I'm having trouble deciding which car to get!

1. 61

   luseposted 12 years ago

   The two I've been deciding between (because they are in the same price range) are a 2012 Hyundai Accent 5dr SE and a second hand 2005 BMW 325xi AWD.
   
   What would you get and why? Please help!

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   1. 74

      Shanna11posted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I would get the 2012 Accent.... just because it's newer and if it's been owned before, it'll have a shorter vehicle history, and possibly lower maintenance costs in the long run. Plus I just think Accent's are a lot cuter. I'm not a fan of BMW's

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   2. 60

      couturepopcafeposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      BMWs are not even in the same class as Hyundais so you're talking only about price here. Bad move. If you can afford the maintanance on the Beamer, go for it. If you're looking at a Hyundai, you probably can't afford the maintanance on the Beamer. Hyundai has come a long way since they've come to the U.S.
      
      Compare warranties, price of routine maintanance, price of tires, etc. Does the BMW need tires? Are you buying it from a dealer or individual? How much mileage is on it?
      
      Get all the maintanance information on the used vehicle from receipts or CarQuest by putting in the VIN. Ask why the owner sold, traded or is selling it.
      
      Find out what the warranty is on the Hyundai. Is this a new, first time model or a tried and true model that they've had for a few years and all the bugs are out of it?
      
      Bottom line, don't just buy a car on price.

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   3. 60

      paradigmsearchposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Immediately proceed to Consumer Reports at the library or online.
      
      For this kind of major purchase, it would be worth forking over the $10 or whatever at their website if you don't want to go to the library.
      
      And do a Fed check for gas mileage.
      
      And give the JDPower website your regards.

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      1. 60

         paradigmsearchposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         And which costs less to insure and by how much?

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         1. 60

            paradigmsearchposted 12 years agoin reply to this

            And just how used is the used car?
            
            And how much difference in price is there?

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            1. 60

               paradigmsearchposted 12 years agoin reply to this

               And have you given the online Kelly Blue Book your regards?

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   paradigmsearchposted 12 years ago

   The above are just my rhetorical questions and ideas. Good luck!

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3. 0

   JaxsonRaineposted 12 years ago

   My recommendation is to find a used car that has a good engine and transmission, then have a mechanic go through all the other components and replace anything that is needed, as well as all hoses/gaskets/belts/etc.
   
   If you find a good used car with a good engine/transmission, and a good interior, you can afford to replace everything else under the hood and still save tremendous amounts of money over buying a new car. We bought a used Volvo and put in $1500 to replacing bits, and it's practically a new car, all for $4500. Then you can take the other $5,000-$15,000 you didn't spend on a car and do what you want with it.
   
   That being said, between the two I'd get the Hyundai. You'll have a good warranty, and no worries about previous owners. Be good about your service and it will last a long time, it has good mpg, and hyundais are pretty comfortable.

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4. 55

   ftclickposted 12 years ago

   I'd get the Hyundai for the warranty period. BMWs even though they are good cars do tend to have more repairs as they age.  I am in the same boat, looking for 30 mpg cars that are semi-luxury

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5. 0

   mjkearnposted 11 years ago

   I,m not a BMW fan but I would have a Z1 if anybody can find one and if I won any of the worlds lotteries.
   
   Regarding your choice, like most have already said here, price seems to be your main issue because I can think of no other reason for putting a BMW and a Hyundai in the same sentence.
   
   By a mile and then a bit more the BMW is a better machine. But you need a large maintenance budget.
   
   If a sensible reliable machine is what your after you really can't beat any of the Japanese makes.
   
   If you can buy or finance new then do so. If not make sure and I repeat make sure what ever you buy comes with a detailed service record. No record no sale.
   
   Be advised. Be warned. Be smart.
   
   MJ.

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6. 70

   Pkittockposted 11 years ago

   The Bimmer is by far going to be the better car, and much more rewarding to drive. That being said.. what are your priorities? How do you view a car? If you just want an economical, reliable people carrying device, the Hyundai is going to be your best bet. Parts on Korean/Japanese cars are cheaper, as is labor compared to anything German. On the other hand, if you are looking for a sporty sedan that is going to be fun to drive on the windy bits, or something where you'll feel the acceleration happening, the BMW is by far the better car.
   
   As with any used car purchase, get a PPI (pre-purchase inspection)!!!!! Its absolutely worth the 50-100 bucks to have someone check it out. See if you have a BMW specialist in your area (for my hometown area it is Orr Autosport for example) because they'll be more familiar with the specific vehicle and specific issues that they tend to have. Otherwise, go to whichever mechanic you trust most. The peace of mind knowing that there isn't a major component that is about to fail will certainly help justify the purchase!
   
   One of the biggest issues people have when they buy used BMWs/older Porsches/etc. is that they see the sticker price and think that is it. You've got to consider that the car may be out of warranty, and you've gotta factor in other costs to run the car such as oil, tires, brakes, etc. in addition to unexpected repairs. Oil and tires are going to be more expensive on a BMW than the Hyundai so keep this in mind. There are dealers all over the place with 80's Porsches and Ferraris for sale that sat for 10 years because someone could afford to buy the car, but couldn't afford to keep it running.
   
   Ultimately, it comes down to what you want out of the car, and if you are leaning towards the used BMW, use DUE DILIGENCE. There are some great cars out there that'll be bulletproof forever as well as some lemons, just be smart about it!
   
   Phil

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