I found this car and was hoping to get it this weekend but now almost everyone on this board says I shouldn't spen more that $4000 on it.

http://www.autotrader.com/findacar/vdetail.jtmpl?car_id=111095200&dealer_id=554400&make=BMW&distance=300&max_price=7000&model=318IS&advcd_on=n&end_year=2004&min_price=1&certified=n&address=54914&search_type=used&advanced=n&start_year=1993&color=&car_year=1994

Is it just me or are cars in general more expensive here in the midwest? $4000 can barely get you into a 100,000 mile Honda these days, at least that's the way it is here in WI. I don't feel like getting ripped off but this is the only BMW I've found under $8000 with a 5 speed, and I REALLY don't want to settle for a FWD car because I hate the way they drive and handle. Am I doomed?

Doesn't seem like a bad deal, especially if they warranty means 100k miles beyond the current mileage :) You might try to get them down to $5500 or so. It's easy for folks to get on here and say, "if you spend more than $XXXX you're paying too much", but it's a lot harder to find a good car that you like. If it's a good deal in your part of the country, then go for it. The M42 motor should last just about forever, so if you keep it long enough you'll certainly get you money's worth out of it.

If you can get it for $7 including the warranty I would take it. 112k miles is nothing on one of those cars. I think it is a pretty good price. the four banger isn't going to be fast but it is a cheap way to get into a bimmer.

$6k with warrante is probably as low as they will end up going if anything! I think it looks nice and clean, if you are looking for an even better bargain then I would suggest Ebaymotors be the next step!

My friend bought a 93 325i five speed with the winter package for 10K with approx 90k mi. This was last June, and from a private party.

I have a couple of hookups if you want. I can let you know who to talk to get a good deal on a good solid BMW, both dealer and private party.

They are around, it is just a matter looking in the right spots.


BTW, you have PM.