BMW 325i - 5 spd manual: Worth it?

concoran · Aug 31, 2005

Hi There, This is my first post on this great forum. Hopefully, I will learn some stuff and contribute as much as I can, when/if I get a BMW.

I am young, early 30s: For some time, I have been a fan of BMWs, and have thought, dreamt of owning one. The opportunity is finally here. I saw a 2001 325 4 dr, 5spd manual on sale, exactly like the one I wanted - with a sunroof, owned by a middle aged lady, reasonably well maintained, blah blah and blah.

I am now faced with an agonizing decision - whether to go for a BMW or go for our relieable workhorse Accord.

What do you suggest? The owner quotes 20k, a new accord costs approx same. Which one should I choose. It is almost an agonizing decision for me to make. I want a this car, and my wifey would rather have a new Accord. Not sure what to do.
You enlightned folks over here can help me with the stuff, would you?

Thanks in advance for any of your thoughts.
-CF

tazza0712 · Sep 1, 2005

Damn, I can understand your predicament. Personally, the BMW would have to take it over the Honda. I don't think they're really comparable at all. I don't know about prices because 'hot desert' doesn't really give me much to go on, but I would still go for the BMW.

Kirby · Sep 1, 2005

Tough decision. I think a 4 year old bimmer is still a better overall vehicle than a new Accord. Personally, I would go for the bimmer, but there are many factors to consider.

How many miles on the bimmer? If its on the low side, it would be a decent deal. High miles means you will have some maintenance costs coming up. The fact that it is a 5 speed is good, bimmer auto trannies (AND any other Euro cars that use ZF auto trannys) don't last as long compared to the 5 speed.

Abdoman · Sep 1, 2005

The 325 is a great car, but kirby is right as the mileage is very important when making this decision. The 325 will be much more fun to drive every day but it will cost you more to maintain.

Since it is a 5 speed, the value of the car drops by quite a bit, it can be up to 2k. The majority of individuals don't want a manual transmission. I don't know what the blue book is on the car, but it definitely not worth what an auto is. IMO, the 5 speed is still the way to go.

concoran · Sep 1, 2005

Thanks for your replies, i am still confused.

This is a golden, 4dr, 325i with 48000 miles. Not too bad for a 4+ year old car. Both this bimmer and a new Accord cost 20 grands each.

With a new Accord, you know exactly what you are getting into. BMW, on the other hand, though I personally prefer over the accord, presents a different set of challenges, in that I don't know exactly what I am getting into. Overall, the car looks, feels, drives great. But doesn't have extended warranty to bank on.

I haven't asked the original owner, but how much would the new car have cost her?

tazza : hot desert means desert southwest.

Kirby · Sep 1, 2005

About $28 - $35K depending on options.

If you want reliability and warranty (i.e. totally safe and practical) go with the Honda.

If you want to live your dream and take a bit of risk, accepting that maintenance costs will probably be higher compared to the Honda, then go with the Bimmer.

Can you get the owner down to $18K - $19K?

Or save cash religiously for another year or two, and buy a new 325.

///M SPEED · Sep 2, 2005

concoran said:

Very true, I agree. Having a warranty is a major factor in the decision between the two however, one thing to keep in mind is 48,000 miles is reasonably low for a "01".

It really comes down to how much you like the BMW over the Honda. Are you a sport or spirited driver? Do you prefer to cruise leisurely? A BMW without a warranty could be a costly endeavor depending on what year. The Honda is always the safe bet, dependable and economical.

I can tell you from experience. I owned a "91" Prelude Si w/ABS and it was a great car, but it doesn't come close to being as good as the BMW's have been. The new Honda's are a lot more powerful now and handle pretty good for the cars' design. It's not as good as a comparison as you're left to battle. Good luck.....

P.S. Welcome to the board concoran! Keep in mind that both BMW and Honda have a great support base….

concoran · Sep 2, 2005

Again, thanks for your replies friends. Learnt a lot by browsing the forums.

I really really like this BMW, and I can afford it. But I'll also need to take into account the kind of money I will be spending over next 3-4 years.
For a 325, what are known issues, and typically how much does it cost for one year?

///M3 said:

Oh yeah, while my workplace is only 3 miles from my home, I usually put more than 25k miles a year. I've owned a Toy Camry and Lexus ES300 before (though I am young), I am really looking forward to a 3 series or an Accord EX this time.

kirby said:

I am trying to. She's asking 20k. KBB is 19k, Edmunds is 18k. I am going to offer 18.5.

~SUN-XTC~ · Sep 3, 2005

My last car was an '03 Accord EX V6 - it was a great car honestly and I bought it right off the showroom floor - still wrapped in plastic. I never worried about anything going wrong with it, and it was certainly fast enough to attract attention from the police. I'm single again though, and since it's just me, I have no reason to own a 4-door.

Personally, I wouldn't buy an Accord unless it was the V6 model. You'll miss the power, and smoothness of the 240HP - I think they are even more than that now.

With the BMW, I would be a little worried about it being out of warranty, but if it has been taken car of, then it could be a great car.

I had my Accord for 2 1/2 years and NEVER visited the dealer, except for the 15K mile service.

If a BMW has a problem, it seems like they are usually electrical.

The 3-series is smaller than an Accord too - not a lot, but it is noticable.

concoran · Sep 3, 2005

~SUN-XTC~ said:

I am faced with making a decision between a 325 sedan, or an 2003 Accord V6 coupe. I can't decide. And this accord is 16k compared to 20k BMW is asking.

Will the BMW dealer be good enough to tell about the car, if I give him a vin number or owner's name?

Other than electrical, what are there typical problems with BMW, like engine trouble or transmission?

My decision will be based on how much I would have to spend in next 2-3 years. With an Accord, I wouldn't be spending much. But with BMW, I am not so sure. It's just that I want trouble free few years ahead.

codex57 · Sep 6, 2005

The dealer will be able to tell you what's been done on the car at a BMW dealership. Can't tell you all the maintenance. However, it's prolly had the major stuff done at the dealer under the maintenance warranty. I'd ask to see a printout. You can tell what warranty work has been done on it. If there's a lot of warranty work, it may be a lemon. Like my car, it's gone in for oil changes. However, it'll also show 3 non-routine visits for crap like moonroof, door trim, check engine, etc.

bmw046series · Sep 6, 2005

Well honestly the 3 series is a much better car, is built better, is quicker, better resale value, probably the best for the Dinaro.

~SUN-XTC~ · Sep 7, 2005

Yeah I'm not so sure about a 325 being quicker than a V6 Accord coupe - My 330 is BARELY faster than my Accord V6 sedan. Believe me, they are surprisingly fast. Handling is not even close to a BMW, but since Americans just like to 'gun it' to 60mph for the most part, the Accord is more than effective.

Resale value is not as good on Accord coupes as sedans - just supply and demand. Accords still have one of the highest resale values, but you already know that..

Definately not 'built better', especially for the money. BMW does use higher end materials though. The stereo in the Accord V6 is better sounding than the Harmon Kardon system in the BMW though, and there's an in-dash 6 disk changer on the Honda.
Accord V6's also use 87 Octane, which is nice - I'm not sure what the 325's use. Since premium unleaded will probably never drop below $2.75 again, that might be worth something..

Honestly, you just can't compare a 325 with an Accord - they are built for two different markets.

If you want prestige, nice materials, an aggressive exterior design, and a 'driver's car', then the BMW is for you. It is nice to pull into a parking lot and not see another dozen copies of your car though.

If you want something that will probably never have a problem, is economical yet has power when you need it, not as stylish but still well equipped for the money, then the Honda is for you.

I don't think either is better - just depends on what you want out of a car. I've owned both so I'm not biased towards either make.

J to the O · Sep 7, 2005

BMW VS Honda

I guess I am the perfect person to ask about owning a used BMW and new Honda.

I bought a New Honda Accord and its been a great dependable car with great gas mileage. My other car is a used 1998 528i BMW with the premium package.

I love the Honda for the gas mileage and driving around town but I love my BMW for everything BMW Stands for: Every BMW Owner knows what I mean. The car has a special feel and heritage that no other japanese car can produce.

Buy the BMW and you will never go back to any other car.

From J To The O

Section_8 · Sep 8, 2005

concoran said:

I was in your shoes 2 years ago, almost the same price for my car at the time as well. Even down to the early 30's bit.. [:)]

Which do you *really* want?

I've owned American, Asian, and European.. I've had more luck with my 'Euro' car now maint wise than anything else I've owned.. And it's older than anything I've owned other than my very first car..

What do you want from your car is the big decision for ya.

codex57 · Sep 8, 2005

Me and my family have had much better luck with the Japanese cars than the Germans. The American cars we've had were utter jokes of cars. Crap basically. Chrysler products seem to hold up relatively the best in our experience while the Fords were nightmares. Haven't had GMs since the 80s so I can't remember exactly what was wrong with them, only that we're not fans anymore. Only bought the Caravan cuz it was too good of a deal. The Korean is a new addition so withholding judgment on it for now.

NickyD727 · Sep 14, 2005

I personally like 325's , they run great and last for a while...i had an 86 and i bought it like last year in 2004 or something and it ran like it was brand new

concoran · Sep 17, 2005

Well, I didn't get a chance to follow up with this thread since I thought the owner wouldn't sell her's to me for 19k (asking 21k). But today, she seemed more prepared to do that.

codex57 said:

Will my local dealer really tell me what has been done on the car, other than what the current owner says (she says electrical motors on the windows were fixed). Carfax doesn't say anything at all.

bmw046series said:

That's what I am hoping for. God forbid, if I have to sell the car, I should get reasonable amount of money. I lost a lot on my previous Lexus and crappy Taurus (not sure why I bought it. I still repent it to this day).

Many people who replied and wondered if I am a 'driver'. Hell yes. I have driven cross country in a Lexus (though in ES300). Have put in 6000 miles in less than 2 weeks. I love driving, and I love driving well.

Since I am a driver, I am now beginning to wonder if I should work for a 325 or go with 330? There seem to be many around on eBay but none local. This is going to be my family car and I would be putting close to 60 miles a day. My previous Lexus gave me absolutely no problems though I put in 25k miles each year for 3, but my crappy Taurus died in Arizona desert.

I have also liked the looks and feel of Honda Accord Sedan (2003 up). It doesn't drive too bad. A V6's performance is much better than a 2001 325i, at least in terms of power. It's quick. But only problem is there is no manual option for a V6. Folks, I have always like to have my 'own' BMW', but am wondering, now that I am family guy, which is better? A V4 2003 Accord or a 2001 BMW 325i? How much am I really looking at maintenance on 325 over next 3 years? I am really confused. My sincere request - PLS HELP me decide.

~SUN-XTC~ · Sep 17, 2005

You can only get manual in V6 coupe Accord's..

Accord's are larger inside than a 3-series - since this will be a family car, that might mean something to you.

You're really just gonna have to drive both of them, one after the other, and go with your gut.

Maintenance is really a crap-shoot. Most stuff that would go wrong would have by now, but obviously it's going to be an older car than the Accord so the chances of higher maintenance vs. the Honda is just about guaranteed - especially since you'll be driving some 60 miles a day.

Being a "driver" really doesn't refer to long distance driving - just that driving a car, and feeling like you are a part of your car (I know sounds cheesy) is important to you. Honda's do feel quite detached from the driver where BMW is quite the opposite. For instance, I certainly wouldn't get excited about taking a Honda through some nice twists and turns like I would a BMW. Completely different responsiveness from the car.

epj3 · Sep 17, 2005

A 4 year old bmw is no doubtedly better than a new accord. don't be crazy.

BMW 325i - 5 spd manual: Worth it?

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