Should I get a BMW?

I researched many cars and I'll most likely get a 2001 2004 bmw 325, 328, or 330. I want unmatched performance paired with luxury. I'll be wanting to use up under $20k. Are these cars considered dependable, and how do their maintenance costs compare to that of lexus es300's, nissan maxima's or acura 3.2's? I don't make a ton of money and am 23 but I'm a big car fan.

BMW's are not cheap, when used. If you want unmatched performance, then you're looking at the 330ci. Under $20k for a decent form used one will be some a challenge you may must be patient and wait.

BMW's are usually dependable, but regular maintenance will cost you three to four times more than a Lexus or Acura. Parts and labour is costly.

If performance & luxury are the combo you need, then you only have so many choices: its either a A4, three series, 350z, TSX .

It's a comparatively short list of performance/luxury.

The TSX could be the most dependable and cheapest to preserve . but it also is a front wheel drive, but performance is pretty good still.

If luxury is not all that important to you and money is still hard earned as opposed to being hereditary I could recommend a car more proper for your "stage of life". A used WRX wagon will be nearly as fast as a 330ci, but you will get better gas mileage, cheaper repairs, all wheel drive and more functionality.

Being 23, do you really need the luxury or prestege? would not better utility and function and "fun" be more important? The last thing you need is to have to worry about your car all the time.

Good luck.

BMW's are the best looking cars.

I do not know anything about cars but hey, if you got the money then why not. :

NO, all BMW you may be able to pick up for really cheap after they're about two years old. they're costly to fix and cheap to purchase used. There resale value is awful and unless they're two year or new they suck as a cheap car.

Can you pay for the insurance?
You gotta think about that, also as taking the burden off anybody who may have to come to your rescue.
Personally I live for pickups. But then again I am a country boy.
But part of growing up and showing that your accountable enough to pick and decide your car is what can I pay for. What about maint ect. Is it a gas gulper?
If you are like lots of young people today then you most likely have taken auto shop.
Then chicks may dig it but they also dig a man with enough bucks to purchase them some little gift that says I thinked of you.

Go for the Acura or Lexus. BMW by a longshot will be the most costly to service and maintain, I used to work on them. Im 23 as well, just got into the car market and nearly baught an M3. I decided against it, bought a used TSX six speed and love it. To date I have only paid for oil changes, and had zero problems with it.

noo, get a mercedes much better reliablity and better performance. ya dig

well bmw and lexus are luxury but I could get a lexus they are lots more priceless to me

Resale will be higher in a BMW, the dealership hourly rate at a BMW dealer will be cheaper than an Acura or Lexus. I have had seveal BMWs now, and six out of seven went over 250000 miles. My track car went untouched up to 235000, then a rebuild and another 80000 HARD miles on the track. I have heard of some guys on the net to get 400k 500k on a car they took care of. correct maintainance is key. as with any car The motors in the three series are all the straight sixes. The six was around forever and rarely because any problems. I really favor BMWs sixes to the V8 or V12. Its creamy smooth, dependable, and powerful. just, I personally will never drive anything else..too bad they do not make a full size pickup.

yes. 328 or 330. if not abuse it, maintenance should be no problem. good luck.

BMW three series are pretty dependable for German luxury cars.
However, they're no where near as dependable as a Toyota or Honda. The Acuras do have some problem regions, like brakes, but the Lexus ES is bulletproof. do not know enough about the Maxima to speak to dependability.

I've owned four different three series since the early 1990s, and they're great cars.
However, fix costs are expensive. Your best bet is to get a Certified Pre owned BMW with the warranty. These cars have been inspected by BMW and the warranty is crucial for a used BMW. Costs are head and shoulders above the Maxima and Acura, head above the Lexus of course, it'll also probably break more frequently than the Lexus .

Other costs you have to think about are insurance and tires. based on what kind of tires come on the car, you'll eat through them rather quickly and they're expensive to replace with performance tires required to get the handling the car offers.
Lastly, if you're an fan, you can not be looking at a Lexus ES. that's the anti fans car. The Maxima is FWD, a big no no for true drivers. Ditto for the Acura.

Buy one only if you may be able to pay for the maintenance particularly when you're considering purchasing an older car. Maintenance on BMWs is costly. Mine is sucking all the money out of my wallet.

with BMW you're only paying for a name, if you want luxury and performance but also dependability, durability, and most important affordability, go with Acura or Lexus

I've had three BMWs still have one and NOTHING else has ever come close to touching these cars. You generally take a chance purchasing a machine but your odds are good with a BMW, DO IT.