Looking at a '99 318ti

[DJ Skillz 187]

What do you guys think of this?

http://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/car/559725683.html

1999 318ti, 73k miles. They're asking $8350, I know I can get them down to $8k, but I'm gonna shoot for under $7500.

I went to go check it out the other day, it's got a small valve cover gasket leak (that's no problem, maybe a 15 minute job), a small scratch on the rear bumper, and it looks like the belts may need to be replaced soon.

What do you think is a fair amount to offer?

[Mallard]

you done well young man

[jeff318]

sounds good 2 me man

[thesk8nmidget]

looks like a good deal.

99's are very nice!

[DJ Skillz 187]

Sweet. I'm glad I'm not getting ripped off here.. I wasn't sure of the value of the car.

I'm going back to talk to the seller again tomorrow, hopefully I'll be driving it home

[DJ Skillz 187]

So.. Here's a little update on the purchase.

I've been trying to get them to drop the price under $8000, and it's not budging.

Long story short,when I went to go check out the car, I offered $8000, being a little over-enthusiastic about owning the car.
After thinking about it, and realizing that I offered well over the KBB on the car, I decided to wait it out and see if they would try to contact me.

I got a phone call a few days later with a message saying that they wanted $8200. Ummm.. Nope.
So I waited out another day or so, and I finally got an email. Again, saying they wanted $8200.

I replied with this:

Sorry I haven't gotten back to you, but after thinking about it, I don't think the car is worth even $8000.

With the valve cover leak and the fairly large scratch on the rear bumper, the car definitely does not fall into the posted "excellent" category of Kelly Blue Book.
The "excellent" condition is only valued at $7900, "good" condition being $7400.

Kelly Blue Book defines "excellent" condition as:

* Looks new, is in excellent mechanical condition and needs no reconditioning.
* Never had any paint or body work and is free of rust.
* Clean title history and will pass a smog and safety inspection.
* Engine compartment is clean, with no fluid leaks and is free of any wear or visible defects.
* Complete and verifiable service records.

Less than 5% of all used vehicles fall into this category.

Unfortunately, with the fairly dirty engine compartment, the valve cover leaking oil, and the scratch on the bumper, the car does not fall into the "excellent" category.
I also noticed that one of the belts is starting to develop small cracks, which makes me think that the scheduled 60k service was not done on the car, and the belts (along with plugs, wires, etc.) will need to be replaced in the near future.

Here is the Kelly Blue Book link in which I based these values, in case I inaccurately described the car:
http://www.kbb.com/KBB/UsedCars/Pric...uizConditions=

I hate to lower my offer, but after looking at the car and re-checking the KBB value, I can't pay $8000 for the car, let alone $8200.

I will offer $7600. Keep in mind, this is still above the KBB value. If you would like to consider the offer, please reply or feel free to call me on my cell.

Thanks

I was hoping to get a counter offer at least under $8000, but even after this email, they are firm at $8000.
I really want this car, and I'm ready to say f*ck it and pay the $8000.. but a better part of me says I should wait until something else comes around.

This is where I need your advice. You guys know these cars better than I do.

Two questions:
1. Is this a pretty rare deal? A low mileage '99?
2. Is $8000 a reasonable price? Or would I be paying too much?

Any feedback on this would be much appreciated.

Thanks!

[Bobbak]

how many ti's have you looked at if less then 3 then keep looking

you gotta be sharp and just at the right moment take the opportunity, thats just a general fact about life that im applying to buying cars

[thesk8nmidget]

well 99's are rare. not like super super rare but they are the newest ti's you can get and you also have to remember blue book is only a rough estimate of the vehicle. these are hard to find cars and they usually hold a little higher value then blue book.

just keep that in mind.

my 2 cents

[96cali]

I think last winter a '99 with 80k+ miles sold in Dayton for $8000 or $8200. Had cosmetic minor issues but otherwise good. Since then the value on our cars has dipped. $8k? Up to you.

[Bloodrunsdry]

I got my 99 with no cosmetic issues for 7k. It had 100k on it so its up to you. But i would also say. It is an Automatic and if you would rather have stick i would look for another car. Why pay over bluebook for something that you would have to spend money to change the trans.