Getting a New Used BMW? Your Input. - BMW Forum

CoMatos3 · 09-16-2008, 12:44 AM

Ok so i'm thinking about giving up on the 318i four cylinder and trying for something else higher up in the food chain. something realistic i can afford. no millionaire or kid with rich parents all out of my pockets. So i went to BMW of Chattanooga, Tn today. Stumble across a 328i 1999 that was just screaming my name logically it was everything i wanted. leather, manual, stock moonroof, premium sound system. one thing i don't like its the 140,000 miles on the engine but i'll live with it. Biggest thing is they are asking 12,000. Overpriced much?! kelly blue book says retail its 9,750 or something really close to that. Does that sound closer to what it should be? Any Ideas talking them down if i give a 5,000 down payment? Should i print out the kelly blue book price and take it to the dealer and see if i can get them to come close to matching that price? Any ideas what i should do? I'm in love i can't let this one go.

Nova · 09-16-2008, 01:00 AM

I bought my 96 328is for $4000 at an insurance auction. It has 180 000 miles on it. But it runs just fine. It's a BMW after all. $12000 seems overpriced to me too. I would bring them the kelly blue book print out. Make sure you come determined to buy the car and they'll be determined to make the sale.

bimmerguy82 · 09-16-2008, 01:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CoMatos3

Ok so i'm thinking about giving up on the 318i four cylinder and trying for something else higher up in the food chain. something realistic i can afford. no millionaire or kid with rich parents all out of my pockets. So i went to BMW of Chattanooga, Tn today. Stumble across a 328i 1999 that was just screaming my name logically it was everything i wanted. leather, manual, stock moonroof, premium sound system. one thing i don't like its the 140,000 miles on the engine but i'll live with it. Biggest thing is they are asking 12,000. Overpriced much?! kelly blue book says retail its 9,750 or something really close to that. Does that sound closer to what it should be? Any Ideas talking them down if i give a 5,000 down payment? Should i print out the kelly blue book price and take it to the dealer and see if i can get them to come close to matching that price? Any ideas what i should do? I'm in love i can't let this one go.

If you're going to put down 5k then I would not pay more than 9k.

tastoll · 09-16-2008, 08:10 AM

I purchased a 97 318i , triple black convertible with 98k and a flawless body. I bought it from a private party for $4000. I sunk about 1500. in maint. (changed all fluids and filters,new brakes and a o2 sensor,rear shocks etc.) I feel the one you are interested in the price and mileage are high for the year. I bought mine from an individual that needed cash badly.

CoMatos3 · 09-16-2008, 03:48 PM

ok, i'll try that. 9,000 is about the retail price so you think they'll come down on it with me if i have the blue book price? I should stay firm with my words right? Tell them what i want and how much i'll give them and no budging.

chinonca · 09-16-2008, 03:59 PM

You should carfax it and see wat kind of problems it had if any!! You still have to spend some money eventually for maintenance and normall wear and tear stuff. deffinetely not worth 12,000!!!

thekid · 09-16-2008, 11:58 PM

I'll jump in here and add to the NO wagon. I paid 9.5k for a mint 1995 M3 with 92,000 miles on it. Babied, Garaged, every maint record etc.

CoMatos3 · 09-17-2008, 12:02 AM

ok anyone bought their car from a dealer where they had to talk the price down? Any pointers?

AlpineSixAndSeven · 09-17-2008, 01:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CoMatos3

ok anyone bought their car from a dealer where they had to talk the price down? Any pointers?

Point out ALL the flaws in the car and bring the kelly blue book page... that should help and Stand your ground they will give in....

eddiemac102 · 09-17-2008, 09:49 AM

im thinking about buying a 98 328i black coupe manual with about 102k on the engine for 5k is it a buy or not

Numark318i · 09-17-2008, 10:02 AM

is it a manaul or automatic?

Keep in mind 1999 was the first year they introduced the body style. So make sure the car has a clear carfax and has a good maintenenace record.

eddiemac102 · 09-17-2008, 11:46 AM

its manual and ill be sure to keep those things in mind

thekid · 09-17-2008, 06:40 PM

That wouldn't be a bad deal. Check the blue book value I'm not sure what it actually is for the car. But it doesn't sound bad.

Fivemanarmy · 09-24-2008, 12:05 AM

Biggest piece of advice I can give is,be prepared to walk away, if he/she knows your in 'love' then your in trouble as all your negotiating power goes out the window.

DO NOT overpay cause it will grind on you forever. There's always another car. Remember these guys do this all the time and 90% of them are scum bags, I know cause I had one in my band for while. BMW might be different but they still want you to pay more, period.

You should for sure be able to get it down to AT LEAST $9 000. I'm sure with a little confidence around $8500-$8000. I agree with bimmerguy82. Make sure your happy with your buy after its all said and done.

Good luck,

ratherbon2 · 09-24-2008, 10:30 AM

i have a 99' 328is that i bought from a private party for 6500 i talked him down from 7k. the car was in very good condition with only a few things here and there. the car had 125k on it and ran very tight and strong. my bargain point was the fact that his lovely ex girlfriend left her mark on it with her key. i was able to use that to lower the price. im sure you can get it lowered down to 9k if not i would highly suggest going private party. after all there is always another one out there. it took me 9 months to find a manual 328is so be prepared to leave and just sit on your hands til the perfect deal comes along.

ross