What Price for This?

albionrovers

55-plate BMW 320i SE with 140k.

On the forecourt of my mate's lot for 3995.
And I also know the 1 owner from new very well, he lives round the corner. I'm going to knock his door tonight and get the lowdown on the car's history. He'll tell me not to touch with a barge pole if there's anything dodgy.

I'm betting my mate is selling for him on a commission basis.

But how much to offer if the car is clean? A mate's a mate but he's still got to make a living?

motorguy

albionrovers wrote: »

55-plate BMW 320i SE with 140k.

On the forecourt of my mate's lot for 3995.
And I also know the 1 owner from new very well, he lives round the corner. I'm going to knock his door tonight and get the lowdown on the car's history. He'll tell me not to touch with a barge pole if there's anything dodgy.

I'm betting my mate is selling for him on a commission basis.

But how much to offer if the car is clean? A mate's a mate but he's still got to make a living?

Why not simply negotiate the price with the owner and cut out the middle man? Also i take it its a new shape (e90) model (2005 onwards) as opposed to a previous shape (e46) model?

albionrovers

Yes, I had thought about doing that, might be the way to go. Owner is a retired professor just for info. Could come down to an integrity issue I suppose.

Yes E90, first decent one I've seen <4K.

Cheers.

motorguy

albionrovers wrote: »

Yes, I had thought about doing that, might be the way to go. Owner is a retired professor just for info. Could come down to an integrity issue I suppose.

Yes E90, first decent one I've seen <4K.

Cheers.

Had a quick check around there and it would seem to be on the money price wise.

Is it a black one by chance?

albionrovers

Silver. My wife had one new 56 plate this colour and I liked it, appearance-wise. Although hers was a 318i and I prefer the 6-pot engine. I've had 3 x 520i's, love them.

Any pitfalls to look out for? I should know all this by now but none of mine have ever had any bother ...

motorguy

albionrovers wrote: »

Silver. My wife had one new 56 plate this colour and I liked it, appearance-wise. Although hers was a 318i and I prefer the 6-pot engine. I've had 3 x 520i's, love them.

Any pitfalls to look out for? I should know all this by now but none of mine have ever had any bother ...

Your 520i's were probably six cylinder?

I think the 320i e90 is a four?

Cant think of anything specific really.

Make sure it has a FSH and ideally a full years MOT. Listen for rattles in the engine and watch for blowing smoke either when you rev it or when its idling or when accelerating. Make sure its idling smoothly. Watch for engine management lights / airbag / abs lights staying on.

motorguy

Personally, i'd be pitching in at £3500 and see what happens. Go up in small increments from there.

Wh05apk

Surely if the seller is a mate, you can have a "grown up" discussion, and agree a price so you can remain mates.

albionrovers

Ah, so 4-cyl then on this one?

320iEUR2005–20072.0L I4150 PS (110 kW; 148 bhp)200 N·m (148 lb·ft)9.0s
320iEUR2007+2.0L I4170 PS (125 kW; 168 bhp)210 N·m (155 lb·ft)8.2s

Damn, that changes things a bit.

albionrovers

Wh05apk wrote: »

Surely if the seller is a mate, you can have a "grown up" discussion, and agree a price so you can remain mates.

Yip. Just putting it out there. He won't want to sell to me to maximise his profit. I'd expect him to tell me exactly that too.

colino

I'm surprised that for a one owner, it's got that mileage on it. Sure it wasn't a company car first?