[foboi1122]

Hi guys, I'm new to the forum but I've tried to do a search with not many hits back on this question...

I just graduated college, and got offered a job at a company. I want to purchase a new car (by new I mean anything that's not what i'm driving now), something fun to drive instead of what I have...(4 cylinder highlander). I am currently looking at the '07 335i coupe and there seems to be quite a few within my range, which is about $30k. I've seen a few under 30,000 miles.

my question is... does anyone have any suggestions about whether if I should get a 335i or maybe something else in this range. I don't mind if it's used or brand new. I'm open to suggestions and inputs.

Thanks in advance!

[fruition3000]

Every one will tell you different but I wouldnt want to buy a used car. I would rather lease a nice car if money was really an issue.

At 30K u have many options for new cars and a million options for used cars.
New car options
Accord
Genesis
Camry
Camaro
Mustang

[Verbiage]

Get something with a normally aspirated engine.

[fruition3000]

Originally Posted by Bavarian III

Get something with a normally aspirated engine.

I had a guy at the supermarket tell me that I should have gotten the M3 because it was twin turbo. I'm like not bro the M3's are "Naturally Aspirated". Felt good saying natural aspiration. Normal Aspiration sounds boring

[ragingclue]

Unless you've built a repair buffer into your budget, don't get the 335. If you can, find a well cared for 330 or 328. But you have a bunch of options at that price range. What are some of your main constraints/preferences?

[Trojan4evr]

WRX STI with your budget.

[DenverJayhawk]

For the same money, I'd recommend a 4 door GTI. Full warranty is wonderful.

[Verbiage]

Originally Posted by fruition3000

I had a guy at the supermarket tell me that I should have gotten the M3 because it was twin turbo. I'm like not bro the M3's are "Naturally Aspirated". Felt good saying natural aspiration. Normal Aspiration sounds boring

Well SORRY.

[foboi1122]

Hi guys, thanks for the replies. I do have a buffer budget built in for repairs, but I'm hoping the warranty will cover most common engine issues. Also I'm looking into either CPO or a third-party extended warranty on the car.

What are the advantages of having a naturally aspirated engine? How often can I expect problems from a 335i?

to DenverJayhawk
personally, I don't like hatchbacks. sorry, it's just a preference.

Constraints and preferences wise, I would like something sporty, and has good performance. I'd also like the inside to be pretty comfortable and nice to be in since I will be driving quite often. I considered leasing a vehicle, but I think I will put too much mileage on it to make leasing worth it. I personally don't like the rally car look, like the WRX, EVO, etc. I guess to give a better feel of what I'm looking at, I also looked at the newer IS250/350's and Accuras along with BMWs. 328i's are an option too.

[wwjbd24]

e46 m3?

[Alexander]

E30!

[BTM]

Similar situation as OP and bought my 335 with warranty left and got extended as well, sub $30k. PPI is invaluable for 335s at this price point, so get one and do your research, these cars will have problems at one point or another. Get a complete service history and avoid those that have already had a bunch of problems. It doesn't seem your in a total hurry which is a good, do your research and drive what's out there and see how you feel.

[Verbiage]

A naturally aspirated engine will not give fuel pump failures that 335's are prone to have. Get one ONLY if you love the car and don't mind potential constant servicing. It seems like the 335i just happened to be another car that falls in your price range.

[foboi1122]

Thanks for all your help. I think realistically, I just need to go into a dealership and drive a couple cars around to really get a feel of what's good for me on top of the technical things. I have plenty of time before purchasing anything so I'll definitely do my research since I'm only in the initial stages.

while's we're on topic, any common problems with the 07-09 328i's that I should know about?

BTM, what's PPI?

[c_jeong89]

I have had a ticking noise in my engine bay in which the cylinder head had to get replaced. It was covered under warranty though but that's my only problem. It happened to my mom's car(08 328i) and mine (07 328i), also I think there is a sticky on the issue. Other than that the 328i has been problem free, it is a pretty reliable car if u ask me

[BTM]

Originally Posted by foboi1122

BTM, what's PPI?

Pre-purchase inspection

[aront]

I wanted to chime in and say you should get a 335i and you should get it as a CPO from a BMW dealership. The extra cost of a CPO (~$2k) will be good piece of mind if (when) things go wrong.

The 335i has such a vastly superior engine to the IS350/G37s/Acura TL that you will be so glad that you went with it. The power is literally addicting; additionally, you can flash the ECU for gobs of additional power.

At the very least, you should test drive everything you are considering and then follow-up with a final test drive of the 335i.

[anowlan]

Car and Driver recently drove the new base 128i and really liked it. Xenons, upgraded stereo, sport package are probably all you need. Unless you need to carry 2 adults in the back routinely, you probably wouldn't miss the extra room the 335i or 328i have. My wife has a 2010 GTI. Great, fun car. You have to at least drive that one. You could get a nearly loaded one for $30K, and you could extend the warranty out to 100K at a reasonable price. PPI is pre-purchase inspection, by the way.

I've owned the 335i and now the d. I've driven the 328i a number of times, but not in coupe form. There is of course a big torque and power difference. But there's probably something to be said for driving a less powerful car harder- it can seem more fun. Most of the time, the 335 models are total overkill in the power department. If you had a strict 30K limit, I might choose the 28i model (either 128i or 328i) and only stretch to the 335i if your budget ran $10K higher.

[lalitkanteti]

If you want 335 its better to get newer ones like used 2009 or 2010. I know not much of difference but you will have more warranty and as you get to know it better you can decide on Extended warranty. SO I would say hold off for about 6 more months till BMW confirms F30 for 2012 and I am sure prices will drop further more and 2009 with less than 30K miles will be available in your budget range. With any 335 (newer or older) you have to keep maintenance in mind coz there are lot of things which are not covered under warranty.

[foboi1122]

I'll probably be making a list of the cars I want to test drive, and go try them all out myself. 128 and GTI aren't off my list, I will probably give them a try at least to see if I do like it. I don't mind stretching my budget a little but can I ask what the extra 10k will do for me? I've been looking online at a lot of car sites and it seems I can get by with 30k for a < 30000mi car from some dealerships. Ofcourse, there is a lot more options when i search for 328i.

I guess when it comes down to the bmw, getting a used one I should consider PPI and CPO huh.

also I really appreciate everyone's input. I'm thoroughly impressed with how many replies i'm getting about this!

[Delta0311]

Personaly I would never buy a used BMW let alone a BMW with turbos but that's just my opinion. Fact of the matter is I just hate buying used cars. I'm addicted to the new car smell.

[Nalod]

Buying used has lots of variables. Depends on your fear levels and cash flow.

Best values are used but you might have costs.

I bought a gently used 328 with MT and low miles. I did not get a 335 for many reasons mentioned.

But IM not just out of college. I guess if I understood your financial situation it would lend itself to deciding.