New to BMW need help with value

[justing]

I am looking at a 1995 318ti automatic 200k miles I live in tn what is your opinion of the value of this car? The guys asking price is 4200.

[acevedo12]

do you have any other info, like if it's a clubsport or not? i would definitely talk him down, it seems kinda high.

[roadrash]

if it's an automatic, it can't be a Club Sport. :-)

Post a few photos if you can, that will help us figure out the options and therefore an estimate of the value.

BTW, where in TN are you? If you're near Nashville, I know a good mechanic who could do an inspection for you.

[acevedo12]

good eye, totally overlooked that

[ChItalian1027]

does he have a CL listing?

[MPWR]

It depends on the condition of the car- but I would say no, it is not necessarily overpriced.

If it is in good running order, $4200 is not at all ridiculous for a ti. The real question is what has been replaced, and what will need to be replaced.

-The brakes may need to be replaced. Same with the tires.
-The shocks/struts will need to be replaced if they have not been done already.
-The cooling system will almost definitely need to be rebuilt
-Rubber suspension bushings, engine mounts, tranny mounts, exhaust hangers may/will need to be replaced if they haven't been done recently.

The mileage is high- but that's really a matter regarding the transmission. If it seems to be problem free, it could be fine. The engine may certainly be fine at 200k- the only real concern is if it has overheated. The headgasket usually blows on tis that have overheated. If the rest of the car looks good, $4200 may be entirely reasonable for a 95 ti. But be prepared to do some work on it when you get it. To be safe, plan on spending another $500- $1000 after you've bought it.

Don't take a blue book value seriously. And don't take anyone on the internet seriously who says "nah, you're being ripped off. I'd only pay half that".

[Xenocide]

ridiculous price. Bought a 95 ti automatic active package 130k 16 months ago for $2500

I'd only pay half

[justing]

the brakes were just replaced, the tires are new and he put a brand new set of aluminum BMW wheels that did not come on the car factory

it idled for about 15min and I drove it for about 15 min and the heater was bearly putting out any heat (looked like it was running cool but not sure where the needle is supposed to be on the gage for normal running) not sure what the problem was with that (do these cars have auxilary pumps that pump the coolant through the heater core?)

paint looks good and engine is strong


the main thing is I need something reliable for a daily driver

thanks for all of your help

[roadrash]

The thermostat needle should gradually (5-10 minutes) move to "12 o'clock" and stay there. In most cases where the needle continues to read "cool" the thermostat is stuck and needs to be replaced. That's a relatively simple procedure... unless one of the bolts is seized, then it's a hassle.

[THAT318]

value you of a car is based on what someone is willing to pay, so figure a bunch of retards bought the car for 5 grand near you thats what this guy would expect, not necessarily what he will get for it.

[Mr. Crow]

Originally Posted by justing

the brakes were just replaced, the tires are new and he put a brand new set of aluminum BMW wheels that did not come on the car factory

This may be why he's hiking the price.......depending on which style- with tires this could have been pricey for him.

I like MPWR's advice....

I would say NO. If your looking to get a ti. Look for a manual speed, you can easily find one at that asking price with much less than 200k on the motor.

Also ask him if he is the original owner...or get the truth @ carfax.com

Ultimately, if you feel that you want it. Gor for it man....

Good luck to you!