Is it worth buying a used BMW?

If you’re considering purchasing a used luxury car, then a used BMW could fit the bill. With many different models available, all with their own distinct luxuries and premium stylings, it’s easy to see why many people are drawn to the German manufacturer.

BMW remains one of the leading car manufacturers in the UK, with more than 115,0500 units sold in 2020 alone. The volume of new BMWs on the roads means that high quality used stock is continually entering the used car market, enabling savvy motorists to benefit from a luxury vehicle at a more affordable price. And with so much choice available, you will likely be able to find the perfect used BMW that matches your wants and your needs.

At Dace Motor Group, we have various used BMWs available for sale across our four locations in Manchester and Stockport. With new stock arriving each week, we are confident that we can find the right car for you. And if we don’t have what you’re looking for readily available, we can use our network of contacts to find a used BMW, especially for you.

Before you start browsing our range of used BMWs available, here are a few things that you should consider that will confirm if it’s worth buying a used BMW.

Is it worth buying a used BMW… if I need to consider depreciation?

When you buy a car (either new or used), it’s always important to consider how much that make and model could be impacted by depreciation.

Unfortunately, depreciation has increased in the UK because the government aimed to end the sale of petrol and diesel cars by 2030. The upcoming switch to electric cars has accelerated depreciation because consumers know that the UK government is aiming for most drivers to be driving electric vehicles in just nine years.

However, when it comes to used cars – depreciation could potentially be a good thing. Typically, cars will lose most of their initial value within the first three years of purchase. Therefore, if you are considering a used vehicle over three years old, you can expect to find a competitively priced second-hand BMW. We know that many brand-new BMWs are bought on leasing agreements which typically last three years – at this point, the owners are likely to trade in their car for a newer model. This means that there is always a good stream of three-year-old BMWs entering the used car market.

In terms of depreciation, luxury brands may lose more value than mainstream car brands. This is because of the higher initial purchase price when bought brand-new. Larger cars may suffer from more significant drops in value compared to smaller, compact city cars. This could be because there is a larger market for small cars, and therefore, the impact of supply and demand can be a factor within prices.

Looking at the BMW range, What Car magazine recently published an article looking at the fastest-depreciating cars in 2021. It suggests that a BMW 2 Series convertible (OTR price £45k) may only retain 33.2% of its initial value in its first three years. It also states that a BMW 2 Series Active Tourer will only retain 32.9% of its value. For used car audiences, this is beneficial because it means that you can choose to invest in a luxury used BMW at a far more affordable price. After all, the initial drop in value has already taken place.

We promise that our range of used BMWs is the most competitively priced in Manchester and Stockport. We undertake daily checks to confirm our prices, and we even have our own price promise! If you find a like-for-like used BMW for sale at any other professional car dealer, we will honour that price. To find out more about our pricing, please chat with our sales team.

Is it worth buying a used BMW… if I have to factor in ownership costs?

Although the initial purchase price of a used BMW may be considerably lower than a brand-new model, there are still high ownership costs to consider.

For a start, luxury brands lead to high insurance costs. If it’s a large vehicle, then you may have to factor in expensive car tax payments. And that’s before we look at the everyday running costs – for example, higher fuel bills, premium oil costs, high-end replacement tyres etc. You will likely find that parts will inevitably be far more expensive than cheaper car manufacturers when it comes to servicing.

Ultimately, premium cars come with a responsibility. Those who are purchasing a luxury second-hand BMW are doing so because they want to benefit from the status of owning a high-end vehicle. They want to benefit from innovative engineering and exceptional performance. And you will only get the most out of your used BMW if you carefully fit it with the right products. BMW drivers know that their cars won’t give them the same performance if they choose to fit cheap tyres, so you may need to consider higher running costs into your decision-making criteria.  

Is it worth buying a used BMW… if there are issues with servicing or repairs?

BMWs are expensive cars because they have premium engineering and technical innovations. German manufacturers are continually leading the way with new designs and advances within the engines themselves and the internal infotainment systems. However, sometimes, these complex systems can be difficult to maintain and repair. You may find that your trusted local servicing team cannot handle the repairs for your used BMW, and you need to take it to a dedicated BMW garage with specially-trained technicians. This could increase your servicing bills.

Drivers choose premium brands because they expect exceptional, long-lasting engine performance. While BMWs have an excellent reputation for reliability, safety and roadworthiness, there may be instances where you require roadside assistance. If your vehicle has complex technology, is it possible for a roadside fix? Rather than relying on third-party national providers, you may need to invest in the BMW Roadside assistance plan. As with general servicing and repairs, this could be considerably more expensive.

Do we think it’s worth buying a used BMW?

Ultimately, your decision to purchase a used BMW will depend on your budget and your lifestyle.

Choosing a second-hand car is about finding the right vehicle that meets your needs.

If you need something that will make commuting enjoyable and big enough for the whole family, you could consider a pre-owned 3 series saloon. On the other hand, if you’re looking for something sleek, sexy, and stylish, then you may wish to research BMW’s range of Coupés, convertibles, and roadsters.   

With many different models available, you’ll be able to choose the right option for you. At Dace Motor Group, our sales team excel in talking to our customers and finding out precisely what you need. We’ll ask you about your driving habits, how much legroom you need, and how much boot space you’re looking for. We can then use our in-depth knowledge of the BMW range to suggest the perfect used car for you.

BMWs are excellent cars. They look great, feel exciting to drive, are comfortable and luxurious, and offer excellent technical innovations. But it is only worth buying a used BMW if it ticks every single box for you. When you’re buying a second-hand car, you need to feel comfortable that you can afford it and that you won’t be looking for a replacement within a year.

If you believe that it is worth buying a used BMW, then please come and visit one of our four showrooms: Greg Street in Reddish, Buxton Road in Stockport, Manchester Road in Stockport, and Liverpool Road in Eccles. We have a large selection of used BMWs available in stock. We can answer any questions that you may have, and we can even set up a test drive there and then!

We promise to do whatever it takes to make your purchase of a second-hand car as easy and relaxing as possible.

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