I currently have $10,000. What are my options.

I am interested in a 2006-2007 3 series, automatic. I currently have $10,000 saved. Trying to consider my options. What would you guys recommend?

For $10K? Down payment + finance.

I was hoping to pay outright and save for maintenance costs. I am trying to avoid car payments right now.

Agreed. You are looking to pay about $16,000-$20,000 depending on what you ask for.

Unlike CT I want to give you a third option:
Take money to bank (hold on, read before judging)
Put the money in the bank (i know this is looking bad)
Get a bank check, made out to Avi L
PM me for my address
Send me the check, for $10,000
See and you thought I was going to tell you to save the money

You're not really going to find much, save for some very high mileage 3's with shoddy histories. Not really worth the headache IMO.

For less than $10K, I will suggest looking at the E46. This was the previous generation 3 series and is a real "gem" of a car and more in your price range. The E46 did have its share of issues, but it is a very reliable car and most problems are very well documented with solutions on websites like this one. You can likely pick up an 03-05 330i and still save enough of that 10K in the bank for any repairs or maintenance that might need to be done.

Or ... you can just buy a honda/toyota

Just my .02 cents.

Give me $10,000 I invest in share optiosn for you

The most expensive German cars are cheap ones.

Just to note. I recently sold my 2006 330xi to Carmax for more then what the OP wants to spend. By recently I mean two weeks ago. The guy at carmax showed me a vehicle, just like mine (only difference was color, it had 45k miles and mine had 76k miles). Their price was $20,000
Given that, $10,000 may get you a 2002/03.

I just paid 14250 for an 07 335i 91,000 on it... 10k is not enough!!

for the most part you are looking at e46's (1999-2005 sedans, 2000-2006 coupes) at that price. even being the two generations old, only 9+ year old cars are fitting your max price.
i found a handful of E90s...
http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...ortBy=yearDESC
but the lack of pictures makes me wonder.

berney madeoff is looking for investors

Buy some stocks, invest in your retirement. IF you somehow find one for $10,000, your monthly repair bill will be much more expensive than leasing a brand new car. Also, I see you asked the same question in the E46 forum when you had $8,000? Get an E46 if you can do your own repairs.

$5k would buy a nice '98 328i. Leaving $5k for the next couple years of maintenance.

1. any BMW you'd pay $10k for would like have fairly large repair/maintenance costs.
2. If that is your only savings in the world by no means should you sink it into any BMW let alone a used one.

Originally Posted by bocabimmer

The most expensive German cars are cheap ones.

I have not seen truer words on the internet in ages.

Originally Posted by Ragermac

I am interested in a 2006-2007 3 series, automatic. I currently have $10,000 saved. Trying to consider my options. What would you guys recommend?

Unless you finance, save your cash. Good BMW in the range very unlikely, $10k In fact, any car for that ammt is questionable.

Figure $20k and remember that you're buying used!

with $10k and u want to avoid car payments, i suggest u choose anything but a BMW
unless u choose to go for the E46 pre-facelift/E36 with low mileage (they can still be found), u'r looking for some serious maintenance.

I recently purchased a 2006 E90 325i 6-spd manual with 78k miles for $7,800.

Uh, of course a tree branch had fallen on it! It has a dented in roof, broken out sunroof glass, a ripple dent on the hood and a ding on the fender. It also has a salvage title since it was declared totaled by the insurance company.

So I doubt you are going to find a 2006 2007 model for $10,000 that doesn't have serious issues.

My car runs great and I have no doubt I can get it back on the road for less than two grand (with me doing most of the work).

So unless you are willing to take on such a challenge I'm afraid I have to agree with the other posters that ten grand isn't going to get you a 2006-2007 3 series.

I was actually looking at 2003-2005 E46 3's when I happened upon my damaged 2006. They are great cars as well if less powerful and a bit smaller.

This just in!

http://indianapolis.craigslist.org/cto/3628603940.html

It does have 118k but it sounds like it might be close to your price range.

Originally Posted by kunal_D

You're not really going to find much, save for some very high mileage 3's with shoddy histories. Not really worth the headache IMO.

For less than $10K, I will suggest looking at the E46. This was the previous generation 3 series and is a real "gem" of a car and more in your price range. The E46 did have its share of issues, but it is a very reliable car and most problems are very well documented with solutions on websites like this one. You can likely pick up an 03-05 330i and still save enough of that 10K in the bank for any repairs or maintenance that might need to be done.

Or ... you can just buy a honda/toyota

Just my .02 cents.

this

I've found a 2004 325ci with 78,000km asking about $17k here in Australia

Merc clk c209 is a good choice too

Originally Posted by 3ismagic#

1. any BMW you'd pay $10k for would like have fairly large repair/maintenance costs.
2. If that is your only savings in the world by no means should you sink it into any BMW let alone a used one.

this^^^^

Down payment on a 2008 or newer.

Originally Posted by Ragermac

I am interested in a 2006-2007 3 series, automatic. I currently have $10,000 saved. Trying to consider my options.

Well, I think we can rule out Ragermac being a cocaine addict.

It seems the money is tight, and wouldn't make much sense to pay for a car that might need expensive repair if you have other high rate debts.

You should give Suze Orman a call.
http://www.suzeorman.com/