[Ursan]

Originally Posted by tracer bullet

There's a half dozen or so in the $8k's, more below $10k. If this is a struggle, first I hear you, second you might reconsider things because if you have a needed repair anytime soon it might sink you.

The problem for some of the cars I'm finding is the distance. I'm okay up to a couple of hundred miles, but beyond that takes stratigery.

And to your second point, I"m basing 8-10k on the higher end of what's available. I'll go more for exceptional samples.

Generally speaking a well-maintained car is best, followed closely (or perhaps in the reverse order even) by low miles. I wouldn't worry much about the age if the older car wins the above categories. (104 and 114 k miles is sorta equivalent though).

True. My biggest concern is maintenance. I know I can be somewhat fastidious with my cars. (my current DD is 26 years old and knocking on 300k) I take the time each spring to make sure everything is mechanically sound. Appearance is another issue as 26-year-old paint is rough in New England winters. But everything works. Even the sunroof (which I never use) The only thing that doesn't work well is the passenger side mirror which lost it's in-out gear. Only has up-down.

I wouldn't worry much about the headlights either. Xenon is nice but I'd say things like the M-Sport package or other things might be more important. For me at least. You are you and will have to decide what your needs are.

It's a preference thing, I know. If I find one with M-Sport then I'll go for that. But I've yet to see one (at any price) available near me. Thing is, I got used to xenon lamps since I retrofit them to my current DD and I really don't want to look back. But that's not to say I'll refuse a car that doesn't have it. The only absolute requirement I have is an automatic transmission.

One thing too, and I could be wrong, but I'd expect that the 1-Series being sold by BMW dealers are probably trade-ins for newer models, and have probably spent their life being serviced by that dealer. That would do a lot for me. It won't always be the case of course, but I would expect it to be more often than not. Also, a car not through the dealer isn't necessarily bad either, far from it (i.e. mine's rarely seen a dealer but is in basically perfect condition and completely maintained). But I'd have some comfort buying a car from a dealer especially when having to consider cross-country travel for it.

You're probably 100% spot on. However, I've checked local BMW dealers and the oldest cars they have are 2015 and much more than I have allocated.