[BBBluey]

I'm due to leave Germany soon and headed to SoCal so I need to make a decision quick. I have a 2005 Ody that we love but considering the winter beating and Autobahn miles we've put on it (85K), I question it's future dependability so I'm not sure if we should keep it. We have two kids (10 and 7 yrs old)
Anyway, on to the deal- I'm being offered $10.5K in trade in of my Loaded Odyssey EX-L w/dvd towards this 2010 328i Wagon under the military sales program-
6 Speed, Heated Front Seats, Navigation, Park Distance Control, Premium Package, Value Package, Xenon Lights, Light burl walnut trim $35,000.

I would prefer a new Ody over this wagon but since it's not possible from over here to get an Ody with that trade in deal, I think it might be possible to get this wagon now and even steven trade it in the states for a new Ody. Think I can work it or would I be losing too much with registration taxes? Cali is 8.5% tax. Should I wait as I can score the same deal in Cali or even better?
I'm not even sure if this is a good dependable car, I know the cup holders are going to piss us off.

[jc_lbc]

Edit: I see you're already a BMW owner so much of what I wrote below you likely already know. Can't help you with the financials but the 35k price doesn't seem too out of line if the trade in you were offered was solid.

You're kinda asking the wrong folks I think... I mean, I'd trade a dozen Honda Odyssey's for a BMW without blinking an eye—even with a couple of kids. These cars are pretty much on opposite ends of the spectrum too. Yes, the BMW is a wagon with room to put the seats down and cart a lot of crap around but it's still bred to cruise the highways at 120MPH and handle very admirably doing so. I think the Honda would scare the shit out of me doing that given the knobby tires and spongy suspension. In other words, it might be comfortable but it's not exactly going to help me avoid that giant pothole or that meatnut weaving in and out of traffic at the last second.

As for reliability, we have an E46 wagon with 135k that's had a few issues over the years. The radiator got leaky and eventually had to be replaced and the windshield washer fluid system always seems to be leaking from somewhere. I think most of this was due to my GF taking it into the miserably hot Arizona desert for weeks at a time while she was finishing her masters research. Still, A BMW will likely not be as reliable as a Honda. To make up for that, the BMW warranty pretty much kicks the living shit out of the crappy 3/36 Honda warranty. And if this car is a CPO it's even better at 6/100. BMW service is typically very good as well though some dealers are better then others.

[BBBluey]

Thank you for the input. Gotta tell you though that you'd be very surprised at how well the Ody handles at high speeds. I've been driving these autobahns at 80-110 mph on cruise control and just ...well, with a big smile.
I'm still hoping for a better deal and going to see if they guy will work the numbers some more. If not, I'll just wait till I get to Cali and trade it in there for a new Ody.

[blue2fire]

You know, there is a new Odyssey coming soon. Honda says that it will be sleeker and more sporty. You really should hold out if you like your current one (and solves the Achilles heel of the current one, the 5AT). I would bet you will get much better with your trade in back home (as it is fully loaded).

[One128i]

We have a 2005 Odyssey too. Its been flawless, minus some minor issues (rattles, power steering pump) that have been covered by warranty.

You cannot beat the practicality and space of a minivan. In contrast, the 3 series wagon is TINY. If you need the space, then I suggest you wait for the new Odyssey. I am sure yours won't need major repairs in a year or so.

[Fugly M3]

here's one thing to consider for sure. wagons are not at all easily found in the US, so if you want one here you're probably going to have to look real hard to get it. that one there is really nice too at $35k and has a lot of features for that price so I assume you're getting the benefit of a diplomatic price point. I think that's a good deal, tho I'd get one with a sport pack, but I can speak for you in terms of whether that or a minivan better suits your needs.

technically, if you're wife is driving it with the kids, you'd have to wait a couple years before the oldest is 12 and can sit in the front seat according to safety recommendations re the airbag. even if the oldest is in the front seat you only have two extra seats in the back. if you would regularly fill up the Ody with kids then this is not so good, but if you don't see too many trips needing space over 5 ppl then I'd say go for it.

If you have or plan to have a dog of any real size and go on road trips, either get a rooftop packer or forget about it!

[BBBluey]

Good points. Do you think the price is good enough on this wagon which is now offered to me at 34.3K that it'll make up the difference in the 3K in registration taxes I'll pay initially and then towards trade-in? Hope that makes sense. -will I brake even considering the trade in loss towards a new Ody.
Diplomatic/Military sales are pretty good - surprised more people don't offer to buy our cars when we get stateside. I know I'd sell mine.

[Fugly M3]

wow 3k in reg fees- that's a lot, but yea I think that price is really low- that car would be near 50k here wouldn't it?

[roundle]

One thing to consider: If you buy through the diplomatic sales program, you will receive a 2 year unlimited mile warrenty (not the standard 4yr/50K). Also, free maint is not included in the diplomatic/military sales program.

Also, I have attached the latest BMW Direct Sales price list for Diplomatic/Military sales.

[Fugly M3]

oh wow, only 2 years and no free maintenance, that makes for something to consider

[BBBluey]

Incorrect on the warranty and maintenance. I'm going through military sales so it might be different. It's 2 yrs here in Europe but it's 4 yrs stateside with the free maintenance. When your 2yrs are up here, you could send it to the states and it'll still have 2 yrs of warranty left. And since I'm leaving this June...I'm good to go for the full 4.

I'm really not sure on the stateside price of this wagon. Was hoping to get more scoop on this thread. I actually have a choice between very similar wagons. This one and an Xi automatic version for pretty much the same cost. If this car is worth in the 50's then I should have no prob selling it for what I pay'd. But as mentioned, wagon's aren't very popular so...is that good or bad.

Pics of that new 11 Ody really make pretty much every other vehicle look old fashioned. - IMO.

[Fugly M3]

wagons arent popular but those that want them, want them so I think there's a market for it resale. as for price new- with the options you listed I am looking at $43,275 for a 2011 wagon, an Xi auto with the same options otherwise would definitely be at or above 45k new, if it had sport or something else probably near 47k, I think it's a good deal

[roundle]

Originally Posted by BBBluey

Incorrect on the warranty and maintenance. I'm going through military sales so it might be different. It's 2 yrs here in Europe but it's 4 yrs stateside with the free maintenance. When your 2yrs are up here, you could send it to the states and it'll still have 2 yrs of warranty left. And since I'm leaving this June...I'm good to go for the full 4.

Pics of that new 11 Ody really make pretty much every other vehicle look old fashioned. - IMO.

Hey - do you have any literature that states this? I am interested in hearing more about this policy. Per my dealer, the Diplomatic and Military sales program are exactly the same (pricing, policies, etc).

[BBBluey]

You should receive a warranty validation form - that's what you give BMW when you arrive to the states for them to load your VIN into their database.
You can call BMW NA to validate this info- you'll sleep better knowing it came from them. My dealer provided me with all this info.
Pentagon Car Sales, is another company to go through and you can inquire with them as well.

[roundle]

Originally Posted by BBBluey

You should receive a warranty validation form - that's what you give BMW when you arrive to the states for them to load your VIN into their database.
You can call BMW NA to validate this info- you'll sleep better knowing it came from them. My dealer provided me with all this info.
Pentagon Car Sales, is another company to go through and you can inquire with them as well.

BBBLuey - you were right about this.

I called my dealer in Den Haag, asked him to confirm with the head office. Sure enough, the 4yr/50K will apply if we move back to the US. Also, we will have the option to certify, extend the warranty.

Cheers,