Thinking about getting a 2004 325i....

[theBMWenthusiast]

I got a 2001 Steel Blue 330Ci Coupe, but here are the details, i technically own it, i put the down payment down in like the first week of November...the thing that is making my parents unconfortable is that it has a salvage title, my dad told me I could get the deposit back (the guy at the dealership is cool with it) and get a brand new 325i with some features, but not so many that it is over like $35,000.00 to $37,000.00 ....what I am asking do you think I should do the deal, i dont know what I should do, I like the coupe, but a brand new one, that is not salvage...what's ur opinion? and if ur opinon is to get the new one what features should i get one it...im already going for the:
-Sports Package
-On-board computer

all the rest i dont know what would make it a confortable car....

so give me your opinion....

 

[codex57]

I'm uncomfortable with salvage titled cars unless you plan on owning it for so long that resale wouldn't even matter.

I'd feel more comfortable with a new 325 instead of a salvaged 330. My car was $33K or so. I think with the upgrade in base price, it's prolly about $34K now. I have:

Steptronic
Moonroof
Sports Package
Xenons
Metallic Paint

Leather wasn't necessary since it's not that much better than the plastic. Oh, and isn't the onboard computer standard? Mine was.

 

[theBMWenthusiast]

im pretty sure that the on board computer is standard...but if i order custom i got to select that item, and the BMW dealerships around here dont have online versions of what htey got in stock...so i always have to go through the steps and select all the options including "on board computer" but i would get it since my dad is going to drive it and if hte alarms dont pop up he would probably keep driving even if something is seriously wrong.

 

[Bmw 325i 7803]

The OBD (Onboard Computer) tells you your mpg, average speed, fuel range, time, and the outside temp. The engine warnings or whatnot come standard with all cars. IMHO if it's part of a package I'd get it otherwise it's not worth the money.

 

[paddyLV]

I would not go without the Xenons or Sports Package...

Both well worth the $$$

 

[MrElussive]

Hey, welcome to the forum.
A new 325i is probably a better idea. I'm sure you like the Coupe better, plus it's the more powerful 330 model. But going with a brand-new car is always better, especially if the 330Ci is a salvage title.

If I were you, I would skip the auto transmission. Manual is more fun (but also more work), it's faster (helps 0-60 by a full second), and saves $$$ ($1,200 to be exact)...you could also save like $400 by going with a non-metallic color.
Premium and Sport Packages are both really worth it. Bi-Xenons are absolutely great and the Harman Kardon Sound System is a good idea if you like to listen to music!

 

[rjp325i]

I agree with Codex57 on the topic of salvage titles. I would rather go with a new one for a little more. If you decide to sell it not too far in the future you'll take a hit on the resale value. If you keep it long term then it won't matter as much. Salvage titled cars can be a real pain if things go wrong and it is attributable to the "restoration process". There is too much electronics to play with salvage titles unless you are an electrical engineering whiz.

 

[HornyHornet]

Definitely go with the newer 325i. I just purchased one and, for me, it has enough get go. Make sure you get it with the manual tranny. The step felt a little sloth-like. PP and SP a must. HH