1997 318ti...should I buy?

[BeeJonesey]

Hi.

As you can see, I'm a newbie...in fact, not even a newbie because I don't own the car yet!

That's why I'm posting: I'm thinking of buying a white 1997 318ti with about 84K miles on it for $8300. The rotors need turned, which, I guess, means the brake pads need replacing, too. Other than that, it's in great shape: new tires, new battery, new spark plug wires, new CD player, perfect exterior, slightly worn interior (cloth, not leather).

The only thing I'm nervous about, since I am a newbie, is the maintenance costs. Right now I have a practically bullet-proof Subaru, which, though it's not very sexy, works for me. All I want is a slightly nicer, quieter, better-handling ride that's also kinda cool and fun to drive...without the six-year commitment of financing a new car.

That said, I'm trying to be frugal and responsible here. Will a used BMW bleed money? The title's clean and it runs great, but does anybody out there have 318ti experience they'd be kind enough to share?

Thanks for your time!

 

[Nelson330ci]

I would not recomend a 4 cyl BMW, they bulid 6's the best. I know many will not like this comment, but if you want to spend ~8k and want a car all of the above either look for a clean older 325 or a different kind of car (ie Acura/honda/nissan/toy).

Bmw's are great but if ownership cost is a huge issue you might want to think twice. However if you'll willing to spend a little more on ocassion services, you'll love a clean well maintained bmw, but I personnally wouldn't touch the ti (thats why they only made them for a few years).

 

[codex57]

yeah, no offense to 318 owners, but the appeal of a BMW really isn't felt until you've tried their inline sixes. My friend used to have an E30 325. That was a great car. Same rear suspension as the newer 318ti you're looking at (which means that 318ti has an older generation suspension). Also rode in an E36 318i (same general body style as the one you're looking at). Only had a short test drive in it but I much prefer the older E30 with the 6 cylinder engine.

 

[bahnstormer]

stay away from any 318's you see! don't even go near them on the highway cuz the owners will want to crash thier cars into you so they can get new ones
just my opinion (based on HP #'s)