I've got a choice to make

[matthewa786]

Hello, I'm new here and needed some advice on which 318ti is a better deal/smarter choice. My two choices have all the same features. The two options are as follows:

1999 318ti, 84,000 miles for $8800

or

1998 318ti, 113000 miles for $7000.

Are the 30,000 mileage difference worth the $1800 difference? I appreciate any advice whatsoever. Thanks

[dave45056]

Kinda depends on the model and options. Got any more info?

[L84THSKY]

All else equal, get the 1999, so long as it's a stick shift

Originally Posted by matthewa786

Hello, I'm new here and needed some advice on which 318ti is a better deal/smarter choice. My two choices have all the same features. The two options are as follows:

1999 318ti, 84,000 miles for $8800

or

1998 318ti, 113000 miles for $7000.

Are the 30,000 mileage difference worth the $1800 difference? I appreciate any advice whatsoever. Thanks

[aceyx]

Cars tend to depreciate rapidly once they hit 100k. That being said, mine is at 170k and running strong.

I'm betting you could get the seller down to 8500, but the question is if the extra peace of mind is worth 1500 to you? If you're handy with a wrench, you might be better off saving the money now.

There are a whole bunch of other factors I'd consider. Dealer or private sellers? Service records on either?

[momorugger]

I'm running a 99 ti on 160000 miles, and it just has normal maintenance to take care of. The engine runs strong and everything, just ask if the seller has already dealt w/ the window regulators, as they SUCK on the ti. they are the only problem I've had w/ my ti, and that happens to most everybody, just a matter of time really. Otherwise, don't let the mileage scare you away if you a pretty handy around a shop. just kind of repeating what everybody else has said, get the manual transmission, and figure out whether some miles are worth 1800 buckas. It also comes down to how well they were maintained. the Previous owner of my car was an idiot, and there are some stupid things he did here and there for "performance". It took about 4 mins to undo his stupidity. Otherwise, good luck, and welcome to the forum.

[pnosker]

I would get the 1998 personally. The mileage isn't as important with this car since the motors commonly run to over 200+k miles (I think some users here have over 270k). You're more likely going to have other failed components first.

[BleMW]

i'd get the 1998 too - that's 1800$ you have extra to do repairs/custom modifications you wouldn't have and as everyone else has said, these things run forever. mine is at 138k and still purrs like crazy.

[aceyx]

Originally Posted by BleMW

i'd get the 1998 too - that's 1800$ you have extra to do repairs/custom modifications

Good point. There are some preventative maintenance strategies (mostly related to the cooling system) that are a very good idea for a ti with an unknown history. Saves you a lot of headache in the future.