Thinking about buying need advice

[radiatorlady]

been interested in buying a bmw lately i used to only buy toyotas. i saw this listing and really liked the style of this hatchback could defiantly use some advice from some bmw enthusiasts i was also interested in the 2000 323i but really liked this body style and REALLY liked the price. i think i want to be convinced to purchase this car and know its a good idea.

just wondering if for mileage/year/style this price was worth it.. i mean i have to at least kind of know what im talking about when i go to look at it right?

info:

1997 BMW 1 Series 318TIA 3DR HB AUTO



price: $3,984

miles: 148168

[Recon427]

Some things to consider:

1) Shifting from Toyota to BMW will be different. Toyota's can go without maintenance for a long time. Maybe change the oil in a while. BMW's cannot be handled like that.

2) Price seems fine, however what is the maintenance record for the car? At nearly 150,000 miles it is probably due for Inspection I pretty soon.

3) Remember that the lowest gas you can put is 89 octane [mid grade] however, that is off-set by the better fuel efficiency of around 30 avg. for highway / city mix.

4) Some things to check:
-> subframe bushings/ mounts
-> control arm bushings
-> shock mounts
-> water pump/cooling system service
-> brakes

5) The brakes have to be bleed every 2 years and cooling system every 3 years. When was the last time this was done to the car? If not very recent than that will probably be an upcoming cost you will have to budget for. You can do it yourself, or have an independent BMW shop do it for you [for both services cost should be around $200 to $300 max]

6) Forget about going to a BMW dealership unless you have a wallet that has no end. On the flip side, DO NOT take this car to Midas or some generic shop.


This is all I can think of right now. But it should give you some food for thought before you buy the car.

If you want a fun car to drive then get it, however makes sure you look into the maintenance costs. I am emphasizing this since you are coming from the Toyota side...

[radiatorlady]

thanks for the advice. my dad is really good with cars so getting things worked on isnt going to be too much of a problem. my grandma always owned bmw so he was used to working on them he also owns a few bmw motorcycles(he already lectured me on the maintenance stuff) ive driven my grandmas cars and my best friends bmw and really like the handling. it will be nice to have a car that doesnt feel like a rolling piece of plastic... a toyota. im really good about oil changes and im pretty neurotic about my cars detailing, maintenance and not beating them to hell(i dont drive much). the only think i lack is knowledge of working on them mechanically. i used to have a vespa and it was so ridiculous working on it constantly i just dont want this purchase to turn out like that nightmare!

they said that is had a full inspection in april so im guessing i need to check that and make sure that is true

thanks again any other advice welcome !

[Recon427]

Well, sounds like you have a full mechanic on board with you 24/7 then. If that's the case then you are good to go.

Perhaps see if you can negotiate the price a bit lower.

In any case, working on these cars is very straight forward for the majority of simple maintenance:

i.e. replacing thermostat, water pump, rotors, control arm bushings, subframe bushings, etc.

These are great cars to work on or to learn how to work on.

Just remember to use Castrol 5W-30 synthetic oil and you should be good to go.

[radiatorlady]

thank you thank you!

[tiFreak]

not a bad car, you could maybe talk them down to 3,500

EDIT: here's the ad if anyone wanted a look at it
http://kansascity.craigslist.org/ctd/1734470766.html

that's also not a 1-series, it's a 3-series

[radiatorlady]

yeah ill make them that offer. i am going to look at it tomorrow morning. hopefully ill be a real member by tomorrow night!