Recond (used) vs New

[jjssw]

Ain't know much about cars, but love European cars especially BMW 5 series. Seriously considering the following optionsi) new Accord 2.4 - brand new, latest up-to-date specs, easy maintenance.(ii) BMW (prob 525 or 530, 4 to 5 years old) - it's a BMW!(iii) Auto Bavaria approved used BMW - reliable? But pricier?Based on your experience and knowledge, pls advise on the above options. Also, (i) is UK or Japan specs recommended or localised better?(ii) in many ads stated "unreg" - does it necessarily mean imported but yet to be registered locally, or could it be totally new but unsold?(iii) what's the average maintenance cost for a BMW 5 series per annum?Thanks!

 

[safri]

you should expect a very bias answer from most of the forumers here. Honda is well, not in the same league man. don't get me wrong, had hondas before and they are imo, the best of the japanese "super 3". go for beemer but if you're looking for second hand, you need to take your time, don't rush. if you're looking for a honda accord 2.4 budget, you can get e39 525 year 2002 or if you're lucky 2003 model. AB's approved used model is ok, but as you said pricier - you should nego with them, they can be quite generous with older models. i'm not very clear on your 1st q...are you referring to the performance, maintenance or reliability??. usually, unregistered models are imported used models. Maintenance for 5 series will vary depending on the condition of the car but surely it's much more expensive than getting a new honda accord...well, the driving experience will compensate the loss in $$$...

 

[guru]

Ain't know much about cars, but love European cars especially BMW 5 series. Seriously considering the following options:

(i) new Accord 2.4 - brand new, latest up-to-date specs, easy maintenance.
(ii) BMW (prob 525 or 530, 4 to 5 years old) - it's a BMW!
(iii) Auto Bavaria approved used BMW - reliable? But pricier?

Based on your experience and knowledge, pls advise on the above options. Also,

(i) is UK or Japan specs recommended or localised better?
(ii) in many ads stated "unreg" - does it necessarily mean imported but yet to be registered locally, or could it be totally new but unsold?
(iii) what's the average maintenance cost for a BMW 5 series per annum?

Thanks!

look for something from south africa(normally a naza imported)...

unreg means used in jap or uk yet to have number plate in malaysia.

average cost 3-15k.. depends how you drive/how lucky you are.

no honda!

 

[jchan]

BIASED RESPONSE: Go for the BMW !! The wives will always pressure us to buy brand new honda or toyota :-( ..... but it's totally a different experience to own a BMW. The performance (go for at least the 525 and above) & handling is exceptional. I won't be too overly concerned about maintenance. It is only marginally higher than a Honda and/or Merc. Take good care of it and it will take good care of you

I had Hondas and Mercs before and trust me (along with other forummers), u won't regret owning a BMW.

The e39 has many options. You can either drive it like a executive sedan or turn it into a sports sedan with many accessories in the market; wheels, kits etc

 

[Jerman]

jjssw,
I fully understand your "situation" as for the same amount of $$$, you could get a brand new Accord/Cefiro/Camry with almost "maintenance free" and no heartaches/headaches for at least 2-3 years! Some of your family/friends may even asked you why bother to buy a used 3-4 years old vehicle?

I was somewhat in the same situation and I followed my heart & I'm glad I did!
Just like jchan has mentioned, you won't regret owning a BMW!

Cheers

 

[KL2DC]

You asked; new Accord or pre-owned Bimmer?

I think you really need to assess your immediate vehicular requirement before anything else. Each option has its pros and cons. The new accord would be more reliable and economical to run, depreciate less and has the benefit of a full warranty. On the other hand the Bimmer would definitely be more fun and engaging to drive albeit at the detriment of higher maintenance/ownership costs. So its definitely a cost/benefit thing you need to ask yourself.

Personally, I'd always side with a car I can drive rather than an appliance on wheels But I may be biased... LOL As good as Honda's are, you just can't 'connect' with one on that intrinsic, visceral and personal level, take it from us.

BMW. Own One and You'll Understand...

 

[jjssw]

Thanks for all your replies! Honda is definitely out now, and I'm going BMW-hunting

Cheers!

 

[bimmer73]

We are all pro Bimmers here. Naturaly if you ask for an opinion of what kind of wheels to get in this forum your 110% gurranteed responce will be, Go get a bimmer.......hehehehe

 

[David Yong]

BMW = Banyak Masuk Workshop
BMW = Banyak Makan Wang

But I dun care..... I still love BMW.....

 

[wglee]

If the car concerned is a Jap-spec "recond" BMW from Japan, do note this piece of interesting stuff plonked by somebody in the Autoworld site (he said: 'This is a little example of how dealers produce a "Japan spec" car '):

http://www.yokoban.net/yokoban%20sty...1-nikoichi.htm

I am in no position to verify the accuracy of the info but it's definitely food for thought.

 

[dumeort]

I have a 2005 honda accord 2.4l and a 2000 328i.

Reaction from ppl. (Malaysian)

1. Oh ... Honda Accord....
2. WAHHH BMW la ... very cun...

 

[wglee]

I have a 2005 honda accord 2.4l and a 2000 328i.

Reaction from ppl. (Malaysian)

1. Oh ... Honda Accord....
2. WAHHH BMW la ... very cun...

Well, I own a 2001 325i and of late I've been getting this kinda reaction:

"2001? Wah, oredi 5 years old hoh? So old oredi sure got a lot of things spoil and must repair hoh? Eh, the new 3-sili veli nice mah, why you still want to hang on to this old 3-sili? Old model oredi leh..."

 

[tay]

If the car concerned is a Jap-spec "recond" BMW from Japan, do note this piece of interesting stuff plonked by somebody in the Autoworld site (he said: 'This is a little example of how dealers produce a "Japan spec" car '):

http://www.yokoban.net/yokoban%20sty...1-nikoichi.htm

I am in no position to verify the accuracy of the info but it's definitely food for thought.

bro,

this look very scarely to buy a recond car.......

 

[David Yong]

Well, I own a 2001 325i and of late I've been getting this kinda reaction:

"2001? Wah, oredi 5 years old hoh? So old oredi sure got a lot of things spoil and must repair hoh? Eh, the new 3-sili veli nice mah, why you still want to hang on to this old 3-sili? Old model oredi leh..."

Yes, go and book yourself a new e90.....
We need more people to start driving the e90...

 

[DingChavez]

If the car concerned is a Jap-spec "recond" BMW from Japan, do note this piece of interesting stuff plonked by somebody in the Autoworld site (he said: 'This is a little example of how dealers produce a "Japan spec" car '):

http://www.yokoban.net/yokoban%20sty...1-nikoichi.htm

I am in no position to verify the accuracy of the info but it's definitely food for thought.

dude could not understand the article, but from the pics....