[Phil №❶]

Greetings,

Considering the purchase of a 2001 or thereabouts BMW 318 Auto for my son. His 1986 Meteor is getting tired. Does anyone have any experience with this type of car. They seem to be about AU$7k and the good ones are always interstate of course. There's a black one in SA, but that colour is excluded, too hot in Summer.

Also, how do I ensure that the car is legit, no outstanding finance etc.

Thanks, fellas.

I sure could do with Rick-p's negotiating skills 

[Dazzler]

Have you done much googling as to their weak points Phil.. I imagine repair costs for the auto would be scary.. No doubt the method of checking any financial liability would vary state to state (you might get one from Victoria?)

I would look for a more pedestrian brand that is cheaper to repair if necessary... $7 k isn't a bad budget to play with...

[Phil №❶]

I tried to swing him our way, but has has a dislike for anything HY.

I've googled a bit and apart from being a bit thirsty in Full Urban 10 they seem ok. He doesn't go urban much and where we live, he should get about 6.4 l/100. His work in 200 metres away and the gf a couple of streets away. The auto will just have to be maintained well using our specialist trans guy. He's done work on my Commodore. The engine uses a cam chain, not belt.

He's a conservative driver but looking to upgrade his transport options a bit. The handling, safety & included features will give him about 10 years life, so I don't mind him going for something like this. He's a cash buyer, lucky bloke.

[CraigB]

Do a Rev's Check for outstanding finance and full vehicle history Phil Check a vehicle for existing finance with a PPSR Search | REVs.com.au

[FatBoy]

I am a 318 fan!! 

As CraigB says, check REVs (Register of Encumbered Vehicles).  From memory, you have to provide the VIN.  Any genuine seller will have no problems providing that information.

[Phil №❶]

Thanks fellas, already requested the vin# 

[Just Rick]

you see heaps of BMW's from 99 to 05-06,there is a reason they're in car yards and papers now,

[Dazzler]

Just had a thought Phil, get you son to leave a wallet full of $50's in his jeans when the wife washes them.. just so he can see what it feels like to own a 2nd hand BMW..

[Just Rick]

Speaking BMW's,not second hand ones,seen a BMW I8 yesterday,stunning car,but at a little over $328,000 doubt I'll get one yet 

[Phil №❶]

Speaking BMW's,not second hand ones,seen a BMW I8 yesterday,stunning car,but at a little over $328,000 doubt I'll get one yet 

 

[The Gonz]

Go on, Rick, be a devil!

[Dazzler]

Go on, Rick, be a devil!

I see why it is called an i8 (looks like someone ate parts of it!) 

[John B]

@ Dazz. 

[Phil №❶]

Purchased a 2002 Mazda Protogé, 1 owner, 74 k's. Like new inside and out. Son had a smile like a Cheshire cat, all the way home. 

The 318 turned out to be a sad car, with a lot of repairs, gave that a wide berth.

[Dazzler]

Nice job Phil