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M42 Buyer's Guide / Looking at 318 is with 180xxx 5sp
« on: September 25, 2013, 09:30:49 PM »
Hey All,
I have always had a sweet spot for a really cute E30 (but it seemed to be a car for me in teh future). I am actually looking for another BMW (E39) but until I find my exact one (hard to fine), I really need a car ASAP that I won't want to kill myself when I step inside.
Fast forward to now. I always walk past this beautiful 1991 2dr 318i (s?) 5sp E30 on my way to work and the other day I left the guy a note telling him to contact me if he were to sell it. He called me and told me he has had it for 15 ish years and it has 180,xxx miles on it. The interior is ok at best, seats are pretty cracked up though.
I looked up on KBB and the farthest back it went was a 1993, which in excellent condition for this many miles is around $1,400.
Questions:
1) I have seen many E30's go 200k, 300k plus miles, so is this 180xxx miles no biggie, if he has maintained it well? What if only avg maintenance?
3) What questions should I ask him about what things have been maintained/replaced?
4) What should I look out for in these cars? (Paying my mechanic $120 to inspect it I feel is a lot, if the car is worth less than $1K.
5) What is a decent thing to offer him? If a lot of people are saying go for it on (1), then if I get it for under a 1000, I think I will be pleased.
6) Other thoughts on the car, how is the ride comfort, etc.
Thanks a bunch guys! I really appreciate it.
I have always had a sweet spot for a really cute E30 (but it seemed to be a car for me in teh future). I am actually looking for another BMW (E39) but until I find my exact one (hard to fine), I really need a car ASAP that I won't want to kill myself when I step inside.
Fast forward to now. I always walk past this beautiful 1991 2dr 318i (s?) 5sp E30 on my way to work and the other day I left the guy a note telling him to contact me if he were to sell it. He called me and told me he has had it for 15 ish years and it has 180,xxx miles on it. The interior is ok at best, seats are pretty cracked up though.
I looked up on KBB and the farthest back it went was a 1993, which in excellent condition for this many miles is around $1,400.
Questions:
1) I have seen many E30's go 200k, 300k plus miles, so is this 180xxx miles no biggie, if he has maintained it well? What if only avg maintenance?
3) What questions should I ask him about what things have been maintained/replaced?
4) What should I look out for in these cars? (Paying my mechanic $120 to inspect it I feel is a lot, if the car is worth less than $1K.
5) What is a decent thing to offer him? If a lot of people are saying go for it on (1), then if I get it for under a 1000, I think I will be pleased.
6) Other thoughts on the car, how is the ride comfort, etc.
Thanks a bunch guys! I really appreciate it.