advice on buying 95 325is

[ciz28]

I have been looking to get an E36 M3 for a little while now, but I have an opportunity to buy a 95 325is for $7500. It seems in great condition, just a few cosmetic flaws but the engine and tranny still seem in great condition. The amazing part here is that it only has 64k miles on it! I feel like I might be shortchanging myself a bit by buying this instead of the M3, but if I were to buy this in the meantime, would I have any problems trying to sell the 325is for at least what I can pay for it? Any opinions on my situation are welcome...

[sayst]

I don't think you will get what you paid. Just save more money and get M3.

[ciz28]

That's kind of what I'm afraid of... I ultimately do want an M3, so I don't want to be stuck with this 325is. What kind of price should an extremely clean 325is with only 64k miles fetch around the midwest?

edit: gotta learn to proofread my posts

[PJ Steamboat]

That seems about right. The key thing about that car is the mileage. I would have it checked out by a BMW mechanic to see what work needs to be done. Do you have any pictures and is it a 5 speed or automatic? Has anything been done to the car? If you are still young insurance will be night and day compared to the M3. Just somethings to think about.

[sexy325]

dang, i bought my 93 325is for 7K with 100K on it. interior is in flawless condition as well as the outside. couple door dings but they are hardly noticeable. plus the transmission has been rebuilt.. so it's practically new....

[thejaff]

That seems about right. The key thing about that car is the mileage. I would have it checked out by a BMW mechanic to see what work needs to be done. Do you have any pictures and is it a 5 speed or automatic? Has anything been done to the car? If you are still young insurance will be night and day compared to the M3. Just somethings to think about.

Insurance is the main reason I didn't get an M right off. My premium is over $250 cheaper with my car than with an M3.

[ciz28]

It's a manual transmission, with the absolutely cleanest engine bay that I have ever seen. Internally and externally the car is flawless except for one tiny rip in the drivers seat and two spots of bubbling in the paint near the trunk.

I decided to buy the car, so I'm going to meet him tonight to complete the deal. I got an insurance quote of $890/6months for full coverage with $1000 deductible. Since I'm still 20, I think that's a pretty good deal...

[thejaff]

It's a manual transmission, with the absolutely cleanest engine bay that I have ever seen. Internally and externally the car is flawless except for one tiny rip in the drivers seat and two spots of bubbling in the paint near the trunk.

I decided to buy the car, so I'm going to meet him tonight to complete the deal. I got an insurance quote of $890/6months for full coverage with $1000 deductible. Since I'm still 20, I think that's a pretty good deal...

That seems like a lot to me, but then again I'm military and 21. You should get a drop in insurance once you hit 21. Good luck with the car though.

[ciz28]

I agree, it definately is high, but just because I'm still 20. Once I turn 21 it drops to around $700/6months and then when I turn 23 it drops again to about $550/6months...

[SHOracer]

64k and a ripped seat? that doesn't sound right.

Take some money off for that, and a clean engine bay means nothing more then a good detailing, I like seeing dirt, you know they are not hiding anything.

[ciz28]

The rip in the seat is really more like a tiny puncture, it definately doesn't seem related to a lot of wear. And the engine compartment just seems cleaner than would be possible if there was ever a leak and if it wasn't cleaned at least once a month. I know NADA prices aren't that useful, but they list it at $10500, while even KBB lists it at $8500. I talked him down from his initial asking price of $8500 to $7500, so I think I'm getting a pretty decent deal.

[PJ Steamboat]

Good luck with the purchase, post some pics once you get it. Enjoy :)

[ciz28]

Thanks, I'll try to get some up ASAP.