97' 328ic buying advice

[Invictus]

Whats up guys,

I'll start by saying I'm fairly new here and this is my first post, so I want to apologize in advance for any newb mistakes I make.

With that being said I was seeking out some advice as to the purchase of first car, that will be made in the where-abouts of September and was just making sure that I was getting a good deal. My father has a good friend who has in his possession a 1997 328i convertible with around 150,000 miles on it, mostly highway miles. It seems like it has most of the options offered in 97' and the only modification that has been made to it are some 18" bmw rims that look like they came of an e39 5-series. The car seems to be in overall good shape as I have driven it once and everything seems to be in good working order. But I don't know for sure and that is the reason for this post. I need some help!

By the way, he is asking 4,000$

[Mace Windu]

if everything is in order, 4k is a steal

there are buying guides, common issues threads, and all
sorts of information here on bimmerforums to help you make
a good decision when it comes to buying one.

just read up on this stuff and spend some time inspecting
the car or take it to a mechanic with a list of stuff for him to
check out on it.

[goestoeleven]

Visit the vert subforum if you want to find out what we get to deal with in exchange for going topless . . . . plenty of vert specific maintenance & things to fix.

The real question is how good is your father's friend at maintenance? If it's been maintained, I think that 4 K is a pretty good price for a 'vert, although the miles are a bit high. However, if this is your first car, a 'vert is a great way to go. You probably won't win too many races, but the chicks will dig the ride. You can also think of it this way - is your father's good friend going to screw his friend's kid over (that would be you)? Probably not - it would piss off your dad. All the same, you can check out kbb.com and autotrader.com to look for comparable prices. Just get ready to keep spending for parts & maintenance - this is a BMW after all.

Plus - maybe he'll discount the 4k for his buddy's son . . . .

[wiseleo]

That is a steal. Verts routinely start at 6K regardless of mileage.Color?Test the top and the power windows. Ask what has been done to cooling and whether RSM were reinforced. Be prepared for an immediate cooling system overhaul.Verts are generally more loved because they tend to be pleasure cars that someone wanted for some time, so it is probably in good shape. :)I happen to drive mine every day, but it's still a pleasure car that gets appropriate amount of love. :D

[RNeil]

Most people think 150K miles is a lot, but if it is highway miles and not short trips, then it is not a problem. $4K sounds great!

[Invictus]

The color scheme is a beautiful black on black with the leather in pretty good condition considering the mileage and the paint is pristine.

Top seems to work flawlessly as well as the windows, but as far as the cooling system and such I am not sure about, I am not a big diy person mostly because I do not have a car yet but I am very eager to learn. As far as engine matinence and upkeep I am confident because he regularly takes it to the dealer for any work that needs to be done... this includes worries about the cooling system, but if replacements are needed in the future I am aware of the problems associated with it and I am prepared for the costs of such.

[Invictus]

Good news though, my father and I have contacted him and he is not advertising to sell it until I can come up with the money to buy it from him!
So it is almost a done deal, all I need to do is prepare the 4k for the purchase.

The only downside is that the transmission is an automatic, I was really hoping for my first to me a stick, but this is just too good of a deal to pass up.

...Also I was wondering if there are any common problems associated with this transmission, or if even it is more reliable than the manual. Thanks for the replies!

Looking forward to becoming part of the bmw/e36 family!