Need advice for a possible purchase

[JiX]

Haven't heard back from the 89 325is owner, but I did from the 318. What do you think this car is worth?



This is what he wrote.

"The car is is in good condition, it does need some work though. It has 180,xxx mile on it. Unfortunately the odometer stopped working recently, so actual mileage is no doubt greater. I'm selling the car for my sister. She has had it since about September 2006. She only uses it to go to and from school and work locally. I'm not sure how many owners there were prior to the guy she bought it from. She has not had any problems with it except the front shocks are going bad. She also has not made any repairs on the car, just oil changes."

[StereoInstaller1]

So now you know that the M42 is gonna require a buttload of maintenance. M20s are far easier to work on with their whole "antiquated" thing going on and all.

So, if money, mileage, service and condition are all the same I say go for the 318is.

If you can afford the extra bux on gas, go 325is, it is superior in every way except "flickability", and still has plenty of "flick", PLUS it should have come with ellipsoid headlights if it is an '89. The sealed beams on the 318is suck balls.

All in all, if it were me, I would go with the Six.

Luke

[JiX]

So, if money, mileage, service and condition are all the same I say go for the 318is.

^^ Was that a typo? Did you mean go with the 325is, since the m20 motors are easier to work on? A little confused. What would you be willing to pay for the 318is?

[Fidhle007]

The m20, while built on an "antiquated" design, is a a very solid and long-lasting motor. It requires regular timing belt changes and therefore is also more likely to have had the needed maintenance performed where the M42 will probably have been left to it's own devices all it's life. If the M42 car had 100k or less my vote would be for that but since it's about equal with the M20 car, that would probably be a much safer option. I have an M20 with 253k miles on it and counting...

[StereoInstaller1]

^^ Was that a typo? Did you mean go with the 325is, since the m20 motors are easier to work on? A little confused. What would you be willing to pay for the 318is?

The 318 motor is a great motor, but I like the M20 better...however, this is YOUR car, not mine.

If the M20 is beat down, the M42 might be a better choice for YOU.

On the other hand, a 325is will run away from a 318is, with both cars being stock.