Looking at a 1998 318ti

[JohnTaurus]

Hey guys and/or gals, Ive been a fan of the 318ti since I first saw one in the 90s in High School.

Im a car fan, but the only Geman car Ive had was a Mercedes-Benz 300D that I was, how should I put it, less than impressed with.

Anyway, as my screen name implys, Im a Ford Taurus fan and I currently drive a 1995 model (the style just before the oval ones). I love it, but I want a second car that will be more fun to drive. The Taurus handles as well as any FWD family sedan can I guess (certainly better than a Camry or similar GM/Chrysler), but I wanted something sportier and with a manual transmission. Being RWD is a big plus as well.

So, I decided to look for a decent-but-affordable 318ti. I found one that is a days drive from me that looks like a good deal. Its a manual transmission with 160k on it. It says it needs a starter and I can see in the pictures that the door moldings are missing from both sides. Hes asking $1200 I believe, which seems pretty reasonable.

My question is, can these cars be compression started? As in, get it rolling, key on, in gear and pop the clutch to start the engine without using the starter.

I appreciate an answer and any other advice you guys may have. Thanks in advance!

Edit: Im not looking to replace the Taurus, because I have a horrible back and therefor I need to keep something around that is an automatic, is comfortable and has a decent ride quality. The Taurus checks those boxes and its a good driving car for what it is.

[JohnTaurus]

Actually, never mind. I emailed the guy last night and he responded by deleting the ad. I thought this was "the one", but Im back to square one. Ill come back when/if I find another one I can afford and can afford to go get.

[cuseikan]

Something else to keep in mind while purchasing a Ti is the cooling system, ask the previous owner if they have replaced any components of the cooling system. Make sure to take a long enough test drive to get the car up to temp. Then step out and pop the hood and ensure sure all of the cooling components are working properly (fans kicking on, no noise from water pump, no leaks, etc.). It is highly recommended that you replace all of the cooling components on a 150k mile ti regardless.

[JohnTaurus]

Thanks man, Ill keep that in mind. I found another, but its at a car lot in Texas with 250k on it, and Im not sure I want something with that kinda mileage. Im used to high mileage Fords, Hondas, etc but Im weary of a European car with high mileage.

[skimmer]

What's your budget?If you are only looking to spend like 1500 2000 grand then chances are your going to get one that needs a ton of little things.4500 to 5000 buys a well maintained one on the forums.

[JohnTaurus]

Well, I didnt want to spend more than say $2500. I dont mind doing some work but not a full rebuild or anything. I believe that one with 160k was "it", and it probably sold a long time ago and he was too lazy to take thr ad.

To be clear, I dont have $2500 ready to go, but I feel like I could probably come up with that for the right car at tje right time, if you know what I mean.

[cuseikan]

Originally Posted by JohnTaurus

Well, I didnt want to spend more than say $2500. I dont mind doing some work but not a full rebuild or anything. I believe that one with 160k was "it", and it probably sold a long time ago and he was too lazy to take thr ad.

To be clear, I dont have $2500 ready to go, but I feel like I could probably come up with that for the right car at tje right time, if you know what I mean.

I agree with skimmer. something around $2500 is going to need a lot of little stuff. I purchased my ti for $1800 with 200k miles on it with the intentions of beating the motor down quick and doing a swap. But i did want to get some life out of it so I freshened up the coiling systems and regular maintenance and got 3 years and 60k more rough miles before the head gasket blew. That little motor sure did impress me with how long it lasted.

[JohnTaurus]

I really love this one, but its simply too far away: http://indianapolis.craigslist.org/ctd/5002492504.html Its very sharp in red!

There is one in Columbus, Ga (closer to me by quite a bit), and its $2200. It has 200k, Im guessing it must be a base model since it has wheel covers, which doesnt bother me, except Id be tempted to paint the steel wheels silver and ditch the wheel covers (I just like that look). The seller only posted one picture, and the description only says "runs good". I doubt I'd waste my time on it, since he doesnt seem too serious about it.

Im not saying I wouldnt consider a 200k car, but something below that is preferable.

I found a few more that are more or less like those two. Like I said, Im not sitting on the money right at this minute, so I am in no hurry. I really dont mind fixing little issues here and there, honestly I prefer that to spending a lot on a car Ill only occasionally drive. The car is to be something I enjoy on nice days, and if I have to replace window motor/regulators, radiator, brakes, other cooling system items (as mentioned above) or some other bolt on parts, I dont mind that at all.

I kinda need a pickup as well (I do a lot of gardening, etc), and I really want a 90s Mitsubishi Mighty Max. So, since I could really use something like that, if I find one, it may have to take priority over a 318ti. I really want a 318ti though, the heart wants what it wants I guess.

[kstadelman]

HAH-
He's a dealer/wholesaler. Doubt he has $1000 in the car. Make him an offer. It's a cute exotic car he can't sell to a girl 'cause it's a stick. My guess is he would take $1800 for it. Might be worth the drive. I just flew 500 miles to Baton Rouge for my car and drove it back with my fingers crossed. Lots of little problems but it was worth it. You might call Brian at German Auto Sales in Baton Rouge (225) 272-2626 he had a California top 318ti sitting back in a service bay that he might let go. Cal tops are getting valuable though.

[JohnTaurus]

Yeah, dont I know it. I ran accross one on Atlanta craigslist a while back. I sure do like them (California tops). More than likely out of my price range unless its totally ragged out with more miles than the space shuttle.

[jggonzalez99]

I wouldn't be afraid of 200k miles if a mechanic said it looked good and the owner had records to show it was properly maintained. Trixie ('96 Sport) has 226k and is still running well.

[JohnTaurus]

Well, I found one near Seattle for $2k, no miles listed. I wish I could afford it, I have people up that way who ciuld buy it on my behalf, but oh well.

Im sure any modern (1990s+) is perfectly capable of 200k+, its just a little scary, being a European car, to someone who's usually broke like me, lol. My Taurus is so cheap to repair that it doesnt bother me at all that its rapidly closing in on 200k. I had a 93 that I sold years ago with around 300k on it, still running and driving.

[BlackBMWs]

My Wife's 95 M42 has 384k mikes on the speedo. I haven't checked the VIN on the motor, but this Auto M42 still runs quire well. (After some TLC to get minor issues in order. )

[JohnTaurus]

I have another question. How is the lumbar support on the 318ti? Im asking because I drove a friend's Mustang (05+ style GT with leather) recently, and it KILLED my back. The ride was firm but not harsh, I really think it mostly had to do with the lack of lumbar support. My parents previous car was an 08 Mercury Grand Marquis and I had the same problem when I drove it. Theyve since upgraded to a 2012 Taurus SEL, and it is far more supportive. My 95 Taurus has inflatable lumbar support which really helps with my back issues. I can usually drive it all day (200+/- miles) and it doesnt hurt much to do so.

I just thought Id ask since Ill likely have to travel a decent distance to get the 318ti should I find one in acceptable condition that I have money for. My point is, I cant just drive 15 minutes and test one out and I dont want to waste a trip if this is going to be a problem. The Mercedes-Benz was awful in this department as well.

The 318ti near Seattle has cloth seats, which is okay with me, if the support is there. Not sure if the option leather seats would be different (better, worse or same?).

Thanks again guys.

[kstadelman]

Not sure you are going to like the seats much if you hated the Mercedes seats. German seats tend to be pretty firm. I just stop by a "Relax the Back" store and pick up the lumbar support that works best in whatever car I'm driving. The staff usually lets me try them out in the parking lot.