I want to buy a sedan, but I'm not sure whether to get a new Solaris or look for a used BMW 3-series for the same money. I'll be driving mostly in the city, repairs don't scare me, but I want reliability. Which is the better deal?
I had some experience with a cheaper car, and I can see the pros of both options. A new Solaris is all about predictability: warranty, no hidden problems, clear service history. It's comfortable for city driving, parts are cheap and easy to find everywhere, and the service center won't rip you off. The downsides are obvious: pretty basic interior, not very dynamic, looks like an economy car.
A BMW 3 Series looks way more elegant and is more fun to drive, but reliability is a whole different story. Even if the car's been serviced, you never know how it was treated before. German electronics love to act up, and fixing a real premium car can cost you a fortune - sometimes even a simple part replacement costs as much as a whole month of Solaris maintenance. If you're ready for the day when you need serious repairs and it'll hurt your wallet, then you can take the risk.
For city driving and reliability, I'd still go with a new Solaris. It's a bit boring, but you won't be losing sleep at night thinking about how much a transmission replacement costs. And if you want the premium feel and you're cool with surprises - look for the freshest BMW possible with a full dealer service history, that lowers the risk.
A new Solaris in the city is insurance against surprises, while a used BMW 3-series in the same price range usually already has impressive mileage and a bunch of potential problems with electronics, suspension, and the gearbox. If repairs don't scare you and you're ready for frequent service visits, then the BMW might be more interesting to drive - but reliability is definitely on the side of the new Solaris. For city driving and relaxed ownership, I'd go with the new one: less hassle, manufacturer's warranty, and for the next four or five years you'll forget about repairs altogether.
Don't fall for the premium romance - for the same money, a used BMW is already on the verge of expensive repairs, not in its prime. If repairs don't scare you, that's one thing, but remember that in city driving (frequent braking, traffic jams) electronic and suspension failures pop up faster than on the highway. A new Solaris is duller, but you'll drive through the city stress-free - no nasty surprises with money or your nerves.
Log into answer.
