What should I do?

[Eastcoastrunner]

Ok, so I'm getting a little hesitant with my vehicle. I don't know what I should do, and would like some advice...

The cars:
2006 BMW 330xi. 6sd manual. Fully loaded with every option minus nav/idrive. mint condition, 60k miles. CPO expires next spring.
Meticulously maintained thus far. Black on black leather. Just had rear brakes done, nothing at all wrong with it.
2003 Toyota 4runner limited 4wd v8
110k miles. Fully loaded, needs very little. Good shape. New tires, suspension, front and rear brakes replaced.

Should i sell them now? keep one, get rid of other...I don't drive both nearly enough, and i kind of want something newer, with a warranty. I love driving both for different reasons, but the repair bills will start coming soon and they WILL hurt (especially for bimmer).
Any suggestions on replacement cars would be appreciated too.
Thanks

 

[BlackWorksInc]

Dump the "best driving machine" and keep the Toyota, members are running 150k+ rigs with little more than average high mileage wear and tear parts.

 

[fvalentin]

Ditto

 

[Eastcoastrunner]

Dump the "best driving machine" and keep the Toyota, members are running 150k+ rigs with little more than average high mileage wear and tear parts.

to be quite honest, its been more reliable than the t4r...i want one vehicle now, and I can't get better than 16.5 mpg doing 65-70mph...and i'm talking 100% hwy driving. we pay 1.30 a litre up here...thats about $5 a gallon i believe. Thats the main reason for trading up the two of them for one vehicle...

 

[Eastcoastrunner]

btw i get 25mpg with the bimmer, and going faster, and 50/50 city

 

[450exc115]

This isn't enough info to offer a suggestion, that and asking a 4runner forum on what vehicle to buy is 99% of the time going to get you the same answer... LOL

Do you rack up the miles? VW TDI
You said liter so I'm assuming Canada the land of bad weather... So I'd think AWD.. AUDI and BMW had Diesel offerings (for a big price) and then there is the other gas AWDS (Subaru, Audi, BMW, and a lot more American come this way too)

 

[Eastcoastrunner]

This isn't enough info to offer a suggestion, that and asking a 4runner forum on what vehicle to buy is 99% of the time going to get you the same answer... LOL

Do you rack up the miles? VW TDI
You said liter so I'm assuming Canada the land of bad weather... So I'd think AWD.. AUDI and BMW had Diesel offerings (for a big price) and then there is the other gas AWDS (Subaru, Audi, BMW, and a lot more American come this way too)

yes, Canada....i'm on the east coast of Canada...its not that much different in terms of weather, than new england.
the bimmer is awd, paired with x-ice2 tyres, i have had NO problems in the snow. It's the fact that it's coming out of warranty is what is scaring me about keeping it.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

Question, GDI engine? (Gasoline Direct injection) or just a regular gas engine? Personally I would rather keep my 4Runner than a BMW, but I have a natural avoidance to BMW in general. (I'd rather go VW/Audi, Mercedes, or Volvo...)

If it is GDI, I have heard a lot of issues that come up roughly around 70k... that aren't just isolated to BMW completely. If its just a regular gasoline engine, there are still things that come up that are rather expensive, but then again that's the price of owning a European or Technology Laden Vehicle. (Sorry Toyota, Audi/VW is miles ahead in their tech :S )

 

[Eastcoastrunner]

This isn't enough info to offer a suggestion, that and asking a 4runner forum on what vehicle to buy is 99% of the time going to get you the same answer... LOL

Do you rack up the miles? VW TDI
You said liter so I'm assuming Canada the land of bad weather... So I'd think AWD.. AUDI and BMW had Diesel offerings (for a big price) and then there is the other gas AWDS (Subaru, Audi, BMW, and a lot more American come this way too)

what other info do you want?

 

[Eastcoastrunner]

Question, GDI engine? (Gasoline Direct injection) or just a regular gas engine? Personally I would rather keep my 4Runner than a BMW, but I have a natural avoidance to BMW in general. (I'd rather go VW/Audi, Mercedes, or Volvo...)

If it is GDI, I have heard a lot of issues that come up roughly around 70k... that aren't just isolated to BMW completely. If its just a regular gasoline engine, there are still things that come up that are rather expensive, but then again that's the price of owning a European or Technology Laden Vehicle. (Sorry Toyota, Audi/VW is miles ahead in their tech :S )

see i find that interesting because i have a friend whos a head mech at audi/vw here...and by his own word they are the biggest pieces of sh&t on the market...he would never buy one. I've heard they are nightmares in terms of electrical issues, etc.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

see i find that interesting because i have a friend whos a head mech at audi/vw here...and by his own word they are the biggest pieces of sh&t on the market...he would never buy one. I've heard they are nightmares in terms of electrical issues, etc.

All cars are not without their faults, electrical issues are commonplace for every manufactuerer.

Ask your buddy how VW/Audi structures their onboard Diagnostic Systems as well as their networking. It is way above the rest of the manufactuer's in how much information is provided to the technican if they know how to use the system.

Also, I think working at a Dealership makes you see only the huge numbers of problems with that one brand, I was surprised by the sheer number of issues and problems Toyotas have. Now that I talk to other techs and take CTi Courses, I am starting to see that everyone seems to have their problems.

 

[snowbrdr033]

Personally, I say drop the BMW. They are far more expensive to repair (generally speaking) when compared to the runner.....now before everyone jumps on me, I mean general fixing of items, wear/tear, etc. Obviously replacing the runner's motor is more expensive than replacing a tire on the beamer.

But I also want to make a point of whether or not you use premium gas in your BMW? If so, it may be more expensive to drive that car than the runner, even if you get "better mileage".

Hope it helps....

 

[ninefinger]

I love driving both for different reasons, but the repair bills will start coming soon and they WILL hurt (especially for bimmer).

If financials are your concern then getting something newer isn't the solution. Think of how many $500 repairs you can get in a year for what you would pay on a newer vehicle - if its anything like what your driving now your in for at least $500 a month for purchase over 5 years...

Warranty doesn't keep it from breaking - just keeps you from paying twice (once to own once to fix it).

Pick one and sell the other (the T4R is more "utility" than the BMW hence th SUV title - makes it a bit better choice IMHO for a vehicle situation)

My 2 cents...

 

[Dougtoms01]

Ninefinger hit the nail on the head. Diddo what he said

 

[Red]

I think you should sell the BMW and then maybe throw some money into the 4runner to freshen it up. Might make you happier with keeping it.

 

[NJshadow93]

Ok, so I'm getting a little hesitant with my vehicle. I don't know what I should do, and would like some advice...

The cars:
2006 BMW 330xi. 6sd manual. Fully loaded with every option minus nav/idrive. mint condition, 60k miles. CPO expires next spring.
Meticulously maintained thus far. Black on black leather. Just had rear brakes done, nothing at all wrong with it.
2003 Toyota 4runner limited 4wd v8
110k miles. Fully loaded, needs very little. Good shape. New tires, suspension, front and rear brakes replaced.

Should i sell them now? keep one, get rid of other...I don't drive both nearly enough, and i kind of want something newer, with a warranty. I love driving both for different reasons, but the repair bills will start coming soon and they WILL hurt (especially for bimmer).
Any suggestions on replacement cars would be appreciated too.
Thanks

Idk who's rig this is but i found this vid on youtube...notice the mileage:

2003 Toyota 4Runner V8 0-60 - YouTube

anyway you have to think about what you really need. the t4r is a truck so things such as fuel will tend to be more expensive. however it will reward you when your caught in a blizzard and cars are getting stuck around you left and right and you keep plowing by through a foot of snow. a friend of mine knows a guy who worked at a BMW dealer and he told him never to by a BMW...if you wanted one then lease it. basically saying you can baby it and maintenance it consistently and it will still give you problems. in the end, you gotta just decide what you want more and for what reasons.

also, in my '03 SR5 V8 im getting 17.8-18.5 mpg with about 70% highway driving and I'm due for an oil change soon.

 

[xlaxx]

Need more demographics from you.

You single?, married?, kids?, dog?, sports-ethusiast?...

The Bimmer is one sweet ride at $39K and so is an older T4R, although in need of repair. What type of vehicle is going to be the most practical for your life's pursuits and experience? If you are single and want the 'business-type'... "Hey, I've got money!"-look,... then keep the BMW. If you are any of the latter, I'd probably hold on to the T4R.

IMHO, and 'if' you are a family man, I would sell both and get another T4R that is a bit newer but still used, say...an 07-09. There are a ton like this out there that go for >$20K with 45-60K miles. The T4R is bigger, probably safer, and more roomy with stow space than the BMW is. Bank the money. Most millionaires drive old, beat up pickup trucks anyway! :banana:

 

[Eastcoastrunner]

All cars are not without their faults, electrical issues are commonplace for every manufactuerer.

Ask your buddy how VW/Audi structures their onboard Diagnostic Systems as well as their networking. It is way above the rest of the manufactuer's in how much information is provided to the technican if they know how to use the system.

Also, I think working at a Dealership makes you see only the huge numbers of problems with that one brand, I was surprised by the sheer number of issues and problems Toyotas have. Now that I talk to other techs and take CTi Courses, I am starting to see that everyone seems to have their problems.

he's worked at an Indie shop (seen em all), than honda and now a conglomerate shop that services subby, audi and vw. He still stands by the audi/vw comment. He said they just had an audi TT of 6 mths age...wouldn't start. Every tech had a go of it, couldn't figure it out. They flew in a master tech from Germany, still no go. Car was in the shop for 2 mths and now they have given the owner it's value towards a brand new one and are keeping his.
No doubt all cars are pos's at some point and time, i'm just looking for the smallest pos out there!!

 

[Eastcoastrunner]

If financials are your concern then getting something newer isn't the solution. Think of how many $500 repairs you can get in a year for what you would pay on a newer vehicle - if its anything like what your driving now your in for at least $500 a month for purchase over 5 years...

Warranty doesn't keep it from breaking - just keeps you from paying twice (once to own once to fix it).

Pick one and sell the other (the T4R is more "utility" than the BMW hence th SUV title - makes it a bit better choice IMHO for a vehicle situation)

My 2 cents...

i was thinking that if i traded in both for one vehicle, my overall expenses would be much less. insurance, etc

 

[Eastcoastrunner]

I think you should sell the BMW and then maybe throw some money into the 4runner to freshen it up. Might make you happier with keeping it.

i've been throwing nothing but money at is since i bought it in Feb.
New tires, rims, o2 sensors, front brakes, front calipers, rear brakes, all new suspension (xreas sucks and broke), rear window/hatch motor and handle....
and i have an exhaust manifold leak to boot