Should I buy this 328i?

[Masterwuh]

Hi I am new to this forum. I hope you guys can give me some feedback. I found a 1997 328i for $9500. It has 129,000 miles in it but the engine runs fine and I ran a carfax on it and it says everything is good. There are no leaks, no rust, and no exterior damage beside a small crack on the front window. Interior wise, the car is a little bit dirty with some stains and I think the cupholder is broke? Beside that the car seems fine. The thing that is troubling me is that the guy that is selling the car is a mechanic and I am not sure if he repaired any problem to the car without telling me. But on the other hand, if he is trying to sell a bad car he would have at least clean up the car and everything before letting me test drive the car. SO what do u guys think? I can't really take the car on the freeway for a test drive because he has stop buying insurance on it. And I heard a good way to see if the car has any problem is driving it on the freeway for like 30 mins and then take a look at the engine for problems such as the radaitor to see any sign of boiling. Help me!!! I am a newbie to BMW and I don't want to get rip off! Thanks!

[jllphan]

IMO, maintenance records are a must. If he worked on the car himself, he should have at least kept his reciepts from his replacement parts.

Definately go for an extended test drive, insurance or no, a ticket from a cop for no insurance is much better than spending $10K on a car that is worth $5K!

He wants too much. If the car was perfect I would pay $9K. I'm sure you can find stuff wrong that would make that number even less.

Good luck, and to the forums.

[BeemerMan]

if your paying by cash i could close that deal for you for only $7k!!!

[Masterwuh]

Thanks guy for the input! Hmm 9k if its in excellent condition? Damn I thought 9.5k is already a good price. Well actually I asked for 9k and he said no so I guess I should find another car? Another question...I done some research but I still can't quite decide which car is the best bang for the buck. I find the 1997 328i with the least problems and it got the most power for the amount I can afford (Under 12k). Which year and model do you guys think is the best bang for the buck?

[jllphan]

IMO, your lookin in the right place. '96-'98 would be ideal, I personally prefer the coupes. Like I said there is no substitue for records. If the guy has it all, I would start at $9K and pick his car apart.

[97M3/4]

I think he's asking a bit much. 7K seems to be a good price for what you described.

If this is the kind of car you really want, take the time to make sure you find one that you are completely happy with. It took me a year to find my car.