While researching replacements for my son's totaled Highlander, somehow, I ran across the 2003 BMW 530i. It wouldn't be a good choice for him. But it's got me thinking about selling my 2015 XLE Camry.
I hear that model year 530 could be considered a good looking term car. I can afford some (slightly) higher maintenance costs. And I could use a little more excitement in my life then the Camry's providing. But I worry that I might be jumping off into totally unknown (to me) waters. I've only had Honda's and Toyota's.
Should I stay away? Or should I think of this as a great opportunity? Would this last 20 years without breaking me?
Will keep it simple.
Should I stay away?
Yes, stay away. Your Camry is a better vehicle.
Or should I think of this as a great opportunity?
No, not a great opportunity. Keep the Camry
Would this last 20 years without breaking me?
No, it's almost 20years old right now..... it won't last another 20 years, and IT WILL break you.
I can afford some (slightly) higher maintenance costs.
Are you prepared for this, every time something breaks in that 20yr old BMW?
Should I stay away?
This is the kind of "excitement" you'll be facing with a 20-year-old BMW, and then even more "excitement" when you see the repair bills.
Would this last 20 years without breaking me?
If you want something that would last you 20 years without trouble and too much expenses and repairs then I would say keep the Camry and pass on the BMW. With the BMW parts and repairs are expensive and they have more things to break.
And I could use a little more excitement in my life then the Camry's providing.
Depending on how much you want to spend on excitement and the type of excitement you want you might consider looking at the new Civic Si or if money isn't an issue at all then the upcoming Civic type R. These give excitement in my opinion but are also good reliable cars.
This is more of a gambling situation. The 2015 Toyota Camry will outlast the BMW. The BMW has too many electronics and plastic parts which are most likely going to break. I would just get Toyotas and Hondas if you want reliability. If you want excitement, go ahead and get the BMW. You also haven't mention the mileage for both of the vehicles.
2003 BMW 530i is a decent car as part of the E39 generation which I would argue is way more reliable than the E60 generation, but you are gonna be spending more on repairs and maintenance over that Camry. Unless you don't mind the extra costs and you want something more fun to drive than the Vanilla Toyota, I would keep the Camry.
