New Gal Needs Help!

[Louisa]

Hi All ---
My name is Louisa. This is my first post here. I am thinking of buying a used BMW. Have never had an European car, always owned American or Japanese. I want an automatic mid-sized car that is safe with good braking and road handling, that will last a long time.
I NEED YOUR HELP!
Would like to know if this is a good deal or a rip-off. It is a private owner sale. Also need to get a Carfax report to help me decide. Have to make a quick decision, or may lose out.

The car I fell in love with and want to get is a 2001 525i.
The asking price is $9,000.
The owner ran over a parking curb and tore up the underside (engine and trans). No body damage at all. It's clean - no dents, dings, etc. Has leather interior, sun roof, CD player, automatic everything, all the bells and whistles. I believe, no sports package.
Odometer - 91,000 miles
The following repairs have just been completed....
Replaced:
Motor - with 51,000 miles
Trans - with 6,000 miles
SO, WHAT DO YOU THINK? Thanks in advance.

[Numark318i]

Originally Posted by Louisa

Hi All ---
My name is Louisa. This is my first post here. I am thinking of buying a used BMW. Have never had an European car, always owned American or Japanese. I want an automatic mid-sized car that is safe with good braking and road handling, that will last a long time.
I NEED YOUR HELP!
Would like to know if this is a good deal or a rip-off. It is a private owner sale. Also need to get a Carfax report to help me decide. Have to make a quick decision, or may lose out.

The car I fell in love with and want to get is a 2001 525i.
The asking price is $9,000.
The owner ran over a parking curb and tore up the underside (engine and trans). No body damage at all. It's clean - no dents, dings, etc. Has leather interior, sun roof, CD player, automatic everything, all the bells and whistles. I believe, no sports package.
Odometer - 91,000 miles
The following repairs have just been completed....
Replaced:
Motor - with 51,000 miles
Trans - with 6,000 miles
SO, WHAT DO YOU THINK? Thanks in advance.

do they have records of all the work?

It sounds like a good deal..but i would have the car checked out my a private BMW shop that you choose. Pay the $150 or what ever they charge to make sure the car is in good condition and nothing seems to be wrong.

BMW's are great cars, but you have to make sure you get the right one.

also ask them about the cooling system, because by that mileage some things might have to be replaced.

[Louisa]

Thanks for the reply. Still debating about it.
Just got the Carfax report.
Has had 4 owners: 2 private, 2 dealer. Sold at auction in PA. Clean Title. All owners have been from NJ/PA area. (I'm in NJ)
Looks to have been well maintained.
Rear-end accident in 2005. (Body in perfect cond. now.)
Recent accident where owner drove over a parking pylon damaging the engine and trans. The Service Station mechanic that repaired it and is selling it, bought it from the insurance co. I trust this mechanic....but just to be sure, am taking it for another opinion.
My son works for a car dealer (Dodge, Ford, Pontiac, & Isuzu).
Plan to take it there to have their mechanics check out under the hood and the undercarriage. Will be worth the $100 for reassurance and peace of mind...know they will be honest with me.
Son tells me it is a good price. His only warning is that maintenance is costly.
I still love this car! It is pretty....White with tan leather interior. There I go being a typical female!
Any other advice is very welcomed. Will let you know my final decision. Thanks again.

[AlpineSixAndSeven]

Do it looks like a great deal Im a guy and I love my White and tan 740il would lov the hear back the 525i is a great coice for an all around family car the 7's are great but the gas will kill you