Been offered a compact... Help!!

Post Thu Jul 05, 2012 10:08 pm

My Uncle rang me today to tell me his friend is selling his compact and was I interested?

I haven't seen it yet but,

1996 318TDS
1 owner from new
94000 miles
3k's worth of extras when new OBC, sports interior
immaculate condition and rust free. Always garaged.
dark metalic blue
never been in an accident etc
taxed & tested (unknown for how long)

IMHO it was reasonably priced, but like I said I haven't seen it yet. He's in no rush to sell, I'm flat out and he's on holiday for 2 weeks from Sunday. Going to have a look when he gets back.

How much would you expect that to pay for it?

Would it be more economical to run daily than my E30318i auto?

Post Thu Jul 05, 2012 10:19 pm

They don't seem to make as much as regular e36's... That said I havn't seen a diesel before so probably a more than the usual 400-700 quid.

Post Thu Jul 05, 2012 11:09 pm

a 318TDS is about as desirable as herpes, but without any of the redeeming features..

I'd pass TBH.

But, if it is IMMACULATE, FSH, good MOT/Tax etc

then, and only then

£500-600.

Mind and drive it home at night so no one sees you

Post Thu Jul 05, 2012 11:55 pm

I'm not after excitement. That could well evolve from the E30 that I won't be relying on as a daily driver if you catch my drift. Take it off the road and make it a bit more interesting. It's solid enough.

I'm starting to do a lot of travelling with work and could use something economical, comfortable reliable etc. I spoke to the seller tonight and he seems proper genuine. He's an engineer by trade and getting on a bit. He's had it from new and thoroughly looked after it by the sounds of things.

Post Fri Jul 06, 2012 12:06 am

Sounds a nice car, good colour, sports interior, extras, etc... the only thing that lets it down imo is the engine.
Compacts make a good daily though, i was suprised when i collected mine of how quiet and smooth it was on the motoway.

If its a good un i say go for it.

Post Fri Jul 06, 2012 12:24 am

What else do u know about the engine in these Lee?

Post Fri Jul 06, 2012 12:44 am

according to wiki 89hp??

thats a 24hp drop on the E30!

surely it must be significantly cheaper to fuel?

Post Fri Jul 06, 2012 8:14 am

E30Gheko wrote:according to wiki 89hp??

thats a 24hp drop on the E30! surely it must be significantly cheaper to fuel?

The problem is 89 lame shetlands has to work hard to drag along a compact. In the real world a 318ti will probably work out cheaper per mile and you won't have to worry about injector/ turbo/ pump dramas writing the car off

If it is really tidy and starts and runs well from cold AND it is cheap, it is worth a gamble. They are good sellers as people get very exciited by the diesel word and believe the sellers claims that the turd does 60 mpg.

Post Fri Jul 06, 2012 8:18 am

The only compact worth considering is Jason's one http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3965280.htm

Post Sat Jul 07, 2012 3:05 pm

cheers for all your imput guys. Considering the above I think I'll swerve this one. I'll go have a look, but probably won't be buying it. I don't mind slow and sensible for my daily, but this may be just too annoyingly sluggish.

If I had the cash I'd defo be interested in Jason's though, but I'd be very torn between that and the monster E30 he's also selling.....

Post Sat Jul 07, 2012 6:32 pm

I wouldn't be so harsh on it - it doesn't sound like the usual knackered shed. With 94k and a proper history it'll be fine. They are pretty laggy but no worse than an old Astra diesel. The engine is a 525tds unit with 2 pots knocked off. They're mechanically very strong and if it's not been caned, will be okay. Turbos last okay as do the old screw in injectors, lift pumps can get tired so check for cold starting. Economy isn't great - overall they're rated at 37mpg with a worst of 22 and a best of 48, and my 318Ti averages 36 as well. Careful driving will get 45-50 and you can introduce it so a mix of 70/30 pump diesel and filtered veg oil.

I'd say £6-700.

Post Sat Jul 07, 2012 10:01 pm

He's looking for £1200!!

Post Sat Jul 07, 2012 10:14 pm

E30Gheko wrote:He's looking for £1200!!

Laugh and tell him best of luck.

Post Sat Jul 07, 2012 10:21 pm

leeparkes wrote:
E30Gheko wrote:He's looking for £1200!!
Laugh and tell him best of luck.

Yeah I was gonna try get him down to a bag of sand, but even that would be way OTT. Nevermind, TBH I'm not that keen on the compacts anyway. Might just buy a dirty-6 at some point tho..