has Chevy improved?

[OnlyOneOklahoma]

My fiance and I are looking at a new car. I want a used BMW 328i $20000. She wants me to get a Chevy Equinox $23000 to carry our triathlon crap around.

I haven't ruled out the Ford Escape, but it might not be big enough to do the job like the equinox could.

Has Chevy improved enough to warrant my dollars?

[olevetonahill]

I have Chevy's all my adult life and have never had a prob
Hell Ima drivin a 93 Chevy, Step side with 275K on it and its running Great

[Harry Beanbag]

Chevy will never get a dime from me since the bailout. I would go with Ford.

[soonerscuba]

Unless you are looking at a 7 or M series, go with Ford. You will get a better car and look like less of a ******.

[texaspokieokie]

chevy or ford, can't go wrong.

i like both.

[olevetonahill]

chevy or ford, can't go wrong.

i like both.

Pretty much, I just like the looks of Chevy better.

[sooneron]

I wouldn't get a used BMW out of its warranty.

[StoopTroup]

Get the Black Ops Jeep or your not really a man. :D ;)

http://www.wired.com/images_blogs/gamelife/2010/10/JeepCOD2.jpg

[RacerX]

My 2005 Chevy says no.

[Veritas]

What year and how many miles on the 328i?

[JohnnyMack]

And the gays are here.

[Veritas]

Stop trying to touch me there.

[StoopTroup]

Stop trying to touch me there.

Did he touch the Butt, the Mouth or the Weiner?

[Harry Beanbag]

Did he touch the Butt, the Mouth or the Weiner?


Yes.

[OnlyOneOklahoma]

What year and how many miles on the 328i?

2007, 30,000 Miles. Certified Pre Owned.

[WichitaSooner]

Not a single vehicle is mentioned in this thread that anyone has any business driving without an extended warranty.

[olevetonahill]

Not a single vehicle is mentioned in this thread that anyone has any business driving without an extended warranty.

They aint worth a shat. Why waste yer monies?

[StoopTroup]

Spend your extended warranty money on a nice toolbox, a decent repair manual and some diagnostic equipment and then buy the tools you need to fix the damn thing. This is America!

[OnlyOneOklahoma]

We agree, olevet. Better say something contrarian or I might start to like you.

I am thinking the fiance is right, I just don't want to give any ground.

[olevetonahill]

We agree, olevet. Better say something contrarian or I might start to like you.

I am thinking the fiance is right, I just don't want to give any ground.

How about. I dont GAS if ya like me or not?

[JohnnyMack]

Yes.

Nope?

[StoopTroup]

How can you not like a guy that has a parrot on his shoulder?

[StoopTroup]

Nope?

Was it the little "i"?

[olevetonahill]

How can you not like a guy that has a parrot on his shoulder?

Edzackery :cool:

[Veritas]

For the price range you're looking you might want to look at a '05 545i or an '06 550i (if you're generally thinking BMW). We have an '05 545i and it's the best car I've ever had. 0-60 in right at five seconds. Think about 100mph from 75 and you're there. And on a recent trip back from Dallas to Lincoln, I got 27mpg! In a dang-near-400-horse sedan!

Now, the caveat: we had to spend $1800 on a brake master cylinder and brake booster at 65K. BMW retroactively covered it due to a recall issued last month, but we got lucky. I budget $1000 for every 15K miles after 50K, $1500 after 100K.

That might seem like a lot, but look at it like this: maintenance on any vehicle is usually proportional to the original price of the car new, not what you paid for it. So my car was almost 90K in 2005 (it's crazy loaded). Therefore I'm paying to maintain an 90K car, not a 22K car (what I paid for it). Once you get out of warranty, figure on spending 1-2% of the original MSRP on maintenance every year/15K miles. FWIW every BMW I've had has been under 1%.

[Harry Beanbag]

This is America!


**** Yeah!!!!

[OnlyOneOklahoma]

So you are suggesting BMW.

I am most interested in their CPO program which puts me in a 3 series, my favorite of the BMW line anyways.

the run flat tires are an obnoxious cost. I would change then to standards pretty quick.

Comparing a BMw to a Chevy is difficult, but that is what the girl wants me to look at.

[Mjcpr]

I like the Equinox but I like the Traverse and Acadia (GMC) better. Unless you get a bare bones model, they probably would be more than $23k but they are slightly larger than the Equinox.

[1890MilesToNorman]

Chevy is getting old, he was great in Christmas Vacation though.

[StoopTroup]

Funny Farm was OK too. :D

[Boomer_Sooner_sax]

Do yourself a favor and get a Honda or Toyota. You can thank me later!

[OnlyOneOklahoma]

I like the Equinox but I like the Traverse and Acadia (GMC) better. Unless you get a bare bones model, they probably would be more than $23k but they are slightly larger than the Equinox.

thanks. Good suggestion. I will check out GMC's offerings.

[StoopTroup]

I like the Equinox but I like the Traverse and Acadia (GMC) better. Unless you get a bare bones model, they probably would be more than $23k but they are slightly larger than the Equinox.

The Wife and I have a lot of brand new vehicles over the years. We test drove a Traverse and thought it was one of the better SUVs that wouldn't leave you with a huge monthly payment if you had to finance. After sitting in it for awhile the new wore off within 30 minutes. We thanked the Salesman for letting us drive it and all the info he gave us and then I went on a mad search to buy 2-3 vehicles that we could pay cash for. We have a 2003 Toyota Avalon that's around 100,000 miles that we take on trips and if it gets a small dent there's no stress. My old Pickup gets me around and blows cold air in the summer and the Harley is a nice little gem I keep in the Garage and ride when I can.

It's really nice to know we have less than 15,000 bucks wrapped up in all of it and considering what we used to pay to have nice cars that have a bunch of things break while your making huge payments on and can't get the Dealer to fix....it's a lot better knowing a few mechanics that can keep the old stuff going.

The new car Companies are for suckers IMO.

[Veritas]

So you are suggesting BMW.

I am most interested in their CPO program which puts me in a 3 series, my favorite of the BMW line anyways.

the run flat tires are an obnoxious cost. I would change then to standards pretty quick.

Comparing a BMw to a Chevy is difficult, but that is what the girl wants me to look at.
Oh I'm not suggesting BMW at all. I just have never owned a Chevy so I don't have much to say about them. But my gut says Chevy would be a better call for you based on your mission.

[olevetonahill]

Wut ST said, Ill never buy another NEW one.That New wears off LONG before the Payment book gets depleted

[olevetonahill]

Oh I'm not suggesting BMW at all. I just have never owned a Chevy so I don't have much to say about them. But my gut says Chevy would be a better call for you based on your mission.

Plus, Hes thinking Like a bachelor and SHES thinkin like a WIFE ;)

[Tulsa_Fireman]

Don't be a poontang.

http://www.cartrucktrader.com/photos/368/501850368_1_B.jpg

Get a MAN-mobile!

[saucysoonergal]

Don't be a poontang.

http://www.cartrucktrader.com/photos/368/501850368_1_B.jpg

Get a MAN-mobile!

A mexican truck is a man-mobile?

[diegosooner]

seems like your triathloning is going to waste.

[Tulsa_Fireman]

A mexican truck is a man-mobile?

Viva la Tulsa_Fireman super-camion!

[Veritas]

Plus, Hes thinking Like a bachelor and SHES thinkin like a WIFE ;)
Well, here's the other issue...if what you're looking at is the smallest cheapest offering of a line, you probably want to avoid it.

[olevetonahill]

Well, here's the other issue...if what you're looking at is the smallest cheapest offering of a line, you probably want to avoid it.

This is true Kinda like Dont buy a Great Dane if all you can afford is 10 Lbs of dog food a month ;)

[StoopTroup]

This is true Kinda like Dont buy a Great Dane if all you can afford is 10 Lbs of dog food a month ;)

Or a small couch. :D

http://blogs.seattleweekly.com/dailyweekly/great%20dane.jpg

[olevetonahill]

Or a small couch. :D

http://blogs.seattleweekly.com/dailyweekly/great%20dane.jpg

:D

[Veritas]

This is true Kinda like Dont buy a Great Dane if all you can afford is 10 Lbs of dog food a month ;)
Well, and you know where I'm getting the concept that maintenance is based on MSRP of a new one: aviation. So while I might be able to pick up a old Beech Baron for around 100K, new they're $1.2 million so that's what you're paying to maintain...a seven-figure aircraft, not a low six figure one.

This concept was new to me getting into aviation but I went back and looked at my Quickbooks (I've kept Quickbooks since 96, I'm a dork) and the rule applies to cars too.

[OULenexaman]

I am 6ft....have you ever tried to just get in the back seat of an Equinox or that Escape with the front seats in the back position...forget it!! There is ZERO leg room in the back of either of those vehicles.

[AlboSooner]

So you are suggesting BMW.

I am most interested in their CPO program which puts me in a 3 series, my favorite of the BMW line anyways.

the run flat tires are an obnoxious cost. I would change then to standards pretty quick.

Comparing a BMw to a Chevy is difficult, but that is what the girl wants me to look at.

I can't speak for Chevy, but if you want BMW info I'm the person to ask.
You're looking at the 2007 3-series which places you in the dreaded E90 class, which was the follow up to the most successful E in BMW's history, the E46.

The E90 328i gives you the dreaded run flats, under 300hp, no oil dipstick, even though it's still loaded with technology and it is a fine machine otherwise.

Unless you know how to turn a wrench, and unless you are wealthy, maintenance and repairs out of warranty are expensive for an import luxury car.

Like always best thing to do is to research for yourself and make up your own mind. Personally I would buy an older model BMW, like a 2005 330i ZHP which is a classic, costs less than the newer models, has plenty of power, with out-handle 98% on the cars our there, and some consider it the M3 sedan of the E46 class.

Helpful links:

3 series buyig guide (http://rapidshare.com/files/438759300/bimmer-3_series_buyers_guide.pdf)
bimmerfest forum (http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=99)
http://forum.e46fanatics.com/forumdisplay.php?f=101
http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=189


those guys are willing to answer your questions. Good luck.


Ps: a 5 series wich is not the 545 or 550 motor, will give you a little more room, less hp/lb ratio, and less handling, more expensive repair bills.

[RacerX]

I am 6ft....have you ever tried to just get in the back seat of an Equinox or that Escape with the front seats in the back position...forget it!! There is ZERO leg room in the back of either of those vehicles.

I don't think triathloning means what you think it means....:D

[texaspokieokie]

i like "run-flat" tires. had vehicles with them since 1998.

[DIB]

I have a 98 3 Series (323is). I've had it for 6 years and put about 100K miles on it. I have just recently started to have issues (transmission and cooling system). I like the Late '90s early '00s 3 series much better than the mid to late '00s versions.

[Veritas]

i like "run-flat" tires. had vehicles with them since 1998.
Ugh. You must be female.

[olevetonahill]

Ugh. You must be female.

:D

[texaspokieokie]

Ugh. You must be female.

why would you say that ???

[1890MilesToNorman]

I like run flat tires too, I go out and let the air outta'em and watch the neighbor chick come over and try to blow them back up. Since 1978.

[OULenexaman]

why would you say that ???

Blonde too??

[texaspokieokie]

Blonde too??

nope

[Harry Beanbag]

nope


That explains it.

[texaspokieokie]

That explains it.

what ??

[Veritas]

That explains it.
Sure does.

[Scott D]

Do yourself a favor and get a Honda or Toyota. You can thank me later!

bwahahahaha roflmao..classic.

[sooneron]

We had the acadia for about 10 months. I hated driving that thing. The wife just got the new Jeep Cherokee Grand whatever loaded and it is MUCH better riding/handling than the GMC Acadia.
And being a BMW lover I can concur with the E46.

[yermom]

is it too late to plug Subaru now?

[Veritas]

is it too late to plug Subaru now?
Have you had good luck? A buddy of mine bought a 3-year old Legacy and it's been a maintenance nightmare.

But I also have a friend thinking about a WRX Sti and I'm pushing him real hard to pull that trigger. :)

[cattlemaster]

Done with Chevy F O R E V E R :mad:

[walkoffsooner]

I drive company trucks and have for over 30 years. Some years ford is best some years chev. dodge never has been reliable for tuff work. But yes all have made drastic improvements to stay up with toyota.

[yermom]

Have you had good luck? A buddy of mine bought a 3-year old Legacy and it's been a maintenance nightmare.

But I also have a friend thinking about a WRX Sti and I'm pushing him real hard to pull that trigger. :)

i bought my 04 STi new in May 2003, but it's only got 83,000 miles on it

other than standard things like a battery, tires, breaks, i had to replace a radiator, most likely from someone backing into me one day, and i've had to replace the rear struts, and the front door handle/locks on both sides

in 7.5 years, that doesn't seem like too much to me. it's also the first year they made the car, so some of those things may have been worked out.

with all season tires, it laughs at most winter weather, and drives like a 4 door sports car most the other time.

the interior isn't great, but it's not GM bad either. it's also not a real comfy or quiet ride. it's pretty utilitarian.

i'm not sure i'd actually buy another one new(or anything, really), but it's been a great car. i've driven it almost coast to coast, and just about all of now formerly Big 12 country (minus Lawrence)

[delhalew]

I think a 3 series is ok for a young man, but I would get nothing smaller than a 5 now that I am a grown *** man.

I loved my 2008 Crew Cab Silverado, but I sold it to keep expenses down. Therefore, I don't know how it would have held up in a high mileage situation.

I've always been a Chevy guy, but as Harry said, No more gub'ment motors for me. My next pickup or SUV will be a ford.

Unless, I find an old K5 Jimmy/Blazer in good shape.

[yermom]

the one Ford i had and all the other stories i hear, i can't imagine ever buying one. Dodge either.

as trucks go, i'm much more likely to go Nissan, or GM

[soonerscuba]

I think a 3 series is ok for a young woman married to someone in middle management in the insurance or real estate business, but I would get nothing smaller than a 5 now that I am a grown *** man.FIFY.

[delhalew]

FIFY.

lmao.

[delhalew]

the one Ford i had and all the other stories i hear, i can't imagine ever buying one. Dodge either.

as trucks go, i'm much more likely to go Nissan, or GM

I bought my wife a focus once and hated it. For a pickup or SUV, however, not a bad choice.

[yermom]

yeah, i always hear good things about Ford trucks, really. but their shadiness with their cars, makes me weary. kinda the same with Dodge

of course, a lot of that with the trucks is styling and Coke vs. Pepsi. i've always just liked the GM trucks better

[Harry Beanbag]

is it too late to plug Subaru now?


Nope.

[OnlyOneOklahoma]

Well now we are comparing a used Ford Edge to the CPO BMW.

I am gonna test drive the Ford on Monday and drive the BMW on Friday. Woohoo. Thanks for the help guys!

[walkoffsooner]

If we quit vehicle companys over the bail out where are we going to bank?

[SoonerBread]

Well now we are comparing a used Ford Edge to the CPO BMW.

I am gonna test drive the Ford on Monday and drive the BMW on Friday. Woohoo. Thanks for the help guys!

Had a Trailblazer SS. Was fun for a while, but started to deteriorate pretty quickly. Traded for a Mustang. So far, so good.

Wife has a Tahoe. It's still in good shape and all, but we've been looking at Ford Edge for a while, and might pull the trigger middle of next year.

I've had Dodge, Chevy, and Ford. Will never buy another Chrysler product. Ever. I like the looks of the Chevys better, generally speaking, but am not wowed by their craftsmanship. I think GM has gotten cheap in all the wrong ways. So we are going to give ford a shot. I just can't bring myself to purchase a foreign maker yet. If Ford lets me down, I guess I won't have a choice.

I guess to answer your question, it sounds like the Ford Edge would work for you. I would stay away from the GM SUV/crossover. Just my 2 cents.

[soonerscuba]

What is an import these days anyway? A VW made in Tennessee or a Ford made in Mexico?

[Harry Beanbag]

If we quit vehicle companys over the bail out where are we going to bank?


http://www.technologyinvestor.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Mattress-BankUpdate.gif

[Scott D]

is it too late to plug Subaru now?

you can go ahead and plug it, but it doesn't change the fact that they for the most part are generally considered to be the worst manufacturer on the market right now.

[OUthunder]

Don't be a poontang.

http://www.cartrucktrader.com/photos/368/501850368_1_B.jpg

Get a FAG-mobile!

Fixed.

Biggest POS truck on the road today.

If you get that POS, get a warranty!

Never again will I ever own a ****ing Dodge.