Which model to choose?

[wantM3?]

Been looking for 2 weeks now (auto trader & ebay) and I am seeing good deals on 328ci, 325ci and 330ci. Is it ok still to buy a 328ci with 40-50K miles with no derogatory records found (from Carfax)? These cars are currently priced in the high 18 to low 20Ks. Or should I just fork out an additional 5-8K more for a lower mileage 325 or 330ci? Thanks.

[Mach 5]

My 2000 328ci has 90K on it know and I have had no problems. With the newer car you will likely get at least some remaining warrany as most 2000 are passing the 4 year mark on there in service dates. A 330 will have a little more HP and Torque and 01 325's can be found in the low $20K's now. Good hunting.
Ben

[Graphic Designer]

both are fine. i was just in the same situation.
i purchased a 2000 328i with 30k on it and a 2004 325i with 3 miles on it.

Both were very good investments..
back on topic, either choice would be good for the wallet.

[wantM3?]

Thanks. I don't know much about bimmers only that I want one.

[Graphic Designer]

haha...
the newer model would be my choice bc of the warranties.
and plus,, 325 and the 330 look better than the 323 and 328...

[wantM3?]

I was looking at the Edmunds website and saw that JD Powers had low ratings for the 2001s (2/5 for long-term reliability) when compared to the 2000s, 2002 & 2003. Anyone care to discuss this? Thanks.

[jefft325i]

Originally posted by wantM3?@Apr 1 2004, 03:04 PM
I was looking at the Edmunds website and saw that JD Powers had low ratings for the 2001s (2/5 for long-term reliability) when compared to the 2000s, 2002 & 2003. Anyone care to discuss this? Thanks.

No problems here on my 2001. If you ask enough questions, your sure to get the 'avoid 2001's - the steering is terrible' comment. It is true that early 2001's had feather light steering which resulted in numerous complaints. BMW fixed the problem with the later 2001's. My steering (late 2001 production) feels the same as the 2000 328's I drove.

I've noticed the prices on the 2000's (323 & 328) have started to tumble quite a bit since I was looking at them a year ago. Since most no longer have a factory warranty, they can't command the same $. They are still great cars - just find one that's been taken care of.