Morning OzBargain People
My mum has a 2018 BMW 320i M-Sport that she had since new.
It's only at around 30,000kms. It's out of warranty but have had a few annoying issues that have been a pain such as a stuck fuel door ($500 fix), emergency SOS feature out of battery ($500 fix), alternator replacement, etc.
She really doesnt want to sell the BMW but with how exxy repairs are, I'm trying to convince her to sell it for around 30k and purchase something like a Mazda CX30, Toyota Corolla Cross, Skoda Kamiq or VW T-Roc (SUV for her leg issues + all of these have powered tailgate).
She is adamant that she wan't to keep the BMW but I'm worried that she'll end up spending more money over the next few years.
The BMW doesn't even have CarPlay… If anything tech sucks in that car.
UPDATE 1:
Here's my other thoughts.
She drives about 4,000kms a year.
She pays over $2000 in insurance and $500 in servicing per year.
She complaing about getting in and out of the car bacause it's too low for her and she has bad legs/back.
She doesn't like how there is no CarPlay.
She likes that she drives a BMW for the brand.
By swapping to a nice Mazda CX30 or VW T-Roc, she would be paying capped price servicing at around $300 per year and only $700-800 for comprehensive (double checked with a quote)
That's a saving of over $1500 per year. Own the car for 5 years and the difference in selling the BMW and "upgrading" or sidegrading to something more modern has better outcomes.
Things will be covered under warranty for the next 5 years. Servicing will be cheaper. Insurance will be cheaper. She will get CarPlay. She will have a higher car that is easier to get into and out for her poor legs/back and she won't need to groan in pain getting in and out.
For those that think I'm a bad son for telling her to do something that she is hesitant about, I disagree. I'm looking at the outcome of the next few 5-10 years and where her health might be by then. Getting into a newer car that is more hassle free, easier to get into and has more features is way more of a win than her keeping her BMW cause she likes that it is a BMW.
UPDATE 2:
BMW quoted $400/hr in diagnostics. Rego/CTP is due in a few weeks.
We went looking at cars and she was very impressed at the Mazda CX30.
Smooth and easy to drive.
She loves the look, the ease of getting in, the colour and the features that the BMW didnt have.
She doesn't miss anything about BMW apart from the brand. She was sad because her dream was to have a luxury car one day but she's had a think about it and realised that by swapping to another car, she'll have way more benefits in terms of health and practicality.
Mazda is $39K and negotiated a few grand off it.
BMW was valued at 21K. Managed to play hard ball and negotiate to $30K.
I paid the deposit as it's her birthday soon.
All up, a few grand in change-over.
The BMW was up for CTP + Rego. The new Comprehensive insurance is $1000 cheaper. All of these savings almost pays off the difference for a new car.
Both of us are very happy!
Sell and buy a Toyota, Honda, Suzuki or Mitsubishi…. heck even Hyundai and Kia are worthwhile and reliable options these days.
The above is pretty much common knowledge at this point.
I would have off-loaded it after the fuel-flap door cost alone. lol
If your Mum wants to keep her car chugging along, despite the expense, leave her be. I doubt you'll change her mind, she'll probably learn the hard way. Unless money is just funny to her…