Saying all BMWs are unreliable is kind of a blanket statement. Just in the 2006-2011 3-series alone there were a bunch of different engines. Some reliable, some maintenance nightmares. The N52 3.0L in the E90 325, 328, and 330 cars was a pretty bullet proof N/A straight six with a few cooling system problems and potential oil leaks. The E90 335i which is basically the same car with a N54 turbo inline six had high pressure fuel pump problems, injector problems, turbo failures, etc. The 2014 228i will have the 240hp 2.0L 4-cylinder turbo (N20), which is fairly reliable.
1. Know what you are buying, research potential problems.
2. Get it inspected by another set of eyes besides where it is being sold.
3. I'd lean toward the CPO, since you have a warranty for a period of time.
4. Find a good independent BMW mechanic.
Saying you need to be able to afford a brand new one in order to buy a used one is silly, UNLESS you only go to the dealer for service and do nothing yourself. The dealerships are known to charge insane prices, and in some instances perform maintenance incorrectly, causing more problems down the road.
If he makes 6 figures at 22, no family and lives at home, he will be fine either way. I'd be more worried about the thing ending up in a tree at that age.
I'm curious to know what BMWs Wag123 has owned that cost him tens of thousands of dollars? Maybe the V10? The M62TU V8 with timing chain guide failures? Or the N54 which has a whole laundry list of expensive problems.
1. Know what you are buying, research potential problems.
2. Get it inspected by another set of eyes besides where it is being sold.
3. I'd lean toward the CPO, since you have a warranty for a period of time.
4. Find a good independent BMW mechanic.
Saying you need to be able to afford a brand new one in order to buy a used one is silly, UNLESS you only go to the dealer for service and do nothing yourself. The dealerships are known to charge insane prices, and in some instances perform maintenance incorrectly, causing more problems down the road.
If he makes 6 figures at 22, no family and lives at home, he will be fine either way. I'd be more worried about the thing ending up in a tree at that age.
I'm curious to know what BMWs Wag123 has owned that cost him tens of thousands of dollars? Maybe the V10? The M62TU V8 with timing chain guide failures? Or the N54 which has a whole laundry list of expensive problems.