/news/releases/pressrelease.asp?ID=2006133 http://www.jdpower.com/corporate/news/releases/pressrelease.asp?ID=2006082 http://www.jdpower.com/corporate/news/releases/pressrelease.asp?ID=2006100 >> Which means very little. It is common knowledge that J.D. Powers and >> others who rate autos (like magazines) have to give a favorable review [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > Reports -they are in the survey buisness. They give the public the broad > picture stuff and sell the details to the auto manufacturers. Exactly. "Sell the details to the auto manufacturers." I view with a jaundiced eye any firm which gives the public information on manufacturer products while those same manufacturers are their customers. In essence they are being subsidized by the very manufacturers they are evaluating. No thank you. >Why not buy a new car rather than depending on a car somebody else no longer >wanted, to get you to your place of employment? Maybe because it's a better value, "Mike". > >Why not buy a new car rather than depending on a car somebody else no longer > >wanted, to get you to your place of employment? > > Maybe because it's a better value, "Mike". Those cars are quite different in design. Perhaps you should think more about what type of car you want. According to a Canadiandriver.ca (if memory is faithfull), you should avoid Impalas that come with the 3.4L engine. Apparently, they have problems with the head gasket leaking on higher mileage vehicule. >I drive back & forth to work each day (60 miles a day round trip) and > have a budget of $15,000. I've narrowed down my decision to 2 [quoted text clipped - 25 lines] > > Respond to group, thanks. > According to a Canadiandriver.ca (if memory is faithfull), you should avoid > Impalas that come with the 3.4L engine. Apparently, they have problems with [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] >> >>I've driven both vehicles and like them both. I'd say if you're equally happy driving the Impala, then buy it. It will cost you less in the long run. The BMW is a much better driving car, but it's getting to the expensive to maintain stage. I also think $15K is way high for a '98 328is. > I'd say if you're equally happy driving the Impala, then buy it. It will > cost you less in the long run. The BMW is a much better driving car, but > it's getting to the expensive to maintain stage. I also think $15K is > way high for a '98 328is. Not necessarily. 3 series BMWs are generally pretty inexpensive to maintain (as BMWs go) and if you have (or can find) a good, trustworthy independent mechanic nearby for the BMW it is actually surprisingly not any more expensive than bringing an American car to a dealership. But beyond the maintenance costs, the biggest outlay is for the car itself. In all likelihood, even with a much higher starting mileage, the BMW should outlast the Chevy, thereby delaying the necessity of going through the blood-letting exercise of car buying again. Signature-Fred W >> I'd say if you're equally happy driving the Impala, then buy it. It will >> cost you less in the long run. The BMW is a much better driving car, but [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] >independent mechanic nearby for the BMW it is actually surprisingly not >any more expensive than bringing an American car to a dealership. But parts are quite a bit more than american cars but... I think it's worth it. BMW's drive so much better. The 3 series is STILL the goal for every other manufacturer out there. Some try to beat it by giving it more horsepower (G35 for one) but it still doesn't meet the handling. Even the new IS250/350 seems to have given up to beat the 3 series in the handling department. But yeah, 15K is way too high for a 98 328i. >beyond the maintenance costs, the biggest outlay is for the car itself. > In all likelihood, even with a much higher starting mileage, the BMW >should outlast the Chevy, thereby delaying the necessity of going >through the blood-letting exercise of car buying again. > I drive back & forth to work each day (60 miles a day round trip) and > have a budget of $15,000. I've narrowed down my decision to 2 [quoted text clipped - 25 lines] > > Respond to group, thanks. Well, I have a 97 328 with 125,000 miles that I will never sell or trade - I think it's that good. My biggest problem is after driving 600 miles in one day, I still don't want to get out and stop for the night. 98 should be at least as good. HOWEVER, 1. At 80,000 on the BMW, you should probably follow Roundel tech advisor Mike Miller's advice to replace thermostat, water pump and radiator on it. I've done that on mine. 2. It likely needs some brake work, unless the mileage is mainly highway. 3. Is it an automatic trans - seem to be lots of problems with these. I have a manual. Your call. A 60 mile commute is long enough to thoroughly enjoy a BMW, if you're "into it", and if you know a good independent mechanic, repairs should not be too bad, provided you keep up with the maintenance. The impala is a good deal, though, if you like the car - I have no idea as to reliability, and no opinion on the car itself. At 18,000 miles the Impala shouldn't need anything for quite some time, so, obviously the best financial deal. Frank >I drive back & forth to work each day (60 miles a day round trip) and > have a budget of $15,000. I've narrowed down my decision to 2 > possibilities and want to make a move tonight. I honestly would try to come up with about $2,000 more and get a new Civic or the like with a warranty. SO >>I drive back & forth to work each day (60 miles a day round trip) and >>have a budget of $15,000. I've narrowed down my decision to 2 [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > > SO Unless of course you value your life. Driving a 60 mile commute each day in a civic? Not me... Signature-Fred W > > <andremorris@cox.net> wrote in message > > [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > Unless of course you value your life. Driving a 60 mile commute each > day in a civic? Not me... Your likely safer in the Civic than either of those other choices. Size is not the end-all in safety. >>><andremorris@cox.net> wrote in message >>> [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > Your likely safer in the Civic than either of those other choices. Size is not > the end-all in safety. Nonsense. I would take my chances in either the BMW or Chevy over a Civic. You are correct; size is not the only safety factor, but it does figure into the equation as does (even more importantly) weight and how solidly built the car is. There is a reason Civics can reach 40mpg. They are light. If you are a big fan of Hondas, an Accord would be an entirely different story. Signature-Fred W > > > > <andremorris@cox.net> wrote in message > > > > [quoted text clipped - 13 lines] > 40mpg. They are light. If you are a big fan of Hondas, an Accord > would be an entirely different story. Even if the other cars would provide somewhat more protection than the Civic that does not equate to someone "not valuing their life" because they drive a Civic. A new Civic has a five star rating on front impacts (same as the Impala) and both of those are going to have multiple air bags compared to the beemer which would likely have none being that old. A BIG factor for safety is the ability to avoid the accident in the first place in which case the BMW and Honda are likely to be much better than the pedestrian handling that an Impala provides. > Even if the other cars would provide somewhat more protection than the Civic > that does not equate to someone "not valuing their life" because they drive a [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > in which case the BMW and Honda are likely to be much better than the pedestrian > handling that an Impala provides. You cannot compare safety ratings between classes. I five star rating in class relative. IN other words, all else being equal, the bigger heavier vehicle is safer. >> > > > <andremorris@cox.net> wrote in message >> > > > [quoted text clipped - 19 lines] > (same as the Impala) and both of those are going to have multiple air bags > compared to the beemer which would likely have none being that old. Crash test ratings measure the ability to survive controlled prescribed crash tests, not the ability to protect the occupants in real world situations. That's why Volvo tends to get outscored on those tests -- they base their safety designs on actual accidents, not crash tests. If I told you that you had to hit an 18 wheeler head on with both of you doing 20MPH and gave you your choice of the 5-series or a civic, are you seriously telling me you'd feel safer in the civic? Your comment about no airbags in a 1998 BMW shows how little you know about BMWs. > A BIG factor for safety is the ability to avoid the accident in the first > place in which case the BMW and Honda are likely to be much better than > the pedestrian handling that an Impala provides. This is the the most correct statement in the post. Also, the OP sited room to stretch out as a reason to consider the Impala over the E39. Why on earth would he want to fold himself in half to cram into a civic? -Russ. > Also, the OP sited room to stretch out as a reason to consider the Impala > over the E39. Why on earth would he want to fold himself in half to cram > into a civic? > > -Russ. Actually, the debate was between an Impala and a 328. The 328 is over priced--should be something in the range of $7,000-9,500, not $15,000. In regard to cramming yourself in a Civic, I drive a 50 mile commute every day in a Z4 because I can afford the Z4. If I only had in the range of $15,000 to spend, I'd get something like a new Civic, which I've driven and it isn't the Civic of 20 years, or even one year ago. I don't feel crammed in either car (as you can't drive any car sitting in the back seat, anyway). Scott O. >> Also, the OP sited room to stretch out as a reason to consider the Impala >> over the E39. Why on earth would he want to fold himself in half to cram [quoted text clipped - 12 lines] > > Scott O. I have no idea how I translated a 328 into a 528 in my head but that is in fact what I did. So point taken there. :-) A very new Civic isn't much smaller in the front seat than a E46 actually, so I will have to withdraw that part of it. I greatly prefer the layout and feel of the E46 interior mind you, but strictly looking at space, it's not that different. I have driven last year's civic, which I wouldn't take over my E30 never mind the E46, but I've heard that the 2006 Civic is vastly improved. It seemed a rediculous thing to put against an E39 and an Impala, only slightly less so against the E46 and the Impala, but front seat room would not be the part of it that's rediculous. Given the choice between the Impala and the Civic, I would probably take the Civic. American cars have this interesting way of seeming nice on a test drive -- lots of power, lots of room, lots of features, comfy seating... but you don't get to really explore the handling and brakes on a test drive and you realise how uncomfortable the seats become after the first hour. You fall out of love with them quickly. Whereas any BMW I've ever driven I've liked more and more as I spent time with it. There are a lot of die hard civic fans out there so I suspect the same is true of them. You don't see a lot of die hard Impala fans. :-) -Russ. >>Also, the OP sited room to stretch out as a reason to consider the Impala >>over the E39. Why on earth would he want to fold himself in half to cram [quoted text clipped - 12 lines] > > Scott O. I agree that $15k is too high. The right price is about $12k (depending on where it is). $7000 for a '98 328i would be below wholesale. Signature-Fred W > Also, the OP sited room to stretch out as a reason to consider the > Impala over the E39. Why on earth would he want to fold himself in > half to cram into a civic? > > -Russ. According to InternetAutoGuid.Com... Front Headroom 2005 Civic 37.8 inches 1998 BMW 3 series 37.8 inches Front Leg Room Civic 42.2 inches BMW 32.72 inches Front Shoulder Room Civic 53.1 inches BMW 53.19 inches I was incorrect about the airbag. For some reason I was thinking of an 1989 BMW not a 1998. >> Also, the OP sited room to stretch out as a reason to consider the >> Impala over the E39. Why on earth would he want to fold himself in [quoted text clipped - 18 lines] > I was incorrect about the airbag. For some reason I was thinking of an > 1989 BMW not a 1998. That's ok, I was thinking of a 528 (E39) not a 328 (E46). :-) Maybe we should both read before posting, lol. Still, even the lowly 3 series has had airbags basically standard since 1991, long before the Civic. ABS basically standard since 1988. Japan does *not* lead Germany in safety advances very often. (I say basically because you could probably still order a 316 or something in Europe without it, but in NA they were standard equipmenet which you perhaps could delete by choice) -Russ. [snip] > Still, even the lowly 3 series has had airbags basically standard > since 1991, long before the Civic. ABS basically standard since [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > > -Russ. Just to clarify...I personally would not choose a Civic over the beemer either. I just bristle at the notion conveyed that anyone driving a Civic (or any other smaller) car must have no concern for their own safety. This idea has been largely put forth by people who drive large vehicles and feel guilty about it so they try to assuage their guilt by claiming "safety" is the reason they drive what they drive. I say drive what you want, just don't blow smoke up my a.s about why you made your choice. > [snip] >> Still, even the lowly 3 series has had airbags basically standard [quoted text clipped - 14 lines] > "safety" is the reason they drive what they drive. I say drive what you > want, just don't blow smoke up my a.s about why you made your choice. I can understand your objection to the fellow that stated unequivocably that anyone driving a Civic has no concern for their own life. That statement is difficult to support. As is your assmption that anyone who says such a thing feels guilty about their larger car. :-) -Russ. > Even if the other cars would provide somewhat more protection than the > Civic that does not equate to someone "not valuing their life" because > they drive a Civic. A new Civic has a five star rating on front impacts > (same as the Impala) and both of those are going to have multiple air bags > compared to the beemer which would likely have none being that old. My '91 E30 has one air bag, the '98 should have at least 2 Matt >My '91 E30 has one air bag, the '98 should have at least 2 My '02 E39 has an extra air bag...whenever my mother-in-law catches a ride. > I drive back & forth to work each day (60 miles a day round trip) and > have a budget of $15,000. I've narrowed down my decision to 2 [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > > I've driven both vehicles and like them both. According to Kellys Blue Book, the BMW is overpriced by quite a bit. http://www.kbb.com/kb/ki.dll/kw.kc.ucp?kbb.TX;;TX419;&75935&;213296&;;ucp;&9;BM;AS I like the typical quality of the BMW engines, but don't know about the automatic transmission. I felt that some of the older BMW 3 series were a little lacking where body integrity (paint, mostly, but some panel issues too) was involved. If I could get the manual transmission BMW for about $10,000, I might just do that and save the $5000 for eventual repairs and maintenance. Given the current perception of GM quality, I would likely dodge the Impala. If you are content in the Impala, and the BMW is not "really better to drive" (the impression you give), then maybe you should get the Impala! BMW's are for enthusiasts that feel the difference, which some people don't. For those of us who do, there is no substitute. The 328 will outlast the Impala by far. The driving pleasure it offers is tremendous and you will likely realize it soon enough if driving 60 miles a day! But it is overpriced, find a 5 speed or an auto that has been maintained (lifetime fluid is not really for the lifetime of the car!) I am selling a 540, 1994 with 125k miles for 7k, super condition! way better than the 328, half the $$! keep looking. With a bimmer, you NEED an independant mechanic that specializes in BMW, or you will be sorry! They are easy to fix also, if you have some wrenching capabilities. >If you are content in the Impala, and the BMW is not "really better to >drive" (the impression you give), then maybe you should get the Impala! [quoted text clipped - 10 lines] >you will be sorry! They are easy to fix also, if you have some wrenching >capabilities. ================ I have owned a Few Audis and a couple of Bimmers and to be honest the Build quality of both are much much better then any American Car I have owned. (I now have 5 Corvettes in the Garage, but drive a Dodge Truck daily..since need a truck... However I can not in any way shape or form say that they are easy to work on... or inexpensive to maintain.. seems everything is twice the work, and price to adjust, or replace. I have a couple of lifts in my one garage and restore and work on cars as a hobby so I can turn a wrench...! Nor were any of my German Cars any more reliable .. As for feeling the difference when driving one...hell yes! the suspension in particular just feels "right" and stays "right". I also believe that a buyer pays thru the nose for this feel...., Yep I agree they are nice cars but way way overpriced...both new and used... IF (and I am not in the market) I were looking for a good drivers car today I would be looking for another Audi...not a Bimmer which in my opinion suffers from what I call Yuppie snob appeal ...the percentage of jerks owning Bimmers is pretty high in my opinion..(subjective I know but that's my experience... I missed the original post BUT I have the feeling the OP will enjoy his or her Impala for a lot less long term cost and more long term smiles per mile (as a driver) then they would almost any non American vehicle.. Just my opinion as an old retired car "nut" who has raced, repaired and tinkered with cars all his adult life and continues to repair and tinker with them..racing days ended long ago due to raising a family Bob G. > If you are content in the Impala, and the BMW is not "really better to > drive" (the impression you give), then maybe you should get the Impala! [quoted text clipped - 10 lines] > you will be sorry! They are easy to fix also, if you have some wrenching > capabilities. +1 on this opinion. If one is having second thoughts between 328i and some American wreck then there is no doubt; he should buy this Impala car wannabe. Nothing personal, but if you don't know why you are buying a BMW then you better not buy it, you will be disappointed. It's not like you are comparing two similar cars; BMW isn't some gas thirsty ugly car without handling like 95% of American car industry (nus)products. -- 328i coupe > snip > ... BMW isn't some gas thirsty > ugly car without handling ... > -- > 328i coupe ??? Oh, does BMW have a new model out? *LOL* >I drive back & forth to work each day (60 miles a day round trip) and > have a budget of $15,000. I've narrowed down my decision to 2 [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > > Or I can buy a 2005 Chevy Impala with 18,000 miles for $15,000. Get the BMW and never look back. > I drive back & forth to work each day (60 miles a day round trip) and > have a budget of $15,000. I've narrowed down my decision to 2 [quoted text clipped - 25 lines] > > Respond to group, thanks. A choice between a BMW vs. an Impala is really laughable. Of course you get the BMW. They are not even the same class vehicle. its apples and oranges. Anyway, if you are going to be driving a lot you get the luxury car not the family or sporty car. I would expect cost over the long haul to be about even. SignatureThank you, "Then said I, Wisdom [is] better than strength: nevertheless the poor man's wisdom [is] despised, and his words are not heard." Ecclesiastes 9:16 > A choice between a BMW vs. an Impala is really laughable. Of course you > get the BMW. They are not even the same class vehicle. its apples and > oranges. Anyway, if you are going to be driving a lot you get the luxury > car not the family or sporty car. Well the old (somewhat flippant) response to that is something like, "if you're really considering both and you've driven them both, get the Impala, because the strengths of the BMW are lost on you." > I would expect cost over the long haul to be about even. I think if you factor in that the bimmer goes longer between more expensive repairs and a 1998 had done so much of its depreciation already, you are about right. Provided you have the right people looking after your bimmer. -Russ. > I drive back & forth to work each day (60 miles a day round trip) and > have a budget of $15,000. I've narrowed down my decision to 2 [quoted text clipped - 25 lines] > > Respond to group, thanks. That seems like a little high for the Impala. Leftover '05s never off the lot should be going for that. And others pointed out that that seems high for the Beemer, too. And CARFAX both. GM could be trying to unload on you something they could not repair for someone else. Maybe the Beemer has issues. 20 Years ago, I bought my first foreign car, a Volvo, 6 months old with 14K miles on it. I was concerned about the cost of Volvo repair, since it was a "foreign" car. I figured out a couple of things: If the car is simple, it's easier and, therefore, cheaper to fix. The BMW may not be as simple as my 4-cylinder Volvos but look under the hood and see if there's reasonable space in the engine compartment for getting things done. Is it an in-line engine vs a transverse V? Are the spark plugs, water pump, etc, accessible? If so, the time to replace/repair such things will probably be lower. While my Volvos (3 to date) have not been super-reliable, they have been relatively inexpensive to repair, so the total cost of maintenance has been very reasonable. Trained mechanics matter. Is everybody at the BMW dealer good at fixing the cars? When I owned Chevys, two or three trips per problem was the norm. With the Volvos, I take it in once, they fix it and I only see one bill. 3 Hours of labor at $80 is cheaper than 6 hours of labor at $60. Plus unnecessary parts. I gave up the Chevys quite a while ago, perhaps they've improved but I wouldn't know. As around. Is there a local, non-dealer shop with people trained on your car? Do you know others who use them? BMW seems to me to build the same car for a number of years. If this 328 was built 5 years into a 6 year run, it should be pretty solid and there are probably some design changes in it for reliability. Have you looked at Consumer Reports? |
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