Is this a good first car?

[Ravang]

Well I'm getting my first car this summer and I want a used BMW 740il,  or a 740i. SO with that I was wondering if anyone had or has one of this cars or any advice on them.

[Craig.]

If you earn lots of money or mummy and daddy will pay the costs then yeah beemers are great cars. Trust me when I say you cant afford it on a part time job. Plus why do you want a 7 series? something along the 3 series/ 5 series line is a much better all round choice in terms of cost/ fun. I know certain people will argue that though

[C]

If you value the earth and want to reduce your carbon footprint, no.

[MWISimmer]

Woah there..

A 4 litre BMW as a first car?

Look at something with a little less BHP and less value... That way any accidental scratches/dents/prangs won't be so expensive..

And neither will your first insurance

[Ravang]

If you earn lots of money or mummy and daddy will pay the costs then yeah beemers are great cars. Trust me when I say you cant afford it on a part time job. Plus why do you want a 7 series? something along the 3 series/ 5 series line is a much better all round choice in terms of cost/ fun. I know certain people will argue that though

No, said a used 740i/il (1999 or older) around my area they cost about $4,000-USD, but cars in the $2000< range for my area we have yet to find one the runs (I mean it, we looked at probably 10 or more and they don't work) :-/ The reason for no 3/5 series is they cost a lot more, and I have to take my 2 other sister around to places in it too

[Craig.]

I've looked before for a friend, and your right for some odd reason the 3 series is always more expensive, go figure. And I know you said used What i'm saying is, the initial cost is one thing. The running costs afterwards are what make me cry the most owning mine. Servicing is expensive, and it needs to be done if your doing a lot of miles. Tyres are expensive, BMW's have nice big fat tyres which cost a fair amount, and if you buy the cheap ones expect the car to run through the set quickly. Repairs are another pricey perk of owning a bmw. If your able to afford it, by all means buy one. I love the driving experience mines given me, but if I had to chose again, i'd probably think twice about it till i'm in a far more financially advanced job.

[C]

As Craig said, initial cost isn't necessarily the expensive part of running a) a BMW, and b) a 4litre car.

Try running that in Europe. You'd be broke fairly quickly...

[Ravang]

Ok, so if a BMW is a no-go what would be a good car, I would need one to be reliable, be able to handle the 75mph interstate speed limit for 1 hour or more, have 4 seats, a powerful engine (as I live in a area with very steep hills), and not the most important thing in the world but be a European car (for some reason I like them better)

[Craig.]

the problem is, your search criteria is very limited in the states, mainly to BMW, Mercedes and audi. All of which are higher up presitge cars. I'd advise something Japanese personally, mazda and honda are two of the best makes you could get hold of. Their cheap, reliable, inexpensive to maintain and have the power and handling behind them aswell.

[Ravang]

I'm a hardheaded person whats the average maintenance cost of a BMW?

[expat]

I'm a hardheaded person whats the average maintenance cost of a BMW?

My 5 year old BMW 5 Series has just cost me $3000 in repairs this last month, not sure what you think average maintenance costs are go to be on a 7 Series, but best of luck.
16 and a 7 Series

If you value the earth and want to reduce your carbon footprint, no.

That is a good one Charlie especially when one takes into account your "office"

Matt

[Fozzer]

Number one priority before purchasing a motor vehicle, old or new...

Check the Insurance Premium required*...BEFOREHAND... ...!!

Running costs come a close second!......!

Paul.....!

At my age, Insurance Companies now PAY ME to drive a Car/Motorbike... ...!

* ...You may be "Un-Insurable"... ...!

I just note Ravang is only 16 years old....Very few motor cars he would able to obtain/afford Insurance for in England!... ...!

[eno]

I just note Ravang is only 16 years old....Very few motor cars he would able to obtain/afford Insurance for in England!... ...!

In the UK he wouldn't get insurance for any car at 16 ..... you can't get a provisional license till you're 17 .... soon to be 18 if the government gets their way.

[Sir_Crashalot]

Good luck with that BMW. It won't be cheap to drive and maintain, but if you can find a good one why not go for it.

I remember my first car 20 years ago. An old Ford Fiesta. Gold coloured, 1 litre engine, 4 speed gearbox. It was an awful car to see, but it ran and I was proud of it. Drove it for 4000 km then the engine blew up and I had to replace it. But that first car always keeps a special place.

Crash

[BuggsK100RS]

My might see a price drop on a BMW 7XX as the new one is coming out soon at two in work today (all disguised to look like something elce)

Just Remember that when you look at a BMW the first Number is the series second two are Engine size.  Don't get conned just because some moron has changed the badge on the back from 718 (7 series 1.8 litre ) to something more to what your looking for.

Also something to note see if the car has got a full history and get a good drive in it town and out of town. If possible get it looked at I know the RAC and the AA do a free (or very cheep) service where thay will check the car out for you and hi light any problems.

A good tip is also have a feel of all the door edges all round as its surprising the amount of cars that get there doors banged into every thing!!  Move the steering through its full range any strange noises? yes then don't touch it power steering can be VERY expensive to fix.

Have a good look at the Drivers seat and the mat / carpet and peddles on the drivers side. if the car is only low mileage then the seat peddles and carpet should not be badly worn.  


Last year I bought a van yay for me.  Found one that had been clocked as the floor peddles and seat where very badly worn (the rubber floor was through to the mettle at the Gas peddle) there was NO way that it had only done 60 000 miles (not a lot for a diesel)

Any why hope this helps.

Your frendly BMW owner ( and I work at BMW too )

BMW's I would like please
M3 2 or 4 door   M6 lovely Heads up display  K1200 or R somthing

BMW's I would not wont
X6 whats the point of that back end  :o ugly!!!  Z4 TOO SMALL