Prospective Ti Buyer, Need Advice!!

[luckyboy984]

Okay, first of all, Hello. I've been thinking about buying a 318ti from a friend of the family for about a week and a half now. I found this forum the same day i heard about the deal, and have been reading through posts and threads and such trying to get a feel for the car. I got to test drive it today. Here's the info:

-96 318ti
-124,000k miles
-Oil changes every 3k miles (15w - 20w oil)
-Great interior (seat covers)
-Perfect exterior (white paint)
-Active model ( i think, has on board computer)
-New Bosch plugs, recent oil change, alignment/balancing
-Only major problems on the car were de-railed passenger side window (fixed), a few alignment problems (all fixed quickly)
- Included in the deal are a set of snow tires (european brand, supposedly a real good set, made in Sweden i think, forget the name- retail were $400)
- Kept all maintenance up to date (kept a notebook, recording everything, down to the oil change)

Price = $6,500

So i know the guy has kept this in great shape. He's been restoring Porsche's since highschool ( has a 959 and 955 in his garage). He bought the car in 97 when the previous owner's lease ran out. He's selling it now because he needs a 4-door more family accomadating car. I know this is a good deal, i'm sure you guys will probably tell me this too.

I want to know what sort of expenses i might look at in the future. The clutch has not been replaced, and I dont know how much that will run me. I'm a college kid, paying this off myself, so I want to know any major expenses that could pop up on me down the road. I appreciate any input you guys can give me, as soon as possible, because I need to make a decision by monday. I know its short notice, but I figured this was my last chance to get any feedback. Much, much, much thanks to anyone who responds with their opinion.

I've been a hardcore Audi fan up to this point, my heart has been set on a a4 2.8. I got my father to buy an A6 2.7t. So this deal caught me by surprise but it sounded so good i had to put some thought into it. I havent researched anything about bimmers up until this point, so i'm the uber-epitomy noob. :google:

Thanks guys. Anything you have to say would be appreciated beyond words.

[1996 328ti]

It sounds like you've been doing your research.
I think it is a good buy.
The problems you list are common problems.
The only thing you might need in the near future are rear shock mounts and possibly front wheel bearings. It will not have the power of the Audi.

It sounds like it was well maintained and you know what you are getting.

[brucelee]

Go for it. Having the service history is great. Interior condition will save you money down the road.

Enjoy!

[Travis]

It looks like a decent deal, price-wise. It's somewhat less than others are asking, but probably in line with what others are getting.

The ti is great car for college. It holds LOADS of stuff, is easy on the gas, and will let you have good driving fun even in town. You can even get a roof rack!

[96cali]

I will reply but only because you used the word "uber". :)

In 2 1/2 years and 20k miles I have put in about $200 for a rotation/timing sensor (this is a typical repair I think) and $20 for 1/2 lb of AC coolant. That's it aside from oil, tires, alignments, etc. It has been a very reliable car for me (purchased at 38k, now at 60k). Now that I've jinxed myself, look for my thread next week about how my car fell apart.

Seriously, the best thing about that car of yours is that you know the majority of it's service history. You are also in the neighborhood for a new timing chain and certainly shocks if you choose. At $6500 its still a good deal. Can you get a 120K A4 2.8 for $6500? BTW drive the 1.8T- it's great too.

[luckyboy984]

thanks for the input guys, i bought the car.



consider me an official member :rockon:

[weezer]

I recently bought a 1997 318ti with less than 70,000 miles on it. Excellent condition and have just begun searching for appropriate mods. I bought for $7,000, eventhough the local dealers are selling similar for closer to $10,000 and local fair market value at $8,250.00. Hope you like it if already bought, but keep looking for better deals if not.

[robcarync]

ive had my 95 for about 2 years and had to put about 2k into it for repairs....but from what ive heard problems like that seem to be uncommon...the car wasnt bad or anything...i was just unlucky and bought it at about the point that parts needed replacing (its 10 years old...of course things will need replacing)....but the car is really fun to drive and its really awesome...

another reason why i had to put so much into it was because i took it to the dealership for repairs....TONS OF MONEY...i started doing some of the reapairs myself and saved myself some money.

i think my case is pretty uncommon though...so in all likelyhood...id say you made a good buy.