Thinking about getting a 2006 330i...need advice...

[l1fe]

So I have a 1992 BMW 525i and the repairs needed for the car are getting to an excessive point (like double the value of the car). I'm not a fan of buying completely new, so I've basically narrowed down my decision to one car: the 2006 330i. I have a friend who can get cars at dealer auction and the average price he can get for a 2006 330i manual with < 19k miles and sports+winter package is in the $24-25k range.

Some of my major concerns are:
1. Is this a decent price (the price isn't firm, obviously, until we actually bid on a car and win)?
2. If it isn't a decent price, what would you expect to pay?
3. Is it still covered under manufacturer warranty?
4. What are my options in terms of purchasing an extended warranty at this point?
5. Any experiences from members that would deter me from purchasing this vehicle and if so, what would you recommend instead?

Any assistance you all can provide on this matter would be great. I still have a couple weeks before I make my decision, but I want to do my due diligence. Thanks!

Edit: modified questions and clarified that it's from dealer auction

[mryakan]

For problems, search the forum, we have many threads on that, even a sticky thread. As for the auction part, most cars in auctions are damaged goods in one way or another otherwise they would have ended up as CPO cars in a BMW dealer's lot. The warranty should be there until 50K or 4 years unless something specifically voided it. You'd better get a full car history check and a good mechanic to inspect it, but I am not sure if that is possible with an auction. If you or your friend have never done this before esp. on a BMW I'd go the safe route with a CPO car. These things can break your wallet and/or your friendship.
Good Luck anyway.

[l1fe]

Just for clarification, this is dealer auction (not ebay), so the reason why it's not CPOed is because the dealer hasn't bought it yet.

[Blue330i2006]

You will be happy with the E90 330i over your old 525, It is 10 times the car you will be leaving.

[dullgirl]

You will be happy with the E90 330i over your old 525, It is 10 times the car you will be leaving.

with all due respect a late model honda accord is 10 times the car he'll be leaving.

(((blush)))


e90 330i is a nice ride. i think it's a good used value because the sort of person who wants a 330i wants a 335i and there is great selection of excellent condition cars out there.


+ you know you'll have the latest body for at least 3 more years. has bmw ever gone less than 5 years on a 3 series?

[Georgere]

bmw dealers CPO cars they get as trade-in or lease has expired...
b/c trade-in value is lower than what owner can get on the street, most cars are sold that on the street

the dealer's auction gets cars from:
- non-bmw dealers (they get bmw cars as trade-in)
- banks

also, i've seen non-CPO cars sold at BMW dealership... they are at lower price so i dont think they would be selling through dealer's auction, but who knows....

[Blue330i2006]

with all due respect a late model honda accord is 10 times the car he'll be leaving.

(((blush)))





Touche'

[l1fe]

Poke fun all you want, but I love my beast of a 525i! It's not very fast, and not very pretty, but it has character...I'm wondering, given the pretty solid reputation the 2006 330 has (with reviewers and in the forums), is spending that $7k premium for a CPO worth it? As it is, I can't even find any CPO-ed 330is in the area...