Greetings,
I've been lurking for a while and finally registered. I have read all the posts that have the obligatory "what should I buy?" or "should I buy this one or that one?" questions. My situation is this:
I finished medical school four years ago, and finished residency in June 2004. I've been working for 15 months now and the salary is stable and gradually climbing. I'm a Family Physician and live in a small town (less than 10,000 population). There's only one BMW in town (a 95ish 3 series), so anything would be unique.
I've often thought about getting a Bimmer, and now I'm in a position to do so. I'd prefer something used. I live in a very rural area with lots of highway driving. Also, I live in Utah and snow is an issue.
So, what do you suggest? I'd like to keep things under $35K. I'd like four doors, and I'm most attracted to the 3- and 5-Series. The Roadsters, X-series, etc. don't really interest me.
Also, I've contemplated going to driving school, just for fun. Any opinions on different schools? Bondurant? Barber?
Thanks.
PS. Feel free to include any doctor jokes or cliches.
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| Reply » New User: What BMW should I consider? |
Sounds like a 3 series is the way to go. Since you're a doctor you might consider going for the new 2006 325xi with the Bluetooth integration for the phone. It's a great feature if you find yourself on the cell phone a lot. The all wheel drive will help in the snow and the fuel economy on the freeway will be good. The warranty and free maintenance of a new BMW are good arguments against buying used in the 35K range.
You made it through med school man...treat yourself! (you might need to push your budget closer to 40K if you get lots of options)
Isn't Trazadone a drug for depression? And did you pick the name because you currently drive a Dodge Intrepid? 
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| Reply » New User: What BMW should I consider? |
A late model E39 530i suits your budget quite well. It's also a car you can keep for the long term and not feel like you've grown out of before long. Since it's not a particularly good winter vehicle for Utah, I'd also use some of my budget for a winter "beater" car for those really snowy or icy days...like a used Subaru or something....
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| Reply » New User: What BMW should I consider? |
What about a used, late E46 325xi or 330xi? Like a 2003 year model for example.
Do you ski, or other outdoor activities? If so, maybe a Touring model (station wagon) would also be a consideration.
Get some good snow tires and the xi will go anywhere.
Welcome to the Fest.
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| Reply » New User: What BMW should I consider? |
Lots of choices, but with snow, the 4 wheel drive start looking nice. Unless you are going to have a summer car and a winter car, which is the best way to enjoy a BW, since there are fewer compromises.
WRT driving schools, do a search and find a good number of posts.
My preferences for a really good street driving course is Roos Racing (www.racenow.com) Barber 2 day driving school is also pretty good, but if you are going to only do one school, I suggest the Roos school. MY wife and I have done it twice, we like it soo much.
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| Reply » New User: What BMW should I consider? |
Quote: Sounds like a 3 series is the way to go. Since you're a doctor you might consider going for the new 2006 325xi with the Bluetooth integration for the phone. It's a great feature if you find yourself on the cell phone a lot. The all wheel drive will help in the snow and the fuel economy on the freeway will be good. The warranty and free maintenance of a new BMW are good arguments against buying used in the 35K range.
You made it through med school man...treat yourself! (you might need to push your budget closer to 40K if you get lots of options)
Isn't Trazadone a drug for depression? And did you pick the name because you currently drive a Dodge Intrepid? |  , except for the AWD part. Maybe a beater 4WD for winter and a "nice" 325i for good weather?
MT Perhaps? You sound like an enthusiast...
Welcome to the fest!
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New User: What BMW should I consider?