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10 year old BMW E38 $7K. Would you do it?

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ESAND
Posts: 1607 - Karma: 744
740il Its a nice car. I'm going to drive it later today 120k miles. Is this a good deal? it is an auto which is a big minus to me but I could be willing to look past it. Anybody have any experience with these cars. What questions should I ask re: maintenance et all?
Aug 17 2008 8:12PM
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RJD2
Posts: 3532 - Karma: 921
waste of money. Will be hard to come by parts and it will also be expensive. Not to mention it's really old. For 7k you could get something alot nicer.

If i had 7,000 to spend i'd be looking at about a 2001 Mustang GT with around 75k miles on it, 5speed and leather. Just my opinion though.
Aug 17 2008 8:37PM
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RJD2
Posts: 3532 - Karma: 921
okay its not "really" old actually. I just think that a car with that many miles on it and being a luxury car is something i'd want to stay away from.
Aug 17 2008 8:39PM
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Shpadoinkle
Posts: 10437 - Karma: 84
Ummm, no. I would say maybe two.
Aug 17 2008 8:40PM
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R-Bertsch
Posts: 4719 - Karma: 20
yeah sounds like a bad idea to me. i'd be looking at something more efficient and practical than a luxury car like that. personally if i had 7 g's to spend id be looking at an older subaru or audi
Aug 17 2008 8:42PM
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RJD2
Posts: 3532 - Karma: 921
Lol? Last time i checked Audi was a luxury car as well.
Aug 17 2008 8:45PM
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ESAND
Posts: 1607 - Karma: 744
Every body wondering why I want it is.

1) i'm a pretty big guy and big sedans are often the most comfortable.
2) I'm looking for a luxury car because I drive alot. during the winter i'm in my car ~30 hours a week and having a comfortable ride is something that is worth the money to me.

seeing that the general consensus is this car is out. I'm also looking at a variety of 5-10 year old cars such as audi, bmw, infinity,maybe caddilac cts etc. with 60-110k miles in the price ranges of 7-20k

Anything I should be specifically aiming for or steering away from.
Aug 17 2008 8:52PM
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RJD2
Posts: 3532 - Karma: 921
Cadillac, lincoln, or jaguar. All 3 of those cars have terrible resell value. You can get a nice one of those brands with around 80k for your price range.

Also if you are traveling alot, why would you want something with such high mileage and not great gas mileage?
Aug 17 2008 9:02PM
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RJD2
Posts: 3532 - Karma: 921
and another thing. If you have $20,000 to spend this is a whole different category. One of the best things to do is watch the NO RESERVE auctions on ebay, and type in your zip code and search for vehicles within a reasonable distance you'd be willing to travel. It will save you a few thousand bucks on a car.
Aug 17 2008 9:04PM
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603skier
Posts: 587 - Karma: 11
LAWLZ
Aug 17 2008 9:06PM
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ESAND
Posts: 1607 - Karma: 744
How do they hold up int erms of maintenance? Those are all american brands right? So parts should be cheapish. Good gas mileage would be nice but its not a sticking point.

Thanks
Aug 17 2008 9:07PM
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RJD2
Posts: 3532 - Karma: 921
In terms of reliability i'd say Lincoln, Cadillac, and Jaguar in that order. And parts are not really cheap for any car in this category, they all will be expensive. Also some of them may require premium gas.
Aug 17 2008 9:09PM
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RJD2
Posts: 3532 - Karma: 921
Here is a good example. This Lincoln LS has 10k miles and the price is at $10,000, with no reserve and 30mins left. Lets see what it sells for.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Cars-Trucks___NO-RESERVE-1-OWNER-LOW-MILES-CLEAN-HEATED-COOL-SEATS_W0QQitemZ140257191817QQddnZCarsQ20Q26Q20TrucksQQddiZ2282QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item140257191817&_trkparms=39%3A1%7C65%3A1%7C240%3A1308&_trksid=p4506.c0.m245
Aug 17 2008 9:12PM
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ESAND
Posts: 1607 - Karma: 744
Thanks for the help.

Here is one more question for you since you seem knowledgeable: How impossible is it to find these cars with standard transmissions. I've just been looking w/o much luck
Aug 17 2008 9:15PM
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RJD2
Posts: 3532 - Karma: 921
Really only the high end performance models will come in manual transmissions, which for BMW would be the M series, for Mercedes the AMG series, etc. Luxury and 5speed really don't go hand in hand, unless it's alot older model or cheap version of a luxury car. Audi A4's offer 5speed, but for that model stay away from the 1.8l turbo model because it is not very reliable. The 2.6l V6 is alot better, and quicker also. But the AWD will cause not so great gas mileage, but good in all condition weather. Plus its pretty quick.
Aug 17 2008 9:18PM
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XtRemE11
Posts: 5680 - Karma: 246
bmw's are pretty damn reliable, you would be suprised. i dont know alot about the e38. but i know the e30 3 series and the 5 series from around that era are tanks. ive got a friend with a e30 325is with over 250,000 miles and all he takes it in for is oil changes.
but if i were you id try to find a 5 series for around that price, similar luxory, smaller, better handling, better mileage etc..
or maybe a 1.8t a4. audi's normally arent great for reliability. but the 1.8t is very reliable.
Aug 17 2008 9:19PM
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ESAND
Posts: 1607 - Karma: 744
what about something like this

http://www.cruzinautosales.com/_2259_2003_jaguar_s_type_3_0.htm
Aug 17 2008 9:22PM
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RJD2
Posts: 3532 - Karma: 921
I have never heard good things about reliability of the 1.8l Just look around online and you will find most reviews and comments telling you to stay away from them. i'd rather have the 2.8l
Aug 17 2008 9:23PM
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RJD2
Posts: 3532 - Karma: 921
too many miles bro. don't buy
Aug 17 2008 9:24PM
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603skier
Posts: 587 - Karma: 11
im pretty sure Jaguars ar European, but i dont know alot about them, but i know parts for any luxury cars will be expensive.
Aug 17 2008 10:11PM
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ESAND
Posts: 1607 - Karma: 744
nope just double checked. they're owned by ford.
Aug 17 2008 10:13PM
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603skier
Posts: 587 - Karma: 11
ok, im pretty sure the guys brittish accent in the Jag commercials fooled me into thinking it was.
Aug 17 2008 10:14PM
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skiminnesota
Posts: 9093 - Karma: 429
umm yeah, for 20k you can get new cars..... why are you looking at 10 year old cars?


http://www.chevrolet.com/2008malibu/?seo=goo_|_2008_Chevy_Retention_|_IMG_Chevy_Malibu_|_Chevy_Malibu_|_chevy_malibu 

case and point....
Aug 17 2008 10:16PM
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XtRemE11
Posts: 5680 - Karma: 246
cause he can either have a sick 7 series, or some pos malibu, civic, or something. i dont get why people spend like 20 grand on a new shitty car, when you can have something thats 10 times the car.
Aug 17 2008 10:45PM
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0123456789
Posts: 9226 - Karma: 148
since when is a new civic shitty? they are a civic but still new and decently nice.
id look for like 03-05 audis u might find soome in your price/miles range.
or check out the mazda 3's or other cars that can be found for 20 new
Aug 17 2008 10:55PM
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CHRISm
Posts: 291 - Karma: 10
hey rdd2, the only mercedes that comes in standard transmission is the c-class.
Aug 17 2008 11:26PM
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CHRISm
Posts: 291 - Karma: 10
i've had 2 bmw's. an e36 325is that i sold with 198xxx miles on it, and an '89 528e that i sold with 210xxx miles on it. Do not buy an audi if it's out of warranty, you will spend a ton on keeping it running. bmw's have the longevity you're lokoing for. though, if you live in a snowy area, you'd better get some good rubber, and learn to drive smoothly, they're all rwd.
Aug 17 2008 11:29PM
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MC_POUTINE
Posts: 1380 - Karma: 112
hey it seems youre in the seattle area. theres a like a 2000 bmw 3 series coupe thats only like 3 g's. not sure about miles but might be worth checking it out
Aug 17 2008 11:33PM
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ESAND
Posts: 1607 - Karma: 744
I have a sent of nearly new blizzacks sitting in the garage. And I have a lot of experience in the snow with a FWD. I know the value of tires at the verry least.
Aug 17 2008 11:50PM
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ESAND
Posts: 1607 - Karma: 744
what millage did you buy both of those at (if not new) and what problems did you run into through thier lives.

Thanks
Aug 17 2008 11:52PM
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PacificRimJob
Posts: 24725 - Karma: 29,948
Dont do it. E38's are the worst thing that BMW offers.

get a smaller, more useful car thats much more... bmw-ish.. like an E36, or E34, or E30.
Aug 18 2008 12:34AM
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ESAND
Posts: 1607 - Karma: 744
ok fuck the e38. what about an e39? (5 series)
Aug 18 2008 1:17AM
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PacificRimJob
Posts: 24725 - Karma: 29,948
That would be sick..

could you afford a good one though.. thats the question..

Also.. my dad has an E34 (older 5 series) that is wayyy sick, and drives so nice. You could find those for a fairly good price these days, and they are ussually in good condish.
Aug 18 2008 1:30AM
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STREETS
Posts: 1443 - Karma: 15
 lol the e38 only the signature series model of the BMW and its the worst thing they offer right.......
Aug 18 2008 1:30AM
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PacificRimJob
Posts: 24725 - Karma: 29,948
E38's are the old 7 series if i'm not mistaken. They are huge, use way too much fuel, and are not true to the heritage.

anything bigger than the 5 series in my opinion, is overkill.. and unessesary from BMW...

The signature series is the M3.. and sometimes the M5. Those two cars are the epitome of BMW's heritage.
Aug 18 2008 1:34AM
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STREETS
Posts: 1443 - Karma: 15
Ok fair enough, I  (as in my dad lol) have the 2001 E38IL and its not to bad on gas at all. And according to some people the E38 will become / is a classic....... You are correct it is the old 7 series. I dont think that it's necassarlay (sp) overkill it's just their luxury car.  I do agree though that the M5 is in my opinion there signature series not the 7.  So I retract my previous statement regarding the 7.
Aug 18 2008 1:52AM
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PacificRimJob
Posts: 24725 - Karma: 29,948

they arent horrible on gas, but they are far worse than the 1's, 3's, and 5's, which all get between 25 and 35, depending on the model.

I had a 1991 E30 325ix. Basically the WRX of its day... and that thing had 170hp without a turbo, on a car that didnt weigh all that much, and still got 32 to the gallon highway... plus it was awd and killed it in the snow. It also had plenty of room to throw 5 people, and all their skis and gear in. Thats what its all about right there, man...

Aug 18 2008 1:59AM
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STREETS
Posts: 1443 - Karma: 15
Haha I agree 100%, thats the kinda BMW im looking for AWD , and stick shift and im happy.  
Aug 18 2008 2:06AM
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Casey
Posts: 7871 - Karma: 24,631
they are an english company that was bought by ford pretty recently.. and maybe sold since ford is doing so poorly? I can't remember exactly  but yeah jags are pieces of crap. really really expensive pieces of crap. stay away.
Aug 18 2008 2:10AM
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XtRemE11
Posts: 5680 - Karma: 246
yeah i want one of those so bad, im thinking of getting one as kinda a winter beater, since you can get a pretty nice one for like 3 grand easy. put like another grand into the engine to get it around 200hp and suspension and you would have a really fun car.
Aug 18 2008 5:45AM
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pompe
Posts: 874 - Karma: 124
No, I wouldnt. I bought a 95 BMW 318ti with 120k last year for $2500. I drove it for a year and then re-sold making all of my money back. I know the model you are looking at is a little nicer but still not worth 7k, I'd pay no more than 4k
Aug 18 2008 5:51AM
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dbchili
Posts: 2555 - Karma: 1,657
thank god at least someone knows something about what theyre talking about, there has been tonnes of false info thrown around on this thread by clueless people so far

yes jag was owned by ford, along with aston martin and land rover, but they were sold as a package deal to tata motors of india about 5 months ago, jags are expensive to repair but still remain a british car

that audi 1.8t isnt really as bad as some people make it sound, those engines typically hold up fairly well, although audis are still vw's, and as much as some owners may not want to admit it they are finicky and tend to have minor problems, its a standing joke in the car world that if you own a vw or audi you should have a standing weekly appoinment with your service technician

also, the lincons are really just fords, which means that well everything else on the car will fall apart, the engine will likely keep going until you drive the car to the junkyard

if i were looking at anything in type of cars you are looking for, i would head nowhere but bmw or lexus. Anyone who knocks bmw's reputation is challenged, they have built some of the most famed engines of all time and their 3L straight six is one of the most legendary engines on the road today. Theyre powerful and fun to drive, and if you arent to worried about snow then the rwd shouldnt be a problem, but if you are you can look at an awd, although they are a little harder to find drink slightly more gas and if something goes wrong with the awd system it can get pricey. Lexus on the other hand is another great alternative, as they are toyotas the entire car will usually make it to 500k, and they are extremely comforable and relatively inexpensive for what youre getting. The es series has allways been built on the camry platform but with significant upgrades to suspension and comfort. And as theyre fwd theyre pretty good in the snow too.

Anyways, hope that helps man and good luck
Aug 18 2008 9:28AM
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ESAND
Posts: 1607 - Karma: 744
Thank YOU VERY VERY MUCH. That is exactly the kind of info needed. I am not really looking for prestige item so I don't really car how old the car is. I'm looking at the more luxury vehicles because the two things I care much about, pretty much all i care about is ride quality and performance. In that order. I gave you karma.
Aug 18 2008 4:20PM
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Aaaron.
Posts: 11817 - Karma: 903
that is a HIGH maintanance car
Aug 18 2008 7:38PM
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ESAND
Posts: 1607 - Karma: 744
ok sorry for the constant posting, just trying to learn.

http://seattle.craigslist.org/kit/cto/798827812.html



would you think that this is a good deal? seems high for a 97 but that is pretty incredible mileage for that age. If those cars are durable (ie can last)
Aug 18 2008 8:46PM
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rorybw
Posts: 141 - Karma: 15
i had an e30 cabriolet over here in the uk that i literally sold last night. http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120292093338&ssPageName=ADME:L:EOISSA:GB:1123

older bmw's are the best in my opinion and suprisingly official BMW dealers stock parts for every single one of their models until it passes 20 years of age.

I was in a bmw garage the other day and the guy said he could even get me a new door pannel for my 21 year old 325i!

Get it
Aug 18 2008 8:55PM
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Casey
Posts: 7871 - Karma: 24,631
And just because it hasn't really been mentioned, Subaru makes a damned good car. Not particularly luxurious... at all, but will run literally forever, and the 4wd is arguably the best out there.
Aug 18 2008 9:00PM
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ESAND
Posts: 1607 - Karma: 744
not a fan. well scratch that am a fan just cant ever get comfortable in a subie. I'm 6'4"+ and subies allways felt kind of small and the seats never seemed very comfortable. And I know a ton of audi/toyota owners who would argue the 4wd point.
Aug 18 2008 9:03PM
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biG_EaSt
Posts: 575 - Karma: 15
not worth it man you could prolly get like an 01 for that
Aug 18 2008 10:48PM
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