Online House Hunting

Should I buy a Bimmer?

So this '99 BMW 323i 2D Convertible Soft top, 28K miles, manual, leather seats, is for sale by owner. He's asking for 12,500. I know it's a good deal, it's about $500 below Kelly Blue Book. Owner says regular maintenance done, no accidents, car is in good condition and has mostly been sitting in garage (car belonged to his mom, she rarely used it, he inherited it). I have a 2000 Camry LE. Its got 106K miles. Cost me about $1500 a year in maintenance. It would put a huge dent in my meager savings, but do I buy this car after trying to sell my Camry for about $3000? So the question is, how well do BMW 3 series run in their early years, can I expect minimal maintenance until the car gets to be over 60K? I do not drive a lot, mostly highway traffic to and from work. You think I should dump the camry for this beauty, gievn that it's getting old, may last me forever, but continues to cost me in maintenance, You think this '99 bimmer can go 100K with minimal maintenance?

Public Comments

1. Audi and a Vollk's Wag on.
2. BMW, Your question is valid, Typically, German cars are more expensive to repair than most other makes....Oil changes alone are over 50.00 and tune ups are over 400.00 or better. Unless you can do the standard maintenance yourself, I would stay away form it. Otherwise, Nice car!!!!
3. Buy a BMW if you fully understand what those initials stand for when you need repairs or maintenance. Bring Money Withyou. And lot's of it.
4. John and Phil are right! They don't call it luxury for nothing! They are beautiful, and a lot of fun to drive but you will pay. I have two toyota's and one is a 97 camry. I do my own maintenance but I can't see even at a dealer paying $1500 a year for maintenance. What are they selling u? That doesn't sound right! My camry can go 7500 miles between oil changes. I would question them more. I know it's not a BMW, but if maintenance costs are important to you, then you should keep your toyota!!!!
5. i have a odler bmw 325i with 165k runs great keep up on all of the maintanance. it should be fine.if you do highway driving you will love the bmw. i keep the oil change change the air filter and other reg items. it has been great.