should i get a 1997 BMW 528 or 2000 Audi A4

[coopernicus]

so i am thinking of getting a new car for commuting, either a:

1997 BMW 528i, 53K, premium package, certified pre-owned. $25,000.
or
1999 Audi A4 2.8Q, 52K, certified pre-owned. $21,000.

I have seen newer BMW 528's (1999-2000) with <60K miles for around $25,000 BUT these are not certified pre-owned.

So my questions are:
1) is the certified pre-owned worth the $1,500 extra cost or sacrifice on getting a older car
2) would people opt for the later model A4. I know it's comparing apples and oranges, just interested in what people would do.
3) what are some common problems I should look for in a 5 year old 528 during my walk-around?

Thanks in advance.

[orinborg]

I can't say that I looked at Audi's, but I just bought a 97 528i BMW with 42k miles. I paid 23,000, but it is not "certified". I must say, that even though I've had it less than a week it is a treat to drive. The exterior and interior is in mint condition. The previous owner really loved their car! Good luck in your decision!

[BMW superior]

Does anyone know where i can view the new 5 series . I want to see what BANGLE has cooked up , again . From what i've heard the new 5 is going to cause quite a stir with its radical new looks . The question is can BMW really afford to cause another contronversy ?

[goldendmd]

I have 97 528i. The 5-series is the apex sport sedan in the known world, period. The wheel base is longer, the track is wider, the vechile weight is greater. this car will cruise at 110 without you knowing it. The handling is luxury sport without match in it's class. A commuter's wet dream noise free cabin crisp handling a nirvana for the driver. supreme design inside and out. Audio makes an A6 of the same class and is outsanding esp. the A6 R. but the 5 is choice. A4 is just less car period.

[bgharmon]

My advice personally would be to not purchase a BMW. I am the owner of a 97 528i and it is a piece of junk. I am trying to trade it, but all the dealers want to offer me $16,000 when the nada value for trade-in is 19,500. Anyway...I have had numerous problems with mine. I bought it a year ago thinking I would drive it until the wheels came off. Needless to say I don't feel that way anymore. In one years time I have had it in the shop at least 10 times. My problems include the main computer dying, entire power steering going out, sensors being replaced. Numerous fluid leeks, broken seat switch, broken cup holders, broken buttons on panel for a/c, etc. To be honest, the car drives great, but it is mechanically not dependable. I am so disgusted with the car. My husband hates the car and calls it the ultimate maintenance machine instead of ultimate driving machine. It is now time for the maintenance service which is around $500. The car was certified when I bought it thank god, if not I would be out thousands of dollars. I do have to pay a $50 deductible every time I use my warranty. I have probably spent about $500 on deductibles this year alone, not to mention that I pay $523 a month for the car. Just really do your research and have a mechanic check the car over good before you sign those papers. Good Luck!!

[gcoochy]

get Beemer Audis are for girls:sun:

[LarryBrown]

On a 528, you want to verify if it has a timing belt. If so, you would want to avoid that because of the expense of periodically replacing the belt and the danger of catastrophic damage of the belt fails. Instead, opt for a BMW with a timing chain instead. BMW 525 is a great car and inexpensive.