New to the game, found a car . . .

[bigbody]

I found a 318is in my area that seems to fit the price tag  link here

Although it is listed as a 318i, in the picture you can make out the s.  Anyways, I was hoping to get the boards opinion on the car,  I have about 1000 I can sink into the car after purchasing it.  Obviously, the biggest question mark is how much are the DMV fees, but I am also worried about the mileage (no disgrace to the M42).  Also, what price am I looking at to replace the front struts?  Thanks for the help, this is my experience with the M42 and the 318.

[nomad]

Not sure what "needs DMV fees" means. Sounds like maybe he thinks the seller will be held responsible for overdu fees or violations he's accrued? Make sure you fill out all the right paperwork and that the title is clear.
 In CA the SELLER is responsible for the smog cert. This is so that the buyer doesn't find out the car needs $2k in repair to make it pass smog etc.

I know you want to hear that after you buy this car for $1000 you can spend the next $1000 on awesome performance parts, but in reality there are some critical items you should fix, maintain, repair, replace.

Mileage is sort of high. I'd suspect there are a lot of worn out items he doesn;t want to replace.

Timingchain, cam gears, crank gear, idler gear, gasket sets, fluid replacements, hose replacements, vacuum line replacements, fuel line replacement, water pump, thermostat, coolant flush, brake rotors and pads, tires, struts and shocks, bushings, control arms, interior odds and ends, plugs, wires, coils, battery etc...

It all depends on how reliable you need the car to be and how well it was taken care of and maintained.

[bigbody]

the money would go into making a daily car first (tires, replace fluids etc.) . . . not sure what the DMV fees are in terms of money, but they are usually a result of past due reg. Also, it's good to know that he's supposed to have it smogged, but how does one enforce that?  How much does it say about a car's internals if it passes smog?

[nomad]

I wouldn't pay for someone elses past due fees. Looks like he's trying to dump it. Be careful that you don't get hit with fees that are hidden, the DMV isn't exactly the best at telling you everything that is owed.

How do you enforce the smog? Tell him you won;t buy the car unless he smogs it. You need to have that in order to register it and it's his responsibility. Ask him if he is willing to keep the car just because he didn;t want to pay $75 for smog.

As to whether the smog tells you much about the internals... not so much, but could tell you enough. It could have vacuum leaks, bad O2 sensor, bad cat, bad state of tune, running too rich... Lots of things can throw off a simple smog. Nothing beats having a mechanic check it over, unless you have the time and knowledge to do that yourself.
Watch for coolant loss, even slow coolant loss, oil leaks, timing chain noise, valve lifter noise, sputtering, bad idle, any sort of smoke - blue or white or black - out of the tailpipe.

I bet you anything the suspension is shot and all the bushings are shot. Listen for clunking coming from the rear, it's normal to have the rear shock mounts broken, but check them visually to make sure it's not the sheetmetal that is ripped out.

Off hand, a front end rebuild looks to be 50 for upper strut mounts, 200 for control arms and bushings, 200 for basic struts, and 80 for alignmnet. you might as well do the rear too for 150 shocks, and maybe 50 for other items.

You can always do things cheaper though, so if you really scrounge you can use the junkyard to get it basically driveable.

Good luck.

[tjts1]

If the car doesn't have a smog certificate DON'T BUY IT! In California the seller is always responsive for smog. If it doesn't pass smog, you can't transfer the tittle.

[lohan_michael]

just don't buy it...lolz better be safe on your decision

[Jak318]

If the car doesn't have a smog certificate DON'T BUY IT! In California the seller is always responsive for smog. If it doesn't pass smog, you can't transfer the tittle.

Wow, California is harsh. Glad I live in a clean air state!

[sheepdog]

2 things...

Before you buy have it smogged.
Legally you can force this, it is HIS responsibility unless you accept it.
If he fights you, offer to pay for the check, it is cheap. If he says no, walk away because it will not pass and he knows it.

Second, check on the DMV fees.
It would suck to find it will cost several hundred just to transfer the title before you can even drive it.

By the way, the post has been removed, probably sold.

[bigbody]

just to update you guys on the buying process:  I decided to pass on the car, the dmv fees were close to 400 dollars, which, to me, indicates an inability to maintain the car.  Instead, purchased flypenfly's car, which I found through this forum.  Thank you guys for the advice, I'm sure I will need more as I get familiar with the car.