don't want to make the same mistake twice

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Tampa, FL
#1
well, i have a 318 convertible and it is an automatic.....VERY SLOW. i'm looking to maybe trade it in for a 323, 325, or 328. problem is that i don't know which i should focus my search on. which one would you all recommend.
 
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Tom

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Staff Team
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Southwest
#2
Can you find out what repairs have been completed recently? Looks like you are potentially buying from a broker or dealer. Its hard to know where they've acquired this car from, I would suggest a carfax report.
 
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Milwaukee, WI
#3
The 328i, even in automatic form, would be a significant step up in performance over your 318ic.

Looking at the ad, it is not a good sign when the seller say the car has a V6. BMW has never made a V6, and the inline six is considered by most to be the very essence of BMW.

The dealer seems to deal primarily with domestic trucks, based on their inventory. I would suspect this car came from an auction. That said, if the car has a clean title and is mechanically and cosmetically sound, it would be a good choice. However, you need to have a good dealer or Indy mechanic look the car over before you buy it. I would be somewhat concerned about the mileage on an automatic transmission, as they have not been known for their longevity, and I would expect the car has its original transmission. Service history would be very important. Well-kept, these cars last a long time, but if they are abused they can be very expensive to own.

The price seems to be decent, even with 120k miles. I am generally reluctant to buy cars from 'used car lots' that are not a part of an established new car dealer, but I would not rule it out entirely.
 
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Edmond, OK
#4
I agree with brahtw8 - it's usually better to purchase a used BMW from a well known dealer. If you do purchase from a used car lot make sure you do your homework on the car.
 
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Location
Jacksonville, FL
#6
the 328 would be the way to go and sign up for a month of car fax reports...it will tell you where they got the car from...its like 25 dollars for unlimited cars for a month or 15 dollars for one car one time
 
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Location
Tampa, FL
#7
thanks for the replies guys. i thought i should look for a 328 but just wanted to get everyone's opinion. also, point well taken about the dealership and the 120K. here is another link......another 328 not the best combo (wanted 4dr manual) but a lot better than what i have now. i wish the miles were a little less but the price is really low.

AGAIN, I WOULD REALLY APPRECIATE YOUR FEEDBACK/OPINIONS ON THE CAR IN THE LINK!
 
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Here and there...
#8
That's a pretty good price. If you're into manual transmission, I'd definitely wait and look around more even pay a little more. I love stick shift, so I wouldn't be able to do w/out, it's way too fun for me. I have a 98 328is and I wouldn't want it if it was auto. I wouldn't even buy an auto if it was $5k cheaper!! -- well i would but only to resell, i'd never keep it. If you've never driven the manual transmission for the 328, i'd suggest test driving an auto and a manual and then make up your mind, if you decide you really want manual, it'll reduce your searching as well, as you will skip over the cars that are auto.
 
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Location
The Bible Belt, Va.
#10
that $479 fee sucks. whatever that scam is.. the car doesnt seem to be a bad deal for the amount of milage.
dont sell yourself short though. i own a 328i and at first i really wanted a 328is mannual. but i loooooove my 4 door. she's an auto, which i would prefer a manual, but she's still bad assed. a lot of it has to do with learning to drive the car...

stick to it. research everything twice, and get the carfax for a month.. it was extremely useful to me. made the difference of me buying a car that had a salvaged title that otherwise i wouldnt have known, because the seller lied to me. i stuck to my searching and got a nice deal on a 97' 328i with under 48K.
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