All, I have an opportunity to buy a 2004 BMW 525i with 13,000 miles on the clock. The car is sapphire blue and is loaded. I was told the car falls into the exceptionally clean category. I am trying to figure out what the car is worth and what a good deal would be. Any other opinions on the car would also be appreciated. It is replacing an '03 Lexus GS300.

Thanks,
Mike

www.edmunds.com

You can browse through this site and get some idea of general asking price.

I have had three friends that have not liked their 525i's. All of them have had some serious technical issues. I don't know exactly what was wrong but I just thought I would let you know. Maybe another GS or an E Class would be other comparable options.

Thanks for the replies. I also have the option to purchase an '03 E320 for the same money as the 525. The E320 has 16k on the clock and is also supposed to be exceptionally clean. It also has the cool panorama roof. I think I will drive both and buy what feels best to me. Thanks.

Mike

A good friend of mine wholesales European vehicles and gave me his user name and password for Manheim.com. This is what all the dealers use to price cars that come in on trade or whatever. It is a list of what cars went for thru the auction and its what dealers go by. I looked up the BMW and assuming its an automatic they are getting around $34,000 with that mileage. If you buy at that price you cant go wrong.

Greek..,

Thanks a million. That is excellent information.

Mike

isnt the hp really low? like 185 or so... i believe its the same engine that is in that years 325, without looking. id rather have the Benz.
-jr

also try kbb.com (kelly blue book).
Many of the retailers use the listed trade-in as a base starting price here on the left coast depending on market conditions like local auction trend pricing- manheim or adesa and others.