Good buy?

[ZonaLaxCats]

Take a look at the pic and info. If I get it this would be my first BMW. He said he would offer me 4500 at the lowest.
http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail.jsp;?tracktype=usedcc&searchType=21&pageNumber=0&numResultsPerPage=50&largeNumResultsPerPage=0&sortorder=descending&sortfield=PRICE+descending&certifiedOnly=false&criteria=K-%7CE-%7CM-_5_%7CD-_30_%7CN-N%7CR-50%7CI-1%7CP-PRICE+descending%7CQ-descending%7CZ-80132&aff=national&paId=131573423&recnum=4&leadExists=true

[m-technik_ti]

Man...You guys in the states get such good deals on cars...Over here that car would go for at least $4,000 u.s. more than the asking price. :no:

[rendoll911]

what kind of condition is it in?

[ZonaLaxCats]

Its says it is in Mint Condition. I will be taking a look at it hopefully this weekend. I am a little concerned about the high mileage.

[ZonaLaxCats]

The dealer sent me the carfax report yesterday. Everything was good on it. The car was driven in California until May 2004. I will probably be taking a look at it this weekend with my dad. Any advice on what to look for?

[cali-ti]

really not that high of mileage. there are a number of people on here with that mileage or higher (i have 207k).

look for any signs of damage to the frame, repaints. drive it and listen for any clunks or odd noises (ie, don't have the radio on). steering should feel pretty tight with little no wander. if they haven't done anything suspension wise, you'll probably be due for a number of items (shocks/struts, ball joints, other rubber bushings). check the condition of the exhaust. make sure the check engine light comes on when you key it on and then see if it stays on. if you have an OBDII code reader, take it along and see if there are any codes listed or pending. ask them for all previous service records if available. check the condition of all the rubber seals to see if those are cracked. doubt you'll have any significant rust being in CA, but worth looking for. check pedal feel and evenness in braking, any slipping of clutch or issues going into/out of any gear, cold air conditioning, any oil or other fluid leaks (if you can stick your head under the car, by all means do it :) condition of coolant/vacuum hoses ... all that good sort of stuff :biggrin: you should be there awhile ;)

[ZonaLaxCats]

Does anyone know the drivetrain for the 96 BMW318ti 5speed? Are they all front wheel drive, rear wheal drive or are they all different? Thanks.

[rendoll911]

all rear wheel