purchasing a 318i cabrio

[RPM]

Hi BMW people! I am a fugitive Porsche owner visiting from Rennlist with some questions about a 1997 318i cab I am considering purchasing fom my 19 year old daughter.

The specifics:
87k
5 speed
white w/tan leatherette
new factory replacement top
recent records, new tires, good pre-purchase inspection
$13,000

The car is in meticulous condition with just a few stray paint chips and very little interior wear. For sale from a very reputable local independent dealer.

I have perused the search results on 318s and cabs but was hoping for some direct feedback on this car and the model in general. I know the 318i is a bit underpowered for the cabriolet, but figured she can't get in too much trouble that way.

Question:
-good price?
-model concerns?
-potential maintenance issues?

Thanks!

[amancuso]

No more maintenance concerns than any other car... If its in as good a ahape as you say it is, pick it up, and if you are worried about having to pay for repairs, pick up a warranty while you're there.

-Al.

[bimmerboy328i]

Hmmm.......13 sounds a little high. I almost bought a 97 318i and it was for 11,100 in excellent condition with 67k miles. Interior and everything was in very good condition. Car sounds nic though, but I think 13 is a little high. I could be wrong, but book it and see.

[BlantonG13]

Talk that price down. I bought a 96 318i with only 40k miles on it a year and a half ago for $11k. There is no reason why the price should be 13k, especially with double the miles of what I had. But it sounds like a really good car to me. 318's are great cars, handle very good and get amazing gas mileage, especially with prices high as hell now. If you can get that price down a couple grand, I would go for it. Your daughter will love you for it 2" class="inlineimg" />

[Autotechnica]

318i is no cab. Cab's are worth a hell of a lot more.

I bought a '94 318i for $9800, at the time a 318 cab w/ the same milage, same year was $14000, you can see the price difference.

Bry

[RPM]

Uhhh.. I guess I'm confused. Is the price you guys mentioned ($11k) for a convertible?

What is the best source of accurate pricing info for BMW? I know that for Porsche, Kelly Blue Book and sites like that are a joke as they do not take into account the relative scarcity of the vehicles. For example, I recently sold my 89 944S2 for $8000 when KBB valued it around $4500.

Edmunds, which is usually better, lists the 97 318i convertible at $12.3 for private party and $14.5 for dealer.

[thekid]

It sounds like a solid deal to me. But always try to talk them down some what, but they are not trying to screw you.

[tshegos]

Greetings,

I too am a Porsche owner and recently purchased a 96 318ic for my son. I considerd lots of other vehicles before deciding on the 318 for my son. I have an older 911 so I love the comforts of the 318. You could be slightly disappointed with the 318s performance coming from the P-car.

The 318 is a nice combination of great style, gas milage and mid-performance for a young adult - however, insurance is steep (in Michigan).

I bought my 318 in March for $9,500 in Wisc. nicely loaded with 90K. (very desirable navy & tan leather). It's been a very reliable car with the exception of the blasted digital climate control - blower problem.

Good luck!