what's this '96 318ti worth? should I pass? CARFAX reports accident...

[scott pruett]

I'm possibly in the market for a used 318ti & a guy over @ Bimmerforums pointed me over here. Anyway, I found one on Autotrader ~1hr away. It looks decent, but I noticed a headlight assembly replaced on one side, so I ran a CARFAX check. Sure enough, an accident was reported in 2004:

"Accident reported involving a front impact or collision. Moderate or severe damage reported."

Is this car still worth looking at? If so, what should I inspect closely? FYI, I'm a Jeep guy & don't know BMWs well. Also, what's a fair asking price? I'll gladly argue the dealer down in price with the CARFAX report in hand if need be.

Here's the car: http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...r_id=248420584

Thoughts?

Thanks!

[pnosker]

A 1996 base with that many miles on it... hmm. Maybe $4000 with an accident? That's already a pretty good price.

[scott pruett]

cool.

here's another thing... a guy @ bimmerforums said it definitely had a '95 build date due to the front bumper + unpainted side skirts. Everything, including the CARFAX report, says '96. If the accident was severe enough, could all that stuff have been replaced?

I'm interested in the car but want to make sure it's in good shape. What should I check?

[pnosker]

It's a 1996. The 10th digit in the VIN: WBACG8324TAU35099

T = 1996

[scott pruett]

gotcha. thanks...

so how much can I realistically negotiate this down to? does it have '95 parts on it?

[pnosker]

I'm 95% sure nothing was changed body wise on the Base from 1995-1996 so it shouldn't matter. The engine was changed from the M42 to M44, but they're both good motors.

[scott pruett]

good to know, thanks

what kind of fuel economy could i expect? mid-high 20s? runs on 87/89?

[pnosker]

With a K&N, Bosal Exhaust, Fogged airbox, and very economical driving I got up to 47.1 mpg per tank. My usual was around 38 mpg with moderate driving. Most users get around 30, however... but if you're good with your foot, you can get much higher.

[scott pruett]

holy crap. that sounds amazing.

my Jeep averages between 12-14mpg... but it goes places no BMW would ever survive.

[scott pruett]

oh... and this might be a dumb question... but does the back seat fold down?

thanks again

[BobbyDigital]

I agree with Pat, $4000 is about the most you should pay, I'll go with you to check it out, if you'd like. Mileage isnt bad on it, I have 302,xxx miles on mine, and its still going strong.

I also bought mine for $1000 with 192k miles on it though.

It is an automatic, my sister has an automatic in hers, it sucks! slow as ****, as if it wasnt slow enough already.

I'd say hold off for a manual, around the same amount of miles, around the same year, for around $4000.

[BobbyDigital]

Oh, and I get 32 MPG average with my 15" wheels on. And the back seats do fold down.

In fact, just to discourage you from buying an automatic, I'll let you drive mine to check this one out.

[scott pruett]

BobbyDigital - you're up for driving a hour north to go check it out? I'd love that, esp. if you know these cars well. I'd gladly cover food/gas. I may drive up soon w/ a buddy from Cville... will PM you if/when we go.

Unfortunately I need an auto due to a spinal cord injury, but I hear you 100% re: a manual. I appreciate the offer to test drive yours though.

Honestly, slow is okay for this car. I'm more or less looking for a relatively inexpensive DD (grad school budget) that I can put a prototype of a seat I'm working on into.

[thesk8nmidget]

seems a bit steep and it is for clarification a 96 base model

i would pay about 3 grand for it

[BobbyDigital]

Originally Posted by scott pruett

BobbyDigital - you're up for driving a hour north to go check it out? I'd love that, esp. if you know these cars well. I'd gladly cover food/gas. I may drive up soon w/ a buddy from Cville... will PM you if/when we go.

Unfortunately I need an auto due to a spinal cord injury, but I hear you 100% re: a manual. I appreciate the offer to test drive yours though.

Honestly, slow is okay for this car. I'm more or less looking for a relatively inexpensive DD (grad school budget) that I can put a prototype of a seat I'm working on into.

Gotcha, well, you'll love it regardless of the price you pay, but I really think you could find one in the same shape for around $1000 less.

Let me know if you guys go, I'm out of town right now, but I should be around this weekend.

Its definitely a good car to have as a daily driver, also, thats not a leather interior.