I drive back & forth to work each day (60 miles a day round trip) and have a budget of $15,000. I've narrowed down my decision to 2 possibilities and want to make a move tonight.
I can buy a 1998 BMW 328is with 80,000 miles for $15,000.
Or I can buy a 2005 Chevy Impala with 18,000 miles for $15,000.
I've driven both vehicles and like them both.
The BMW has a more expensive, smooth feel to it. I know that BMW is well manufactured and will probably last at least until 300,000 miles. The car is in immaculate condition, the owner was the original and only brought it in to trade it for a new BMW.
The Impala is almost brand new and low on miles. It has more interior room, room to stretch out. I've done some research on the Impala and they all say this is a car that is well manufactured, but I don't have any real experience to know if the '05 will stand the test of time.
Which would you buy in this situation? My biggest concern on the BMW are repairs. If this 328is breaks down I would most likely have to pay more to get it fixed than I would the Impala. How much more to fix a BMW than an American car, on average? I also need to know if the 328is is one of the BMWs that have mechanical defects or will not last, I've read of a few older BMW models not being very strong on reliability over 100,000 miles.
Respond to group, thanks.