Buying First/Used BMW

Asked by sealbhaigh Mar 23, 2016 at 12:15 PM about the BMW 3 Series

Question type: Shopping & Pricing

Hello,

My current vehicle is on it's way out and I'd like to switch to BMW. This will
be my first BMW/German motor vehicle. I know maintenance costs are
generally more expensive than domestic/Japanese makes (I currently have
a 2001 Mazda Tribute), however I also have heard/learned through
research (and dating a German for 3 years) that German motors/cars
typically break down/require much less maintenance than other makes.

I've done some research and based on what I've found, the 2011 328i
xdrive is looking to be my target. I do not want to buy new, and I'm looking
to pay no more than $17,000.

That said, I've heard conflicting opinions and wanted to throw it out there to
the gurus.

First, between 2011 and 2012 the body style was changed.

On the one hand, I've been told that shooting for a 2011 model would be
best as it was the last of that body type and all the kinks had been worked
out by then.

On the other hand I've been told I should go with 2012 as the parts are still
in production and thus repairs would be less expensive.

Thoughts?

1 Answer

How far back would be too far to go? I've found some good deals on 2007 and 2009 328i xdrive options. Would this be too expensive long-term with maintenance costs?

Your Answer:

3 Series

Looking for a Used 3 Series in your area?

CarGurus has 13,280 nationwide 3 Series listings starting at $955.

ZIP:

Own this car?

Share your experience with others.

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Robert Charlson
    Reputation
    3,900
  • #2
    apbimmer98
    Reputation
    3,080
  • #3
    Abu Luca
    Reputation
    2,980
View All

Know more, shop wisely

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used BMW 5 Series
825 Great Deals out of 11,071 listings starting at $1,399
Used BMW M3
52 Great Deals out of 1,133 listings starting at $10,900
Used BMW 4 Series
386 Great Deals out of 5,380 listings starting at $7,200
Used Mercedes-Benz C-Class
914 Great Deals out of 16,525 listings starting at $1,500
Used BMW 2 Series
215 Great Deals out of 3,651 listings starting at $8,490
Used BMW M4
55 Great Deals out of 1,486 listings starting at $26,990
Used Lexus IS
265 Great Deals out of 5,522 listings starting at $2,500
Used Ford Mustang
895 Great Deals out of 24,130 listings starting at $1,800
Used BMW X3
825 Great Deals out of 15,127 listings starting at $1,500
Used Dodge Charger
699 Great Deals out of 33,721 listings starting at $3,000
Used Mercedes-Benz E-Class
731 Great Deals out of 10,465 listings starting at $1,995
Used BMW M5
49 Great Deals out of 584 listings starting at $10,180
Used BMW X5
866 Great Deals out of 12,858 listings starting at $1,555
Used BMW M2
25 Great Deals out of 382 listings starting at $24,209
Used INFINITI Q50
162 Great Deals out of 4,003 listings starting at $4,850

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.