I have a 2013 BMW 328i, F30, RWD, manual transmission with 130,000 miles. I brought it to an independent BMW mechanic and was told I need a new turbo and quoted $5,500 along with a number of other less serious issues and would be like at $8-9,000 to fix it all. I looked up the blue book value on my car and it looks like it is worth roughly $6,500 if in good working order. The mechanic, who will obviously benefit from me doing the work, was trying to talk me into the repairs when I said that the cost of the repairs was likely more than the value of the car. The car does hold a sentimental value to me as it was the first car that I chose and bought for myself, had custom ordered and have owned and enjoyed for the last 10+ years. Financially I can afford a new car but the timing is not very good as I’m about to start on building a new home within the next few months. I need objective opinions, do I get the car fixed or do I just suck it up and buy a new car?
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Glad you asked. It was and still is a common dilemma. You hit the key points. A-emotional attachment-this cannot be calculated it’s the X factor back to that B-affordability- money won’t be the sole decider here, or even be considered a major factor. C-value-this is tricky as the X factor come into play. You can’t put a value on memories and if this Bremerton has them then your choice is pretty clear.
You’ll focus on the new house and obtain an intermediate vechile. The beemer needs work in excess of its book value but in this case “x” totally cancels out this book value crap and replaced it with emotional attachment and then writes you a blank check, but not today. In the meantime it can sit. You have to promote the house project to the top. Perhaps an opportunity for the beemer will present itself in the coming months. You have time on your side. Good luck!
Now im wondering how much a customer turbo kit is compared to the 5500 for stock replacement.
The only person on the planet who thinks your car is worth something because of sentiment is you. I’ve seen people put waaay too much money in a sentimental car. It brings exactly $0 extra in a sale, and it’s a non thinking machine whose molecules would be just as happy being a car or a tuna can, if they could be happy.
You know the minor issues and how it drives. Probably what featured oil leaks you’ve already fixed too. Could you get a car you know is in the condition your car is for 8k? You always buy new? What about a couple years old instead?How much would 30k (or more) difference change the house purchase?
Fwiw, you bought it new and got 30k more than I would say to keep a beemer. It’s already started getting Teutonic in maintenance costs so I would trend towards dumping it if reliability is high on your priority list and you don’t like surprises.
Personally, I can live with some busted stuff or leaks in a car if it means a house. (and own several cars) I can also probably better determine than you what is ok to live with vs. call a tow truck so don’t forget to take piece of mind into account.
I appreciate the feedback. Future reliability is a major concern. If I knew I could get 3 more years out of the car without an other major issues, I think I would pay the $5,500 and take care of the other items myself. Obviously it’s impossible to say. The N20 engines have a notorious timing chain issue, most have to be replaced before 100,000 miles. I’ve not had issues yet but that could be a bomb waiting to go off and another costly maintenence item waiting.
It’s not always about what the car is worth right now. There are other factors to consider as well, This article walks you through the reasoning process on whether to keep putting money into a vehicle versus biting the bullet and getting rid of it.