A $1,000 BMW?

[Vitai Slade]

I have the opportunity to purchase a 2003 325ci BMW with around 130,000 miles for a mere $1,000. The catch? No A/C and some pretty hefty cosmetic damage down the side. It probably needs a new battery, but it drives well enough. No serious damage to the engine or transmission. It's worth more than the $1,000 but the guy is trying to get rid of it fast. I've wanted a BMW for a while... and this might be a way that I could get into one for cheap. I know that repairs and maintenance are somewhat costly, should I jump on this deal?

[SnackDog]

You would be better off finding a $1,000 Corolla or Civic or not buying a car at all!

[chesebert]

I have the opportunity to purchase a 2003 325ci BMW with around 130,000 miles for a mere $1,000. The catch? No A/C and some pretty hefty cosmetic damage down the side. It probably needs a new battery, but it drives well enough. No serious damage to the engine or transmission. It's worth more than the $1,000 but the guy is trying to get rid of it fast. I've wanted a BMW for a while... and this might be a way that I could get into one for cheap. I know that repairs and maintenance are somewhat costly, should I jump on this deal?

Do you know how to fix it yourself or know someone who can? BMW parts are fairly easy to find and the car is generally very easy to work with. I wouldn't worry about 130k miles. $1k is a great deal.

[Grateful Stache]

I've wanted a BMW for a while... and this might be a way that I could get into one for cheap. I know that repairs and maintenance are somewhat costly, should I jump on this deal?

Yes, but did your dreams include a significantly damaged BMW?

Might not be worth the risk, as there could be underlying structural or frame damage. Do what you will, but you may want to consider saving up for one that you really like.

Cheers.

[PeachFuzzInVA]

Very much not worth it.

[hexdexorex]

I would normally say no to a BMW...but its 1000 dollars...not much of a risk. If you can get it running again for under 500 and you are sure of that it might be worth the enjoyment for a year or so. Why is is willing to go so low? Has it been a headache for a very long time?

[sirdoug007]

Buy it. If you don't like it you can sell the engine and transmission for more than $1000


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[HairyUpperLip]

BMW 325, even in perfect condition, is the definition of trying too hard. what makes a BMW great is it's fun to drive factor. if you want real luxury I'd turn to cadillac or Lexus or Benz.

I wouldn't pick up the car for $1000. it's a waste of money and time.


nobody is gonna be impressed when you pull up in a beat up watered down bimmer. if you really want a BMW save your money and at least get a 335i so it's fun to drive.

full disclosure - I'm not a BMW fan at all but I completely respect the company for continuing to build manuals and wagons.

[Tetsuya Hondo]

It doesn't sound like there's anything wrong with this $1000 BMW that $15,000 couldn't fix.

[peace99]

I'd leave it unless you are prepared to put $1-2k into it in running costs a year.

I had a 1999 5 series with over 100k miles when I got it. It had a full service history and 2 owners. I sold it at 130k. Over 3 years it cost between $1-2k a year to maintain. Parts are expensive, and at high miles things start to wear out. I found an independent bmw place that allowed me to buy the parts online and pay them to fit them. Interestingly the guy that originally owned it was paying over $1k a year in repair costs after it came out of warranty. 

I now have a 2004 3 series. Full service history and only 37k miles. Touch wood it hasn't needed any money spending on it in the last year.

After the 5 series I said that I'd only over own a bmw with a full warranty or a low mileage one that had been very well looked after.

Either way you do it you have to 'pay to play' with BMW's. It all depends how much your willing to pay per year.