Which Car Should I Buy?!

[lespaul1]

Ok.. I'm in the market for a new Bimmer.

I've only had old ones.. a 2002, and a 91 318ic.. I loved them both.. Now it's time to step into this decade.

The contenders are these:

A) 2006 330i
-black on black
-6 speed
-24000 miles
-fully loaded with everything (Navi, bluetooth, sport package, the works)
-Price is $27000 - Certified but warranty expiring August of 2010.

B) 2007 or 328i Coupe
-black on black
-6 sped
-17000 miles
-not fully loaded, but with sport package
-Certified expiring April 2012
-Price is $30,000

It's a tough choice.. I really love the styling of the coupe, the price is a bit higher than i wanted to spend, but I can deal with it.

I also love the loaded factor of the 330i, and the 330i is more powerful right? Some salesperson just told me the 328i has more horsepower.. I have to look at the specs, but I could have sworn that doesn't make sense, and is incorrect.

What would you do? The 330i got amazing reviews, haven't really looked into the reviews of the 328i coupe, but I imagine they are just as good.

Would the 328i coupe be just as fast as it is probably lighter?

Confused, and excited, and well... confused. Please help.

Thanks,

Jeff

[witeshark]

Of those cars, I think it'll really boil down to your personal preferences. But I would review the specs closely.

[BimmerE39]

Personally, I would take the 330i just based on the fact that it has the sport package. The warranty might by expiring soon, but I wouldn't necessarily look at that as a bad thing.

[Kai]

I agree with ws, which ever you personally find more attractive go with. I would get the 228, I have personally never owned a coupe and that would push me to get that when so closely compared to the 330. Good luck on the decision.

[bighorns]

If the 330 is a CPO you can extend the warranty 2 more years/100,000 miles for a price. We did this on our 325. Ask the dealer about it.

[BimmerE39]

I just realized I misread something and now see that both cars have the sport package. Both cars are going to be really good, it's just a question of practicality vs. a smaller car.

[drz]

FYI: The 330i puts out 255 hp, vs 230 hp for the 328i.

[bighorns]

Go for the HP.

[lespaul1]

Well, as far as value goes.. Don't you think that the 2008 328i with less options would be a much better resale than a 2006 with more options in a few years? Just another point to think about in making the decision.

There are so many sedans out there, and not as many coupes..

[bighorns]

The coupe is beautiful, the sedan is practical.

[BimmerE39]

Originally Posted by lespaul1

Well, as far as value goes.. Don't you think that the 2008 328i with less options would be a much better resale than a 2006 with more options in a few years?

I almost think the resale on the Sedan might be better than that the coupe depending on where you live. Most people buy the sedan as a commuter/daily driver and they are more common. Resale value has too many factors too be 100% sure.

[drz]

I really don't think that sedan vs coupe makes any difference in terms of resale. It find the sedan more practical. I get to play less insurance because technically it is not a sporty car. Lastly, I don't think that there really are more coupes than sedans.

Good luck!

[chet31]

The factory warranty (covers everything) for both cars should be 4 yrs/50K miles (starting at in-service date). At these prices, both cars should include the CPO extended warranty (does not cover everything) for an additional 2 yrs, up to 100K miles. Both cars should have some factory warranty left, plus the add'l two years of CPO. The HP of the 330i might be greater, but look at power/weight ratio also, i.e. if the coupe is significantly lighter, it might be quicker.

[drz]

Virtual tie for the weight 330i sedan vs 328i coupe, plus teh 330i also puts down an additional 20 lb-ft of torque.

[coolvegase34]

Go with the 330. The engine is a lot faster.