what should i pay for a 1998 528i?

[ukodonnell]

174,000 miles, but in excellent condition (garaged, interior looks great, Tons of options) If I pull Edmunds it tells me I should around $2000 for a fully loaded 528i w sport suspension ( it literally has almost every option). Owner is asking $4800 - there's no way I'm paying that. So , I need a strategy where I will get the car at a fair price. I'm willing to go toe to toe, and work with him, but I'm not spending that amount on a 528i. Can someone help?

[bullard123]

Here is your post right here

[DennisCooper]

Hi,

It's impossible to give you a price to pay as no one here knows the condition of the car. What you describe as 'excellent condition' might only good or decent to someone else. You've looked at the Edmunds guide price, perhaps also get a pre purchase inspection done to see what potential issues might be there in the car. Is it an auto? has the gearbox been refurbished in the 174K it's showing? if not, it's possible it's soon going to give up.. What does the guide say for cars showing this kind of mileage? are there any other adverts for similar aged cars in similarly described condition on the usual car selling sites for more, similar, or a lot less in terms of asking prices? perhaps show him and see his response.

Have an agreement of a price with the seller if the PPI comes up very good with a few minor issues only, if the gearbox has been overhauled recently with a receipt to prove. If he refuses to come down much in price after your PPI, and it shows more issues, build into that agreement that he'll refund you the cost of the PPI and you just walk away.

Apart from that, if it really is an excellent car, you could walk and leave him your final offer and ask him to call you when he still has it later.

Cheers, Dennis!

[MrTeeThyme]

I know there are mixed feelings about KBB, but it shows the value just shy of $4,800. If you offer $2,000 and walk, you probably won't get it unless there is something wrong with it. If it really is as good as you say, with good maintenance records, I would say somewhere around $4,000 would be good.