mateo

Well, when I sold my RX8, I cried.. LOL I loved that car and I hated parting with it.

But now that I'm over that, I'm ready to get a new car and I need the help of my fellow RX8 peeps as far as when to buy. Now, I am already aware that Mini and BMW 335 are two very different vehicles in make and purpose but I'm comparing them, because each, in its own respect, are badass (yes, I know, as well as the RX8). Mini for its gas mileage practicality and BMW for its luxury and power at pretty good MPG for what it is..


Ok, base your answers like I was going to buy a BMW 335i but might be considering Mini....


Big Question #1:

Is it true what they say about waiting to the end of the year for better deals and previous models that might still be on the lot? I'd consider a year back 06/07 BMW 335i or Mini Cooper S Hardtop.

I was thinking that if I was able to score a low mileage BMW used or at least a new one at the end of the year it would be cheaper than buying in say, summer time..


Question #2:

Due to the probable recession and the fact that car brands are generally hurting right now and want your business.. Would it matter if I go to BMW now with the current economy and should I expect a deal on BMW and somewhate below MSRP???

OR

should I wait till the end of the year and expect even more possibility that I could get into BMW 335i for lower than MSRP possibility?


OR

is BMW so snobbish and high-end that you never get a good deal on one and they are pretty consistent so it wouldn't matter when I get it....?



Does anybody have a knowledgeable idea of what they would do in my situation? (i know, but..no, I'm not interested in the RX8 market..maybe when new rotary engine is here!) If anybody has bought a 335i and would like to chime in that would be great.


My comments:
I've searched the forum and seen a lot of individuals going to 335i from RX8 and I'm in that group.. However, I also want to get great gas mileage with the MINI Cooper... The one thing that I have noticed is that when I go to Mini cooper site and put all the options on and spec it out like I want it, its like 37K and its really hard for me to stomach.. I mean, for 37K, you are already getting close to the BMW 335 (even though its around 50K with most of the options..)


This is a tough decision... Being frugal, I think the MINI is a better choice because gas is only going up and up. However, its extremely small and not much room for much... Its a cool decision on the interior and I like all the extras even though some may consider it too gimmicky...

On the other side, I love the BMW and always have wanted one and it has alot more room for a everyday driver.. Plus, on the highway, with the way I drive, it should get about 25-29 mpg and most of my driving is easy highway miles.

Icemark

If it makes it any easier, both are BMWs. Mini's are BMW's cheapo line (like Scion is Toyota's cleapo line).

I have a 07 328i coupe with the 3.0 6 cyl... (same car as basically the 335i except no twin turbos) that the wife drives. Its nice, but a luxury car and rides like one when compared to the RX-8. It does feel every bit of its 500+ more lbs than the RX-8. The RX-8 does have more passenger interior room also over the 3 series coupes.

So you will need to decide if you want a luxury car, or a sporty car. The 3 series = luxury car... the Mini = sporter and better handling.

So to answer your number 1: BMW year end deals are not really happening on this years models.. in fact the prices of used 3 series coupes seems to be going up. Probably related to that they do get 26-28 MPG highway.

And your question #2 I have never paid more than $500 over invoice (not sticker) for a BMW. Prices may vary in your area however. In my area there are 6 BMW dealers within an hour drive so they tend to be competitive. That might not be the case with Tulsa.

You may want to look at the 135i instead. A little less money, but a much better handling car than the 335i and really closer to the Mini if you are comparing apples to apples.

alfy28

as for me i would wait till the end of the year sales (if bmw has one). and i would buy the bmw over the mini since my driving is alot of hwy driving. but if i wanted to have the best mpg i would just buy the MS3 over the mini.

Design1stCode2nd

You can get invoice or close to it on most BMW’s excluding the 1 series and X6 for now. This depends on where you live and how much you want to email dealers/travel to get it. For the 335i I’d look at a 1 year old model, should be around 35-38k depending on options. Its already taken the largest depreciation hit although year 2 and 3 of car ownership aren’t good either as far as depreciation goes. At the end of this year you will start having 335’s coming off 2 year leases and can get good deals.

You will not get any better than MSRP (probably) for a Mini. They have always sold well and they are going gangbusters with gas at over $4/gal. I recently test drove a 135 (performance is almost identical to the 335 just a tad faster and smaller), Mini Clubman S and an A5 so if you are interested you can find the review here.

mateo

Thanks a lot for the advice.. Yeah, I think I really missed the boat on getting a mini at a good price because now they will mark them up due to the gas mileage issue.. I should have seen this coming but I guess it wasn't my fault cause I just got in the new car market a month ago, after owning my RX8. I guess if I'm already going to get a 335i I might be able to get a good deal at the end of the year since I have to save up till then.. However, I've thought about getting one now if they are going to go up in price since they aren't that bad on MPG if driven easy..

The end of the year possibility and then 2yr leases coming off contract is definitely a tempting idea in favor of waiting..

Thanks for the link.. I'll check it out..