Question:

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.

Answer:

According to Kellys Blue Book, the BMW is overpriced by quite a bit. http://www.kbb.com/kb/ki.dll/kw.kc.ucp?kbb.TX;;TX419;&75935&;213296&;…

I like the typical quality of the BMW engines, but don’t know about the automatic transmission.  I felt that some of the older BMW 3 series were a little lacking where body integrity (paint, mostly, but some panel issues too) was involved.

If I could get the manual transmission BMW for about $10,000, I might just do that and save the $5000 for eventual repairs and maintenance.

Given the current perception of GM quality,  I would likely dodge the Impala.

Related posts:

  1. Older BMW 328is or Newer Chevy Impala?
  2. Chevy Impala/Malibu wheels?
  3. Chevy Impala/Malibu wheels?
  4. Chevy Impala/Malibu wheels?
  5. 1994-96 Chevy Impala prices too high?
  6. Can anyone help me find a 64 Chevy Impala?
  7. Compare for me Buick Century and Chevy Impala?