what 318i M should I buy

[singhisking 0]

Hi all,

I am looking to get a 2004 318i M spec. There are 2 I like.

1st is a private sale with 76,000Kms and the guy is asking $18,000.

2nd is at a dealer in Auckland with 120,000 kms and he is asking $16,000.

Both cars are M spec and grey colour. I don't ever want to buy from a dealer but looks like a good deal at the dealers. I am really confused. Should I pay $2,000 for low mileage. Both cars are NZ new with full service history.

Any help will be appreciated.

Both images are in the order I have described the cars.

[e30plz 1]

I'd take the cheaper one, The difference in mileage shouldn't mean much if it has good service history.

[Palazzo 440]

I'd chip the private seller on his price and buy that. 50,000kms is at least 2-3 years driving for most people.

[3 SERIES 92]

Hi,

How many km's do you approx do a week? Plenty or Bugger all?

I always think of resale value when im looking to purchase a car and tend to look at examples with as low km's as possible.

I would be going for the private sale (lower km's) and also try to beat them down by trying to get the 18k figure as close to the 16k mark of the one with higher km's.

Everyone will have their own opinion but thats how I think anyway.

[APT 179]

I'd go for the one with the lower k's if you had the extra $$ but like what ^^ said make sure it has a service history.. I say this because my e46 has about the same amount of k's on the clock and has had to go through abit of repairs over the time ive had it, eg air flow meter $750, Passengers airbag sensor $500 etc. so you mite want to pay for a lower k's car instead on repairs.

Just something to think of

[singhisking 0]

Thanks a lot for your quick reply guys.

I booked my flights from wellington to Auckland yesterday as I made up my mind on buying the cheaper one.

I just couldn't decide but now I think its best to spend a little bit more now and not regret later.

What is a good place to buy a mechanical warranty for the car? The dealer was offering me the warranty for $640 for 3 years.

Thanks again

[nath 130]

Perhaps See if the 120km car has just passed some major service hurdles that the 75km one hasnt? That may mean it works out even better value again!

If the two have reached the same levels of service then i would go for the 75km one.... 2k isnt much for such a KM difference. K'ms may not matter soo much to us BMW fans, but they almost always do to the person you on- sell it to.

[Hi-Tek 3]

I'd certainly front up the extra $2000 for 50,000 less kilometers if the car is a lot nicer.

[singhisking 0]

Hi all

the thing is that both the cars look exactly the same. the only difference is the kms.

I am really confused. I can spend extra money but if the other car is gonna be the same, should I?

The dealer is giving me the 3 year mechanical warranty for $640.

[Palazzo 440]

How about $16,500 including the warranty? Whoops. I meant $15,500.

Edited July 15, 2009 by Palazzo

[*Glenn* 854]

I'd certainly front up the extra $2000 for 50,000 less kilometers if the car is a lot nicer.

+1... its a buyers market out there. Try negotiating the private seller down a bit and then buy an "AA" Autosure warranty with the spare cash. I strongly suggest you get a pre purchase inspection done first on either of the cars...just to be on the safe side. If you get an "AA" inspection done, your half way there to buy the warrantly. Although the inspection might not find as much as a BMW specialist or dealer would.