Hello,
I am new to this forum and have never owned a BMW, although I have always wanted to. Now it seems that my chance may be coming soon, as I am going to sell my '96 Toyota Avalon and get a new car.
In any case, I have heard lots of pros about BMWs and want one because it is one of the few cars that offers rear-wheel drive, manual transmission, exceptional handling and speed, with luxury. I am looking at a 2000 323i with 73k miles on it. It is a manual and in good shape from what I can tell (though I'll probably have a mechanic check it out to confirm). What does everyone think of a BMW from that year, with that many miles? I heard that lately (probably newer models - 2004 and later), quality has been lacking a little, and I really want a reliable car and something that I won't have to sink tons of money into right after I buy it. I am sure the warranty is expired, but out of curiousity, does anyone know what the warranty was on the car?
Also, what kind of speed do these get off the line? I've heard 7.1s with the manual. Is the stock sound system pretty decent? Do these cars hold together well? How high is service and repair in comparison with Toyota?
Right now, I am pitting this car against a 2002 Lexus IS300, a 2002 MB C230k sedan, and a new Mazda 3. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated...
Thanks,
NicB.
I am new to this forum and have never owned a BMW, although I have always wanted to. Now it seems that my chance may be coming soon, as I am going to sell my '96 Toyota Avalon and get a new car.
In any case, I have heard lots of pros about BMWs and want one because it is one of the few cars that offers rear-wheel drive, manual transmission, exceptional handling and speed, with luxury. I am looking at a 2000 323i with 73k miles on it. It is a manual and in good shape from what I can tell (though I'll probably have a mechanic check it out to confirm). What does everyone think of a BMW from that year, with that many miles? I heard that lately (probably newer models - 2004 and later), quality has been lacking a little, and I really want a reliable car and something that I won't have to sink tons of money into right after I buy it. I am sure the warranty is expired, but out of curiousity, does anyone know what the warranty was on the car?
Also, what kind of speed do these get off the line? I've heard 7.1s with the manual. Is the stock sound system pretty decent? Do these cars hold together well? How high is service and repair in comparison with Toyota?
Right now, I am pitting this car against a 2002 Lexus IS300, a 2002 MB C230k sedan, and a new Mazda 3. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated...
Thanks,
NicB.