BMW Newb purchasing X5

[heyloo]

I'm trying to buy the new 2004 BMW X5 3.0i with pretty much in full option. I'm in a rural area so the closest BMW dealer is about 20-30 miles away and the others, about 50-100 miles off. Frankly, I really don't have much choice but to buy from the closest dealership, but would really like to research some prices prior to purchasing. I've contacted the dealers 'closer' dealers who are 50-100 miles away and they got back to me with a quote...a 'sticker price quote' leaving me a note that I should visit their dealership for a better price. The thing is, I am in the position where...I can't really go visit the dealerships around, driving for hours. Any suggestions on how to get the best pricing?

Also, I'm looking for financing the vehicle. For the full option X5 3.0i, the total in sticker price comes to...around $57,000. Any suggestions on how much I should consider putting down for down payment? =) Thanks a lot!

 

[epj3]

test drive them, see which you like more.

 

[dzervit]

My local dealers didn't want to talk a deal until I came in the showroom with checkbook in hand ready to buy. It was like pulling teeth to get a quote from them prior. Be persistant and state your not coming into purchase unless they give you a # close to what you desire.

As for downpayment - as much/litte as you want - it directly effects your monthly payment! Big down, little a month is how I like it. A $1,000/mo auto loan just hurts if you ask me.

 

[Tom]

Best pricing check www.edmunds.com to see what these cars are selling for in your area. Then shop online from sites such as: AutoWeb.com; Cars.com; CarsDirect.

Remember that these dealers want your business, so don't take any crap from them.

Like Eric stated, test drive all the cars and see what fits you the best. Being that you live in the rural areas, I would suggest getting the X5 or X3 over the 5-Series.

 

[heyloo]

Thanks for your help~! After reading some posts on the bmwboard (wow, this place is just awesome!), I decided not to include the sports package to my X5 3.0i. I don't think I would really need that package and add an additional 2.5-3.0k. That elimination brings the sticker price to around...$54,000-ish. How much would 'good car buyers' cut to? I know that it all depends on the dealerships, but I wouldn't think they woud allow me to cut the price at $45,000 or something...or would they? I want to know the general rough approximate of how low I could argue my price at the dealership.
I've been told that I shouldn't buy the car at my first visit. Any tips on how I should act and say at the dealerships? =)
Thanks!!!!!!

 

[jonnyz16]

anything under MSRP would be a good price in my opinion . Watch out for the dealer mark-ups i.e. " environment prep " or " adjusted market value " which in hawaii can be rediculously high . I've seen it as much as 8,000 higher for adj. value . This is a seperate sticker after the manufactures sticker .( MSRP) on the right .Just bargain off of the MSRP and dont pay any attention to the other mark-ups if they have them.

When you enter a dealership always set a time limit that you 'll be there . say like an hour . and tell your salesperson that you'll only pay a certain amount and that you have an hour to complete the deal or your gone ..
Since you live so far from the other dealer s you should make that work in your favor somehow ..like that you 'll only be in the area for an hour and you dont have time to play games with them ..

Good luck ...

 

[codex57]

Also try AAA (the roadside service people). They actually had a better price than carsdirect.com for me and I negotiated down from there. But then again, there are a billion dealers around me so competition is a bit fierce. Good luck!

 

[Average Jae]

i'm a bit late to this one, but if yer planning on dropping 57k for a 3.0i, why not get the 4.4i? sure you'd have to sacrifice some options but you'll have the amazing new v8, belting out 315 horses..

or save a bunch off the 57k and go w/ the x3, the most imp thing is that you'll have to drive those cars and find out for yourself what you think is best for you. but it's hard to go wrong w/ a bmw.. also test drive the competition..

 

[MrElussive]

Average Jae, I was thinking exactly that. $57,000 is WELL into 4.4 territory, why spend all that money for just the puny 3.0 liter I6? The X5 is so darn big and heavy I feel like it needs the 4.4 liter V8.

 

[SoonerE39]

Personally, I would rather have the car like driving characteristics and lower center of gravity of the 530i over the X5, unless you have a need for the AWD. The X5 may be one of the best handling sport utes, but it is less 'sport' than the 530 and less 'ute' than a Suburban/Denali/Escalade/Expedition/Sequoia that mostly costs less. If I am buying a Sport Ute (and I have) I want 3rd row seats and decent towing capacity. If I want a good handling vehicle, I would get the 5 series (and I did)

 

[codex57]

err, make sure you check out the X3 before even considering it. Might save you the time of pricing it. It is not getting good reviews, particularly the interior.