I have never owned a BMW, but am determined to buy my first one! I am currently looking at two 2001 325i's. I do not believe either have premium or sports packages. One has 61,000 miles and is selling from a dealer for $14,995. The other has 71,000 miles and is selling from a private seller for around $12,500 - $13,000. I have spent months researching the 3 series and feel as though these are both fairly good deals. I am just a little worried about the higher mileage and potential maintenance costs. Any advice for a "BMW rookie" would be GREATLY appreciated! Thanks.

Ok, well maintaice such as oil change could be done every 15k miles, most of us do it anywhere between 3-7k miles with FULL SYNTHETIC, should cost you about $50+ to do it your self. Brakes and rotors if you do it your self should be around $600 thats both front and rear brake pads and both front and back rotors, at the dealer it would cost you anything up to $1,200. If you do dicide to buy one make sure its manual, since some automatic transmission have gone out anywhere from 40k miles to 150k.

I always go for low miles. But 10,000 isn't much of a difference. Get the latest maintenance records for both cars.

Thanks for the advice. That's how I feel as well (low miles). Do BMW's typically have a good 'track record' of running high into the 150's or 200's (such as a Honda or Toyota)?

not quite sure, but i guarantee it will take turns better than anything u ever driven...my homie has a mustang much quicker than my car, but on turns its bye bye for him.

That's what I have been hearing...looking forward to test driving one. I just want to make sure it'll last! Does $12,500 sound like a deal on an '01 325 with 71k?

here is a kelly blue book quick research i did for you..
http://www.kbb.com/KBB/UsedCars/PricingReport.aspx?ManufacturerId=5&YearId=2001&VehicleClass=UsedCar&VehicleId=NS8yNS8yMDA3fDM3Nzc%3d&PriceType=Private+Party&ModelId=12&Mileage=71000&SelectionHistory=3777%7c3503%7c43205%7c0%7c0%7c&Condition=Good&QuizConditions=0
this is on a basic. i dont know if it has sports, premium updates.

Thanks for the advice. That's how I feel as well (low miles). Do BMW's typically have a good 'track record' of running high into the 150's or 200's (such as a Honda or Toyota)?
I can assure you that BMW's have an excellent track record, IF, they are properly maintained.