GeneralGPS

Buying a BMW 1993 with 130k miles, a good Idea?

I found a 1993 325I on yahoo autos advertised for $4300. the seller claim that every thing in the car has been renewed including tires and a lot of other stuff. the car is equipped with every option I ever heard about except GPS. Is it a good car to buy vs a 2001 chevy cavalier with less options and not the same list of updates for 5500. will there be a problem doing any kind of repairs for it. here is the car link http://autos.yahoo.com/usedcars/detail/index.html;_ylt=AjK0GWFfTB3fvCIFZ0W6lMhJSMUF?cid=automobiles-220138672&dst=1.96&rsr=Yj0mbWFrZT1CTVcmbW9kZWw9JmNsX3k9JmNoX3k9JmNsX3ByaWNlPSZjaF9wcmljZT01MDAwJmNsX21pPSZjaF9taT0mY2s9Jmd1cj01MCZjc3o9NDkwMDYmdnR5cGU9YXV0b3MmbWs9Qk1XJm1vPQ-- is it possible to get some kind of a warranty from the seller (private party)? thanks to be more specific, can I expect to squeeze at least two years out of it without expensive (>$500) repairs, or there is a high possibility that it will just die and become irrepairable in few month.

Public Comments

1. If it has been very well maintained then go for it.
2. I wouldn't buy a 4 year old BMW let alone a 14 year old one! They are high maintenance vehicles. You may be able to afford the car and not the maintenance! It is a better choice than ANY year Cavalier however.
3. First I don't think there is a way to get a warranty from a private seller. Second I would do some research into the cost of Routine maintenance for the car, also ask about a carfax report if you are serious about the car see if it has been in any accidents or any major repairs have been performed. I think you should do some homework before shelling out any money. Hope it helps.
4. I wouldnt pay more then $3500 for it. the common problems: Fuel Pressure Regulator-$75ish 6 Ignition Coils -$370ish EPROM in the ECM-$20 Burning out of heater control unit pixels-Not really an issue, just an annoyance-$200 Auto tranny shifts rough due to the draining of tranny fluid from the torque convertor-cost unknown Turn signals flash at twice the normal speed-Replace circuit board-cost unknown Basic maintenance costs A/C Compressor-$970 Alternato-$590 Automatic Transmission or Transaxle-$1,190 Brakes-$260 Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing-$645 Exhaust System-$670 Exhaust System-$790 Shocks and/or Struts-$980 Timing Chain or Belt-$1,265 So basically, its a pretty reliable car. Like most european brands, the basic maintenance is a bit overpriced, but they arent greatly exaggerated. I highly doubt youll be able to get any kind of warranty from a private sale. One thing that is decent about people advertising the car online, is that they have to fill out a bunch of info on it, and if they are trying to mislead you in the sale, you have a much better chance taking them to court if the car previously had some major problems and they neglected to tell you. And, when you take it for a test drive, be sure to take it into a mechanic and have them look over it. Yeah, its going to cost maybe $60-100, but if you end up buying it, youll save money on repairs.