Question on buying private owned cars [Archive]

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AudiRob

06-04-2009, 01:10 PM

RolledMySTi

06-04-2009, 01:15 PM

I would go Lexus if you want to avoid maintenance issues.

LimiTed

06-04-2009, 01:25 PM

my boy has an is300. its a fun car to drive. he has like 95k and hasn't had a single problem, that bastard.

Mooseimage

06-04-2009, 01:32 PM

Lexus will be good, it is Toyota's luxury division. They're great cars.

Volvo's are pretty good too, and extremely safe. Their turbo cars are 99% of the time automatic.

Probably go with something that has a very respectable back seat so people can actually fit comfortably and not cramped.

mufflerman

06-04-2009, 03:00 PM

Whats your expectation on mileage, all of those on your list are doable for around $10K, but they are all going to be pretty miley for that range. If you already have your fun too drive car at home (your Audi), why not go with something that is less car but less miles also, like dare I say a Civic. If the eco car isn't an option and it's going to be a miler from your list, go the IS, it will be the least problamatic into its higher miles.

Jay B7

06-04-2009, 05:59 PM

go for a 96-99 m3.

mingamells

06-04-2009, 08:35 PM

I'd have to agree about the Lexus for reliability peace of mind. Always a good choice in that regard. Always confortable too.

But I don't have any experience with BMWs to compare.

Volvos with turbo can perform pretty well with great mileage. I had one for 10 years and loved it.

Just my 2 cents.

C4.Style

06-04-2009, 09:49 PM

go for a 96-99 m3.

x2

Daddy MO

06-05-2009, 06:05 AM

i am in the process of buying another car[drive]. i was wondering who can guide me on how to make the transaction smoother dealing with private owned vehicles. my choices are: 10k budget. i will still keep my audi [:D] - i need an automatic/stock feel and somewhat not a gas hog for commutes.

2001-04 IS300
2001+ GS300
2001-2004 3series bmw
2001-2004 530is
2004+ S40/S60 volvo

or any suggestions? also if you got any info regarding models i got to stay away due to maintenance nightmare. i dont think i ever posted the pic of my car here in AZ .... although i think Danny posted a few during our gtg run.

thanks

I think you have it perfect from top to bottom IMO. Whats funny is that all these cars will beat the 1.8t stock LOL.

Over time the Lexus' will feel like a cheap Toyota with no guts. The BMW's will stay solid for the next 20 years. You aint gettin any of the Volvos for $10k. The BMW in 04 had a face lift and I doubt you'll find an 04' for $10k.

FYI the e46 BMW's have weak subframe in the rear. Normal driving your fine. I raced mine and thrashed the $hit out of it and had no issues. The front shock towers are also weak. Mine crowned when I hit a curb and mu buddies also crowned from hitting a really bad pot hole. Its an $10k fix.

KNaudi

06-05-2009, 06:09 AM

id get an even older 3 series, the e36 body. love those cars.

Daddy MO

06-05-2009, 06:14 AM

id get an even older 3 series, the e36 body. love those cars.

X2 and if you can find an M3 sedan then your in the bizness! 318 if you want the MPG. Anything else will still beat the 1.8t stock to stock LOL. This was also the last year that anything less than the M3 had an LSD in the rear. Came on all the sport models.

AudiRob

06-05-2009, 08:29 AM

thanks for everyones response .. i had 325i - E36 before my Audi. and yes, E36 M3 was a dream but saw all repair bills too as i was always at MMotorsport shop back in the days. 24-26Miles a gallon would be something that i would be comfortable with. so right now i am stuck between IS300 and BMW 530I btw: is bmw chain drive or belt drive>?

any advice on how a transaction would go for owner to owner? i got most of my cars using a dealer.

thanks

AudiRob

06-05-2009, 08:35 AM

Posting pics of my car .. compliment from Danny on my of gtg.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v492/dannyj777/IMG_0878.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v492/dannyj777/IMG_0899.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v492/dannyj777/IMG_0881.jpg

Daddy MO

06-05-2009, 09:53 AM

The newer BMW's your looking at are all timing chain.

As far as owner to owner. After you find what you want make sure that the VIN and plate are clear from any DMV holds i.e. parking, tolls, fee's, etc...

CARfax... pay if you must but some guys on here and other forums might have access to get you one. Keep in mind that not all accidents get reported and if it aint reported it aint on carfax.

Bill of sale. This includes sale price, condition of vehicle, milage, and agreement between you and the seller.

SMOG, you will need smog for any change of ownership so heads up. I have a hook up if you cant pass but I dont see an issue w/ the cars your looking at.

Release of liability, this document releases liability from the seller from the day you make the transaction. Any balances due on the vehicle prior to this date are the sellers responsability. Seller usually handles this but requires your signature.

Title (pink slip). If the owner has it then he sings away the vehicle to you. If not, then you can easily obtain it from DMV with all the above docs and only after the seller turns in the release of liability/ownership.

GOOD LUCK and nice DG Oetty front (get the rear valance)! Is she fayst?

one4eyes

06-05-2009, 10:27 AM

http://www.dmv.ca.gov/vr/vr_info.htm#BM2522

The most trouble free is make sure pink slip title in hand and is the person on the pink slip that is selling the car(check id)...since is 10k...probably not a good idea to carry cash...use cashier check or money order...the last transaction I did for around this amount is that we both walk into the bank and deposit the cashier check into the seller account...he then sign the pink slip over

tike0rz

06-05-2009, 10:30 AM

I'd get the Volvo S60.

Very comfortable during long trips, safe, decent gas mileage. Just hope it doesn't break. lol.

AudiRob

06-05-2009, 10:51 AM

Thanks! oh - car is now fun to drive now. running on Unitronics 1+ chip / knn drop in filter / highflow 034 cats + custom cat back exhaust - magnaflow.

rear valance? is that the full back bumper?

- will look on S60 although maintenance is kinda pricy for volvo i had s40 model before currrent and its was somewhat bad.

-bank transaction sounds good too. thanks!