i have a friend who’s wife is looking at either selling or trading in her 1998 BMW 323is… my brother is looking for his first car. I was thinking of helping him buy it from her. It has 160,000 miles on it and needs a new air conditioning. Everything mechanical is in very good order. Cosmetically, there are a couple things which could be done to it to bring it back to good condition… mostly the leather seats. She is offering it to me for $1500-2000. I know BMW’s are known to last practically forever. Maintenance is up to date… she has the records to prove it as well as the receipts for the new items she put on the car.. struts, bushing, tires, etc. Obviously, we would like him to have the care up until he finishes his degree of choice which would be…roughly 6 years from now. Should we go with something newer or at least not as old or does this sound like a pretty good deal for him?
Good “first Car” For A 17 Year Old?
Good “first Car” For A 17 Year Old?
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I think that you can find a better and newer car with a little bit of research on line. Reasons being:
First off the blue book value is:
Kelley Blue Book Value: $8,525 – $9,500
(kinda good, however I’m skeptical about why she is offering so low..)
it is a 6 cyl..sooo…
Second the MPG is:
Fuel Type Regular
MPG (city) 18
MPG (highway) 27
MPG (combined) 21
(not that great, but ok for a 6 banger…)
The reliability rating has it ranked for serious engine problems, to quote:
“A general problem with this vehicle is the Intake Air System. The system leaks and can result in poor running of the engine and/or Malfunction Indicator Illumination. The Intake Air System leaks are identified in TSB # 11 05 98. Occasional problems on this vehicle are failure of the VANOS solenoid, M52 engine only, and the Motronic Control Unit. Failure of the VANOS solenoid is identified in TSB #11 09 98. Failure of the Motronic Control Unit is caused by water intrusion that is identified in TSB # 41 03 93. A periodic problem on this vehicle is failure of the Electronically Heated Thermostat. The failures of the Intake Air System are not specific to any one part, so the $ cost of repairs will vary. The cost to repair the VANOS solenoid is estimated at $260.00 for parts and $32.50 for labor. The cost to repair the Motronic Control Unit is estimated at $1075.00 for the parts and $26.00 for labor. The cost to repair the Electronically Heated Thermostat is estimated at $74.00 for parts and $130.00 for labor.”
My suggestion…TAKE A PASS. Spend the costs that you will put towards repairs and gas and get a newer 4 cyl that will last the entire 6 years.
Good luck to y’all!
Go with something newer. That BMW is too old for a car that’s gonna last 6 years. I bet you if you bought that over the next 6 years you’d be putting in twice as much just to keep it running. (BMW’s cost A LOT to repair) Go with something newer than that, because if you need a car to last you 6 years, that one is not gonna do.
BMWs and etc. are not going to be easy on repair bills. Get a small Japanese car for your bro if anything.
Hubby got me a used 2003 Acura Rsx for my first car. I still have it. Runs like a baby if you keep it maintained.
too many possible future problems
BMW’s are great cars but the parts and labor are very expensive.
for 6 years of trouble free service don’t you think a new car with a warranty would be the best?
if that’s out of you price range consider other used cars.
that sounds like a good deal for that car and maybe you should buy it for a yourself but not for a first car.
for $4,000
98 Acura CL, 98 Ford Mustang V6, 98 Honda Accord or Civic, 98 Nissan Frontier or Pathfinder, 98 Subaru Impreza or Legacy, 98 -00 Toyota Corolla or Echo 00