HELP me pick a used car! 1998 BMW 528i vs. 2002 Ford Mustang

NiceGuyBeatscom
Mon, 28 Nov 2011 14:05:12 +0000
General Discussion

I just moved from NYC to LA, and I’m purchasing a used car on a limited budget (<$5000). It’s going to be a daily driver, and I need it to be fairly reliable, although I don’t drive all THAT much. I’ve narrowed it down to a few options:

1. 1998 BMW 528i with 177k miles. Normally I wouldn’t consider such an old/high miles car, but it looks like and drives like it’s been spectacularly maintained. The guy who owns it is a “car guy”, has about 5 cars (one vintage, 2 motorcycles), seems honest, and said he’ll introduce me to the mechanic that works on all his cars for him. Drove nicely, AC and all electrical parts work. Here’s some info and pictures: http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/cto/2714257457.html

2. 2002 Ford Mustang convertible (V6, not GT) with 117k miles. It’s owned by a girl who seems like she took fairly good care of it and didn’t drive it too hard, although she seemed like she ddin’t take as exceptional care of it as the other guy. AC works, radio works, electrical top works. It’s red…I wish it were another color, but that’s not the end of the world. Here are some pictures, etc.: http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/cto/2723429564.html

Both cars are clean titles, both cars are 2nd owner. The guy with BMW is getting rid of it because he has 5 cars. The girl with the Mustang is getting rid of hers because she’s moving overseas for her job (journalism)…don’t think either one is purposely selling junk.

The BMW is a MUCH nicer car. The issue here is really the maintenance. I know neither will be as reliable as a Japanese car, but I feel like the Bimmer will be way more expensive to fix is something does screw up. Anyone have any advice? I want to nail this down soon so I can get rid of this rental.

Thanks in advance for the help!

P.S. I know if I were smart I’d buy a Honda Civic, but…man, just no sexiness.

41 posts - 18 participants