DriveTech

2004 BMW 325Ci Certified Used

A BMW might be in your budget after all

Have you always wanted a BMW in your garage, but just couldn't put the money together to make it happen? Well, let me tell you the best way to get into a BMW.

This 2004 BMW Ci came from the best kept secret in the county - Continental Motors in Oceanside. Continental sells BMWs and Saabs and has serviced the San Diego community since 1968. Its customer satisfaction rate proves it.

Continental gave me this pristine 2004 325Ci to drive with only 28,253 miles on it. If I covered the odometer, you wouldn't be able to tell it's a two-year-old car. This car is perfect inside and out. That's because BMW owners take good care of their cars and are rewarded with great trade-in value.

This tester is a certified BMW, which means that to become certified it went through a strict inspection process and had any little blemish or defect corrected. Plus, it gets a warranty that covers the engine, automatic or manual transmission, final drive assembly and propeller shafts, front suspension, rear suspension, steering, brakes, ABS system, electrical, air conditioning and heating, cooling system, interior and exterior and the fuel system up to four years or 100,000 miles. What it doesn't cover are wear items, maintenance, after-market added equipment and abused items. It also includes roadside assistance for two years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first. Your only responsibility is a $50 deductible per repair and that you must have it repaired at an authorized BMW service center.

With all that being said, doesn't it sound as if a BMW could be in your garage?

My tester really liked my garage but since it didn't have a six-speed manual transmission, it didn't quite meet my standards - but it did in all other areas. Of course it came with the tried-and-true 2.5-liter, inline six-cylinder that produces 184 horsepower and 175 pound foot of torque. It gets 20 miles per gallon in the city and 28 miles per gallon on the freeway, which isn't bad for a little coupe.

Another feature I really like is that you don't have to climb in the backseat to make the backseat folds flat 60/40. Just open the trunk and find a release handle on the left and right side. So simple.

My tester came in steel blue with a black interior. The BMW sound system sounded great and came with AM/FM/in-dash CD - what more could you ask for?

The car handled on the roads like a road racer, thanks to BMW's stability control, and traction control. This car is a blast to drive on the freeway, but especially on the mountain roads in East County. It came with the premium package (ask the dealer what it includes).

The BMW Ci has very comfortable seating and a steering wheel that also controls the audio system and cruise control and has telescoping features. There's a nice center console with minimal storage but a couple of cup holders. The climate control is cold as ice and can be adjusted for the most picky driver or passenger.

If you're into sunroofs, this coupe has one and I was surprised it didn't blow my hair all over the place. There's a slide cover if you like the solid roof look. Did I mention the interior seating is all in leather? There's no sign of wear in any of the seats. In fact, the back seat doesn't look as if anyone has ever sat back there.

BMW is known for safety and this car comes with a complete list of standard safety features. When I write automotive reviews, I subconsciously use the BMW as a benchmark, but when a two-year-old BMW still meets the standards, that's pretty impressive.

The opinions you see here are mine, but I must remind you that I worked 30 years as a service manager. Plus, I've driven more cars than I can remember. Still, BMW always stands out.

So if you think a certified BMW is in your future, check out Continental Motors in Oceanside at (760) 722-1868. For more information on BMW certified, go to www.bmwusa.com/certified or stop by the other BMW dealers in the county to check out their supply of certified used BMWs.

Price has never been an issue in my reviews, but this coupe can be had for $31,700 plus tax and license, which is very impressive!

Next week, I review a Mini Cooper S from Brecht Mini in Escondido.