Need Advice on Choices

[Magoo2007]

I'm in the market for a 3 series, and have a slew of choices that I need some experienced input on. This is my frist BMW (but far from my first car), hence my lack of knowledge/experience with the brand. Given the budget I'd like to spend (esp. in this economy!), my choices are as follows:
- Max amount: Brand new 2009 328i , with sports
- For about $2-3K less, I can get a 2007 330i with sports and/or premium, depending upon the mileage;
- For about $8K less, I can get EITHER a 2007 328i with sports and/or prem., again depending upon mileage OR a 2006 330i with same options (and obviously a more mileage.)
Some of my personal preferences are as follows:
- Price is relevant, but I'm way more interested in value (hence, I've left specific prices out);
- I'd prefer something that is more fun to drive, over something that is more of a cruiser;
- If the difference between two options is rather marginal, I'd rather save the cash and spend it one something else;
- I tend to keep cars until they're about 8/9 years old;
- I've realised I don't like cars that need frequent trips to the garage. Life is too short in having to deal with the hassle (and expense). So, I'd say I have a definite preference for reliability (if it's a factor in any of the above choices);
- There will be lots of snowy, winter driving given where I live (and definitely snow tires!);
- If I'm honest with myself, a lot of the time behind the wheel will be commuting or in town/burbs (with a few fun drives thrown in from time to time!).... but mostly around the burbs. :-(

Given all the above, which of the above would you recommend, and why? Is there a different alternative you'd recommend? One final question (I know, the list is long!) - BMW Certified used adds approx $1-1.5K. Is it money well spent?

Appreciate any and all input!

Many Thanks,
Mike

[mattjw916]

You realize that bmwusa.com has a new car configurator right? It explains the models and options available.

There are basically unlimited possibilities based on the scenario above esp since you gave no real dollar amounts to consider and whether you care about things like premium packages, bluetooth, fuel mileage, etc, etc, etc...

"Value" and "fun" are purely subjective qualities.

Why don't you do some research and come back with specific cars to compare. You'll get a lot more responses than asking people to write you an essay.

[Magoo2007]

Sorry you found my post so annoying.

I'm quite aware of the BMW configurator at BMW Canada, and have used it extensively. My issue is the one I specified - having not owned a BMW before, I'm not aware of which, of the various options available, I'd likely prefer or that others would recommend.

I was hoping that others with lots more experience with different BMWs and options could provide some guidance, given some of the preferences I'd outlined. Happily, on a couple of other BMW forums, others haven't had any trouble providing such advice, and it's been quite helpfull. As a result, I'm hopeful that others here won't have the same issues you had.

As for budget, the max. I specified is roughly the cost of a 328i with sport. That should give lots of guidance.

People at other BMW sites haven't had the same trouble or annoyance that you had, so I'm hopeful that people on this site won't either.

[mryakan]

You don't mention exact or approximate mileage for the older cars, that makes a big difference esp. when it comes to warranty. Also you didn't specify a dollar amount, it is hard to judge by "As for budget, the max. I specified is roughly the cost of a 328i with sport. ", just provide a $$ range, people find that easier to work with.
People here are generally helpful, but to be helpful most need more specific info to go with, don't take any of it personally.

Btw, where did you find a 2007 330i? the last 330 sedan in Canada was MY06 AFAIK, then they switched to the 328 for MY07.

[Beer Goggles]

For me given the option....NEW.

[mihalis]

Since you will be keeping the car 8-9 years, I will have to say new. There is not too much a huge difference between the 328 and the older 330. New is a bad choice if you are NOT planning on keeping your car, due to depreciation of course. If you truly keep your cars that long, just get new, then you will never wonder what the person did with the car before you. :) It will not hurt to look at some slightly used CPO models though b/c you will get a warranty to 100k, which will certainly help since you will be keeping the car that long. For example, looking at a new X3 for my wife, I have found some '08 CPO X3's with only about 10-15k miles for $5-10k cheaper.

Hope this helps.