[Mr. Ali]

I am going to be buying a used car within a week. It is going to be from a private seller and i have a few questions.

1. The car im looking at is a 2002 325ic with 77k miles, is it a good idea to get a mechanic to check this car out or since its only 2002, can i skip this?

2. what other fees besides tax do i need to know about when buying from a private seller?

3. anything else i need to know?

[Scooby]

Thats over the average amount of miles for 3 years, just be weary of that.

I'd stay away from comuter cars.

[integra00]

why would stay away from a car with highway miles .. there less stressful than city ones.

[Scooby]

Thats all going to depend on the maitainence and all that.

And the sheer fact is that most people do not regularly maitenence thier cars. I'd make a claim and say someone who communtes is even less likely to since they spend that much time in thier car, they'd rather not futz around with it. Out of sight out of mind.

I'd say even though its a 2002, with 70k miles on it I'd take it in for a tune up after you buy it atleast and make sure everythings in order.

And still, this could be a real gem, it might be immaculate and run perfect. Your discretion over all.

[integra00]

whats the price ? the milage to price ratio is usually a decent indicator of anything being wrong with it.

[Mr. Ali]

he is asking $18.7k and private property KBB value is at $18.4k with that mileage and all the same packages/features and whatnot. so i am going to try to bring it close to 18k. i wont go over 18.5k

im going to go check it out tomorrow and see the service history and drive it around a bit. when i decide to buy it ill have a shop check it out. should i just take it to any old mechanic?

[gB dAvId x]

i think you should take it to a german mechanic, not any mechanic, how much are you getting on your corolla?

[Mr. Ali]

16.5K

i paid $16k out the door 5months ago from the dealership. i think i made it out alright.

[Billkoz]

any pictures?

[Mr. Ali]

Originally Posted by Billkoz

any pictures?

http://www.cars.com/go/search/multi_...currentPhoto=0

checking the car out tomorrow.

the guy thats selling said that he took the insurance off the car when he listed it for sale..... someone tell me thats somewhat normal because that doesnt sound right to me...

[hans5849]

personally i would look for a M3

[Scooby]

It looks nice and clean.

Good color too.

[nidex]

i would not pay 18 g's for a 4 year old car with 77k on it. waste of fucking money

[Scooby]

The thing is though, its a BMW and he wants a bmw.

My friend bought a 2 or 3 year old galant for $13k the other day and I wouldnt even do that without some serious debate.

[super_Chris]

Originally Posted by nidex

i would not pay 18 g's for a 4 year old car with 77k on it. waste of fucking money

I would have to agree.

Ali, do NOT take the asking price, you have to haggle. Ask if he'll take something like 15, then he'll say 17, you say 16 he says 16,50. Just haggle his ass down, hardly anyone has the asking price as what they really want. The price they will take will allways be below the asking.

Also, do take it to good German mechanic or even a dealer and have it fully inspected and checked out before you buy it. I made the mistake of after I bought it, luckily my car was much cheaper/crapier.

[Mr. Ali]

i went out and drove the car today, it was nice but ONE BIG PROBLEM

check out this big ass key'ed scratch



http://mrali.com/Images/car/IMG_1062.JPG

http://mrali.com/Images/car/IMG_1063.JPG

http://mrali.com/Images/car/IMG_1066.JPG

the guy said he got an estimate saying it would cost $200 to fix and would take that much off the asking price but i donno, that is one deep scratch, how much would it cost to fix? it runs like 4-5 feet

[HEAVY-D]

Do you have to have that car? It can't be too hard to find another BMW better than this, right? Are you in a hurry to get another car?

[Dustin]

Don't waste your time, or get it for a really really low price

[Mr. Ali]

im going to take it to a bmw dealership and have them give me an estamite and also have them check the car out. whatever bmw says, ill take it out of the final price we negotiate.

if he doesnt come down enough ill walk but its hard finding a 2002 325 in my price range.

[Nebor]

IMO the E46 325i is not a desirable car. It's roughly in the same power\weight class as your Toyota. 330ci is where it's at.