323ci - opinions please
Discussion
Hi,
I posted this in GG but have not had a single reply so at the risk of a few slightly biased answers could I ask you guys for help on below;
My g/f has taken a shine to what appears to be a very nice 323 coupe. The cars on a 2000/2001 X and has done 55k, has FSH, leather, cruise, elec seats, park distance etc and is up for 10.5k from an indie dealer.
Firstly is this a good price, what should we look for other than the usual on these cars and what are they like to own/drive?
I posted this in GG but have not had a single reply so at the risk of a few slightly biased answers could I ask you guys for help on below;
My g/f has taken a shine to what appears to be a very nice 323 coupe. The cars on a 2000/2001 X and has done 55k, has FSH, leather, cruise, elec seats, park distance etc and is up for 10.5k from an indie dealer.
Firstly is this a good price, what should we look for other than the usual on these cars and what are they like to own/drive?
Not sure yet, we're still at the looking stage. I'm waiting for a call back from the dealer this afternoon (call back? yeah right!!) so will ask them about this then.
What sort of price do you think would be about right? I had a look at Parkers who reckon about 11750 for this car but I know how accurate Parkers can be!!!
What sort of price do you think would be about right? I had a look at Parkers who reckon about 11750 for this car but I know how accurate Parkers can be!!!
On Auto Trader (just a quick search) - 1999 323ci, 64000 for just over £9000 and a W Reg 323ci for £9000.
I know it's a year older and a few more miles but it probably shouldn't translate into £1500 more.
Perhaps have a look through Auto Trader and you'll get an idea of the prices cars are going for at the moment.
I know it's a year older and a few more miles but it probably shouldn't translate into £1500 more.
Perhaps have a look through Auto Trader and you'll get an idea of the prices cars are going for at the moment.
Knowing how much price can vary from region to region I would say if the price is in the right ball park (which it looks like it is) and if the missus really likes it, then dont muck about, buy it. Life's to damn short to fart about for weeks looking for an extra £500 off (I know, I've done it).
I have a similar car (V reg) and like it a lot, although it's not as engaging to drive as the E36. But that's just my opinion. I've had very little trouble with mine and really can't fault it. The only thing, and it's not a biggie really, is I found the lacquer on the alloys came off very easily and mine are now looking very tatty indeed.
I would expect a car like the one you mention to give many years of relatively trouble free motoring. Good luck, hope your girlf gets it.
I would expect a car like the one you mention to give many years of relatively trouble free motoring. Good luck, hope your girlf gets it.
We went to the dealers (indie) yesterday to take a look, g/f loved the external looks but felt the inside was a bit old. She also didn't get on too well with the accelerator pedal, only having small feet she found it awkward, whereas myself I felt very at ease driving it. As its to be her car though it really is important shes comfortable.
Only other thing that put us off was the mayo under the oil filler cap - on a 59k 2000 plate BM
Only other thing that put us off was the mayo under the oil filler cap - on a 59k 2000 plate BM
Personally i think its too much for a 323.
You might want to take a look at 330ci (assuming insurance isn't a problem). Other running costs will be similar.
All round its much better car than the 323/325 variants.
You should be able to pick one up within your budget.
Autotrader at the moment . .
2000 BMW 3 SERIES 330 Ci,
X reg. tiptronic, 52,000 miles, fBMWsh, just serviced, black, grey leather e/seats, climate control, 6 CD player, excellent condition, any inspection welcome. £10,995. ono
2001 BMW 3 SERIES 330 Ci 2dr Coupe,
Y REG.Manual,65K, Topaz blue, full biege lthr, Mem sport Seats, 18 MV Alloys, Xenons,6 CD, Armrest, Parktronic, Traction, ABS, Multi Function Wheel, Climate, FBMWSH, Owned last 4 Yrs. Genuine Car immaculate condition. Private sale (Leicester). £11,495
2000 BMW 3 SERIES 330 Ci 2dr Coupe,
63,000 miles, Very well cared for and maintained Coupe in very good condition. Steel Grey with High gloss shadow line. Full BM/SH. MOT until 09/06. Xenon Headlights, Full Black leather interior, Electric sport seats with memory settings, Climate control, Arm rest, Rain sensitive wipers, Electrochrome rear view mirror PAS, DSC, Trip computer, Service indicator, Cruise control, Reverse parking aid. £10,495. ono
There are loads of them around so you can be choosy and offer less than the asking price. Certainly don't pay so much for a 323.
The mayo under the oil filler cap might just caused by condensation as a result of too many short journeys without being properly warmed up.
For any car with FSH you should call the dealer and check what additional work was recommended and compare that to what the previous owner had done.
once again, I can't stress what a buyers market it is for E46s. I paid £21k for our 330 18 months ago & would struggle to see more than £16k now.
>> Edited by vee on Wednesday 1st March 15:31
You might want to take a look at 330ci (assuming insurance isn't a problem). Other running costs will be similar.
All round its much better car than the 323/325 variants.
You should be able to pick one up within your budget.
Autotrader at the moment . .
2000 BMW 3 SERIES 330 Ci,
X reg. tiptronic, 52,000 miles, fBMWsh, just serviced, black, grey leather e/seats, climate control, 6 CD player, excellent condition, any inspection welcome. £10,995. ono
2001 BMW 3 SERIES 330 Ci 2dr Coupe,
Y REG.Manual,65K, Topaz blue, full biege lthr, Mem sport Seats, 18 MV Alloys, Xenons,6 CD, Armrest, Parktronic, Traction, ABS, Multi Function Wheel, Climate, FBMWSH, Owned last 4 Yrs. Genuine Car immaculate condition. Private sale (Leicester). £11,495
2000 BMW 3 SERIES 330 Ci 2dr Coupe,
63,000 miles, Very well cared for and maintained Coupe in very good condition. Steel Grey with High gloss shadow line. Full BM/SH. MOT until 09/06. Xenon Headlights, Full Black leather interior, Electric sport seats with memory settings, Climate control, Arm rest, Rain sensitive wipers, Electrochrome rear view mirror PAS, DSC, Trip computer, Service indicator, Cruise control, Reverse parking aid. £10,495. ono
There are loads of them around so you can be choosy and offer less than the asking price. Certainly don't pay so much for a 323.
The mayo under the oil filler cap might just caused by condensation as a result of too many short journeys without being properly warmed up.
For any car with FSH you should call the dealer and check what additional work was recommended and compare that to what the previous owner had done.
once again, I can't stress what a buyers market it is for E46s. I paid £21k for our 330 18 months ago & would struggle to see more than £16k now.
>> Edited by vee on Wednesday 1st March 15:31
jamesson said:
zippee - funny you should say that about the accelerator. My girlf doesn't like it either, which suits me just fine as it means she never wants to drive it
Fortunately for me she also feels the same about my TVR.
She's decided to go for a nearly new Hyundai Coupe instead of the BMW, wouldn't have been my choice at all but as it's her money I want her to have a car she'll be happy with.
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