2003 G35 vs. 2003 325i?

[CVL]

I am considering getting either a 2003 G35 or 325i. I have drove several 325's in the past view days, and really enjoyed them. I have yet to test drive a G35, but plan to soon. Both cars have about 75k miles, and asking price of around $12,000. All things considered maintenance, performance, reliablility, and longevity; what are your opinions on the car that will be the best value in the long run?

Thanks!

[BigWill]

If I remember, the 325 has the smallest engine of that MY Bimmer. It has about 185 hp. The same engine was in my 525i. The engine is a real workhorse, and the power is not bad for the 325i. The places you will really see a difference is in fuel consumption, (approx. 16mpg in town for the G, and roughly 20 mpg for the Bimmer), and tire wear. The G is set up with quite a bit more negative camber than most cars, and as a result, will wear on the inside edge of the tires more quickly. As for performance, the G is heavier, but has a good deal more hp. I personally like the fit and finish of the G better.

Of course, the biggest down side of the Bimmer is that you'll have to become a member of another forum!

Good luck to you on your choice!

[zozoka1212]

As much as we love Bimmers here I have tell you to buy the G. One and the most important reason. Maint. Fee. One of the most expensive car after the warranty period is the bimmer. If you ran into any kind of problem you they will rape you.

Whatever is your decision will be. Good luck.

zozo

[SVTCOBRA]

I would say to pick the G.But, how about you go drive a few G's and post up your opinions.Welcome to Nico!

[g35sedanlover]

when I bought my G, I was comparing it to a loaded 03 330i and took the G over it. It was a close comparison but if you are looking at a 325i, I would pick the G any day. I chose the g over the 330i because of the maintenance and also the after market upgrades. I am sure their are plenty of mods for the bimmer, but the G really seems to have a lot (probably because is shares the engine with the 350z). I actually could have gone either way, but only because the 330i had every imaginable option, including nav... I would never take a 325i over the g though.

[TJMaxx98]

As much as we love Bimmers here I have tell you to buy the G. One and the most important reason. Maint. Fee. One of the most expensive car after the warranty period is the bimmer. If you ran into any kind of problem you they will rape you.

Whatever is your decision will be. Good luck.

zozo

+1 Here

With 75k on the bimmer things are going to be replaced soon. Parts are very expensive. I would take both to a mechanic for a check-up before you buy...run a carfax report too.

Another reason to buy a G...we are nicer than the bimmer boards...ha-ha!!!

[gwoods]

Try to buy a 2005+ G35 should be about the same cost as a 2003 BMW 325i.

The reason to buy a G over a BMW... maintance cost. When it comes down to replacing parts the G is an Nissan at heart and although you will receive service at the Infiniti dealership that rivals BMW service the final bill out the door will be much much less.

German cars make terrible used cars. When I see someone driving an older BMW/Mercedes/Porsche I'm impressed. Not so much impressed because they can afford the German car but impressed that they can afford to kee it running!

[oldandslow]

In 2002,My Girlfriend wanted a new 325. So we leased one for 4 years. It was a great driving car, had the best compromise of comfort and handling of any car that I had ever driven. BUT.... It was a maintenance hog! Thank God for the 4 year free maintenance,because without it,it would have cost an arm and a leg to keep it on the road. After 2 years, I knew I would not keep it, and could not wait for the lease to end to turn it in.

[Tampa G35 Sedan 6MT]

Ok here is the deal... I don't care about cost... and I don't care about the differences in each car... body, style.

I think you need to drive a G and then come back and talk to me! When you fell almost 100 hp difference in your right foot, you will konw what i mean!

That BMW is under powered for the size of the car. I have a friend with an 02 or 03 325 and i make fun of him all the time. My Is 300 Lexus would run circles around that bimmer! And the lexus had only 40 more HP than the bimmer!

+1 for Jeff on the 05+ models. They have 280HP and they are much better. I bet you could get a base model for about 15. I know mine should still sell for 20-21K but is has everything but bose, and i have 19's with a 6MT

My .02

DJ

[BrandAidDesignG35]

COME TO THE DARK SIDE!!! YOU WILL LOVE IT HERE!!! HA HA HA HA HA

on a serious note, I really like my G and think about it 24/7.

[CVL]

Thanks for your imput. I think I am heavy favoring the G35 in reading BMW forums about the 325, and Bimmers in general, with all the maintenance they seem to require...after the warranty is up.

In addition I was able to finally drive a G35, and I was very impressed...as was the wife who ultimately makes the decision, whether she drives it or not.

(BTW, I enjoy this site more than any Bimmer site)

[tollboothwilley]

--CVL--

Spanish Fork huh? I'm up in the SL valley

I used to have a BMW. I absolutely loved the car, but it was very expensive to fix.

Since I've have my G35 I've had very few issues and I love it. Snow driving won't change much as they are both rear wheel.

Buy the G, then we'll meet up and I'll show you what everyone here will spend your money on