| What's Going On? |
There are
53 guests on-line
|
|
|
|
|
|
Will it Last, & at What Cost?
I have a 2002 325 convertible with 58K miles. So far, this has been a much better car than I thought it would be, as I have had very few problems. Since I have been spoiled by uber problem free Lexus and Acuras (great cars, just gotten a bit boring), I was a bit worried about the repair costs for this car. As of now, I still have my dealer full maintenance program in effect for at least one more year (time runs out). However, I am concerned about how much the maintenance costs will be once the maintenaince program expires, and also how often repairs will need to be made. I intend to keep this car for a long time (hope I will get 200K miles out of it with little fuss), but I wonder how expensive it is going to be to do so. Does anyone have any thoughts to share on this?
| | Reply » Will it Last, & at What Cost? |
Just look at it this way: even if you're spending thousands per year in repairs (highly unlikely with proper care and maintenance), it'll still cost a lot less than buying a new one. That's something nobody seems to realize or consider when they start talking about a new car just for the sake of having a warranty.
FWIW, I spend an average of $1000 per year (gas aside) keeping my E46 (00', 78k odo) on the road, and that includes maintenance and wear items like tires. It's been out of warranty for just over three years now. Just avoid the stealerships and their $100+ labor rates (personally, I do a lot of the smaller work myself - not to save money though this is a certain benefit, but as a hobby) and you'll be fine.
| | Reply » Will it Last, & at What Cost? |
Find a good independent BMW shop. There are plenty in most cities, and they charge far less than the dealers. In addition, you should join BMW CCA if you haven't already. Dealers will give you discounts (at least 10%) off parts and accessories, but indy shops often will give you a discount off the total price of their service. Membership is $35 (I think), and it pays for itself very quickly.
If your BMW has been relatively problem-free, then it will continue to be so. BMWs do not self-destruct after the warranty/maintenance expires. However, proper preventative maintenance is important if you want to avoid costly breakdowns. And like the previous poster mentioned: repair is almost always cheaper than new car.
| | Reply » Will it Last, & at What Cost? |
Thanks Guys for your feedback. What kinda gave me the spooks was when my service advisor told me that the small "pop" noise I hear when I pull my car into the my parking spot was due a lower control arm bushing that has dried out. He told me this repair would be around $650. I have never had to do a repair like that on my Lexus or Acura (even with over 100K miles), so this was shocking to hear that a lightly used, dealer serviced car of only 5 years old and 58K miles would need this already.
As for the value in keeping the car, you are both right. As long as the repairs do not exceed what 1 years worth of car payments would be, then it is a good idea to keep the car and not get a new one. Of course, the thought o $6K per year in repairs is also pretty scary.
| | Reply » Will it Last, & at What Cost? |
Quote: Thanks Guys for your feedback. What kinda gave me the spooks was when my service advisor told me that the small "pop" noise I hear when I pull my car into the my parking spot was due a lower control arm bushing that has dried out. He told me this repair would be around $650. I have never had to do a repair like that on my Lexus or Acura (even with over 100K miles), so this was shocking to hear that a lightly used, dealer serviced car of only 5 years old and 58K miles would need this already.
As for the value in keeping the car, you are both right. As long as the repairs do not exceed what 1 years worth of car payments would be, then it is a good idea to keep the car and not get a new one. Of course, the thought o $6K per year in repairs is also pretty scary. | There are some things that are a pain. Like your balljoint, is not replaceable. You have to replace the entire control arm. I dont know why BMW chose to do this, but it makes it a major pain if it wears out. Luckily, there are aftermarket units that are lighter than the stock control arm, and has replacable ball joints. bavauto.com sells them for $150 each.
| | Reply » Will it Last, & at What Cost? |
Thanks Hawk. Yeah, I have used Bavarian Auto before (got my cd changer from them). My challenge is going to be finding a good independent BMW repair shop to use once my service program expires.
|
Page 1 of 2 |
1 2
|
|
|
Menu
Will it Last, & at What Cost?