Things To Consider Before Buying Used BMW Cars

1. Pros and Cons of Buying Used Cars

Pros: The single most apparent advantage of purchasing used cars is the lower price. The 2-year-old vehicle that retails for $20,000 will be up to $8,000 less when it’s purchased used. Used cars, in many cases, are much better value than new cars. This is due to the fact that a new car loses over 20% of its value the minute it is driven off the lot. A used car has had this happen already and generally depreciates at a much slower rate.

The overall cars cost, including the purchase price, depreciation, and insurance premiums, significantly affects the decision to buy used cars. A car loan with a lower principle is another compelling reason to purchase used cars. Less costly cars can still be reliable and safe. A Consumer Reports survey proved that many were more happy with the condition of used cars than new ones bought in the exact same price range. With many consumers coming to the realization that they would like to keep their cars for longer than five years, the idea of buying used cars makes a lot of sense. New cars come with a few marked disadvantages. One is the risk of it being a “lemon”.

A car that has substantial defects not readily apparent and may even affect its safety. If this happens, the consumer does have some protection under manufacturer’s warranties and from the ACCC. However, it requires a lot of time and effort to resolve and can still leave the consumer unsatisfied when a problem remains. This is less of an issue with used cars as reliable models can be identified using various methods. Lemon laws also do not apply to used cars.

A new car’s higher insurance cost, particularly for luxury vehicles like BMWs, where insurance premiums can be significantly higher, is another factor that can be particularly painful for younger drivers. High insurance rates can even exceed monthly car loan payments. Because it is mandatory to have third-party insurance in Victoria, it is preferable to be paying higher insurance on a car, the loss of which would not be financially devastating. This is of further benefit to those living in high crime areas or those who may have to park on the street.

New cars are also very tempting to vandals. Finally, with environmental sustainability being an ever more pressing issue, the best option for reducing waste of resources is to keep using what we already have. The longer one keeps a car, the longer it takes for its impact to be justified by the production of a new one. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7]

2. Best Used BMWs to Consider

For most cars, a vehicle's age is crucial to the buying decision. In terms of quality and features, newer is always better. But the BMW brand is so strong and the certain models so desired that buying an older version is a realistic option. This is very often the case with the 3 series sedan. E46 (1999-2005) This generation of 3 series stands as the best compact luxury sports sedan of all time. This was the last generation of 3 series before it got too big and bloated from a size and weight standpoint.

The E46 was offered with various engines, the most common in the USA being the M52/M54 6 cylinder or the M56 4 cylinder. This car hits the mark for those who want a sporty RWD car with a well-dialed chassis, without giving up too much practicality. Step into any non-BMW car, and its driving feel will seem subpar. Step into any newer 3 series, and the interior quality will seem subpar. With its still modern looks and well-built interior, the E46 is great value with prices ranging from 5k-15k depending on mileage and condition. Note that automatic transmission models will be cheaper and more plentiful, but bear in mind that the Steptronic auto is a bit less reliable and a noticeable decrease in the driving experience compared to the manual tranny. [8]

BMW is one of the world's biggest luxury car brands. It services a variety of driving needs, from families to performance enthusiasts to those wanting a high-end luxury car - and everything in between. Over the past few decades, the selection has become so varied and complex that it might be confusing trying to figure out what kind of BMW to look for in the used market. This most recent used car shopping experience has prompted me to create a guide for potential used car buyers. In this write-up, I will list the caveats and benefits of various BMW models from recent history. Hopefully, this will simplify the BMW used car buying process so that you can find the best car for your particular needs.

3. Common Problems with BMWs

One of the biggest reasons why you would need to know about the common problems with BMW’s is that the parts are usually more expensive and the problems are difficult to find and repair. Engines are an area where BMW has had several problems as of late. The most common problem is what is called oil burning. It is fairly simple to know if you have this problem as white smoke will come out of the exhaust when the car is started. This is caused by the engine’s piston rings, which are supposed to keep the oil from the combustion chamber. When they wear out and break, oil will leak into the combustion chamber and burn during combustion. This, in turn, causes the valve-stem seal to become brittle and break, which also adds more oil into the combustion chamber. Although there is no real problem with driving the car, you must have the piston rings replaced immediately before they wear out to the point that they damage the cylinder walls in the engine, requiring that the cylinders be replaced. As this is a very costly procedure, a rattling noise when the engine is started is usually the tappets, which are going to need replacement. This is also quite costly and has to be solved immediately as the tappets breaking will cause damage to the engine. Additionally, when considering a used BMW, it's crucial to inspect the functionality of electronic components, including power windows, as they are common issues that can start to break down.

4. Cost of Ownership for Used BMWs

First, it is crucial to know the car’s maintenance schedule and reliability. BMW maintenance and parts are considerably higher in price than other vehicles, particularly when compared to non-luxury vehicles. This is especially true for luxury vehicles like BMW, which are known for their higher depreciation rates, affecting their overall cost of ownership. You will want to check the car’s maintenance history to see if all scheduled maintenance has been performed on time. Any gaps in the car’s history may lead to future repairs being more expensive, as other problems could be caused by poor maintenance. The reliability of a used BMW, or any luxury vehicle, will vary by each vehicle and model year. Highly rated BMW car models engine are BMW Z4 and BMW 3 series. [12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19]

When you buy a used car, it is important to consider its cost of ownership. The cost of ownership is the total amount of money that you will need to spend on the car, and it is directly related to the overall car's reliability, car's performance, and retained value. New or used, BMWs, as luxury reliable vehicles
, generally have a higher cost of ownership than other vehicles due to their significant depreciation. However, in some cases, a used BMW will cost the same to own as a used non-luxury vehicle, making them ideal options for those looking into second-hand luxury vehicles. There are several specific aspects that you need to consider.

5. Is Buying a Used BMW Worth It?

BMW cars are known to be expensive, and opting for a pre-owned vehicle can be a financially savvy choice, especially when considering the lower cost and depreciation factor. Even though they have come down significantly in price depending on the model, they are still expensive to maintain. To a first-time buyer, they may look very affordable at first glance. However, once you become a BMW owner, you soon realize that its car parts are quite a bit pricier than your normal run-of-the-mill car due to being imported. Its solid engineering does have a downside. Many have reported that frequent trips to the mechanic are common, and when it is all said and done, the overall cost of the car has greatly increased. Because of this, we strongly advise against the purchasing of an out-of-warranty BMW. Doing so would incur a heavy financial burden should any major repairs be required. A better way to experience luxury BMW driving would be to lease a car. Lease terms for BMWs commonly include the free maintenance program, which is valid at all BMW centers nationwide. Also included are warranties, with the option to extend for continuous worry-free driving. If you are set on the purchase of a BMW, a certified pre-owned BMW is the best way to go. These cars have been inspected and serviced by a certified BMW technician and always include warranties similar to that of a new BMW. With proper maintenance, a pre-owned BMW can be a reliable vehicle, countering the perception of high maintenance with the argument that a well-maintained BMW can be a dependable choice. There are exceptions to this rule, however. An example would be a lower-income individual who has a love for BMWs. Someone like this may be interested in doing a project car. Buying an inexpensive BMW with easy-to-repair parts and doing the repairs himself could be an enjoyable hobby. Also, being an off-road enthusiast having a secondary vehicle, a cheap used BMW would be a fun and luxurious choice.

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