Looking at a 97 318ti for $5995

[Ji Money]

Originally Posted by Mothman

I would asked to see the car again, then ask to see the last smog check readings, then ask if he kept on top of oil changes if he says "yes" lift the hood open the oil cap and look to see if there is a dark stain that will not rub off. If the dark stain is there, then he didn't stay on top of the oil, and may have ran the car hot! Check the interior near the front window for the fabric coming loose, then tell him you heard that this model has had major problems with powerwindows, then check around the doors to see if he forgot to snap the door all the way back. If you look at the door lach it maybe miss a line. Check the tires (Center) treads on the left driver's side passenger side for wear. Really if you look hard enough you can make a list of things to drop him back down.
Money talks BS walks.

I got my 318ti at 45k/miles for $10k and she is at 205k miles well worth it.

Good Luck,
Mothman

I've never been good at negotiating but I'll have to check out the engine at least.

[L84THSKY]

Traction control is modern technology. If you had to choose one over the other, you are better off with traction control. I have both, and some have said they are counterproductive.

Originally Posted by Ji Money

So he is probably mistaken then right? I better ask him again. Do you think that makes a big difference? I don't really know what traction control is supposed to do.

[Ji Money]

Originally Posted by L84THSKY

Traction control is modern technology. If you had to choose one over the other, you are better off with traction control. I have both, and some have said they are counterproductive.

I see, thanks.

[Panzer_M]

I disagree with L8, I got to say a LS diff is better than electronics any day.

but it just comes down to opinion and preference.

[Ji Money]

Originally Posted by Panzer_M

I disagree with L8, I got to say a LS diff is better than electronics any day.

but it just comes down to opinion and preference.

Ok, so LSD is actual hardware and Traction control is the car's computer controling the brakes or something like that.

[L84THSKY]

LSD is better on dry pavement, obviously because it puts power to both wheels. On wet pavement it wins out too, unless it is raining so hard, the tires are hydroplaning. In snow ASC wins out, since power to both wheels means nothing, if you can't get any traction.

ASC is a safety feature LSD is not.

Originally Posted by Panzer_M

I disagree with L8, I got to say a LS diff is better than electronics any day.

but it just comes down to opinion and preference.

[Ji Money]

Originally Posted by L84THSKY

LSD is better on dry pavement, obviously because it puts power to both wheels. On wet pavement it wins out too, unless it is raining so hard, the tires are hydroplaning. In snow ASC wins out, since power to both wheels means nothing, if you can't get any traction.

ASC is a safety feature LSD is not.

Ok, I was kind of worried how the 318ti would work out in the winter.

Hey I offered the guy $7500 as my max so he is going to ask everyone else if they will outbid me. He is going to call me back in a few days. Man, I hope I win this car. My first Bimmer.

[96cali]

If you looked at my car and strong armed me like this I'd tell you and your money to walk. Lots of other buyers out there for this model.

JiMoney- where are you located? You may find another member to come look at it but it sounds like a well taken care of car.

Originally Posted by Mothman

I would asked to see the car again, then ask to see the last smog check readings, then ask if he kept on top of oil changes if he says "yes" lift the hood open the oil cap and look to see if there is a dark stain that will not rub off. If the dark stain is there, then he didn't stay on top of the oil, and may have ran the car hot! Check the interior near the front window for the fabric coming loose, then tell him you heard that this model has had major problems with powerwindows, then check around the doors to see if he forgot to snap the door all the way back. If you look at the door lach it maybe miss a line. Check the tires (Center) treads on the left driver's side passenger side for wear. Really if you look hard enough you can make a list of things to drop him back down.
Money talks BS walks.

I got my 318ti at 45k/miles for $10k and she is at 205k miles well worth it.

Good Luck,
Mothman

[Ji Money]

Originally Posted by 96cali

If you looked at my car and strong armed me like this I'd tell you and your money to walk. Lots of other buyers out there for this model.

JiMoney- where are you located? You may find another member to come look at it but it sounds like a well taken care of car.

I'm getting the answer tomorrow, but thanks for the offer of help. I don't want to say where I live incase someone here lives in my area and bids for this car! Yes I'm paranoid, but this car is freaking awesome. I was always a sucker for hatchbacks and wagons.

[pdxmotorhead]

I don't see it as strong arming anybody,,,
He told the seller what he'd pay and the seller said let you know... sounds like negotiating to me.... At least he's not low-balling the offer or anything. I hate it when I get the silly 1/3 of asking price offers on things I'm selling. All prices are negotiable but not many people start out 300% over what they will take...

Good luck on snagging the car..

Dave

[Ji Money]

Originally Posted by pdxmotorhead

I don't see it as strong arming anybody,,,
He told the seller what he'd pay and the seller said let you know... sounds like negotiating to me.... At least he's not low-balling the offer or anything. I hate it when I get the silly 1/3 of asking price offers on things I'm selling. All prices are negotiable but not many people start out 300% over what they will take...

Good luck on snagging the car..

Dave

Yo I just got it! He sold it to me for $7050. I'm going to give him the check this Sunday.

Thanks everyone for all your advice.

[roadrash]

Hey, congratulations and welcome to the family!!! :-)

[Ji Money]

Originally Posted by roadrash

Hey, congratulations and welcome to the family!!! :-)

Thank you, this being my first auto purchase, it's nice to know that this community is here to help look out for my investment.

[roadrash]

Well, think of it this way... if it's your first car, you'll probably sell it eventually. So it's in the best interest of the 318ti community to help each other take care of our cars because one of us might be the next owner. :-)

[jaysbmw]

I have two 318ti 95 clubsport and 97 active the active has traccontrol and my m3 clubsport dosent but because its a sport model it handles alot better so i dont even notice i am going to sell my 97 318ti since i picked up the 95 clubsport m3 last week for $4,500 jet black red/blk leather any body wants to buy it the 97 active with 189k miles asking $5,000 very clean