What to look for when buying a car. I just saw a 1988 BMW for only $1000. Is that a good deal?

Question

This is all it says. Cheap dependable transportation for sale. This car is not perfect so do not expect that. Currently used as my daily driver. The car is Bronzit in color with 2.5l inline 6cyl. engine and 4 speed auto transmission. The engine runs well and just had the emissions test today 7/01. It is due for an oil change and could probably use a valve adjustment as it is a little chattery but runs fine just the same. Transmission shifts good with no problems. Has tan interior but front leather seats were badly worn so I replaced them with vinyl sport seats. The car is decent looking with no large dents just door ding type dents. There is some rust in various places but the car looks pretty decent. Does not come with wheels pictured. It will come with standard BMW bottle cap wheels.

Would make a good beginner car for a teen or someone looking for something cheap. This car is not for the BMW enthusiast unless you want to break it for parts. The previous owner replaced various suspension parts like the control arms. Also has a new OEM muffler. Price is firm! $1000 I can part the car and make more than this but don't see the point in parting a good running vehicle. I am selling this car because I have several others and am ready to move on. I have title in hand and would like it gone by Friday 7/04. Is this a good buy? I'm only 17 and don't know a lot about cars.

Answer 1

well since you didnt give the miles on the car i dont really know if thats a good deal. If it has less than 150k miles it would be a very good deal if the car runs decent, any car that runs ok is probably a decent deal for $1k, BMW is a nicer car for that much money although like somepeople have said it will cost alot to have it fixed, and if there only asking $1k for a 98 BMW it probably needs a fair amount of work to run well.

If the car has less than 200,000 miles and runs pretty well I would say thats a good deal for a 98' BMW. If you can, have a mechnic look at it, if he tells you it wont need more than $1k worth of work right away I would probably do it.

Answer 2

Nehe..you could get 2 years out of it, or get 2 weeks out of it.  Either way...Just remember, a Beemer isn't one of the cheapest cars to replace parts on.  If you have somebody in your family that can work on cars, and wouldn't mind working on yours if it goes down...well then, thats 80% of your bill normally.    I have an ....ok..had...an 88 f150 4x4 up till last month, when my stepson buried it in a ditch...and handn't spent much money on it in 5 years.  It had about 250,000 miles on it.   Ive got a 96 Lincoln that ive had for  years and havent spent any additional money on it either.  Drive the car...if you like the car....buy the car if you have the funds.  As long you can keep it running...you might really enjoy it.  But you will know the answer to that question when you get behind the wheel of it.  Trust your instincts... When you get older, that's all you'll have to guide you thru many things.  If you can keep it running....and roadworthy....it shouldnt lose any value from this point on.  Another words...if it continues to run...you'll always be able to get your money back.   If things start to go wrong with it, and you have a "U-pull-it around you someplace...that should help ya a little.  Just be glad it's not a 1974 Jaguar that has been sitting out in a field for 22 years.  Good luck ... which ever way you go.

Answer 3

Pass. A BMW needing that much work is not for a 17 year old.