[jnkhan82]

Hey everyone,

Hope everyone is enjoying their weekend!

I'm looking to purchase this 3 series: http://www.enterprisecarsales.com/ca...Drive_Sedan_4D

or

http://www.enterprisecarsales.com/ca...Drive_Sedan_4D

I've only test driven the 2013 model and love it.

I presently have a 2003 z4 and the main reason I'm consider enterprise is because they are giving me full blue book value plus an additional $500 towards one of their cars.

What are your thoughts about the price? experience with this model? Things I should look for? etc

Every bit of insight is much appreciated.

Thanks everyone.

[syuan92]

I bought my nearly fully loaded Luxury Line 2013 ActiveHybrid 3 for $42,000 from BMW Gallery in Norwood, MA after incentives (Mainly the incentive for BMW Hybrids). The original sticker was over $61,000. The car had 5,000 miles on it and was used as a loaner by the dealership (which is why new car incentives applied to the used car). While I think I got a pretty good deal on my car, I'm sure you could use what I got for my money as a comparison to what you would get for your money. And remember, the ActiveHybrid 3 is comparative to the 335i but with slightly better fuel economy and slightly more power.

[syuan92]

Navigation is pretty important for the F30 3-series as it gives you the larger screen. Lighting package for 328 or included with the 335i will give you the sexy BMW Angel Eyes. I'm a huge fan of the HUD that comes with the technology package. Also, the top down camera has been an amazing feature that I use all the time and has helped keep my rims free from curb rash. Also, having a line is nice since it gives you the improved steering wheel which I think is pretty important. Also since you're in New York, the cold weather package or heated steering wheel and heated seats are extremely useful in the winter time.

[jnkhan82]

and this: http://www.enterprisecarsales.com/ca..._328i_Sedan_4D

[jnkhan82]

Originally Posted by syuan92

Also, having a line is nice since it gives you the improved steering wheel which I think is pretty important.

Can you explain this line? Thanks

oh the 2013 model has the heated seated since its an NY car...its hard to find NY cars without that feature.

[syuan92]

There is a pretty big difference between the last generation 3 series and the current generation 3 series. One of the major differences is how the steering feels imo. The steering for the new generation is all electronic and you don't get the same road feel as the last generation. To mean, this means that longer drives are more comfortable but from a joy ride standpoint, the last generation gives you a much better feel for the car. Also, the last generation is not turbocharged for the 328 so you'll notice a lack in power in comparison to the newer four cylinder turbocharged generation. I have a 2006 525i in my family and a 2013 X1 and the I actually enjoy the four cylinder turbo X1 in comparison to I-6 (hard to compare since the cars are completely different). I almost got a 2011 3-series but I decided to wait and get the newer generation since I'm a big fan of updated technology. The technology in the new generation NBT i-drive will blow away the last generation and in the case of the two cars you are looking at, the older generation won't even have i-drive.

[syuan92]

Originally Posted by jnkhan82

Can you explain this line? Thanks

oh the 2013 model has the heated seated since its an NY car...its hard to find NY cars without that feature.

So the new generation of 3-series is sold in a few different ways. There is a no line 3 series in which you get the base car. Adding a "line" such as the Luxury Line, Sport Line, M-sport line, and the now discontinued Modern Line add aesthetic touches such as different trims, rims, steering wheels, etc. to the car. If you go to a BMW dealership and look at the new generation of 3-series you'll notice that the steering wheel for the base 3-series is larger in diameter and thinner than that of a 3-series that is Luxury Line, Sport Line, M-sport Line, or the Discontinued Modern Line. The thicker wheel with smaller diameter adds a lot to the driving experience.

Also, the car you just posted is different than the others you posted in that it doesn't have xdrive which is BMW's version of all wheel drive. My car is Rear Wheel Drive only and it can be a nuisance in the winter time (I live in Boston). However, a set of winter tires can be a huge help in the snow and ice.

Another differentiation between BMW 3-series are the models. The newest generation has the 328 and 335. The 328 in the newest generation has a four cylinder turbocharged engine and the 335 has a 6 cylinder turbocharged engine.
In the previous generation it's the same thing except the 328 is a non turbocharged 6 cylinder engine which uses much more gas in comparison to the newer generation. You'll get much better fuel economy with the new 328i in comparison to the old 328i.

[syuan92]

Also, I would suggest looking for relatively newer BMW's at BMW dealerships. Particularly, a Certified Pre-Owned BMW. Check around for Used Car Specials/CPO Specials at large BMW dealerships. My dad got his Certified Pre-Owned 2006 525i for under $25,000 with under 30k miles at the BMW Gallery in Norwood, MA. At the time, it was listed as a special.

[syuan92]

I think the BMW dealership gave my about $6,000 for my 2005 Nissan Altima (Purchased for like $15,000 new) with like 70k miles so don't be scared of the BMW Dealerships. This was last August when I traded it in for my ActiveHybrid 3.

[syuan92]

Also, I personally prefer buying a car that came off a lease in comparison to a car that was used as loaner since the owner's typically take care of their car better than a bunch of random people that may have put the car under excessive wear and tear. While my car was used a loaner for a BMW dealership, I was able to get new car incentives towards it and I got a good deal. I'm pretty sure Certified Pre-Owned cars must be maintained properly by BMW in order to be considered CPO but I'm not 100% positive. It's nice to know that a car has been properly maintained when you're buying a used car.

[syuan92]

I highly suggest that you go try out some BMW models yourself at the BMW dealership and see what appeals to you and what you like. Cars cost a lot of money so you should be sure that you're getting exactly what you want and not settle because you find something in your budget. It's all the little things that make the difference. Go see for yourself the differences between the different 3-series lines and the two different models and then make your decision. It might turn out that you like the 2 series better or maybe even 4 series, or 5 series, or 6 series, or 7 series, or X1, or X3, or X5, or X6 Or maybe an M.

[Reelknead1]

I wouldn't touch any of those cars with a 10 foot pole... There are many better options out there then buying a used rental car. Those cars are beat by the time they hit 15k miles. A quick autotrader search found so many better cars for the same amount of money. All certified and all with lower miles then what you are considering.

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...75436866&Log=0

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...75436865&Log=0

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...73996832&Log=0

[syuan92]

Oh yeah, another huge difference between the last generation 3 series and the new generation 3 series if the transmission. The new 8 speed helps tremendously with fuel economy and the gear changes are much quicker in my opinion.

[dtn]

Yep, I'd be very weary of buying a used car from a car rental business. My gf and I were talking about this the other day. She said it's like marrying a hooker; even if the deal seems great, everyone has used and abused it before you.

[jnkhan82]

Originally Posted by dtn

Yep, I'd be very weary of buying a used car from a car rental business. My gf and I were talking about this the other day. She said it's like marrying a hooker; even if the deal seems great, everyone has used and abused it before you.

hahahah

[jnkhan82]

Originally Posted by syuan92

Oh yeah, another huge difference between the last generation 3 series and the new generation 3 series if the transmission. The new 8 speed helps tremendously with fuel economy and the gear changes are much quicker in my opinion.

thank you so much for your awesome insight! much appreciated.

Think I'm going to look for the new-gen.

[Mobster1983]

No way in hell will I ever buy a used car from a rental company. Go to a BMw deal and buy a CPO car. That comes with a BMW warranty and there is less likelihood that the car as as abused like a well-wore hooker (as Dtn put it).

[kent11202]

Originally Posted by dtn

Yep, I'd be very weary of buying a used car from a car rental business. My gf and I were talking about this the other day. She said it's like marrying a hooker; even if the deal seems great, everyone has used and abused it before you.

Do you really care?

[munch520]

Originally Posted by Reelknead1

I wouldn't touch any of those cars with a 10 foot pole.

Yep. I wouldn't want anyone buying any of the cars I rent

[BMRGUY]

LOL me too... My first time neutral dropping a car was in a rental... I have done some all sort of experimenting with rental cars.

Typically the warranty does not take into account abuse. If a part failed and they could prove in their minds that it was abuse (even if you didnt perform the abuse but the previous owner) I can imagine at a minimum it will cause a major headache getting them to submit and fix the issue.

I wouldnt take a chance UNLESS it was a MAJOR savings which would account for a rear end, tranny, etc.

[Cyberdemon]

Originally Posted by kent11202

Do you really care?

You do when you get Herpes.

Rental cars are abused to no end. I drive rental cars like I stole them, especially when they're fancy RWD rear wheel drive cars that are capable of burnouts.

Also keep in mind rental car companies generally run their own repair centers, so if a car is banged up in any kind of minor accident they can repair it on their own without ever reporting it to insurance (which is where Carfax would pull their history report from).

Worst idea ever.

[adhrp]

Originally Posted by Reelknead1

I wouldn't touch any of those cars with a 10 foot pole... There are many better options out there then buying a used rental car. Those cars are beat by the time they hit 15k miles. A quick autotrader search found so many better cars for the same amount of money. All certified and all with lower miles then what you are considering.

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...75436866&Log=0

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...75436865&Log=0

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...73996832&Log=0

I second this. I have no idea why you are looking at enterprise when you can find great deals on autotrader or cars dot com. I bought mine used, pretty well loaded by searching on autotrader and cars dot com. Got a good deal too.