Alanstrainor bought a 325CI!!!

Big Nasty · 25-04-2012 8:28pm

166man wrote: »

Yeah I understand that, people thinking their car is better than it actually is. That being said there are some seriously nice car's for sale on that website.:)

captainspeed wrote: »

That much is true, but in fairness, enthusisast do look after their cars much better than the average Joe. Especially when it comes to something like a BMW I would much rather buy a car from an enthusiast even if it meant paying well over the odds, because you'd know that it has been properly looked after, they'll almost always have a good spec and all the known weak spots of the car will probably have been taken care of, so while you'll be paying more, you'll be spending a lot less and just basically have a far better car to boot:)!

I know lads - I wasn't trying to make a big deal about it. Let's move on.

MetzgerMeister · 25-04-2012 8:28pm

Alanstrainor wrote: »

Of course, but every seller i've talked to on my car hunt thinks their car is the best thing on the planet. Even when it was quite obviously wrecked.

Anyway, this guy jumped right on my wanted thread on BMW-Driver:
http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/3056755

The spoiler looks cack on them though!

The spoiler isn't too bad, I've seen worse but an M-tech lip spoiler suits the car a lot better.

Big Nasty · 25-04-2012 8:31pm

Alanstrainor wrote: »

Of course, but every seller i've talked to on my car hunt thinks their car is the best thing on the planet. Even when it was quite obviously wrecked.

Anyway, this guy jumped right on my wanted thread on BMW-Driver:
http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/3056755

The spoiler looks cack on them though!

Silver doesn't do it for me. Had an M-Tech 323 in silver before, lovely car but once you buy one you'll notice half the cars in the country are silver.

Alanstrainor · 25-04-2012 8:36pm

MetzgerMeister wrote: »

The spoiler isn't too bad, I've seen worse but an M-tech lip spoiler suits the car a lot better.

+1, definitely agree. By the looks of it, they are bolted on too, so it wouldn't be the easiest thing in the world to get rid of:(

MCMLXXV wrote: »

Silver doesn't do it for me. Had an M-Tech 323 in silver before, lovely car but once you buy one you'll notice half the cars in the country are silver.

Don't mind the colour that much, would love the Imola red colour posted earlier, or something that polishes up well! Always think silver leaves a lot to be desired after a good polish and wax!

MetzgerMeister · 25-04-2012 8:42pm

Alanstrainor wrote: »

+1, definitely agree. By the looks of it, they are bolted on too, so it wouldn't be the easiest thing in the world to get rid of:(

Don't mind the colour that much, would love the Imola red colour posted earlier, or something that polishes up well! Always think silver leaves a lot to be desired after a good polish and wax!

Yeah, you'd have to replace the whole boot lid if you wanted rid of the spoiler. Either that are get the holes filled but then you'd have to get the whole thing resprayed!

When it's done properly, red comes up beautifully.

Alanstrainor · 25-04-2012 8:48pm

MetzgerMeister wrote: »

Yeah, you'd have to replace the whole boot lid if you wanted rid of the spoiler. Either that are get the holes filled but then you'd have to get the whole thing resprayed!

When it's done properly, red comes up beautifully.

I don't know if the spoiler annoys me that much! hahaha

Anyway, seller is up in Dublin on Saturday getting brake lines done for NCT, so im hoping to go and have a look then.

MetzgerMeister · 25-04-2012 9:03pm

Alanstrainor wrote: »

I don't know if the spoiler annoys me that much! hahaha

Anyway, seller is up in Dublin on Saturday getting brake lines done for NCT, so im hoping to go and have a look then.

I know, I'm just telling you the hassle involved for something that isn't that bad

Northern Monkey · 25-04-2012 9:03pm

There is a lad on BMW driver with a mint 02 imola red 325 that is moving to London in a couple of months and he was talking about selling it. Haven't a clue if that is still the plan or if it would be near your budget.

Alanstrainor · 25-04-2012 9:12pm

Yer man has a video up and all. Looks decent enough I suppose.

EDIT: Anyone else think the drivers side door looks a bit off?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7T2grkD8yrU

pred racer · 25-04-2012 9:31pm

Alanstrainor wrote: »

Yer man has a video up and all. Looks decent enough I suppose.

EDIT: Anyone else think the drivers side door looks a bit off?

Prob wouldnt have noticed it only you mentioned it, but yeah its odd looking.

On a personal note, i just dont like silver cars!

Bearcat · 25-04-2012 10:08pm

Guys, I'm a long time at the game, driven everything. For me over the years the Bm 2.5 engine is a honey. I ve had loads of 325is including an e36 325ci auto. It was a hoot to drive, very sharp steering, the engine like silk, the auto box a dream and went like stink. I couldn't recommend these motors enough.....tax will sting but if your picking these up at sub 4k it's bargain motoring and quality motoring in one.

The only thing over the years that annoyed me with the 325 engines was the bloody hydraulic tappets....with age they weep so on start up there's a rattle as they don't hold the oil.....once up and running you wouldn't notice it but it's a bit of a job to replace the 24 of them.

Wolverine_1999 · 25-04-2012 10:08pm

pred racer wrote: »

On a personal note, i just dont like silver cars!

Heh I've been hammered for this on my own search on the forum, check out my 325ci thread in the BMW Wanted section as well Alan.. lots of talk there

Alanstrainor · 25-04-2012 10:17pm

Wolverine_1999 wrote: »

Heh I've been hammered for this on my own search on the forum, check out my 325ci thread in the BMW Wanted section as well Alan.. lots of talk there

I read through your whole thread. You're even pickier than I am!:D

Wolverine_1999 · 25-04-2012 10:26pm

Alanstrainor wrote: »

I read through your whole thread. You're even pickier than I am!:D

It's my money father!!

Alanstrainor · 25-04-2012 11:18pm

pred racer wrote: »

Prob wouldnt have noticed it only you mentioned it, but yeah its odd looking.

On a personal note, i just dont like silver cars!

I'm obviously just a cautious cat. The marks are off a washing line! And its just the shadow.

Will be viewing on Saturday anyway. Here's hoping it's as good as it looks in the photos.

pred racer · 25-04-2012 11:20pm

Alanstrainor wrote: »

I'm obviously just a cautious cat. The marks are off a washing line! And its just the shadow.

Will be viewing on Saturday anyway. Here's hoping it's as good as it looks in the photos.

It'll still be silver though:D

Ardennes1944 · 25-04-2012 11:30pm

Silver.......dont do it! Youve only been looking a few days alan, hold off a while longer

Alanstrainor · 25-04-2012 11:40pm

Ardennes1944 wrote: »

Silver.......dont do it! Youve only been looking a few days alan, hold off a while longer

Haven't bought it yet lads. Just going to view on Saturday!

I have some high res photos and it looks the business. I'm clearly not as against silver as yee lot!

challengemaster · 26-04-2012 12:07am

Alanstrainor wrote: »

Haven't bought it yet lads. Just going to view on Saturday!

I have some high res photos and it looks the business. I'm clearly not as against silver as yee lot!

Ah you just haven't experienced any other colour yet, that's the problem. It just never shows up as well as other colours when you clean it up, sure that's why MetzgerMeister changed cars!

Alanstrainor · 26-04-2012 12:33am

challengemaster wrote: »

Ah you just haven't experienced any other colour yet, that's the problem. It just never shows up as well as other colours when you clean it up, sure that's why MetzgerMeister changed cars!

It could be worse, it could be black!:pac:

conzy · 26-04-2012 1:00am

I don't like something about that silver coupe. It was for sale when I was looking with all the m sport trim on it.

delly · 26-04-2012 1:14am

I think that its just the shadows from the top of the bush behind.

/EDIT missed the 5th page, already cleared up.

26-04-2012 1:16am

Alanstrainor wrote: »

............

Anyway, this guy jumped right on my wanted thread on BMW-Driver:
http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/3056755

The spoiler looks cack on them though!

conzymaher wrote: »

I don't like something about that silver coupe. It was for sale when I was looking with all the m sport trim on it.

I don't know the car, I don't know the seller but it's strange to have an add that detailed mentioning all the history and the car is stunning but it's due an NCT next month.

It seems a bit of a WTF to me.

challengemaster · 26-04-2012 1:19am

Alanstrainor wrote: »

It could be worse, it could be black!:pac:

Cheeky bugger

If you like that silver one in all fairness, it looks like a decent buy. Just remember you'll be looking at it every day so get one that makes you smile, colour included

Ardennes1944 · 26-04-2012 1:53am

Without wanting to drag this whole colour thing on (:pac:). Silber is a colour for people with no personality

Alanstrainor · 26-04-2012 2:57am

RoverJames wrote: »

I don't know the car, I don't know the seller but it's strange to have an add that detailed mentioning all the history and the car is stunning but it's due an NCT next month.

It seems a bit of a WTF to me.

Indeed. I made it clear to the seller that it was a no go without the nct and that I wouldn't purchase without a new nct.

Alanstrainor · 26-04-2012 8:22am

Thanks for all the responses lads, I honestly don't know what I'd be doing if I didn't have all this advice from yee lot!

delly · 26-04-2012 9:24am

I think we should base the next meet on you going to view some possible purchases. A dozen fellas (and one or two girls) turn up to some house in an estate, double parking all over the place, and we all have a good nose over the car. I dunno what the seller would think.

unkel · 26-04-2012 9:30am

Alanstrainor wrote: »

Thanks for all the responses lads, I honestly don't know what I'd be doing if I didn't have all this advice from yee lot!

You're well able to find yourself the right car and present it to your mechanic for a quick look over before you parts with your monies

The only thing you needed us for was to convince you not to buy a Toyota Corolla :pac:

MetzgerMeister · 26-04-2012 9:33am

delly wrote: »

I think we should base the next meet on you going to view some possible purchases. A dozen fellas (and one or two girls) turn up to some house in an estate, double parking all over the place, and we all have a good nose over the car. I dunno what the seller would think.

The seller would think "jeez, this guy knows nothing about cars...but he sure has a lot of friends"

Alanstrainor · 26-04-2012 9:39am

unkel wrote: »

You're well able to find yourself the right car and present it to your mechanic for a quick look over before you parts with your monies

The only thing you needed us for was to convince you not to buy a Toyota Corolla :pac:

Haha, I knew after 30 seconds driving the corolla that it wasn't for me!

Seller got back to me about NCT. And I've been reading his posts on bmw-driver. Rear Brake lines were corroded, he's coming up on Saturday to Dublin to get sorted. No harm in viewing. I'm in no rush to part with cash, trust me!

Wolverine_1999 · 26-04-2012 10:06am

He's been trying to shift it for a while, but only because the market is very difficult. Unfortunately the cars don't make anywhere near what he was originally asking, and also there is no kit on this car - is this something you are considering as a must? The M kit will set you back another €1000 if it's well done.

Even the best looked after cars will have the brake corrosion. It would indicate UK import though.. so just go through the history carefully.

166man · 27-04-2012 2:16pm

conzymaher wrote: »

I don't like something about that silver coupe.

+1

I don't know there's something a bit off about it. maybe it's just me though I thought that when I read the add and saw the short video.

challengemaster · 27-04-2012 2:28pm

Probably the shítty vignette he added to all the photos, that's what I think it is for me anyway.

Alanstrainor · 27-04-2012 3:04pm

The seller sent me on about 60 high res pictures, 5 YouTube videos and more. That in itself has me wondering why he's so desperate!

ShadowHearth · 27-04-2012 3:16pm

Alanstrainor wrote: »

The seller sent me on about 60 high red pictures, 5 YouTube videos and more. That in itself has me wondering why he's so desperate!

aggressive sales tactics? To be honest just go with someone who knows about cars to look at it. maybe chap trying to hard and trying to be helpfull, but does not realise, that by trying to hard, he pushes away buyers.

challengemaster · 27-04-2012 3:19pm

Yeah, if he's been trying to sell it for a while then he might just want rid of it, who knows tbh. Could be something dodgy about it either, as said - take someone with you who knows their stuff.

Tragedy · 27-04-2012 3:19pm

There isn't exactly a huge market for ~10 year old €1000 p.a. tax coupes, BMW or not - hence his high res pics/videos.

27-04-2012 3:22pm

Alanstrainor wrote: »

The seller sent me on about 60 high res pictures, 5 YouTube videos and more. That in itself has me wondering why he's so desperate!

In fairness to the chap you do have a wanted thread up

A car like that is hard to shift, if you buy it he doesn't have to deal with anyone else, he knows you genuinely want a 325ci

I can see where you're coming from though

Alanstrainor · 27-04-2012 3:28pm

Car looks straight in the pics. To be fair he's been very straight up about everything, hadn't lied about anything I've asked.

I've told him id want it checked out by my mechanic, and that id only buy with a valid nct. All of which he's been more than happy with.

I'll hopefully see it tomorrow and report back.

Cheers everyone

L-M · 27-04-2012 3:35pm

You do realise if he tests it it will run out again in August?

Edit: Read it wrong

challengemaster · 27-04-2012 3:36pm

actually, have you considered motorchecking it yet Alan or are you going to view it first?

Be worth your while if you're genuinely considering it

Alanstrainor · 27-04-2012 6:55pm

challengemaster wrote: »

actually, have you considered motorchecking it yet Alan or are you going to view it first?

Be worth your while if you're genuinely considering it

Haven't motorchecked it just yet.

Although, I got the owner to check the log book and there's 6 previous owners.

And it's an Irish car.

Going to have a look tomorrow anyway. The seller is in Dublin getting the brake lines done on it. No cash will be parted with as it has no NCT just yet. But sure at this stage it's worth a look.

I'll report back tomorrow evening I suppose.

L-M · 27-04-2012 6:58pm

A car like that with that many owners in that lenght of time wouldn't worry me in the slightest, as long as it's been minded. Which you'll know once you see it.

Idbatterim · 28-04-2012 1:06pm

Op i doubt there is anything wrong with the car, trying to shift an 01 with 1k tax is not easy... bear in mind though, if the tax wasnt so high, youd be paying alot more for the car!

Alanstrainor · 28-04-2012 9:26pm

Well I viewed this Silver coupe: http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/3056755

And it seemed to be in fantastic condition, nothing out of the ordinary as far as I could see at least. Engine pulled well, car looked great, not knocks or bumps out of it at all, brakes were good. Seriously couldn't fault it at all.

TestTransmission · 28-04-2012 9:29pm

And????

L-M · 28-04-2012 9:29pm

Did ya throw an offer?

conzy · 28-04-2012 9:31pm

Thats good to hear, are you tempted to part with the cash yet? Or going to continue the search and keep that one in mind?

166man · 28-04-2012 9:38pm

Alanstrainor wrote: »

Well I viewed this Silver coupe: http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/3056755

And it seemed to be in fantastic condition, nothing out of the ordinary as far as I could see at least. Engine pulled well, car looked great, not knocks or bumps out of it at all, brakes were good. Seriously couldn't fault it at all.

If it's as clean as you say it is, and will have a new NCT. Get a few hundred knocked off the asking and you're away with a great bargain.

Alanstrainor bought a 325CI!!!

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