So I'm trying to decide whether or not its worth keeping my Maxima. First, the value is just sinking... its not gonna get any better as time goes on anyways. Second, headlight theft... 2k2s are prone to it. Performance... I love the Maxima, but I think a bimmer would be so much better. I've got my eye on a 2002 530iA (anyone know what the A represents?) with the Premium package, sports package and Xenon lights... approx. 7000 miles... 39000. As this point, I've got a 2k2 in near perfect condition... physically. Mechanically, I've had no problems. Its fully loaded without nav... leather, and the works. What do you think is my best option? I've got 2 more years of payments... at close to $700 a month on a 0.9% finance deal. You think I'll be better off with the bimmer or am I better off keeping the Maxima till it dies?

 

No one can actually help you decide on which car you want, if you want the beamer, get it. I personally would keep the max, as so far it has not given you any mechanical problems, just like the saying, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it".

On the other hand, the beamer might, "out-do" the max, but at a heftier price. $700/month, I'd stick with that, the beamer would probably be a little more, but that's just me.

What's the price comparison to these cars?
Example, if the beamer is $5000 more than the max. Spend a little cash on the max and throw some mods on there, maybe it will compete a little better than the beamer.

As for me, I'd stick with the max if i were you.
Just my 2cents

 

First, I am not sure I agree with your 'not gonna get any better' thought. Actually, in a way it will. You have just suffered the worst two years of any owner (the first two years of depreciation), after that, things tend to even off a bit more.

As far as the 'A', any possibility 'ACTIVE SUSPENSION'? Did they even make that?

Personally I would just keep the Max, unless you REALLY like the BMW. I just don't like spending $40K on a used car and if you plan on keeping it past any kind of warranty period, watch your *** with maintenance and repair costs on a BMW.

 

ssp34,

The BMW will get you more respect on the road, but you'll pay for it..not just the sticker price, but repairs (and there are a lot more of them) are much more expensive.

also, the 530 is heavy and slow, and slightly smaller (overall length) than a Maxima. I'm not sure on actual interior space though, the BMW 5-series may have the Maxima beat.

I guess you can always put M5 sticker on it...can't do that with a Maxima and get away with it...

about depreciation, you will eventually catch up in regards to the Maxima...look at 10 year old maxima's, they still go for $5,000-6,000 when in good shape. (1994 models)...

but if you have to have a bimmer, (fun to drive cars) make sure you make lots of money, and have plenty to spend on maintenence...

if you've got it, might as well flaunt it...but the 530 is just to slow for me...

-vq

 

Ditto. I think the 5 series that would compare to the Max is the 540i. I've had my eye on that thing but it is $55,000. No way I'm gonna spend that on a car. The M3 would be cheaper at about $48,000 but I think the 540i is the nicer looking car.

As far as spending $39,000 on a used car ->

I would look into leasing because most people say that BMWs are nothing but EXPENSIVE problems over 50k on the ODO.

 

I'm starting to see the benefits of both cars. I've always said, if I was gonna get a car, I'd want it new, with EVERYTHING in it. I'll have to actually look at this 530 and make sure its what I want. I didn't realize that the BMW would have more repairs needed... aren't they reliable? I have no problems with Maxine... I guess its one of things where I just want something new. I guess I'm going back on this decision. Maybe I'll wait and just stick it out with the car, and save up some cash to drop on a BMW that is loaded the way I want it... actually I've never had any real luck with used cars. Thanks for the advice guys... I should have done this before I bought the Maxima... who knows if I'd have gotten it or not... but at this point, I can't say I'm disappointed with my choice.

 

Look at it this way, you got about 85% of the BMW for about 50% of the cost! Search on line and see what the Beemer boards are saying about their cars. Most have tons of problems. Actually their was a post today about an M3 oil change costing in the $100s of dollars! Ouch.

 

in my opinion, 530 is not worth considering at all. If I am to trade my car, it will be either 540, GS 400/430, Q45 or Audi 2.7T. I actually was looking into selling my car like right now and getting a used 540 manual...Like someone said, with Max you get 85% of BMW for rather 40% of the money. Even if you got the loot to buy a 530 (which is like only 5 grand less $$ than 540) you can do a lot with remaining $30000.

 

is your current Maxima paid off? if not, wait until it is, then wait another year...continue to put $450 a month into your "bimmer fund" and then take the $5400 and the paid of Maxima into the BMW store...and you'll be putting down $5400 + Maxima Equity (~ $10,000)= $15,000 down on a 540!

but then you still have the high maintenence costs. 540i 6 speed...that would be nice to have in the garage...wish I had that kinda money for upkeep....

good luck with your decision.

-vq

 

From my perspective I owned an '03 6-speed Maxima for three months, was so throughly disgusted with the car I took a huge financial hit and dumped it. I had a Bimmer for 8 years and to this day regret that I sold it.

 

There are lots of things to say about this ...

1) If you're at $700 a month now at 3 years and 0.9%, going to a 39K loan even at 5 years for 6.9% or so for a used car, payments will skyrocket.

2) BMW's are reliability nightmares after 40K, believe me I had one ... $5700 in warranty work between 40K and 70K. If you get a BMW, remember the BMW mantra that you'll see on the BMW boards "NEVER, BUT NEVER OWN A BMW OUT OF WARRANTY!!!!!" and I repeat ... there are absolutely NO EXCEPTIONS to this rule, even if you do your own car work, because you know what, you can't do your own car work on a modern BMW. Plan on spending 1500 - 2000 for a quality aftermarket 7 year 100K warranty if its not already CPO, which it should be.

3) As for depreciation, 2 months after you but that BMW for 39K, no one will give you more than 25K for it. People talk about them holding their values, but they don't .... its an illusion. Think about it, would most people spend 25K on a used car, or buy one of twenty other quality new cars at 0% financing. When people are looking at a BMW they are usually obsessed ... I was. Then reality sets in ... repairs, standard maintenance costs, insurance, and depreciation like a rock. Even though it seems hard to believe, no one wants these cars used. I would guess that 90% are leased as business expenses. THere is absolutely NO MARKET for these cars used, even though BMW dealers would like you to believe there is. When I was selling mine, the local BMW dealer had 6 on the lot just like mine at 22 - 24K. The Nissan dealer called them and they offered 8500 for my car. Not bad huh? 13,500 profit on a used car.

Oil change every 7500 $50 - 75.
Inspecion 1 every 30K $350 - $500
Inspection 2 every 60K $800 - $1000

Brakes 400- 500 per axle, you're supposed to replace rotors every time you replace pads, too!!



Like I said in another post, it was the nicest and most beautiful car that I ever hated.

Don't get me going I might write forever. Spend some time on the BMW forum and see what people are saying. YOu think Max's are bad for maintenance and depreciation, kiss your a$$ goodbye with a BMW.

 

ur confusing me so did u buy the max (presumably recent) and sell it then get a bimmer that u somehow had for eight years?
help me out im confused

 

No, he had the old bimma for 8 years before getting the maxima. Now, he got rid of the maxima too.

 

Guys, I feel just like you do about getting the bimmer and after all why not? There is a reason why its not available to everyone.. it brings prestige. But, is it worth the $ out the @$$? Not in my opinion and my neighbors who drive an 01 328i. She actually said would have boght an Altima if they were made by BMW/she wants that badge. so you know if you drive a maxima then you know you only want the 540i There's not enough I can say about them. Your maxima is a better value than the bummer (oops! bimmer) unless its a 540i. BMW has brilliant marketing and excellent performance but like anything else... requires maintenance. Last, someone on my block owns a '02 wine red M5...I hate that guy

 

good idea, get the bmw, it's soooooo much better, more solid, and just sticks to the ground!!

however...a new 5 is coming out this fall

the A stands for automatic.

 

The 540 a nicer car than the M3......uhh in what lifetime?

 

holy moly, yeah man!!! I'm considering to get a 540 for the only reason that it is a 4 door.

But the M3's magnetism is enough for me just to go MEH to the doors and buy it.

 

Fock no.

 

A = automatic in BMW speak

 

Dude you have a practically new car a 1 year old if that 2002 Max which is one the best bangs forthe buck out their. I would keep the Max personally!

 

Maxima will never die. Bimmer wiLL!

 

what about the car disgusted you so much?

not flaming, just curious.

I guess if you've got used to a BMW's driving dynamics...that would explain alot...after I drove an M3 (dealer gave it to me overnight trying to sell it to me) I got back in my 1998 Maxima, and it felt like a Lincoln Town Car...I was sad for a couple of weeks, but I couldn't fathom paying $100 for an oil change. The 1998 M3 and the 2003 Maxima were going to cost me the same (loan payments) but insurance and maintenence on the M3 were going to kill me (tires are pricey too for that wonderful driving machine.)

-vq

 

Everyone's got an opinion, but I think the M3 looks too much like a Honda Civic!

 

225 hp and does 0-60 in about 7.2 secs; the manual versions of the 530 do 0-60 in about 6.8 secs. The A stands for Auto. Nice car, but once you get into its high-mileage stage it will nickle and dime u to death...not a cheap car to keep going post 60-80k miles.

Also, be advised that this year is last year of the current body style (dubbed E39 in BMW-speak) so you'll be buying a car that is instantly obsolete so...that wont do your resale value any good.

BTW, the new Fiver (the E60) is gonna be one sweet car..about 200 lbs lighter, a new new engine options...nice car.

All that said, I cant uderstand why u woulf prefer a used Fiver versus a new G35...

 

That's a wee bit of a price difference, not to mention a different class of car. It's entirely up to you and your wallet.

 

AM I THE ONLY ONE SLIGHTLY BOTHERED BY THIS???

OKAY...SO IF YOU WERE SO "THOUROUGHLY DISGUSTED" WITH THE MAXIMA...THEN WHY THE FART ARE YOU HERE ON THE .ORG????????

 

I can't really agree with you on the value thing. My mom and father in law bought a 2001 740IL with sport package in mid 2002 with less than 30k on it. New, this car was 85,000++. They paid 45K for it. It was in pefect condition, and has every option available.

However...it is most definitely the "ulitmae driving machine". Just truly a "driver's car".

Also...$700 for a car is crazy. I say keep your nice maxima and buy a piece of investment real estate...

...my 2 pennies...

 

Too late on that real estate investment suggestion. I just bought a new condo. Last year I bought the car. I think after reading the suggestions and comments on the forum, I'm gonna keep the car and hold up on any new purchase tendencies. Its probably best that I save up some cash, maybe that $540/month BMW fund won't be a bad idea, but in the end, I think I'd rather drop a load on a new car with the options I want, most likely every single one rather than a used BMW. I didn't realize they were such a hassle to maintain after 40K... that's basically 2.5 years with the mileage I put on my maxima. So I'm gonna stick with the maxima. Thanks for all the advice, its much appreciated.

 

size, status....

don't get me wrong, I love the G35, but i'm just giving a couple reasons...kinda playing devils advocate here...

-vq

 

I asked him what disgusted him about it, I don't think I got a response... but maybe he isn't an everyday org geek like me...

-vq

 

A friend at work traded keys with me on the way to lunch one day. He drives a 328i. Both our cars were 5 spds. I liked his car. The shifting on the beemer was a dream, it was crisp and the gears fell into place, unlike the Maxima which is often times balky and rubbery. Handling seemed better on the beemer although I couldn't exactly get it on two wheels with him in front of me. However, I give the Maxima points on the VQ. Personally, I'd keep the maxima for the engine, reliability, and value. Besides I can't imagine spending more than $30K for any vehicle. IMHO.

 

I know this thread has pretty much died, but I just wanted to mention the following...

I saw spy pics of it on the M5 board, and it looks horrible. Most everyone on that board is sh!tting in their pants about what it means for the future M5. If anyone wants to take a look go to http://www.bmwm5.com/vbulletin/index.php

There is a forum there dedicated to the new bimmer, and it has pics.

 

All I can say is I hope that little punk doesn't own the M5 in the picture. I'm jealous!

 

In which picture?

 

I dont understand........ assuming you did a 3 year financing, with monthly payment of close to $700, and your car is fully loaded, that means you got the 2k2 maxima for somewhere around $24500. That is awfully cheap for a fully loaded max!! I got ripped off big time then!
or did u put some downpayments down??

 

you know he paid for that car with the best kind of money in the world....

Momma and da-da's !!!!

 

no way on earth was that kid the owner of that M5...

what parent in their right mind (regardless of how much money they have) give a kid something like that?

That kid will have to do well in college, so he'll be able to afford another BMW...after being used to driving an M5...he won't want to drive anything else...

-vq

 

Uh, you would be surprised! Here in Houston, you see a whole lot of people with a whole lot of $$$ giving their snotty kids amazing things.

 

I wish I had gotten it for that cheap. I got it for 27.5K though.. I thought it was a pretty good deal... however, I got the extended warranty and stuff... so the cost went up to about 31K (I think) after taxes and fees. I believe I put down only 7K since I had the low financing. At the time, I only had rent to pay, so I didn't mind the high payments, but now with my mortgage and other bills running double what I used to pay, I wanted to see if I'd make out better on getting a new car with a longer financing term... but it doesn't work out that way. Oh well.

 

************************************************** ******************
Like I said in a previous post ... they (BMWs) depreciate like rocks ...85K++ new, one year later for 45K.

Hmmmm ... 50% loss in a year ... some ultimate driving machine ..... sounds like an ultimate ripoff machine to me... and I owned one, so I'm not biased.