[Massman]

Been watching cpo i3 prices since Jan and they actually look like they have crept up. My dilemma now is having to choose between a 2015 cpo for $17-18K with a few options vs brand new for about 25 or $26K (after all the rebate) with no options but longer range. Which is the better value?

[afadeev]

Originally Posted by Massman

Been watching cpo i3 prices since Jan and they actually look like they have crept up. My dilemma now is having to choose between a 2015 cpo for $17-18K with a few options vs brand new for about 25 or $26K (after all the rebate) with no options but longer range. Which is the better value?

Up to you.
We are a bunch of strangers on the internet, who know nothing about your needs, budget constraints, or priorities in life.

I would not buy either (only lease), but that's what makes sense to me.

Buy the most fun you can afford!

[rolltidef32]

For a purchase that cheap, you don't need financial advice from strangers on an BMW forum who regularly purchase or lease cars in the $50K + range.

Most of us either buy or lease new, because we can afford to drive the car we want. A deal to some of us may not mean the same to you and your situation.

The options you detail here are at the level of play money and you mentioned a no option model which for many of us is a non-starter.

Get what you can afford or please choose another car.

[Massman]

I am new here and I'd rather not get into one of those non-verifiable arguments over who has the bigger swinging appendage which I have seen time and time again all over the internet. I was hoping to find fellow value hunters whose thrill is shouting at the top of their lungs I got this for only this $X much!

[rolltidef32]

Originally Posted by Massman

I am new here and I'd rather not get into one of those non-verifiable arguments over who has the bigger swinging appendage which I have seen time and time again all over the internet. I was hoping to find fellow value hunters whose thrill is shouting at the top of their lungs I got this for only this $X much!

Understand that, but it's not a pissing contest at all. However, there isn't a value proposition found in luxury cars at all on any level.

The value is in buying a Nissan Leaf or maybe a Bolt if buying new. BMW i3 or any BMW for that matter is ostensibly a pissing contest because it is a social image car built for auto enthusiasts with money. This isn't for the working class or struggling middle income driver in any way. The company markets the i3 to individuals who earn at least $120K annually; this is in their corporate marketing strategy materials.

Further, the very nature of what you propose to do is a bit of an insult to those who buy or lease these cars new.

We don't care about what "value" you find on the second hand market. That in no way is helpful to us, so why would you expect some sort of help from us?

Like I said, $20K something is play money, so either just do it, or buy the Leaf.

[reductase]

For $9k difference you're getting a new car and at least 2 years extra warranty. I love my 2014 but the extra battery range and fast charging capability would be worth more to me than anything on the 2015 Tera model.

[Massman]

Originally Posted by reductase

For $9k difference you're getting a new car and at least 2 years extra warranty. I love my 2014 but the extra battery range and fast charging capability would be worth more to me than anything on the 2015 Tera model.

Thank you, this is very helpful especially coming from someone that has been there.

edit: Oh forgot to add, FYI if you are in to this sort of thing - HR lowering springs and Bilstein shocks are available to turn your i3 into a diy facsimile of an S. Haven't heard from anyone that's done this so not
sure how this turns out...

[VacMan1]

You best play is to lease one. Their value is plummeting, and with a new crop of EV's from virtually every major player hitting in the next 18-24 months the values of i3's are going to drop even more quickly. In 2 years the i3 will have the worst range/$ ratio of any EV.

By leasing you're protecting yourself from that depreciation hit. Go to leashackr.com, do your homework (or find a broker) and you'll be far better off in the long run.

[Massman]

Yes, the ix3, the rumored bigger battery again for the i3- all contributed to my current angst. I haven't seen crazy lease deals in a while on the i3- not in any hurry though.

[VacMan1]

Originally Posted by Massman

Yes, the ix3, the rumored bigger battery again for the i3- all contributed to my current angst. I haven't seen crazy lease deals in a while on the i3- not in any hurry though.

No i3 in its current iteration will be able to hold a candle to any of the next-gen EV's coming.

[jmg]

Lease EVs.. the technology is changing too fast and the i3 and i3s is already slightly behind the competition. Get it because you love the i3 driving experience. If you want range and value, the i3 is not the way to go, and definitely NOT an EV to buy. Personally, I find the i3 the most enjoyable EV to drive and sit in under $50k.

[ORIGIN M.]

In general you only want to lease an electric car unless you want the car to own you.

Until the day they're mainstream.

[filterdecay]

I did a bit of calculation. Most leases will be 15k over 3 years. A used 2015 bev with max options under 10k miles is 18k. I think its worth the extra 3k to outright own the vehicle and if you get even 1 more year out of it you win.

[VacMan1]

Does your calculation include the $7500 federal credit and the $2950 you get from CA and the utilities? Your numbers are nowhere near mine. My lease is $286 for a REX.

Also, don't forget a lease comes with free Chargepoint for the first two years.

[nh7922]

Originally Posted by Massman

Been watching cpo i3 prices since Jan and they actually look like they have crept up. My dilemma now is having to choose between a 2015 cpo for $17-18K with a few options vs brand new for about 25 or $26K (after all the rebate) with no options but longer range. Which is the better value?

I just purchased a 2015 cpo, previously having leased a new rex. I also looked at leasing a new 2018. While the helpful trolls are right that we don't know your personal financial situation, the 2015 will cost less to drive over a 3-4 year period. For me without CA rebates, a lot less to drive. If your daily needs are within the more limited battery range, go for the used. Also, my insurance rates are $200-300 per year lower with the 2015 vs. getting a new 2018.

[WarrENDeatH]

I have yet to see a lease that doesn't cost an arm and a foot. Every lease I'm sent is mid to high 500s.

[WarrENDeatH]

Originally Posted by rolltidef32

For a car with proper options, you're right.

I don't understand people on here wanting to get into a BMW for $250 per month. That's Civic territory. Heck,$500 is pretty cheap for a car that MSRPs for $55K or so.

These cars are not for everybody; that's why we have Nissan and Chevrolet.

If you can afford luxury, then you can afford luxury. When you can't, more education, training, and a better job should be your focus before buying BMWs.

I wouldn't disagree.

I wanted to add more to my original post, but that being said, I think at this time, a CPO is just a better deal.

I'm ever so leaning towards a new i3s but a loaded 2015-16 model with low miles can easily be obtained for mid 20s. That's insane.

[rolltidef32]

Originally Posted by WarrENDeatH

I wouldn't disagree.

I wanted to add more to my original post, but that being said, I think at this time, a CPO is just a better deal.

I'm ever so leaning towards a new i3s but a loaded 2015-16 model with low miles can easily be obtained for mid 20s. That's insane.

They're cheap due to the low range of the battery. The i3s is already barely serviceable from a range standpoint, but when the new bigger battery comes to market, the 2018 value will drop as well.

However, these are city cars, not highway cruisers and are technological marvels of engineering made of carbon fiber. The cost new, minus the fed discount is priced where I'd expect.

If you want the "deal" get the Bolt or Leaf and never mind the coveted Roundel badge.

[Mirrari]

Originally Posted by rolltidef32

They're cheap due to the low range of the battery. The i3s is already barely serviceable from a range standpoint, but when the new bigger battery comes to market, the 2018 value will drop as well.

However, these are city cars, not highway cruisers and are technological marvels of engineering made of carbon fiber. The cost new, minus the fed discount is priced where I'd expect.

If you want the "deal" get the Bolt or Leaf and never mind the coveted Roundel badge.

There are some pretty substantial discounts to be had that push the price in line with the competition. With all the rebates, tax credits, price matches, and discounts, my new 2018 i3 was 21k "off" the 53k sticker price.

I considered a used one as well, but the range wasn't enough to do my weekend shopping etc and get to work (for free lv 2 charging) without some anxiety. 2018 gets me there with 20ish miles to spare. Oh and this thing does just fine on the highway, though with California traffic it often might as well be city driving. It looks like my only planned expenses will be new tires every year or two. Nothing wrong being price and expense conscious in my view

[VacMan1]

Originally Posted by WarrENDeatH

I have yet to see a lease that doesn't cost an arm and a foot. Every lease I'm sent is mid to high 500s.

You need to learn how to negotiate a lease. Try Leasehackr.com. Here's a thread showing a situation similar to yours: https://forum.leasehackr.com/t/2018-...lease/39606/33

Originally Posted by rolltidef32

I don't understand people on here wanting to get into a BMW for $250 per month. That's Civic territory. Heck,$500 is pretty cheap for a car that MSRPs for $55K or so.

These cars are not for everybody; that's why we have Nissan and Chevrolet.

If you can afford luxury, then you can afford luxury. When you can't, more education, training, and a better job should be your focus before buying BMWs.

What an ignorant post. First off, an i3 is hardly a luxury car. Secondly, the fact that one can afford a higher payment does not correlate with the need to pay more. The suggestion that one should pay more for luxury is said by someone who doesn't understand building wealth.

I already posted that my lease payment is $286 on a '17 REX with harmon kardon. 10 seconds of googling will reveal tons of deals sub-300 with a few tweaks. There was even one recent deal for $54/month.

[jmg]

Originally Posted by WarrENDeatH

I have yet to see a lease that doesn't cost an arm and a foot. Every lease I'm sent is mid to high 500s.

Right now is not a good time to lease an i3. It's a new MY18 and dealers are banking on the demand. That being said, this is a $50k car. $500 is not that bad. Like another poster said this ain't no Honda Civic.

Wait a bit. When demand dies down a bit the dealers will be willing to discount. My current lease is less than $200/mo including tax on a REx Giga World with Adaptive Cruise. The deals are possible.

[jmg]

Originally Posted by VacMan1

First off, an i3 is hardly a luxury car.

Actually.. it is. Sure, it doesn't have automatic seats that massage you, but at $50k+, it's a luxury car. Have you sat in a Bolt or Leaf? Sitting in our i3 is a much more pleasant experience. Luxury isn't just about soft leather and champagne glass holders. It's about providing extra non-essential features at an added expense. This INCLUDES the artificial luxury of branding. The carbon fiber frame, the eucalyptus wood, the iDrive, etc.