Advise needed. Debating between X5 and 328i.
 

Hello everyone.

I have one very important concern, but since most of you are expert in these areas, I didn't know where else to ask this*question.

This is my*dilemma. The answer could be personal opinion, but as of now, i am having hard time deciding.
I am currently interested in two vehicle.

(1) 2007 BMW X5 4.8i Black on Black
2 owner vehicle
62,000 miles
premium (panoramic sunroof), technology (navigation, back up camera), cold weather package, running board, Logic 7, Rear Climate Control, Rear heated seats
NO Sport Package (but has 20" OEM Y spoke wheels, and NOT Sport Seats)

it is private seller, and we agreed on price of $31,500 as of now. (NO Tax in GA)
And he told me that, when I get checked up by BMW dealer (pre inspection for me to get extended warranty), anything that needs to be fixed, fluid, he will take care of it.
so ultimately, i would be only paying 31,500 + extended warranty (2450) if I choose to get a warranty, and vehicle will be up to date and fixed if there were anything wrong.*
The condition of the car is very good, no dent, only minor scratches. Car drove well, except run flat tires had humming noise on highway (is this normal?). (50% left on front and rear) and owner is bmw enthusiast, who took care of his cars.

(2) 2009 BMW 328i Coupe Black on Brown
2 owner vehicle
12,000 miles
Premium, Sport (upgraded 18' wheels), Heated Front seats, Automatic with paddle shifters,
NO Nav, No Logic 7

This is a car that my best friend is thinking about selling. (I'm a college student) My friend took a semester off, and I took care of his car for a 5 months, but he decided to take another semester off so he won't be needing a car. We agreed on so that We take this car to CarMax and get a quote to sell it to them (which is 3000~4000 less than when dealership resales), he will give me at that price. the car was quoted $25000 from carmax and I can just pay him that much.

So This is my dilemma.*
I am most likely gonna sell the car after I use it for a year, year and a half.*

looking at year, year 1/2 from now on, what will be the difference in price, (the money I lose)?

For example, If I buy a brand new Honda Accord for 30,000. It will depreciate it's value alot more in 18months, compare to let's say, when I buy $30,000 used 3 series since car value drops more first few years.

So what would be smart move for me? in order to save money thinking about selling it back in the future?

The difference in depreciation value for car (1) and car (2) will be similar? or 09 328i will depreciate more because it's newer car?

I of course want the X5, but I know i'm taking risk of buying car without warranty at first, and with a lot more miles. 62k. It's a lot right? Also. Cost to maintain the vehicle (tires, other stuff not covered under warranty ll be expensive)

Will i lose more money at the end if i buy newer 3 series? But the demend for 2007 cars will be a lot lower 2 yrs from now on so x5 ll depreciate more?
Please give me your personal opinion.
Considering every aspects, what would be wiser choice for me?
I would get "more of a car" with x5 and its ultimately what i wanted.
thank you so much*

I will never get back the last 1.5 minutes after reading this. You are way over-analyzing this--you are keeping it for a year and a half. Cars depreciate--there's no way to guarantee that you will be able to sell one or the other in a year at the price you want or think you will get. Get which one you will enjoy driving--you most likely won't have many repair issues with either one in a just 12 month time period.

as a single college student, get 328i - it's more fun than X5. Even better, get 335i.

You just answered your own question, twice. :confused:

Get the 328i, for......many reasons. X5 is just too much car and there are more things to break and repair.

Perhaps you are right.
Just don't think about the depreciation value and I'll just get what I want, which is X5.

Then I guess I just gotta cross my fingers hoping I will not get a problematical X5 without warranty.

I look at it now. Yes I did. haha
I know it's not an ideal scenario (getting a un warrantied, many miles, 5 years old car), but my heart wants the X5.

But also knowing the fact that, realistically, getting a smaller, newer, cheaper car (328i coupe) is right thing for a college student.

Looks like you have decided. Good luck. :thumbup:

How is the cost to keep the x5 run properly? Is it a lot more compare to 3 series?
Also the X5 has towing package, which I don't need. Is it easy to uninstall them? and do I need to get a new bumper cover (since right now it has indent in the middle of the bumpber?)

Why on earth would a young, single college student prefer an X5 over a 328i?

Seems bizarre, but go with what you want. X5 resale value is excellent, but then again so is the 3-series. I just got 10k on trade-in for my 2002 X5 with 100k miles, which I still think was crazy high.