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 1,233 nationwide 3 Series listings starting at $3,995.

Postal Code:

CarGurus Experts

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

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used BMW 5 Series
12 Great Deals out of 297 listings starting at $2,900
Used BMW M3
3 Great Deals out of 81 listings starting at $15,850
Used BMW 4 Series
25 Great Deals out of 424 listings starting at $14,888
Used Mercedes-Benz C-Class
78 Great Deals out of 1,426 listings starting at $4,499
Used BMW 2 Series
7 Great Deals out of 248 listings starting at $11,500
Used BMW M4
7 Great Deals out of 83 listings starting at $41,999
Used Lexus IS
29 Great Deals out of 400 listings starting at $5,400
Used Ford Mustang
54 Great Deals out of 1,606 listings starting at $6,200
Used BMW X3
51 Great Deals out of 1,059 listings starting at $6,400
Used Dodge Charger
31 Great Deals out of 972 listings starting at $4,888
Used Mercedes-Benz E-Class
31 Great Deals out of 614 listings starting at $5,450
Used BMW M5
36 listings starting at $28,990
Used BMW M2
3 Great Deals out of 49 listings starting at $45,950
Used BMW X5
50 Great Deals out of 908 listings starting at $5,999
Used INFINITI Q50
22 Great Deals out of 364 listings starting at $9,899

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.