Still Looking at e53 more questions

[kcpilot]

Still looking at a 2006 model. What is holding me back is that it still seems like 30K for an almost 4 year old car at this point is a lot. I'm worried about mechanical issues that will pop even with buying a low mileage model. I was looking at e70s but those are way out of my price range. I plan to get a CPO model and hope this will cover most issues...but I'm still worried when seeing all this talk about tranny issues etc.

[FAT_X5]

I wouldn't pay $30K for a car that has already been replaced by a new model. You sure you can't find any 2007's? If the car you are looking at is a 4.8i or higher, then ok. But, if it's for a 4.4 or lower, you might as well pay $15K less and go for slightly higher mileage. Same car.

[zracer196]

I'm with you...But figured CPO with plenty of miles left and 3+ years I would take a chance. GREAT cars...Drive one and you will be sold.

Also, $30K is a lot...But remember that the 4.4i with decent options was over $60K new.

My wifes 06' Pilot was under $30K new and still will fetch over $15K now with a BUNCH of miles on it.

I looked at the E70...EASILY Over $40K for a nicely equipped 4.8i only ONE year newer.

[StanF18]

Originally Posted by kcpilot

Still looking at a 2006 model. What is holding me back is that it still seems like 30K for an almost 4 year old car at this point is a lot. I'm worried about mechanical issues that will pop even with buying a low mileage model. I was looking at e70s but those are way out of my price range. I plan to get a CPO model and hope this will cover most issues...but I'm still worried when seeing all this talk about tranny issues etc.

You didn't mention here if it's a 4.4i or 4.8is. If it's a 4.8is with 60,000 miles or less, then it's not a bad deal. But 30K is too much for a 2006 4.4i. I believe the KBB for a 2006 4.4i is in the low $20s.

Your best bet is to take the exact mileage numbers and options and run it over to www.edmunds.com. Click on the TMV link (True Market Value) and plug in the model and numbers to see what's fair for that model.

[kcpilot]

I'm going off CPO'd cars anywhere from 21-30K miles and they are all asking around 32-34 grand which I feel is still pretty steep for an almost 4 year old car. Must be BMW NA price fixing, b/c they are all going for these prices. I really want a CPO for the peace of mind after reading the maintenance cost nightmares out of warranty.

I would love an E70 but they are way more expensive in most cases have even more miles than I'm looking at on e53's all for a car that is only one year newer.

I would hope dealers would negotiate on their prices.

[sprocket1200]

ok, let me get this straight. in every post you have done, you are concerned about the cost of the vehicle, yet you are looking at 21-30K miles on it? this is an easy one...

go for a 50K mile example, they are rock solid and if you find one that has been taken care of (ie all the FREE service was done on it) then you will be fine. if maintenance cost is a big issue, start DIY. otherwise find a good indie and pay.

[chilliwilli]

CPO sales have been solid for some time now so i doubt dealers will negotiate down much. If you're that concerned about potential future issues, i suggest you go with Japanese...Acura MDX.

[faz]

I have noticed that the car prices in general have climbed up in the last couple of months. A couple of months ago I was thinking of getting rid of my wife's 07 328i (lease transfer) and buying a similar year/mileage one from the dealer that has more options on it (and is CPO'ed) for less than my payoff amount on the current one. This was an easy win just a month or so ago, but last few days that I started to seriously look at doing this, I see all 328i's that are advertised locally to be more than what they were a couple of months ago... no longer making it a worth while trade.

[c4racer]

kinda depends on the car. I paid $50K for a 3 year old CPO M5 at one point in time...