What one should I get?

[matty231 1]

Hey guys,

I'm looking for my first car and of couse I only want a BMW. I'm hoping later on i'll get a 335i or M3

So, what car would you have out of these two, im looking at them on Trademe...

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=186207233 - '96 323i Coupe 120000km

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=187368902 - '95 328i Coupe 159000km

I need a car that would last around 2 years and be a good runner, maybe the lower k's 323i is the choice?

Thanks!

[westy 614]

Which one is the better car?

[jjs 60]

Welcome!

Even though I can't stand the tan interior, the 328i is the best buy hands down. It's black, NZ new, biggest engine at the time and because of this will always be more desirable than a 323i. Price seems OK too.

If you find something you like, make sure you get it checked out by a BMW specialist first.

[*Glenn* 854]

The 328 would have more grunt. However I like the 323 because its red & its lower mileage

Whatever you do...dont purchase either without getting a pre-purchase inspection done by either a dealer or an independant BMW specialist. No one else !!

Oops....and welcome to the forum

Edited November 17, 2008 by *Glenn*

[bmw.maniac 1]

I actually really like that 'yellow' interior!

[kingkarl 136]

I would advise against a beema for your first car. If you want something to be a good runner and last two years, a corolla or Civic might be your best bet.

But if your insistent on BMW, then I'd have the 328.

[Cale 36]

328i FTW!

Black with yellow interior looks great. These cars will last a lot more kms so long as they're serviced well.

[Mark 178]

The red car has been on Trademe for over a year (owner has been going overseas for a while now!)... I'd check it out very carefully if you were interested in it.

Black 328i looks nice and don't worry too much about k's as long as it has been well looked after.

As always, get an inspection done at a BMW dealer or specialist. And as has been said, be prepared to pay for maintenance, it's highly unlikely you'll own a BMW for 2 years without having to repair something.

Good luck!

[curryinahurry 39]

I believe the red 323i was owned by a member (or admin) here. Its been for sale a few times since then and I have seen it in real life. Personally, I'd go for the 328 .

Motorsport 328's with full leathers are hard to come by, and I reckon it'd be worth the extra $$.

[bravo 34]

I would advise against a beema for your first car. If you want something to be a good runner and last two years, a corolla or Civic might be your best bet.

But if your insistent on BMW, then I'd have the 328.

Are you saying that a beema won't last 2 years?

I know what you are getting at, but bmw's are fine first cars provided you find a well maintained one, and you have the money to continue that maintenance.

The problem with BMW's is that muppets buy them for the perceived status, but can't afford to maintain them and so there are a lot of dogs out there, esp older models. Don't buy the cheapest one you can find, buy the cheapest GOOD one you can find.

[bimmer boy 21]

Welcome mate, I vote get the Black 328, come see me and I will swap you my Black leather interior for your Tan interior

[bimmer boy 21]

I would advise against a beema for your first car. If you want something to be a good runner and last two years, a corolla or Civic might be your best bet.

But if your insistent on BMW, then I'd have the 328.

My first car a BMW. I dont see any problem having one as a first car. A car is only as good as the person who maintains it and my last car I had for 2 years and never had a single problem all I did was put petrol in it and get the oil changed every 6 months or so. But Yeah I guess if your super concerned with reliablilty and still think BMW's cost an arm and a leg to fix then by all means get a Corolla. But dont let the stimga of bad reliability put you off.

Get a nice one and get it checked over by someone from a BMW specialist and you'll be away laughing!

[Mash 0]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=186528251

Nice, Low K'd

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/C...n-188544508.htm

Mint but yes, Pricey

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/C...n-188553730.htm

328i at a sweet price

[kingkarl 136]

Are you saying that a beema won't last 2 years?

I know what you are getting at, but bmw's are fine first cars provided you find a well maintained one, and you have the money to continue that maintenance.

In my experience for first car ownership (im on my second jappa crappa) you want the cheapest hack you can find. I'm a reasonably careful person when it comes to looking after stuff, i value my possessions quite highly, but there are things you need to learn IMO about cars before you buy a semi nice one (ie a $7,500 beema). I've really enjoyed being able to thrash my first car... well not thrash, but drive rather spiritedly. I'm hoping it'll be fine mechanically because i change the oil as soon as it goes dark. But if it isn't fine mechanically, it's cool, because the car's worth crap all.

My mates have lots of different cars. Some expensive, some not. The one who enjoys driving his the most, isn't the guy with the expensive Evo3, it's the guy with the shithouse Integra who gives his car death. Honestly, you've gotta see this guy launch over speedbumps in this POS its awesome.

I don't know, but if your anything like me and like the thought of being a racing car driver, you'll want to thrash your car somewhat. I'd think very carefully about doing that to a (comparatively) expensive BMW because it might end up costing you.

Maybe money isn't a really big issue for you ( if your looking at a $7,500 BMW for your first car ) so if this is the case, go ahead and get the 328. I would.

[1rotty 40]

328 hands down !!

2 yrs? it'll last you 10 if you look after it.

Specialist check-Definitely.Forget AA-means nothing.

[matty231 1]

The red car has been on Trademe for over a year (owner has been going overseas for a while now!)... I'd check it out very carefully if you were interested in it.

Black 328i looks nice and don't worry too much about k's as long as it has been well looked after.

As always, get an inspection done at a BMW dealer or specialist. And as has been said, be prepared to pay for maintenance, it's highly unlikely you'll own a BMW for 2 years without having to repair something.

Good luck!

Thanks for that, over a year! Far out so it's been up for a while.

[matty231 1]

Welcome mate, I vote get the Black 328, come see me and I will swap you my Black leather interior for your Tan interior

Haha, I would probably to be honest prefer black than the tan, or white but that must stain.