Ready to buy a 325i....need advice!

[ueatsoap]

Hi all-

Just joined the group. Currently own an '06 328xi, and ready to buy my 2nd BMW.

Test drove a used '89 325i convertible yesterday. I love the way this car looks and feels, however I'm not familiar enough with the vehicle to be able to know it's true value.

The car will undoubtedly need some work eventually. The paint is starting to dull, and there are a few small tears in the roof (less then the width of a fingernail. The front seat leather is worn, and will be replaced eventually...but no tears that I saw. My biggest concern is a small rusted hole on the lower part of the driver side corner panel, against the drivers door.

Mechanically, it felt alright. Needs an alignment, a lot of the engine components looked newer as well. I'm picking it up this afternoon to bring it to my own mechanic to get checked out...I'll be sure to report his findings. (Since the car is at a chevy dealership...they don't know much about the car.)

Here is a link to the car (hoping no one here swoops in and buys it first! )

Cars for Sale: 1989 BMW 325i Convertible in Sterling Heights, MI 48313: Convertible Details - 321892490 - AutoTrader.com

SO my question...what should I offer? Was thinking 4.5k and see where that goes? The worst he can say is no, right? I see myself making improvements to the car slowly...is this a good investment to make?

[m20enginebuilder]

Originally Posted by ueatsoap

Hi all-

Just joined the group. Currently own an '06 328xi, and ready to buy my 2nd BMW.

Test drove a used '89 325i convertible yesterday. I love the way this car looks and feels, however I'm not familiar enough with the vehicle to be able to know it's true value.

The car will undoubtedly need some work eventually. The paint is starting to dull, and there are a few small tears in the roof (less then the width of a fingernail. The front seat leather is worn, and will be replaced eventually...but no tears that I saw. My biggest concern is a small rusted hole on the lower part of the driver side corner panel, against the drivers door.

Mechanically, it felt alright. Needs an alignment, a lot of the engine components looked newer as well. I'm picking it up this afternoon to bring it to my own mechanic to get checked out...I'll be sure to report his findings. (Since the car is at a chevy dealership...they don't know much about the car.)

Here is a link to the car (hoping no one here swoops in and buys it first! )

Cars for Sale: 1989 BMW 325i Convertible in Sterling Heights, MI 48313: Convertible Details - 321892490 - AutoTrader.com

SO my question...what should I offer? Was thinking 4.5k and see where that goes? The worst he can say is no, right? I see myself making improvements to the car slowly...is this a good investment to make?

Ya people who generally work at chevy dealerships are total and compleate idiots. Make for DAMN sure its had a timing belt replacement in the last 50,000 miles. And if unsure, replace it, and the water pump with it. Even tho the water pump is not timing belt driven, replace it anyway. BMW recommends to replace them with the timing belt every 50,000 miles. Save lots of money and headache later on when it breaks and valves get bent, head gets messed up, rocker arms snap, and pistons end up in the oil pan in pieces.

[Lord Vader]

The add is no longer listed.

$4,500 is WAY overpriced for that. Im suprised they would even have a car like that on their lot.

[raveen]

I don't know the selling price or anything.The price may depend on many factors.I don't know how it would be.But if you are looking to buy a car then i can tell you that the best place is in Indianapolis car dealership company.Because my advice is to go to such places that are reputed ones by word of mouth.

[Lord Vader]

Originally Posted by raveen

But if you are looking to buy a car then i can tell you that the best place is in Indianapolis car dealership company.Because my advice is to go to such places that are reputed ones by word of mouth.

Haha you mean by word of spam?