Buying a new car - BMW/Audi

[GregT]

All,

I love my 2004 Volvo S80 T6 -- it has 130K miles on it and I always figured I would drive it to 300K. This particular year has transmission problems, and last year I put in a rebuilt transmission to stretch the life of my beloved Volvo.

Well....I'm now getting other electronics gremlins, which is bumming me out. This includes it not-starting on occasion, which I don't love.

I've started to do research on a new car, focused on BMW and Audi. I've done a fair amount of research to narrow to these cars, but always welcome comments. I decided against another Volvo because they are about to change the body style pretty dramatically, and I don't want to pay $$$ for the last year of the current body style.

So, a few questions, if I could:

1) Does anyone have any comments on BMW 535d or 740i, or Audi A6 or A8? Any other similar cars in that same theme?

2) Any suggestions on how to figure out the best price?

3) I've always purchased my cars, but am considering leasing, more for tax reasons than moderating the monthly cost. Thoughts on leasing?

I like buying timeshares because I know the space well -- I don't like buying cars because I do it once every ten years. Any comments are appreciated. Thanks very much!

Best,

Greg

 

[SmithOp]

If you want to get 300k out of your car, look at the turbo diesel TD. I have a buddy that's a German diesel nut, he's got a 5 series TD approaching 300k. He's also got a Taurag V10 TD that's a torque monster, don't rule out the VW TDs.

 

[mjm1]

Greg, like you I like to keep my cars as long as I can. Sorry to hear you are having problems with your Volvo especially after rebuilding the transmission.

I can't offer any input on BMW or Audi. Both are nice cars, but we like the Lexus line ourselves. I will be interested to see what others have to share.

Good luck and let us know what you decide.

Mike

 

[DaveNV]

I can't speak to those particular models. But as a BMW fan, I will offer the suggestion to check around your area to learn if there are dealers selling lease returns. You may be able to find an outstanding deal on something you really like.

My current BMW (a 328xi Sportwagon, all wheel drive) was a three year old lease return, still under warranty, and it was like new, inside and out. I got it for half of what it sold for new. Before the warranty expired I was able to have it fully serviced by the BMW dealer, ensuring everything was perfect. I've had it two years now, had zero issues with the car, and I'm very pleased with it.

Good luck in your search!

Dave

 

[bogey21]

I have a lease that is running out and have been looking at the new cars. I won't be buying or leasing one until I can find one which has an old fashioned radio, etc. You know, the kind where you can just push buttons pretty much without looking. All the new ones are touting their great touch screens which I look at as unsafe. I think if I had one of these, I would be an accident waiting to happen.

George

 

[herillc]

AUDI lovers

My DH loves Audi, he has S4 and A6. My car is Q7 and it is the second Q7 I have had. First Q7 was gasoline engine. I leased that one, and after used 3 years, I didn't like to keep it, so returned it.
Second Q7 is a diesel turbo TDI, and it can go up to 750 miles with one full tank.
After 3 years of lease, I decided to keep it, so I bought it.
If you buy a BMW or Audi, I recommend diesel engine.
Also, if you are considering A6 and A8, also consider S4 or S5.
For some reasons, DH likes S4 more than A6.

 

[Passepartout]

I have a lease that is running out and have been looking at the new cars. I won't be buying or leasing one until I can find one which has an old fashioned radio, etc. You know, the kind where you can just push buttons pretty much without looking. All the new ones are touting their great touch screens which I look at as unsafe. I think if I had one of these, I would be an accident waiting to happen.

George

Both our Toyotas have buttons on a spoke of the steering wheel for radio volume up or down and a button to scroll through the radio channel presets. You don't even take your hands from the wheel- your left thumb does it all.

I know the OP is into Eurocars, but would suggest looking at a Toyota Avalon- or, of course the Lexus variant. Our experience with them is that one can reliably expect 300,000 miles.

Jim

 

[lizap]

We love the Audi Q7 as well. For drivability, Audi and BMW are at the top, IMO. Keep in mind the higher maintenance fees with Audi and BMW.

 

[Ken555]

1) Does anyone have any comments on BMW 535d or 740i, or Audi A6 or A8? Any other similar cars in that same theme?

Great cars. Personally, I prefer the smaller 5-series and A6 as I don't need the room, don't need the poor gas mileage, and don't like spending that much $$.

In general, I've found that the German cars are much, much better rides than any other. A few years ago I test drove 13 cars since I was so undecided and the only ones left on the list were BMW, Audi, and VW. I was underwhelmed with Lexus, Volvo, Infinity, and others. I leased a Mercedes that year and thought it was just okay after all...the drive was good but not great, so this year I went back to BMW and am very pleased.

2) Any suggestions on how to figure out the best price?

As previously posted, I suggest a lease return purchase or other used car purchase. You will save a significant amount and have most of the life of the car left for you. After leasing (and buying off lease) since 1995, earlier this year I bought a used 2010 BMW 528 with almost all the features I wanted, and got it for a great price (even after having it shipped out from Alabama!).

For what it's worth, I wanted the 2010 model year since that was the last year BMW produced that car before a change, and I don't like the new version as much.

With a used car, the resale value is also much higher than a new car. So, if you're unhappy with it the chances are you could simply sell it and not be out much. I did this a few years ago when I bought a mint 2001 BMW 740 with 32,000 miles, after convincing myself it was perfect for me...and I was completely wrong. So I quickly turned around and sold it for exactly what I paid for it.

3) I've always purchased my cars, but am considering leasing, more for tax reasons than moderating the monthly cost. Thoughts on leasing?

Leasing is tricky since the dealerships will often confuse you with various purchase terms - it is different than buying. Be careful and read up on this process before starting. If you do this be sure to invest a few dollars in a report on the car you're going to buy to learn of all the "hidden" rebates and more so you can negotiate the best price possible. I also have had a good experience using carwoo.com to put dealers competing against each other for the best price (I saved ~$1600 over the course of the Mercedes lease because I did this).

I like leasing, but I am able to expense it via my business. If you don't have this advantage, I'm not sure there's any benefit to leasing, but it sounds like you can use this expense.




Sent from my iPad

 

[x3 skier]

If you want to buy/lease new, I suggest you look into European Delivery. For BMW, you start with 7% off invoice plus whatever more you can negotiate. You pick up the car in Munich, drive it for up to six months or as little as a day. BMW then ships it to your dealer (free) after you drop it at one of several cities and you pick it up there. I believe Audi has a similar plan. Makes for a nice vacation driving around Europe.

I bought my X3 that way and have recently passed 100k with one warranty repair and just routine maintenance.

Cheers

 

[GregT]

Wow! This is great feedback (and great PMs!) -- thanks again to TUGgers for the perspective and comments!

I did a little test driving today -- and more coming. I still have time to make a decision, but appreciate the comments and perspective.

Quick recap: BMW/Audit/VW getting strong references, Lexus too. Leasing can be advantageous if there are tax-deduction opportunities (which there are) and many people hate payments (as do I).

Thanks again to all -- and will keep you apprised of progress.

Best,

Greg

 

[Steve]

BMW

I love my BMW 528xi. I bought it new five years ago, and it is a great car. It is fun to drive and fun to own. It is also a beautiful car both inside and out.

I am glad that I bought it rather than leasing as I plan to keep it for many years. If you keep a car for a long time, then buying is cheaper than leasing. If you want a new car every 2 or 3 years, then leasing is a better way to go.

Good luck with your car shopping.

Steve

 

[MuranoJo]

I'm another BMW fan and when I decided to upgrade in '07, decided to throw the net wider and also consider Lexus and other Toyotas, Mercedes, Infiniti, and Acura. Finally settled on an Acura TL-S, and haven't had a regret since. Love that car. And I also typically keep my cars for 10+ years or so.

 

[jonevans]

Audi A8

The audi A8 has the strenght to go forever. But if you do not repair cars for your self you will soon get tired of any car that gets more than 5-7 years old as that is when the new is gone and the old starts to break.
I have the 07 a8 and can tell you that my friends with Bmw and Mercedes like to ride in my all aluminum, 4 wheel drive 300+ hp, great ride, adjustible suspetion, bang and olfens stereo, and of course autobahn speeds ( last ticket 109 mph in desert with kids sleeping). I personaly fill that Bmw has declined and to prove to you test just one button ( say window switch, or the ac unit) on all car you are thinking about an i bet audi will win.

 

[bogey21]

If you keep a car for a long time, then buying is cheaper than leasing. If you want a new car every 2 or 3 years, then leasing is a better way to go.

Leasing does have some flexibility though. I'm in my 37th month of a 39 month lease and have 3 options - turn the car in; extend lease 5 months reducing the purchase figure substantially; or buy at lease maturity at the preset cost. I kind of look at it as almost a 4 year trial period.

George

 

[ada903]

I bought a 2008 BMW 740i (shorter body) with the sports premium packages for my husband, and he loves it. The quality of the drive is important to him, and nothing drives like the BMW for me. The only thing I dislike about the car is the iDrive - Navigation system, it is quite cumbersome to operate.

I picked a new Lexus for myself as I wanted to make a rational choice and go with a reliable, quality ride, but let me tell you, I have to beg my husband once in a while to let me drive his car, as my Lexus is an awfully boring drive.

 

[LUVourMarriotts]

I can't speak to those particular models. But as a BMW fan, I will offer the suggestion to check around your area to learn if there are dealers selling lease returns. You may be able to find an outstanding deal on something you really like.

You can also ask around for any demo's going up for sale. My brother has a 328xi that he bought 2 years ago. He got a 2012 demo as the 2013 was about to come in. It had about 2000 miles on it and he got an unbelievable deal, about $8000 off, plus 100k mile bumper to bumper warranty.

I am not a fan of BMW or Audi, just because I've heard too many issues with my friends that have had them. My brother also likes his, but doesn't love it. All, except brother, have switched to either Infiniti or Lexus and now love their vehicles. I'm a Lexus fan, but don't have one. My next door neighbor has a 750i and a A6. He always drives the 750i and the A6 is usually in the garage. I've never asked why, but that's just what happens.

 

[Passepartout]

See below.

 

[Ken555]

I bought a 2008 BMW 740i (shorter body) with the sports premium packages for my husband, and he loves it. The quality of the drive is important to him, and nothing drives like the BMW for me. The only thing I dislike about the car is the iDrive - Navigation system, it is quite cumbersome to operate.

I had a 2008 528 and I sympathize with your comments about the iDrive. Though the 740 has a different system, I've seen it and can relate to the deficiencies. One of the reasons I wanted the 2010 528 is that it had the best iDrive version, much improved, over the 2008 version. BMW tech is constantly improving.

Of course, even with the nav and better iDrive in my 2010 I find myself using Waze on my iPhone instead. I don't think I will ever go out of my way to buy an integrated nav system again (I only wanted it in this car as it was the only way to get the more modern iDrive).


Sent from my iPad

 

[Passepartout]

The Ultimate Driving Machine!

Here ya go....

OK, maybe the Ultimate Parking Machine...

Jim

Bumped. I found a photo worth sharing....

 

[Nickfromct]

I have a 2005 BMW 330i with about 150k miles on it and I absolutely love it. Still drives great. I bought it after someone got out of their lease and it had only about 14k miles on it. Got a nice discount and BMW's CPO warranty.

 

[Sea Six]

I'd love to spend some time in an Audi R8 5.2. Zoom, zoom!

 

[Deb from NC]

My DH has had a BMW 7, a BMW 5 and now has a Lexus LS. The Lexus is now 10 years old and has been totally trouble free. Can't say the same for the BMW's. If you want trouble free luxury, I'd go for the Lexus! I did
like his 7, didn't like the 5 at all. But I'm more into comfort than sportiness !

 

[DaveNV]

Bumped. I found a photo worth sharing....

You know that the Isetta was made by BMW, right?

Dave

 

[Passepartout]

You know that the Isetta was made by BMW, right?

Did you notice I 'borrowed' the slogan?