318ti or not to 318ti

[Mikelb]

That is my question...

I'm new to this area of the forums, and may possibly be joining the platform...

I currently have a DSM, which is an awesome beast of a car... but not very reliable...

I also have a baby on the way, due in a/b a month... the DSM is a street/strip car, I plan on keeping... but can't drive everyday and won't/can't put my daughter in there...

I work for a local car dealer part-time... he's come across a 1996 BMW 318TI that he wants to sell, I asked him a/b it and he said he'd sell it to me for $4100 (I'll try and talk him down a little)... The car is in excellent condition and drives out perfect... (not sure on the mileage, but it isn't excessively high)

I want to know if this is a good deal and if the car would be reliable. (I'm not worried a/b hp, just reliability and somewhat good gas mileage; I already have my race car)

Thanks in advance,

-Mikel Bolton

[DinanM3_S2]

Any BMW with less then 100,000 miles and below $5,000 is probably going to be a good deal. www.kbb.com (kelly blue book) is a great resource for pricing a car. Reliability wise, the 318ti was alright. You shouldn't expect Honda/Toyota like reliability, but it should be better then most cars. Personally, I would go after a 325i over a 318ti because BMW has much more experience building 6 cylinder engines then 4s, the extra room in the trunk, and the extra power is very noticable. I would also bring the car by a BMW shop to check it over.

[Mikelb]

ok, thanks... again, I don't need the extra hp, that'd tempt me to modify the car...

I talked him down $100, and that's what he has in the car...
I was wondering if there was any trouble spots on the car, that I should look for?
There's a 50/50 chance I get this car, where as yesterday more like a 20/80, I have been pre-approved for the loan, just waiting to see what's gonna happen really...

I have another loan out at the moment, but the vehicle was stolen and the loan is covered under insurance, I have really just been putting things off til that happened, but 30 days (for vehicle recovery) is up on the 2nd (Friday), and the vehicle hasn't been found...

I've also only got until the end of Feb to secure another vehicle... I need the reliability and availability of parts more than anything... as I can do most work myself...

Are these engines interferance?
any websites I can go to to get any additional/technical info for these cars? (sry I am new to this whole platform)

[Mikelb]

OK, I'm getting the car... I've got the loan, just finalizing the paperwork now...

I could be driving it before the end of the weekend

Thanks guys,

-Mikelb

[Mikelb]

Bought the car Friday, driving it around Friday night...

I haven't been up here in awhile... I posted a/b my weekend in the Eclipse/Talon/Laser section (if anyone is interested)... there's been a lot happening... anyways, I'll have pics up soon... (i'd post the link, but I've been out of work up until yesterday and have a lot of catching up to do)