2003 vs. 2004

[goldphish]

I've finally decided to concede to my wife and get her a treasure BMW for her birthday. I've found this deal on a 2003 530i Sport 5-Speed fully loaded with NAV. for a great price. I'm a fan of the 03 model only because is seems like a better deal than over spending on the new body style right now. Economics is key. I haven't had a car payment in 5 years and I'm not looking forward to one now but a guy's gotta do what a guy's gotta do!

I can get this on for 27k and it has 33K miles.
My wife on the other hand seems awstruck with the new body and found an 04 525i with 46K miles selling for 32k. (I found the ad on the printer.)
It's clean too with the premium package. I'm leaning toward the 03 for the obvious economic reasons and base on the mileage it seems to be driven less.
I planned on surprising her with the 2003
What are your opinions on this dilema?
I do look forward to finally getting a BMW though!

 

[Tom]

If this is for her, I'd say go for the one that she likes. However I agree from an economic stand point, the '03 is a much better buy.

BTW: Welcome aboard.

 

[codex57]

Economically, I like the 03. However, I've learned it's usually easier on me to just accede to whatever the wife wants if she REALLY has her heart set on it. In your case, I'd try and find an 04 w/ lower mileage if possible.

 

[///M SPEED]

Economically and IMO visually I would go with the 03. The E39 has lower mile (almost 20k!!) and she would not be disappointed at all with this car. I like the looks more too....

On the same note, I agree with Tom. This vehicle is for her so you should get the one she likes. She will love it even more.....

 

[goldphish]

Thanks guys.

I think I'm going with the 03....

I think I can "sell" her on the overall better deal and the fact that is comes fully loaded. Maybe I will throw in a set of wheels and be a hero. A nice set of black rims would go great with this package.

Thanks again for your input. I look forward to picking up the vehicle Saturday.

 

[535iracer]

good choice since the 03 is the last year of the E39, mostly all of the kinks should be worked out. The 2004 could possibly be more prone to problems, not to mention its hideously ugly :-X

 

[stowictom]

Keeping women happy has never been easy or cheap. Getting my wife the model I want instead of the one she wants would be a losing cause. I agree with codex57, sounds like the price of the '04 is a little high for that kind of mileage.

 

[goldphish]

I hear what you are saying stow! I presented the high mileage theory for the 04 and the fact that we would be saving some fuel cost now that premium gas is a requirement. We went to test drive the 03 this afternoon and it is in the garage right now! I told her she would be impressed with the E39's power and she was.

This car is extra clean. The a/c still blows "new car scent"! Very well kept car. You should have seen how she was so scared to really drive it.... sputtering along. She had me thinking something was wrong with the car. She pulled over and I showed her how it could be driven.... she was convinced.

I will take some pics this weekend after I shine it up a bit.

Quick question... is there a manual for the radio/nav. unit out there some where? There's only the regular manual in the glove box.