To BUY Or NOT To Buy: Agent 00R Is In A BMW M Pickle — Should He Or Shouldn't He? YOU Decide...

Have you ever wanted something so bad that you could taste it? Well, that's where I am at this second.

If you've followed my writing in recent years you would know that I am a fan of the BMW 1M. That vehicle speaks to me in a way that many vehicles have not. That includes exotica like Ferraris and Lamborghinis. I loved pretty much ever single thing about it. And now we have the M2.

While much of the attention has diverted from the 1M to the M2, I am still all about the 1M. So much so that when I was trolling the used car ads and sites recently, I made a shocking discovery.

A 1M is located near me, it boasts an acceptable amount of mileage, it's in the right color combination and it has the right options — well, actually, a lack thereof. This has put me into a tailspin over the past 24 hours. That's because it is the vehicle I've been searching for and I have called on a couple other 1Ms and made unsuccessful offers before.

While there's plenty of upsides to taking the plunge, there are some downsides in my scenario:

- I don't drive my personal vehicle very much — I only put 4,000 miles (in 12 months) on my daily driver that primarily sits in my garage;
- I still have a flood of inbound press vehicles, meaning if I put 4,000 miles on a new acquisition that would be pretty good; and,
- I will have to sell my daily driver VW, which I did put quite a bit of money into — I knew I would come to regret this a little bit at some point.

I have yet to hit my 30th birthday and I keep finding myself asking "If not now, when?"

The good thing about having a beater is it is just that. I don't worry about taking the VW out in a ridiculous snow storm or leaving it in a parking lot. If it gets a rock chip or a ding it's not the end of the world. Now, a 1M may be a bit more problematic for my OCD-like nature.

That said, what would YOU do? To BUY or NOT to buy?

TomM - 2/20/2016 4:18:03 AM

+2 Boost

I would guess you are either not married or have no children. If that is the case - I would probably go for it if it fits into your budget - BUT - remember - higher line vehicles are more expensive to repair AND require more repairs. It is NOT just the cost of the car. Budget for overall cost. AND Why is it being sold at an advantageous price to begin with.

I was about your age when I bought my first Mercedes - and I could afford the price - but little nagging problems that cost thousands to repair had me sell it.(and I am a mechanic - so I fixed most things myself - but taking apart the DASH t fix CLimate Control Problems cost). That plus it being in service required that I have a beater for backup.

Still - when I look back - I am happy I did it. At least it got that itch out of my system.

Agent00R - 2/20/2016 6:15:23 AM

+1 Boost

You guessed correct.

Believe you me, I already factored fixes into the equation — this is not a problem.

jeffgall - 2/20/2016 9:18:58 AM

+1 Boost

A couple of stories that may help your desision:

I felt the same way when the 2005 Mustang came out, I had to have it, I was in my mid 20s and engaged. Bought a GT convertible and happy I did. Fast forward 10 years, I am married with 3 kids. Mustang became very impractical after the 1st. Fortunately, financially, I was able to keep it and buy another new car for my daily needs. Still have the Mustang, but only use it for about 600 miles a year during the summer months. Point is, get this kind of car while you can enjoy it.

Second story - a close friend of mine and his father recently made the decision to continually own used special cars so that they get to experience all that is out their within their budget. Pretty great idea on how to live. Their plan is to own each for a couple of years and then move on to the next. He started with a 2000 M5, and his father bought the last generation Quattroporte. Not a bad start.

MDarringer - 2/20/2016 10:44:55 AM

+1 Boost

@jeffgall and letting someone else take the steep depreciation hit is a very good strategy.

W208 - 2/20/2016 5:25:18 AM

+2 Boost

Why not just get a 335is M Package? Same power. Bigger car. Greater exclusivity.

W208 - 2/20/2016 5:25:53 AM

+2 Boost

.....and half the cost of the 1M.

Agent00R - 2/20/2016 6:17:58 AM

+2 Boost

Hi there!

Good suggestion but I want the proper M car. The 335is is a great product but will not boast value down the line and after driving it I know I want the full banana.

With the 1M, I know my needs would be satiated. With the 335is I know I would regret it.

MDarringer - 2/20/2016 9:13:08 AM

+1 Boost

So stop acting like a giddy child and buy it.

MDarringer - 2/20/2016 10:37:45 AM

+1 Boost

Nice try. I'm just of the point of view that if you can afford it, then get your hand out of your pants and buy the damned thing. The OMG OMG OMG around "should I buy it" is a bit narcissistic because we're all supposed to chime in YES YES YES.

Just buy it and enjoy it.

Hawk - 2/20/2016 5:25:31 PM

+4 Boost

The 1M is definitely a head turner and based on its limited production run, it should hold its value better than, say, a 335i.
The 1M is more of a track car than a daily driver - so if that is what you're after, I recommend you BUY it.
If you're more into getting a daily driver which is almost comparable in all the handling and performance number, go for a low-mileage, well maintained M235i.

iamdabest1 - 2/21/2016 12:37:58 AM

+3 Boost

the great thing about the 1m is that its limited production , the bad thing is that with the M2 coming out, i just don't think it would be worth having the 1m. pretty sure the m2 will be better in just about every way. if you're getting a great deal on the 1m, then take it, I'm sure it won't depreciate much, but if its still 50,000 i think id rather get a brand new m2.

focal - 2/22/2016 11:22:52 AM

+2 Boost

given your low mileage you actually SHOULD buy it. It's buying a 1M and having to daily drive it for over 15-20k a year that would be a bad decision. In 3-5 years, the car will be paid off, you'll have a great low mileage 1M and you'll have the finances to buy the next car while KEEPING a special car like the 1M in the stable.