comparison

It's really a subjective question. Whether the trade is worth it or not depends entirely on what you want. But a couple of tips: 1. Before you commit to ANYTHING, see the car in person and test drive it. 2. Take note of the mileage and compare it with the mileage on your car. 3. Check for accident history, rust, and other body/part conditions 4. Make sure the car is mechanically and electronically sound 5. Don't mind the 1-year difference...It doesn't really matter. As far as cost, the Kelly Blue book value of a 1989 7-Series is $4600 - $5600, depending on the specific model. The value of your 1989 325e is roughly $3000 - $3500. So, if you were going to sell your 325e anyway, I'd go with the trade and then sell the 7-series as long as the 7 is in good condition. You'd probably make more money this way. As far as economy, your 325e probably gets around 20-25mpg in the city and 30-35 on the highway. The 7 gets 12-15mpg in the city and 15-25 on the highway. So, you are looking at poorer fuel economy. The 7, to its credit, has a lot of nice and luxurious features and is a much larger vehicle that will be able to accommodate more luggage and/or passengers. If you are interested in the 7, it seems like a good trade, as long as the car you're getting is as good as the car you're giving.

Keep in mind that the 3 series is a small car and the 7 series is a large car; especially the 'iL/Li" models. Performance wise; the 7 series has much more powerful engines and the 3 series is a 325e; the 'e' meaning "eta" which is greek for "economy". The engine is not as powerful as the engines in the 7 series but having said that; the 3 series will be a lot more fuel effecient. In regards to selling the car; I believe you could get more money; but bear in mind that the 7 series is a luxury car and thus will command higher prices; but with gas prices, prices can and most certainly will fall. A friend of mine had both an E34 525i and an E32 750iL V12 and when he sold both cars; he got more money for the 5 series. Fuel effiency will definetly be a key aspect towards the pricing of the car. Hope that helps :)