Potential new owner needs tips

slnelson · 03-28-2005, 08:56 PM

Hello all,
I'm new here and have loved the ti since ti came out. Back them I couldn't afford one new, but now they have come into my price range and I'd love to own one.
There is one in my area I've found on autotrader.com and am not sure if this is a good buy, as the price is over kbb and edmunds values. Anyone here happen to know this car? Own this car? Suggestions are very welcome.

Sarah
former owner of: 92 VW Corrado VR6, 98 Dodge Neon Sport, 72 Mazda RX2

L84THSKY · 03-28-2005, 10:31 PM

When my 1988 16V Scirocco started giving me problems last year, I went on a hunt for my next car. The Corrado was the next logical choice. I heard too many problems with that car, so I went for the 318ti.

The car you are referring to looks good, and has relatively low miles, but I'm not sure what a 1995 is worth. Before even talking money, research the history on the car....accidents....title....

If it checks out, then start negotiating......

Quote:

Originally Posted by slnelson

Hello all,
I'm new here and have loved the ti since ti came out. Back them I couldn't afford one new, but now they have come into my price range and I'd love to own one.
There is one in my area I've found on autotrader.com and am not sure if this is a good buy, as the price is over kbb and edmunds values. Anyone here happen to know this car? Own this car? Suggestions are very welcome.

Sarah
former owner of: 92 VW Corrado VR6, 98 Dodge Neon Sport, 72 Mazda RX2

slnelson · 03-28-2005, 10:37 PM

Thanks. It came up clean on a Carfax report. I emailed the owner using the service through autotrader and haven't heard back yet. Then again it was a holiday weekend.

slnelson · 03-28-2005, 10:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by L84THSKY

When my 1988 16V Scirocco started giving me problems last year, I went on a hunt for my next car. The Corrado was the next logical choice. I heard too many problems with that car, so I went for the 318ti.

Yes, my Corrado was a giant PITA. I had such a love/hate relationship with it, if it wasn't one thing wrong it was another. But it was such a joy to drive, and I loved the design of the car so much... and then the headlights failed and I crashed it on the freeway. No more VW's for me.

Quote:

Originally Posted by L84THSKY

If it checks out, then start negotiating......

I have noticed more and more people refusing to negotiate on price these days, kind of a "if you try to haggle with me, get lost" kind of thing. I'm a bit wary of this.

L84THSKY · 03-28-2005, 11:51 PM

As I said in previous posts, I bought my 1998 318ti last year with 31K miles for $10,500. She started with $11,000, and we settled on $10,500. Let me tell you, she babied her car. ALWAYS have all of the facts BEFORE dealing with buyer!!!!!!!

If the car is worth what they are asking, then the worst that can happen is you pay the full price, no harm done.

Quote:

Originally Posted by slnelson

Yes, my Corrado was a giant PITA. I had such a love/hate relationship with it, if it wasn't one thing wrong it was another. But it was such a joy to drive, and I loved the design of the car so much... and then the headlights failed and I crashed it on the freeway. No more VW's for me.

I have noticed more and more people refusing to negotiate on price these days, kind of a "if you try to haggle with me, get lost" kind of thing. I'm a bit wary of this.

sKunkman · 03-28-2005, 11:54 PM

Yeah check it out first, KBB and edmunds cant account for sentimental value anyway

Also, it says its manual, but under the comments it says it has cruise control?? (cc). WTF?

I mean I suppose its possible...but NEVER have i seen a manual car with CC.

L84THSKY · 03-28-2005, 11:58 PM

I wondered myself whether a manual car can have cruise control. A guy at work with two Bimmers says YES!!!

He has two 5-series sedans(manual tranny) and I think he said they both have it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by sKunkman

Yeah check it out first, KBB and edmunds cant account for sentimental value anyway

Also, it says its manual, but under the comments it says it has cruise control?? (cc). WTF?

I mean I suppose its possible...but NEVER have i seen a manual car with CC.

aceyx · 03-29-2005, 12:01 AM

cruise is very possible; my roommate's '86 944 (manual) had it. all it takes is a servo-operated cable since it's throttle-by-wire. the ECM keeps it at a constant rev, referencing it with the speedo to maintain speed. most of the time, it only works above 3500rpms.

i digress; be wary of carfax reports; have the car taken to a mechanic that you trust to look it over. it's pretty easy for them to tell if panels have been repaired, replaced, and painted.

i would ask (nicely) a member from your area to come check it out with you.

cali-ti · 03-29-2005, 12:04 AM

uhhh ... i have manual and cruise. even had it on my previous (non-bmw) car. you can't expect it to shift for you, but it's not that big a deal

aceyx · 03-29-2005, 12:14 AM

ECM? i mean ECU. it's been a long day.

slnelson · 03-29-2005, 01:05 AM

My Corrado was a manual with cc.

97Hellrot318ti · 03-29-2005, 01:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aceyx

cruise is very possible; my roommate's '86 944 (manual) had it. all it takes is a servo-operated cable since it's throttle-by-wire. the ECM keeps it at a constant rev, referencing it with the speedo to maintain speed. most of the time, it only works above 3500rpms.

i digress; be wary of carfax reports; have the car taken to a mechanic that you trust to look it over. it's pretty easy for them to tell if panels have been repaired, replaced, and painted.

i would ask (nicely) a member from your area to come check it out with you.

My ti is manual, and has Cruise. Works just fine

pdxmotorhead · 03-29-2005, 02:00 AM

my 95 318ti has cruise and a 5 speed. Stock.

Is there a code on the car that tells me the model ?? IE Sport,
Base etc? I search but did not find....

Thanks
Dave

nick_hegel · 03-29-2005, 02:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slnelson

Thanks. It came up clean on a Carfax report. I emailed the owner using the service through autotrader and haven't heard back yet. Then again it was a holiday weekend.

Just a suggestion: Don't completely count on the Carfax report. That's what I did and I wish I had taken mine to a dealer before I finally decided on it. At the very least have it checked out by a auto body shop and a trusted mechanic. I don't even trust Bimmer Dealers by me. Mine had been in a previous accident and didn't realize it until I took a really good close look at the paint job.

Drewston · 03-29-2005, 02:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sKunkman

Yeah check it out first, KBB and edmunds cant account for sentimental value anyway

Also, it says its manual, but under the comments it says it has cruise control?? (cc). WTF?

I mean I suppose its possible...but NEVER have i seen a manual car with CC.

Hi guys, im new here so just reading over some posts and familiarising myself with whats going on! about the crise control its very common over here in England on manual cars, esp the higher spec ones like BMW, Merc, Audi etc but really its just an needless extra for the executive types who drive alot of motorway miles and get poorly right feet by actually having to drive their cars (bless 'em!). Anyway cheers!

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