Thoughts on buying a local 318is for $1,200.

[redlinewins]

Three owners, salvage title, 117k on clock. Low mileage is documented. Accident repair done years ago which involved the replacement of hood, left fender and door using used panels. Repair work was ok, far from perfect but clean. CA car almost all it's life, in AZ for the last two years, no rust. Clean sport cloth interior, driver's seat needs work, dash crack free. Needs alternator but runs and drives really well. Has some service history. Overall the car is very clean. I think the car would make a great DD for years to come.

Owner was asking 3k, I talked him down to $1,200. Should I buy at this price, I am asking because of the salvage tilte.

Cheers,
Roberto

[Lance Racing]

These cars are too old and too ordinary to worry about salvage titles anymore. If you have your answer on why the car is titled as salvage, then go for it.

[gearheadE30]

Looks really clean; I'd go for it. 318is's make great DDs

[ck_taft325is]

For $1,200 can you go wrong? 117,000 miles on the clock with a working odo? Hope you pick it up ;)

[ACMF74]

very nice...

[AC Nico]

if i could find one like this in germany i'd definately buy it

[ZM Blue Devil]

Buy it, I know I would...;)

[Emre]

Looks like a good DD or a good basis for a track car. Can't go wrong for the price.

[craiggroves91]

I got a salvage 325is for 1600 in cali. 1200 is definitely great!
Like mentioned above. To me these cars are too old to worry about salvaged titles. Some cars may not be salvaged but have more problems than one that is.

If you buy it make a thread for it so we can see what happens with it! :)

[wodcutr]

Looks pretty good to me. The only thing I would worry about is how well it aligns. Sometimes the front strut tower gets tweeked and the car won't allign very well. Look at the wear of the left front tire and see if it has bad wear on the inside or outside...more so than the other side. Receipts are the best indicator of how well the car has been maintained. Has the seller ever done the timing chain tensioner? For $1200 that would be a great car if it has documentation and even if it doesn't a great price for a DD that isn't a rust bucket.

[Asbradley21]

Thats a really good deal for only 1200.

[iamsam]

I got mine for $1700, and it was in far worse condition. But no salvage title though.

Check for any frame tweaking, if you can't see anything, buy it! that is super low mileage.

[xwill112x]

Dooo eettt

[redlinewins]

Well...I did buy it. I had the car towed to my shop and we checked over the car. There is no frame damage at all, in fact the chassis is perfect. I replaced the alternator and battery. Changed the oil and filter and took it for a spin. The car drives and shifts very well. Clutch and tires where replaced by PO early in 2009. Total amount spent with purchase price, tow and parts was $1500. I did all the labor myself.

My only plans for now are to do the minor service items to turn into a reliable daily driver. I'll take some picutres of the interior to show how clean it is.

Thanks for all the good advice guys.

Cheers,
Robert

[der affe]

is that your white M-3 in the pics?
do you ever go to scottsdale?
i swear i see it randomly driving down chaperral at least once a month!