Grand Starex against a D-max+E90 320i

[GTi]

Syempre naman napakalayo ng 320i sa i30. Similarities between the two are only skin deep. It is unarguable that BMW makes some of the best handling cars available in the market. Personally I also prefer the looks of the E46 over the E90 pero apparently the TS doesn't like it. The TS's main priority in getting the 320i is comfort. Pero parang hindi gaano tutugma since compact sedan yan. The E39 would most likely fit the bill much better. If he is contemplating a 320i, then I believe he is ready for the high maintenance costs of a BMW, so siguro wala rin problema ang maintenance ng E39. I have a relative who lives in Poland and she drives a 1996 E39 525d. Napakatibay talaga.

[renzo_d10]

If you need to have more than one car and your wife wants a GS, might I suggest you get a 2nd hand GS and another car.

Personally kasi, hindi ko ganon ka-type ang mga European compacts. Its a given of course that you have the image, the upscale feel and performance of a European car and all that. Pero underneath all that, it is still a compact sedan which is like the Corolla's and Civic's of the Europeans. Kung sabihing exclusivity, hindi rin kasi marami na din ang E90 dito. IMHO kung European car ang pinag-uusapan, 5 series na. A 2003 E39 would be nice.

You just don't like it, period. That's why you can't appreciate the E90 because you don't like it. You like/favor Hyundais, Accords, Escapes.. which is obvious since you recommend it as an alternative to everyone asking about vehicles. :lol:

The E90 is no Civic or Corolla-like, you don't see one every corner. It's still an exclusive compact sedan, call it nonexclusive when it's already a Vios-like european car. Truth is, I see more E46s than E90s.

True, the 5-series BMW is a notch higher than the 3-series. But then, it's a notch higher too when it comes to maintenance fees.

I've already been in a 320D E90, and trust me, there's still that wow factor whenever I pull over wherever. BMW, e'. Silver pa yun ha, what more when the color is absolutely stunning such as as black, grey etc.

IMAGE. IMAGE is all we need. All we're after. All we're protecting. That's why we buy cars even if our old ones still run perfectly. That's why some people favor buying nice cars first before buying nice houses. Kasi, parati ka makikita sa kotse mo. Eh bahay mo sino makakakita? Pwedeng iilang piling tao, pwedeng wala totally. But cars? Nakikita parati.

[GTi]

You just don't like it, period. That's why you can't appreciate the E90 because you don't like it. You like/favor Hyundais, Accords, Escapes.. which is obvious since you recommend it as an alternative to everyone asking about vehicles. :lol:

The E90 is no Civic or Corolla-like, you don't see one every corner. It's still an exclusive compact sedan, call it nonexclusive when it's already a Vios-like european car. Truth is, I see more E46s than E90s.

True, the 5-series BMW is a notch higher than the 3-series. But then, it's a notch higher too when it comes to maintenance fees.

I've already been in a 320D E90, and trust me, there's still that wow factor whenever I pull over wherever. BMW, e'. Silver pa yun ha, what more when the color is absolutely stunning such as as black, grey etc.

IMAGE. IMAGE is all we need. All we're after. All we're protecting. That's why we buy cars even if our old ones still run perfectly. That's why some people favor buying nice cars first before buying nice houses. Kasi, parati ka makikita sa kotse mo. Eh bahay mo sino makakakita? Pwedeng iilang piling tao, pwedeng wala totally. But cars? Nakikita parati.

Hahaha~ Hindi ko nga talaga ganon ka type ang design ng E90. But if you have been reading my previous posts you see that I do know the strong points of this car and why it would be worth buying for some people. I just said it doesn't seem to fit the TS's needs and preferences and I just suggest what, in my opinion, would fit the TS's needs and wants more.

I meant that the E90 is like a Civic and Corolla to the Europeans. For them, its just an ordinary daily commuter car compact sedan, the same as a Civic or Corolla. I don't know about others but I see E90's on a regular basis and I don't find it to scream exclusivity anymore. Personally I find the A4 and C-Class to command more respect than this one.

The TS has already suggested a BMW. Which, I assume, would mean that he is ready for the maintenance expenses of the car. So I believe the maintenance costs of an E39 5 series wouldn't be a problem?

[Starex_Gold]

I meant that the E90 is like a Civic and Corolla to the Europeans.

The TS has already suggested a BMW. Which, I assume, would mean that he is ready for the maintenance expenses of the car. So I believe the maintenance costs of an E39 5 series wouldn't be a problem?

Sorry, but we're not in Europe.

Andito tayo sa Pinas.

Kahit 116i pa BMW mo, BMW parin yan.

Sasabihin, uy may pambili. Naka BMW. Mayaman yan.

Tsaka bakit puro E39? Ang ka-presyo ng used E90 ngayon yung mga E60 na 5 series na. Syempre hindi M5 kasi nasa 4M parin ang M5 ngayon.

[Walter]

BMW E39, now that's a timeless design. One of the best BMWs. Maintenance wise it would be at par with an E46 since the engines are similar, i.e., 325i & 525i.

[GTi]

Sorry, but we're not in Europe.

Andito tayo sa Pinas.

Kahit 116i pa BMW mo, BMW parin yan.

Sasabihin, uy may pambili. Naka BMW. Mayaman yan.

Tsaka bakit puro E39? Ang ka-presyo ng used E90 ngayon yung mga E60 na 5 series na. Syempre hindi M5 kasi nasa 4M parin ang M5 ngayon.

Yeah, but you forget the TS wants the car for comfort and apparently the maintenance is not a problem for him. And so the 5 Series fits the bill. Bakit E39? I'd say simply because the E39 looks good. The E60, not so much.

[Starex_Gold]

Comfort pala eh.

Mercedes Benz na yan.

Or buy a BMW 7-series. Kahit E38 lang. First love ko yun sa BMW.

Sa totoo lang yung E39 masikip.

Yeah the E39 looks good. Pero masikip nga.

Andyan ulit tayo na ayaw mo yung E60, like the E90. You simply don't like the car. It doesn't mean na mas okay ang E39 sa E60.

[renzo_d10]

Yeah, but you forget the TS wants the car for comfort and apparently the maintenance is not a problem for him. And so the 5 Series fits the bill. Bakit E39? I'd say simply because the E39 looks good. The E60, not so much.

Pano naman kung mas maganda sa TS yung E60 diba.

Maybe you could like... tell the pros & cons (looks aside) of both E60 & E39 para the TS could consider both.

Mukha naman maalam ka sa mga technical specifications, eh. ;)

[GTi]

Thoroughly backread naman kasi muna mga bro. As the E39's successor, the E60 is expected to be better than the E39. But it just really does not look the part. At least opinion ko yan. At kung para sayo masikip ang E39 eh ang E90 pa kaya. I first suggested the Accord because it is comfortable and has lots of space. Hindi rin naman nagkukulang sa image.

Agree with the MB though.

[SiRbossR]

Basta agree talaga ako kay SG at Renzo.

[jut703]

On the topic of image and midsize V6 Jap car vs. compact I4/I6 Euro car, my opinion has changed a lot over the course of a few years.

Dati, pinipilit kong paniwalaan sa sarili ko na between a V6 Camry/Accord vs a 318i or C180 Kompressor, dun ako sa Camry/Accord. Mas madaming features eh. Mas malaki makina, mas malakas sa rektahan. Mas komportable kasi mas malambot ang suspension at mas maluwag. I tried to look at the car, not the badge. Mahilig din ako sa paper specs noon (well hanggang ngayon naman I try to keep myself up-to-date), and objectively speaking these Jap cars offered more bang-for-your-buck.

But eventually, narealize ko that you can never discount the badge. You can never dismiss the "image" that's associated with your car. Akala ko dati superficial lang yung mga tumitingin sa "dating" ng kotse. Pero hindi, in general, our society really thinks higher of Euro car owners than your regular Jap/Korean vehicle. Ngayon aminado ako na when looking at a car, kasali yung image sa considerations ko. It is as valid a criterion as comfort, speed, features and fuel efficiency. Like all other criteria though, it's still quite silly for me to base a purchase on just image alone (kaya ayoko pa rin ng 316i).

There's no point in coercing yourself to be partial to a particular car because "logic" dictates this and that. Some choices are really influenced by the heart.

In the end, the question to ask is simply, "are you happy with your car?" :drive1:

[GTi]

Comparing a Jap executive midsize sedan to a Euro compact or midsize sedan is like comparing apples to oranges. Each one has its strong points. And in the end it will all boil down to the buyer's preferences. Some would want image above everything else. Others yet value ride comfort and performance with practicality. So which one is the TS exactly?

If I may, some other Euro suggestions I'd give is the Audi A6 and Volvo S60. Both are really good cars, the design is timeless, and resale value isn't as sky high as BMW's and Merc's. IMHO, the image these cars exude is more of a matured, sensible and successful sort as compared to the more youthful and flamboyant image exuded by a small BMW. And it doesn't take much thinking to know the former demands more real respect.

[renzo_d10]

Ok yung Volvo in terms of comfort, power and everything else. Rode an S80 before then recently a new XC90, sarap. Pero ewan ko lang Parts kung alin mas available

[confused shoes]

Nice to read your suggestions, they keep me awake again at to this time. Now I'm back to :seesaw: status

Here comes the E39 suggestion. I may get this horse instead of the smaller E90. If I will buy now, the E39 price is even lower than the E90 but when I consulted my finance manager, she prefer the younger as expected. If we arrive at a final decision between my two options (GS or D-max+E), if I may ask your help again. E39 or E90..

By the way, my definition of comfortable ride may not be as good as sitting at the backseat of a big luxury but at least I can sleep when wifey is on the wheel. Reduced bumps and noise from the tire struggling our usual road cracks, . .

As for the MB, Audi and the Volvo? It's just me okay, I think I feel younger in the BMW and boss I can't get a go signal. Our course, the Camry and the Accord, but you guys have a good reasoning about "image". I can't recall who quoted in another thread, 'mahihiya ang makakatabing civic'. Nabasa ko lang po yan, di ako may sabi.:dog:

For the pre-owned GS suggestion, considering that the car may just make 8K Km a year, I think it's wise but I can't really get some trust of the used GS dealers and its hard to find a direct seller unlike BMW. Any suggestion how to get a good pre-owed GS?

And did you know that in China, they call BMW "Bao Ma"? Mr. Google translated it as "precious horse".

[Starex_Gold]

Both are really good cars, the design is timeless, and resale value isn't as sky high as BMW's and Merc's.

Hindi naman ka-taasan ang resale value ng BMW.

Sumisipat ako ng E46 325i M Sport o E90 320d eh. Ang mataas resale value Benz talaga.

[jut703]

Hindi naman ka-taasan ang resale value ng BMW.

Sumisipat ako ng E46 325i M Sport o E90 320d eh. Ang mataas resale value Benz talaga.

Chedeng eh

(Di ko pa rin alam ibig sabihin nun haha)

[Walter]

If I may, some other Euro suggestions I'd give is the Audi A6 and Volvo S60. Both are really good cars, the design is timeless, and resale value isn't as sky high as BMW's and Merc's. IMHO, the image these cars exude is more of a matured, sensible and successful sort as compared to the more youthful and flamboyant image exuded by a small BMW. And it doesn't take much thinking to know the former demands more real respect.

Resale value of Audi and Volvo are low because parts are much harder to find compared to BMW and MB.

[GTi]

Nice to read your suggestions, they keep me awake again at to this time. Now I'm back to :seesaw: status

Here comes the E39 suggestion. I may get this horse instead of the smaller E90. If I will buy now, the E39 price is even lower than the E90 but when I consulted my finance manager, she prefer the younger as expected. If we arrive at a final decision between my two options (GS or D-max+E), if I may ask your help again. E39 or E90..

By the way, my definition of comfortable ride may not be as good as sitting at the backseat of a big luxury but at least I can sleep when wifey is on the wheel. Reduced bumps and noise from the tire struggling our usual road cracks, . .

As for the MB, Audi and the Volvo? It's just me okay, I think I feel younger in the BMW and boss I can't get a go signal. Our course, the Camry and the Accord, but you guys have a good reasoning about "image". I can't recall who quoted in another thread, 'mahihiya ang makakatabing civic'. Nabasa ko lang po yan, di ako may sabi.:dog:

For the pre-owned GS suggestion, considering that the car may just make 8K Km a year, I think it's wise but I can't really get some trust of the used GS dealers and its hard to find a direct seller unlike BMW. Any suggestion how to get a good pre-owed GS?

And did you know that in China, they call BMW "Bao Ma"? Mr. Google translated it as "precious horse".

Kung maghahanap ka ng magandang 2nd hand na binebenta ng owner mismo, I suggest you check out the online ads first. Hanapin yung mga may pictures seemingly taken sa bahay nila. Then check if it is the only ad under the seller's profile. If it is, then we are 99% sure that it is the owner selling. Like this one for example: Sulit ID 5350692

With the Audi and Volvo kasi, you can get newer units as compared to the BMW's, with a similar budget. As for parts, since both have local casas, and with this sort of car you will most likely service it in the casa, I would not fret about scarcity of parts.

If you really like the E39, I suggest you get the newest unit you can get, and with the lowest mileage. Now this is one car that would not look old even tens of years from now. Here's one good example: Sulit ID 5330677

[Walter]

^^^ There are more independent shops servicing MBs and BMWs compared to Audi and Volvo. Having these cars serviced at dealer will be costly so you might as well buy a later model MB or BMW even if it's more expensive.

[Harangody]

Make sure na kaya mo yung maintenance.

Mahal na ang BMW, pero ang Audi naman minsan umaabot ng x5 yung price. Kaya big time talaga si SG.