1st Car? 1995 BMW 318TI

[TheGlyph]

I'm only 17, and I don't have much money for my first car.
However, I did find this ad on Craigslist.
I was wondering if you guys would be able to give some information on these cars such as Accurate MPG (most site have different info) and what gas does it use?

Also any pointers if I go to check it out with my father?

Thanks in advance!

[PrimeTimeSlime]

That's a pretty dang good deal right there.

It's best to use 89 octane but I use 87 with no problems. I get about 26 mpg with the AC blasting.

If you go check it out, look closely at the cooling system, hoses, radiator, and especially the two plastic pieces that connect to the block. Also look at the headliner. look for oil leaks from the oil filter housing and valve cover (not a big deal but you'll want to fix em). Be prepared to spend a little money after you get it for some preventative maintenance (cooling system, suspension overhaul, etc). If you can, find out it has ever overheated. If it has, get it checked out professionally. There is a ton of info here, search around a little and you'll find most of the answers you are looking for.

[TheGlyph]

Thanks.
My dad seems on edge buying a car 15 years old, but I'll push.
Hopefully I'll be able to nab it before someone else does.

[PrimeTimeSlime]

Originally Posted by TheGlyph

Thanks.
My dad seems on edge buying a car 15 years old, but I'll push.
Hopefully I'll be able to nab it before someone else does.

Well, a bmw will be the best 15 yo car you can get. If you are willing to get your hands dirty and work on it yourself, it wont be too expensive.

[TheGlyph]

Originally Posted by PrimeTimeSlime

Well, a bmw will be the best 15 yo car you can get. If you are willing to get your hands dirty and work on it yourself, it wont be too expensive.

Never had experience with that.
But I would be willing for a car like this

[roadrash]

"CASH PRICES DO NOT INCLUDE FLORIDA SALES TAX, TRANSFER OF TITLE, TAG, OR $489 DEALER PREP FEE."

Well that sucks. No telling what the final asking price will be.

Also, that's the Sport interior, so it might also have the Sport suspension. Don't ask the dealer about that, or they'll want to charge you more.

EDIT - didn't see mention of how many miles it has, so be cautious about that too.

[TheGlyph]

Originally Posted by roadrash

"CASH PRICES DO NOT INCLUDE FLORIDA SALES TAX, TRANSFER OF TITLE, TAG, OR $489 DEALER PREP FEE."

Well that sucks. No telling what the final asking price will be.

Also, that's the Sport interior, so it might also have the Sport suspension. Don't ask the dealer about that, or they'll want to charge you more.

I knew about the extra crap. But I can kind that out (hopefully) when I go.
And thanks for the extra info.

[tiFreak]

roll the windows up and down a few times, make sure they're going up straight at a steady speed and not making any noise other than the sound of the motor, also slam the door with them down and see if you can hear the window rattle inside the door, if they don't pass those tests you might have to tear into the window regulators since they go bad on these cars pretty frequently

[Jake]

Im also 17 years old and have a 318ti, it uses 89 octane. i only get 22 mpg but its probably because i drive almost all city.