Banned From BMW Forum

[Timothy]

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2013-bmw-320i-test-review

This review isn't too convincing on the 320i.  Granted, it's a base model review...

I'll stick to my Ford...and I have 4WD for 10K less though you don't need it much in scorpion country, do you?

[billt]

There's a bad side to every car made.

[tombogan03884]

There's a bad side to every car made.

But I have yet to find a good side to BMW.
They drive like a tank, they are uncomfortable they are overpriced to buy, the price of parts or service are ridiculous, and the company is a bunch of arrogant SOB's.
The only good thing about them in history is that it's where Willi Messerschmidt got his training.

[billt]

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2013-bmw-320i-test-review

This review isn't too convincing on the 320i.  Granted, it's a base model review...

I'll stick to my Ford...and I have 4WD for 10K less though you don't need it much in scorpion country, do you?

" If that still seems like a lot of money—and it is—recall that a loaded Ford Fusion costs about $35,000. Which would you rather have?"

This is what I'm finding. A decently equipped 320i runs in the upper $30K range. That seems high until you start comparing it to it's American counterparts. Add to it the fact that both Ford and GM recalled more cars than they made last year. Suddenly the BMW doesn't seem so costly. In fact, in many ways it seems like a bargain. I wish American cars didn't have this problem. But the fact is they do. I'm not saying a BMW is "bulletproof". But the odds are more in the purchasers favor of not buying into a $35K headache.

[Timothy]

True but, the loaded Fusion is AWD as well and that doesn't come on a 320i!

Not trying to argue.  I know BMWs are German engineered, well made vehicles.  How they ride is nothing I've experienced so I can't comment on that.

I can still do basic maintenance on my 2014 Ford, my older truck and most everything made by an American maker.  I doubt very much I'd want to try that with a German import of any variety.  I can also pretty much repair anything on my truck, and have over the eleven years I've owned it, because I can ill afford to pay for 75-100 labor charges.  Sometimes there's no avoiding it but if I can do the work, I will...

I would talk to folks who bought them who don't have the large bank accounts to maintain them...  I'm biased, admittedly and I've bought the last car I'll ever buy.  When it's paid for, I'm done working or at least that's the plan.

If I was looking for a 20 year vehicle, could afford the maintenance and the original sticker price, it's a Mercedes anyway.  A few can be had for less than 40K...  WITH all wheel drive...

[Sponsor]

[billt]

You're right. Out here in the desert, 4 wheel drive on a road car is about as useful as heated seats in July. Just more mechanical crap to break, and have trouble with. Back east I could understand it in the snow.

As far as maintenance, about all I do myself now a days are oil and filter changes. Anything else, and it's going in. My shade tree car mechanic days are over. All I intend to do with this vehicle is press the button, and drive it. BMW can do all the rest. It will cost what it costs. So be it.

[Timothy]

Have you looked at the C class Mercedes?  Several under 35k.

[billt]

Have you looked at the C class Mercedes?  Several under 35k.

We did, but to me they look like a Civic. I may have to take another look.

[TAB]

You're right. Out here in the desert, 4 wheel drive on a road car is about as useful as heated seats in July. Just more mechanical crap to break, and have trouble with. Back east I could understand it in the snow.

As far as maintenance, about all I do myself now a days are oil and filter changes. Anything else, and it's going in. My shade tree car mechanic days are over. All I intend to do with this vehicle is press the button, and drive it. BMW can do all the rest. It will cost what it costs. So be it.

  even oil changes are not something you can do.  No bmw even has a dip stick.  Lots  of good choices in new cars these days, but none will last.

[kmitch200]

I can also pretty much repair anything on my truck, and have over the eleven years I've owned it

I hope that truck is not a 2003 and you just bought it around then!!!