Finally found a 318ti but...

[Nobody]

Hello forum! I am relatively new here but I have been a fan of the 318ti's for awhile.
After months of looking I finally found one in my price range and I think it is worth getting. It is a 1997 version and I think it is the base model.

The gentleman wants 4,000 for it and it has only done 80,000 miles and is a 5-Speed. The exterior and interior are flawless.

Here is where I am in a jam. The gentleman says that the steering rack has a leak and needs replacing; along with the suspension being worn (just the front and rear shocks he says needs replacement); last but not least the two front tires need to be replaced. Now I have the money to replace all of these things listed but I don't have some of the tools they say to have (like a Dremel for the steering rack). I have a friend who can do most of this for me since he works on Bimmer's. I just want to know if it is worth the time and money for the money he is asking. He says the engine and tranny runs extremely well and that the car is drivable as is.

He also said he would thrown in front pads and rotors, along with two front leather seats from a 323 in for free.

All of this sounds like an amazing find to me and I really want this to be my next car. My first manual and Bimmer for my second car.

Thanks for taking time and answering me. I could really use the help!

- Nobody named Brian

[BimmerBum]

For the same money you can find a Sport Package car and save yourself a ton of money on parts you will discover you want later.

[Nobody]

Okay, thanks for your advice.

It is just really hard for me to find these in my area. And it is gonna be my second car. I feel like once I get a little older and are more knowledgeable in Bimmer's I can start looking for the Club Sport and specific models like that for all the Bimmer's I want.

And you think It won't need a new steering rack necessarily?

[BimmerBum]

Do not be afraid to travel outside your area to get the right car. Making the wrong car right is too expensive.

There is a really nice sport pack car for sale right now on the 318ti Discussion page on facebook for $4500.00.

Originally Posted by Nobody

Okay, thanks for your advice.

It is just really hard for me to find these in my area. And it is gonna be my second car. I feel like once I get a little older and are more knowledgeable in Bimmer's I can start looking for the Club Sport and specific models like that for all the Bimmer's I want.

And you think It won't need a new steering rack necessarily?

[FunElan]

Join me in Cali top ownership. These are right up the highway from you: http://austin.craigslist.org/cto/5169242727.html

[jenkinskg]

Looking for $3000 Body very good
Cloth interior runs great

If I get $3000 you get factory steel wheels and 8 other rims and snow tires also
Let me know

Front struts replaced, KYB, New Thermostat housing, and plastic cooling parts, Evans waterless coolant, 2.5 Years, no issues ever. Great radio with HD and pandora. Mobil1 only used. Good tires Hankook. New lower control arms Front. New flex joint on drive shaft installed. New muffler. No rust, previous california car. New pressure shocks hood and hatch. Guibo flex joint on trans replaced. Brakes very good with new rotors. New exhast manifold gasket. 30 mpg, unless you go fast, then 25mpg.

Need sold by sunday or I keep it for another year, daily driver very reliable