2004 325i Wagon

[a64armt]

I visited this site some time ago when I first began searching for my family's next car. I had desired a 3er wagon. I recieved much information on the vehicle, warnings, recommendations, praises and such.

Due to many deployments, business travel and other activities, I never fully commited to the purchase. At one time, I even visited a dealership and nearly bought a new 2003, but it was an automatic, steptronic I think, and I wanted to avoid the auto and go with a manual.

I have decided to go with a used vehicle, to take advantage of "first drive off the lot depreciation"

I researched BMW's competitors offerings. I like all the offerings from Mercedes (C class to unreliable), and Volvo (I really like the V-70R, but most owners owe more than the car is worth!)

I found a 2004 325iT with 1016 miles, Certified Pre-owned, asking $29,995. It is extremely basic, manual transmission (I wanted), leatherette (I still haven't figured this one out), no-power seats, sport package, Harmon Kardon, park assist, and sun roof.

I am hoping I can talk the dealership down to about $24,000. I am still in Iraq and I won't hassle with buying a car now unless it is an extremely good deal!

Any additional thoughts on this model 3er?

Thanks again.

Vincent

 

[squarehat]

I visited this site some time ago when I first began searching for my family's next car. I had desired a 3er wagon. I recieved much information on the vehicle, warnings, recommendations, praises and such.

Due to many deployments, business travel and other activities, I never fully commited to the purchase. At one time, I even visited a dealership and nearly bought a new 2003, but it was an automatic, steptronic I think, and I wanted to avoid the auto and go with a manual.

I have decided to go with a used vehicle, to take advantage of "first drive off the lot depreciation"

I researched BMW's competitors offerings. I like all the offerings from Mercedes (C class to unreliable), and Volvo (I really like the V-70R, but most owners owe more than the car is worth!)

I found a 2004 325iT with 1016 miles, Certified Pre-owned, asking $29,995. It is extremely basic, manual transmission (I wanted), leatherette (I still haven't figured this one out), no-power seats, sport package, Harmon Kardon, park assist, and sun roof.

I am hoping I can talk the dealership down to about $24,000. I am still in Iraq and I won't hassle with buying a car now unless it is an extremely good deal!

Any additional thoughts on this model 3er?

Thanks again.

Vincent

From what you describe, it sounds like it's pretty well equipped. True, it lacks power seats and leather, though the leatherette is great (it doesn't look cheap at all, is indestructible, and wipes clean--especially handy if you've got kids). However, it's got the Sport Package, moonroof, Harmon/Kardon, and Park Assist--none of which are cheap options. (unless I'm misreading your post and those were things you wanted, but this particular car lacked).

The car has very low mileage (perhaps a demo, even a service loaner would have much more mileage), which is nice. Of course, the dealer will try to get a premium because of the low mileage (I probably had 1016 on my car within 3-4 weeks ) and the CPO status. The new wagon being on its way should help your bargaining position, though it might be tough to whittle the price down to $24K. If you feel this is "the car", give it a shot--if not, there are plenty of other E46 wagons out there, albeit with slightly to more-than-slightly higher miles on them.

Good luck, and stay safe over there!

 

[Bmw 325i 7803]

A new 2004 wagon with a 36k msrp would have sold for 28k this summer, as stated with the new wagon coming out that number falls even lower now. The fact that it's CPO imo makes it worth another 1-2k, but the E90 wagon counters this... I'd say 25k is good price for the car. Make sure you exploit it's lack of favorable features and the fact that it's 2 years old and an "outdated model", goodluck.