would you trade a saturn vue for 328xi?

[justind511]

hello all, i am new to this forum. we have a 09 saturn vue xe awd that is paid for. we will probably be trading it for a 07 328xi with bmw assist. its going to be an even trade. my main concern is the 328 has almost 93k miles on it. on the carfax report it was a corporate car and always serviced. but it also had the steering column replaced, a couple computers checked, trunk lock replaced and a couple other weird things. my wifes vue only has 25k miles and another 8 years and 75k of warranty left on it. but she really wants this car and i do as well. according to the carfax its had all the scheduled maintence done and since it was a corporate car i tend to beleive it was well taken care of. what do you guys think?

[floydr]

Research maintenance costs. Although the engine (and probably transmission and other drivetrain components) of the BMW pretty easily last 200K miles or more, there are other aspects of maintenance that may shock you. Especially since, historically, BMWs need a fair bit of upkeep around the 100K mark. Typical replacement items are: front end control arm bushings and bearings, pre-emptive replacement of cooling system components (radiator, expansion tank, etc.). Tires (run-flats) will be more expensive than on the van. Etc.

Also, insurance may cost more, but that's not a big issue.

[Russell042]

The only thing your losing is mileage..... Its a no brainer to chose the BMW over a SATURN.
If you have a clean car fax, go for it.

[justind511]

if i took it to a bmw dealership to have a pre-purchase inspection($280) would they be able to tell me if all that stuff is bad or will be going bad? sorry i know nothing about bmw's. i am a honda person lol

[IWannaBMW]

Pay the money for a good pre purchase!

[justind511]

im getting it from toyota dealership that said they will check everything but i dont think they will know what to look for on a bmw lol but it is a great deal i think to do an even trade on it. they sold one i was planning on looking at so they are buying this one and going to trade me. they are paying 15,300 for it and trading me i think for like almost 17 after taxes tags processing and all. so no money out of pocket. sound like a good deal?

[IWannaBMW]

Don't let toyota do it. Take it to a bmw dealership. BMW can tell you recalls, and they will know what to look for.

if it checks out sounds like a great deal. One thing to remember with fleet cars, they may have been maintained, but most of them are generally not looked after, if that makes any sense lol.

[pizzaman09]

From the vehicle standpoint it is a fantastic upgrade. I don't know enough about the pricing of newer BMW's to tell you if it is a good deal. I would honestly check out other 328xis on ebay to see what they are selling for, you will at least be able to see if you are in the correct ball park.

As for things to look for, definitely have a BMW dealer check it out. 11 years ago I bought a used 98 740iL with 78k miles on it which was a company car. It checked out very nice and was good on the maintenance front for several years. Eventually it caught up to me after 5 years and became a very expensive car.

[justind511]

most cars i have seen go for about 24k but less miles. yea i drive a tractor trailer for a contrusction company with lots of fleet vehicles i know what you mean haha

[jtk86]

Car with no warranty and almost 100k miles
or
Car with alot of warranty and alot less miles

How is this a question? I hate American Cars more than anyone but this seems stupid. Sell your Vue outright, use money and buy a car with alot less miles and who knows maybe some warranty. For example I found a 08 X3si w/40k miles and still had factory warranty left for about 21k. And X3's hold their value alot better than a 3 series

IMHO dont do the trade.

[New2M3]

saturn=went out of business
BMW=will never go out of business

=Do the trade before it is to late

[sjpgoalie]

Get rid of the Vue. They're pieces of absolute garbage. I used to work with someone who had a Vue and we both despised the thing. It went to crap in a very short period of time, over a few years or so. Corporate cars are almost always leases. It might have been serviced often, but they weren't planning on keeping most likely...keep that in mind. That's the only con other than the mileage loss...but consider how much less the 328 is going depreciate compared to the Vue. It must be nearly $10-20/day. And if not yet, it probably will be in the near future. It's got to be in the midst of plummeting...

Look into 100k mile maint. and all that as it's not far off.

[AndreLeiteAlves]

The biggest thing about Saturn is that they went out of business and I would imagine that getting parts for them in the next couple years will be not very easy. Even the 2005 Chevy work trucks are getting hard to get parts, when you find them they are more expensive than the BMW parts. I would trade a Saturn for a 328 in a heat beat.

[justind511]

I think I will trade it after getting it inspected
Right now the vue is at its highest value and I'm sure next year it will be worth 10k or less. The main reason why we wanted to trade on tgr first place is because of gas mileage so hopefully this card gets close to the EPA estimate. Thanks for all of y'all insight

[Luftwaffe1O1]

Don't do that trade.

Sell your car outright, or go get a CPO BMW. 07 328xi with 93k mi is going to be out of warranty soon, and honestly, I would rather go with something lower mileage and a bit of buffer with the warranty. Take the little extra effort to sell the car outright if you can.

[justind511]

I asked them about giving me a warranty. They are going to give us auto for life. As long as we own it and take it to them for service it will have lifetime warranty on engine transmission and drive train. They said they are fully equipped to service BMW's even though they are Toyota. I asked them thus today.does that sound good?

[vickumar]

You'll forget all about the saturn in a day... go for a BMW! Make sure you get a PPI and that 328 isnt the only BMW for sale, shop around for similar cars. Corporate car could mean that it never had one consistent driver... we all know how hard we push rentals/loaner cars... just saying.

As long as you are aware a BMW will cost slightly more to maintain than a Saturn, it will reward you back with a great driving experience every single time.

[justind511]

What's a PPI? o yea everyone dogs the crap out of rentals. I just wonder why the steering column and stuff was replaced. Sounds strange to me

[Edev]

PPI= Pre Purchase Inspection.

[Bear Grylls]

yes hands down

with Saturn out of business, it has made part prices sky rocket

So really it could be cheaper to buy BMW parts than Saturn parts

[twastheglow]

I'm not sure why everyone thinks Saturn part prices are going to be so expensive just because they went out of business. Chevrolet is still around and the Vue is basically just the Chevy Equinox. I'm pretty sure the vast majority of parts are interchangeable. I can't see any reason part prices would be so much more expensive like people are claiming.

With that being said, I would have to ask how mechanically inclined you are. High mileage BMW's aren't cheap to maintain if you have to pay someone to do the work. However, if you have basic tools and can follow a DIY I wouldn't hesitate to do the trade. I mean, obviously there is no comparison between a Saturn and BMW. But I suppose if I were to put it into words it would be like comparing f*cking a hole in a sheet rock wall filled with vasoline to blasting Gianna Michaels. The sheet rock might end up doing the job...eventually, but it sure isn't a porn star.

[nike001]

I would do this... but not for the BMW example you listed. BMW's are very expensive to maintain around 100k miles (ask me how I know)

[SilverBeam]

This is probably going to come off as being very presumptuous but if you buy a BMW that is an even trade for your VUE, you are going to have to expect some issues. I think it is a better idea to spend a little money and get one that will be under warranty for a while than get one just because it is an even trade.

And never trust a dealership to check the car out for you, it's worth 150-200 to make sure the car is really OK.

[Isdera]

Yeah don't trade. We have a 2002 Vue with 230k miles on it, never gave us an issue.

Sell you VUE and buy something with less miles and a warranty. BMW's are good at tugging heart strings, and with 100k miles, it's a bit of a risk considering the mileage on teh Saturn.

[justind511]

Parts and. Everything will still be available for another 10 years supposedly. I received letters in the mail from GM.

i am mechanically inclined. i work on all my stuff when i have the time. i have just never messed with a bmw or even thought about owning one honestly. my wife is dead-set on getting this car. it wont break my heart at all if we dont, we just paid off the vue a couple months ago and do not want another car payment. most cars near me have above 75k miles that are under $20k. the bmw's with the same mileage as our vue go for about $23-24k now im kind of terrified of getting a bmw period. but she wants this thing so bad. but with the Auto 4 life warranty i wonder how good that would be. i will have to ask more questions before i sign anything. my wife just see's it as a new toy i think it might be a money pit

[ezx248]

1) You really dont know how much milage was actually put into the car. Clocking still happens and ive seen it done.

2) You can sell youre car and probably find something cleaner or more legit.

3) Youre Wife wants what she doesnt have. SHe will get bored eventually and start looking into somethig else she doesnt want. Trust me i still go through that stage.

4) Its BMW if its not properly maintained which you really never know then the car wont last to long.

just imo from experience with BMs

[hon2bmw]

I would keep the Saturn. If you put a lot of miles on the vehicle and are concerned at all with maintenance, it only makes sense.

Not sure if GM was still doing it near the end, but to my knowledge V6 VUE's actually had Honda engines in them (J35 out of the Odyssey.)

Even if the Saturn starts falling apart out of waranty, parts are going to be much cheaper than BMW parts, along with the fact that although Saturn is gone, the VUE shared LOTS of parts with its other platform mates in the GM family (Equinox, Torrent, etc.) Although the Equinox is really the only one still alive it should not be that hard to find parts for anything mechanical.

[SilverBeam]

Parts and. Everything will still be available for another 10 years supposedly. I received letters in the mail from GM.

i am mechanically inclined. i work on all my stuff when i have the time. i have just never messed with a bmw or even thought about owning one honestly. my wife is dead-set on getting this car. it wont break my heart at all if we dont, we just paid off the vue a couple months ago and do not want another car payment. most cars near me have above 75k miles that are under $20k. the bmw's with the same mileage as our vue go for about $23-24k now im kind of terrified of getting a bmw period. but she wants this thing so bad. but with the Auto 4 life warranty i wonder how good that would be. i will have to ask more questions before i sign anything. my wife just see's it as a new toy i think it might be a money pit

BMWs hold their value really well and they command a premium for good reason. If properly maintained a 3 series can be an absolutely wonderful and worry-free car. But when buying any car with nearly 100,000 miles on it, you will spend money right off the bat to do things that the previous owner didn't do, which can color your opinion on the car. In my opinion, BMWs are worth the extra work they need to keep them going for the smile they put on your face, but for a first time buyer, it is probably best that you get one with fewer miles so you can enjoy the trouble-free experience longer.

[ROLLingKING]

Don't do that trade.

Sell your car outright, or go get a CPO BMW. 07 328xi with 93k mi is going to be out of warranty soon, and honestly, I would rather go with something lower mileage and a bit of buffer with the warranty. Take the little extra effort to sell the car outright if you can.

thats what i was thinking. all these ppl comparing companies are dumb. we all know Saturn and BMW are on different levels.haha

I worked at a shop for a little. im not a mechanic so i was up front. a lot of saturn came in for silly cooling problems and other sensor problems a lot.
I like what this guy said because if you can wait to sell your car you will have more options. i think you said 8 years left on the warranty!? that bmw is getting a better deal than you are. IN MY OPINION. if you can negotiate ways to make the trade more even, than by all means negotiate! straight up tho, yea you are getting a BMW but without getting caught up in the names, they will be getting the better trade. cause weather its a bmw or a saturn, when they need service, and ALL cars do, the BMW will be more expensive. just food for thought. Good luck with the trade

I traded cars to get my e30 so i actually know the position your in. OH and get as many receipts as you can. ine came with the original price tag from the dealership.haha and its a 87 325is. Just have it checked over at bmw so you know what kind of maintenance it will need 1st!
ppl keep saying a well maintained bmw will put a smile on your face and stuff. but well maintained means putting money into it. so consider that. you gotta look at the facts and good luck!

[Luftwaffe1O1]

THey are offering you a lifetime warranty on engine and tranny?

Listen, I understand the new car fever. Even a crappy but fun car, can have you enthralled. This is not a good deal by any stretch it sounds like. They seem to be just wanting to get rid of the damn car. And good luck gettig Toyota to warranty anything really on that car.

His saturn might not be the greatest car out there, but a decent working condition, relatively new saturn Vue is more dependable than an unknown condition potential money pit some used car department at a toyota dealership is trying to screw you into buying.

Don't buy it out of warranty. Go get a CPO car with less than 50kmiles. If the price difference between a car like that, is unreasonably higher than what you can pay for the one at Toyota, you can, with pretty good certainty, assume something is very wrong with their car. Besides, 328 sedans are not that expensive nowdays. I would be highly surprised if you couldn't find a CPO for low 20s high teens.

[rirc]

I wouldn't do the trade for this particular 2007 328xi. Your Saturn is bascially brand new with only 25k miles on it and it is all paid for. On the other hand, the bmw has over 90K miles and it is due for upkeep and maintenance, hence the cooling systems, suspension bushings, etc. And the BMW parts and labor are not cheap compared to your Saturn. If you want to get to the BMW scene, just sell your car yourself or appraise it at carmax and then get a bmw that has less mileage or cpo'ed.

[justind511]

i have convinced my wife not to do it. along with all of you guys on here and people at work everyone is saying dont do it. we bought the saturn new in may 09 and we still have free maintenance on it also. she will just has to live with the gas milage lol she said that it was fine so we will sell it when we find a better car or just keep it. im not sure what motor this vue has in it. but it runs good and drives good and handles pretty good for a small suv. went through 2 feet of snow pretty good last year too! thanks guys!!

[Luftwaffe1O1]

i have convinced my wife not to do it. along with all of you guys on here and people at work everyone is saying dont do it. we bought the saturn new in may 09 and we still have free maintenance on it also. she will just has to live with the gas milage lol she said that it was fine so we will sell it when we find a better car or just keep it. im not sure what motor this vue has in it. but it runs good and drives good and handles pretty good for a small suv. went through 2 feet of snow pretty good last year too! thanks guys!!

Judging by what the KBB on a Saturn VUE is, I think you really made the right decision. You could actively try to sell it, throw most of that into a CPO 3 series if you want.

I don't think anyone's intent here was to scare you away from BMWs, just that particular one. If you have owned the car from new or relatively low miles, its really not that bad. The problem you will encounter, is a car with unknown condition. If the previous owner/company, had put off doing larger items etc, or something was really wrong with it, you inherit this problem. At least with a CPO car, you can rest easier. If she does have her heart set on a 3 series, just look around for a while. Making a hasty decision on a 20k+ dollar purchase is never a good idea. Impulse buys often lead to regret.

BMW of Alexandria has a couple of 328i sedans for sale in their CPO fleet. I think the cheapest I saw on their website was 26k for a car with 35k miles. Granted they are asking a bit too much, but its an 08, and you have plenty of warranty left. Could probably talk them down to about 24/25 out the door.

[justind511]

we are now thinking of a newer camaro lol

[Luftwaffe1O1]

we are now thinking of a newer camaro lol

If its not a V8 dont bother.

[justind511]

2010 camaro 2SS v8 6 speed. $25k going to look at it later tonight or tomorow. if we dont get it o well i have no problem keeping the vue. but we both want a camaro i want 6 speed she wants auto. i dont want a sportcar in auto haha

[Luftwaffe1O1]

2010 camaro 2SS v8 6 speed. $25k going to look at it later tonight or tomorow. if we dont get it o well i have no problem keeping the vue. but we both want a camaro i want 6 speed she wants auto. i dont want a sportcar in auto haha

If the Mrs. knows how to drive stick, no reason to get an auto :shifty .

[justind511]

Haha not at all!! But time for her to learn! :)

[Ronan1]

im getting it from toyota dealership that said they will check everything but i dont think they will know what to look for on a bmw lol but it is a great deal i think to do an even trade on it. they sold one i was planning on looking at so they are buying this one and going to trade me. they are paying 15,300 for it and trading me i think for like almost 17 after taxes tags processing and all. so no money out of pocket. sound like a good deal?

Since you are not going to be out of pocket, I'd find out how much a warranty for 50k / 75k miles would cost, and get that.

The swap in a no brainer, but for peace of mind since you have a warranty on your Vue, I'd plump up the $$ for one on the 328.

[stateof328]

Ditch Vue....you and wife have obviously been bit by BMW bug. I'd definitely ditch the Toyota dealership for BMW. Ya don't go to proctologist for a toothache. BMW's require a trained eye IMO. Not saying Toyota isn't qualified to look at cars. Just so many differences i think. Right now BMW has that 52point inspection for 40 or 50. And it comes with years worth of roadside assistance. After that I'd shop to ensure best deal. Call service places to find out what work was done per carfax dates /VIN.

[justind511]

I just bought a 2010 camaro as 6speed yesterday. :))

SS*

[jtk86]

I just bought a 2010 camaro as 6speed yesterday. :))

SS*

Eh American Car to each their own. Congrats

[Eyebrakel8]

This should not even be a question... unless you just like driving around in cheap tuperware hoping you don't break down...

[Hoolie]

Used to own a former fleet car.. Well maintained but a few dings and nicks here and there..

Got it for a very good price.. Recently had 12 000sek worth of maintenance done too it too..

Take a good long look at the car if you can find any defects.. Oh and get a PPI and try to get a printout of the service history to keep too..

[jtk86]

Some people really dont read threads lol

[SilverBeam]

I just bought a 2010 camaro as 6speed yesterday. :))

SS*

Cool, have fun

[hon2bmw]

If its not a V8 dont bother.

Considering the v6 has over 300hp and still has a sub 6sec 0-60 time, I don't really see why you wouldn't bother if you like the car?