Keep car or get a certified used car/new car?

[iroast]

Currently have a '01 325i with some issues:

* 2 windows not working well (clicks going down and slow going back up)
* Moon roof shade broken (no longer able to automatically opens/closes)
* Windshield fluid pump broken
* Wheels not in the best of shape and tires need to be replaced soon
* About 93k miles on the thing (transmission replaced at @40k)
* Fan/belt is makes a noise that gets louder w/acceleration

Should I fix the thing and try to squeeze another 5/10 yrs out of it, or should I go with a used car/new car?

Thanks.

 

[DivideBYZero]

*You probably just need to get some silicone spray on the window rubber for point 1.
*Can't imagine point 2 is a terribly hard self-fix
*That should be cheap and easy to do yourself.
*This will always be an issue. Buying a new car because you need new tyres is not good financial sense!
*Nothing, IMHO especially as the trans was done not long ago.
*Fixing a slipping fan belt is easy/cheap/DIY.

All in, you'd be in better shape taking it to a non-dealer shop and getting those things done if you can't do them yourself, rather than getting another vehicle, but that's just my opinion.

 

[iroast]

Originally posted by: DivideBYZero

*This will always be an issue. Buying a new car because you need new tyres is not good financial sense!.

I agree with you, but the logic in this one is that if I were to get another car, I could put the money for the tires into buying the new car.

Replacing the transmission will be costly $5k-$6k and according to Edmunds, my car is only worth $8k-$9k.

 

[luckysnafu]

Sounds like you are looking for reasons to get a new car. None of the problems you listed is very difficult/expensive to replace, except the transmission, which was recently changed and should last for another 4-5 years. The windows are probably just the regulators, which are DIY or ind. shop. Moon roof shade is again a DIY, check out www.e46fanatics.com for info on how to fix both the regulators and the moon shade. I own a '00 323i and do all my work myself. I have taken apart the moon roof, removed the glass in order to fix the sun shade and now it works like new. I haven't had to replace a window regulator but I am pretty sure that's because my car is silver and the doors don't heat up very much. Darker colored e46's are known for window regulator problems due to the heat from the sun heating up the door. The fluid pump is DIY, unplug the wire, remove the hose and replace with new one. Tires aren't that expensive, check tirerack for some good deals. General exclaim UHP's are a great summer tire for around $100 each. Fan/belt should also be an easy fix. I would keep the car, especially if it's paid off, no reason to get a new car yet.

 

[iroast]

Originally posted by: luckysnafu
Sounds like you are looking for reasons to get a new car.

Thanks. I was looking for an excuse. I'm not very handy, but I'll see what I can do. I'll leave the rest to the mechanics.

 

[Gillbot]

Personally, i don't get into the hype of certified used cars. Any used car will be fine if checked out by a competent person or trusted mechanic. Any "certified" used car i've seen in my experience isn't much better than any regular used car except for the extra cost on the sticker price.

 

[eflat]

Originally posted by: Gillbot
Personally, i don't get into the hype of certified used cars. Any used car will be fine if checked out by a competent person or trusted mechanic. Any "certified" used car i've seen in my experience isn't much better than any regular used car except for the extra cost on the sticker price.

Well for one they are probably well taken care of since someone leasing a car does not want to have to pay when the return it. I'm sure their leasing contract makes them get maintenance at a regular interval.

That and a warranty make it seem worth it. And not having to drive around looking for cars that are all owned by weirdos and having to get them checked out would be worth a lot to me.