Is it worth paying a premium?

[DarkWing6]

I am looking at buying an 89+ 325is 5 spd 150k or less in good condition and was wondering if it worth paying the premium (around $4500) for one since they are such a rarity? I have been looking at 2 door i's occationally too and I can't even find 5spds like that around here, but I have a lead on an 89 325is as a lot of you know and I am wondering if it will be worth the premium? I know it is mostly if its worth it to me, but I just don't wanna get ripped off.

[bmwannabe]

ive got a 91 325i I would consider selling you for $4000. 132k miles, red, and 5 speed.

[Rob]

No one else can tell you what something is worth to you, you can only decide that for yourself.


I can tell you however, that a decent condition 5speed plastic bumper 325is with less than 150k on it would be worth that sort of money to me.

[DarkWing6]

ive got a 91 325i I would consider selling you for $4000. 132k miles, red, and 5 speed.

I'm in Seattle/Vancouver, WA. If I were searching the country I could find one easier, but they seem to be pretty rare around here.

[Ryan Stewart]

It is one of the more popular E30s besides the obvious. Its got the good headlights, motor, diff, and toys.

[decay]

Re: Is it worth paying a premium?

I am looking at buying an 89+ 325is 5 spd 150k or less in good condition and was wondering if it worth paying the premium (around $4500) for one since they are such a rarity?

m3s are rare.

i wanted an '89 iS when i started looking and found one in a week, for an asking price of $3600. waved three grand in the guy's face and let him talk me up to $3100, then drove away. mine had about 152k miles when i got it.

when i was looking the cost of an iS was not significantly higher than that of a 325i.

just keep looking...

[Topper]

If it's in good shape and well looked after with a documented service history you had better snap it up before someone else does!
It's cheaper in the long run to pay extra for a good car up front than it is to fix up a shitbox over time.
Man, you guys are lucky in the States, a car like that would bring 6 to 7 grand around here!

[DarkWing6]

After 3 months of looking I haven't really found anything else. I need one very soon too. The car I am in is very very close to death.

[Ryan Stewart]

dk, you have to take in account location. Here in KS where they use road salt a good car is gonna fetch more than AZ or southern Cal where even the crappiest car will last 10 years without rusting.

[decay]

dk, you have to take in account location. Here in KS where they use road salt a good car is gonna fetch more than AZ or southern Cal where even the crappiest car will last 10 years without rusting.

i'll clarify that i bought the car in the bay area (northern cali), but that doesn't affect the validity of your statement.

good luck, darkwing.

[325is_MadBimmer]

My brother recently purchased a 89 325is. One owner, all maitance done at dealer (10k worth of receipts) excellent condition. Whit one black, 5 speed, 112k miles for $3200, so....i would not pay $4500 as i have never seen a 89 325is all stock as in good of condition as my brothers.

[DarkWing6]

My brother recently purchased a 89 325is. One owner, all maitance done at dealer (10k worth of receipts) excellent condition. Whit one black, 5 speed, 112k miles for $3200, so....i would not pay $4500 as i have never seen a 89 325is all stock as in good of condition as my brothers.

Your brother got an amazing deal!!!!

[325is_MadBimmer]

i know.....that lucky bastard :drink: The guy we bought it from was about 55 had it since new...got all the origianl stuff, and I MEAN ALL! Had the speed limiter set to 60 mph. The only damage is a tiny ding on the right front fender. Not even noticable.

but anyways, if u look hard enough and buy the right car u will be happier then buying one quick that was "somthing" you are looking for

[DarkWing6]

This is the exact car that I'm looking for (I would rather have a black interior, but thats a somewhat easy fix) I just don't know about paying a little more than what it is probably worth. I do need a new car very soon, since the car I'm driving is literally going to die any day. And I know that a good E30 is hard to find around here, especially a 5spd.

[325is_MadBimmer]

This is the exact car that I'm looking for (I would rather have a black interior, but thats a somewhat easy fix)

If you are talking about my brothers car...its a alpine white exterior on black interior