'01 330i

[Tower_Sage]

Hey everyone, I have no BMW yet but that is why I am here. Right now I am looking at getting a used(if you didn't guess from the title) 2001 330 i. It will be my first car and BMW is pretty much my favorite make so I need some help. I found a nice silver one at a dealership for $12,300 with 74,000 miles on it. I try to tell my parents that a BMW can handle many more miles than that but my dad thinks it is a lot and they say parts are really expensive because my aunt's BMW is pricey to replace parts in. I will be 18 in December so maybe there is the insurance factor as well but I'm a pretty careful driver. So I ask the community this: Is this a good price for the number of miles ? Would any repairs really break the bank in this car ? Should I give up my hopes of having a BMW at my age ?!?

Thank you for your time, I would really appreciate any assistance.

Car:
http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail.jsp;?tracktype=usedcc&searchType=21&pageNum ber=0&numResultsPerPage=50&largeNumResultsPerPage= 0&sortorder=descending&sortfield=PRICE+descending& certifiedOnly=false&criteria=K-|E-|M-_5_|B-15000|N-N|R-30|I-1%2c7|P-PRICE+descending|Q-descending|Z-18018&aff=national&paId=136411677&recnum=23&leadEx ists=true

[Numark318i]

well...I gotta be 100% honest with you, although the car is pretty dam good, it has cost me a fairly good amount of money in context to what you prolly make/have. It depends on how picky you are with things that break.

-sensors like to break. 50-100 each

-window regulators will break. 120 each plus install

-Coolant system needs to be redone every 50k miles or so. 300-600 depending on who does the work

-depending on what package the car has, tires are expensive. I have a sports package and a set of tires cost me $700 for an ok set.

-small things like the sunroof shade brake. too many small things to list.

-parts are expensive.

so if you like to do small odd jobs all the time on the car because you are picky, i would say go for it.

also you have to run premium gas, and synthetic oil.

I know my engine was still prime at 75thousand miles. Car now has 140thousand and still pulls strong for the mileage.

Keep in mind as long as you keep up with the cars maintenace it will be worth it. Otherwise...dont do it.

[drz]

In short: even if you only pay $12,000 for it, you are still buying a $40,000+ car. Be ready to pay for maintenance for a $40k car, not a $12k car.

[xdrummerxderekx]

I just did buy one a week ago. I want to change the gauge cluster and have blue lights instead....How and where would i find that part?? Email me at xdrummerxderekx@aim.com I really want to know so i can buy the parts soon.

[sonspot]

you guys are scary LOL, OP you should be able to get that car for a lower price, i payed that last year for the same car with extra's and i know i've seen better price since then, so if your willing to pay that much, mileage should be lower, fully loaded with sport package and more,..

why are you buying a bmw, is name brand, you want people to see you driving a bmw?,. i'll tell you now bmw is not what it was 20yr ago, great cars but you have to have some money setting just for repairs.

why are you buying a 8 yr car from the dealership, you'll save an extra 2-3k buying private and the car will be the same maybe better/worse, with any used car they only have to meet the min safety standard to sell the car, its up to you to take the car to your mech and have a good inspection.
other than that part are not too expensive and you can do a lot of the work yourself..

i dont know your location but if your in the states, buy all your parts online, every good price online

thanks

[yammahamma]

I just bought the same car with the same miles for $10k.

Mine has the cold weather package (seat warmers, headlight cleaners), and the sports package (which comes with a bunch of cool stuff).