looking at buying an E38 740...how much

[Ralf*]

looking at buying an E38 740 '98 model...how much would be an average second hand price be, there is one for sale at a second hand dealer close to me, it has quiet a few faults when ignition key is inserted ie brake pads, fog lamps etc etc.

I want to know what specific issues to look out for, and by how much I should try to knock the dealer down on his price.

 

[Sith]

Beautiful cars that are as cheap as chips to buy these days. I am no expert on these, but reckon you need to tread lightly, as they can break the bank. Buy the best you can, as a car with many faults will cause you headaches. Electrics can be a pain, and costly, to put right. A big heavy car such as this will also be heavy on brakes and suspension components. From what I know, the engine is tough, but bear in mind it's a thirteen year old V8, so there will be a fair amount of wear and tear. There are also not that many in the scrapyards for second hand parts, so even tatty trim replacements will have to come from the agents at high cost. IMHO this will not be an inexpensive car to run. Play hardball with the dealer as much as you can, as these are not cars they can sell that easily, so they could be very negotiable. Sorry if I sound a bit negative, as I am actually not, I just feel you may land up kicking yourself if you buy the wrong car. I think the other guys on this forum may be able to help more if you provide more info such as price, mileage, colour combo, extras, etc.., maybe some pics. Good luck, and great e28 in your signature pic.

 

[zaleonardz]

HI bud,

The E38 is just a bigger version then the E39, with many components shared across.

Much less then say the E34 and the E32, but still virtually the same.

Answer to the question, depends on how the car has been looked after, the V8's are tough as nails, but if they let it cook at some point... you get the story.

Fantastic value for money can be had for 50k more or less, just shop around.....

 

[Ralf*]

well I took the 740 for a test drive today

260K+ on the clock

in car TV/Computor

handles nicely, slight buzz thru the steering as it is turned from neutral, accelerator feels very stiff to depress, or the sound padding is so good and the car is so heavy that it feels as if though there is no throttle response.....maybe I am too used to the 530d E39 throttle response.

central unlock button on the console doesn't work.
some strange after market immobilzer fitted, has the salesman confused at times as well.
varoius warnings for brake linings, brake lights, headlamps etc

they want R69000 for it.

I want to trade in my E28 520i which is in my signature picture, hoping to get R20000 for it, and prepared to put in another R45000.

How far off the mark do you folks think I am.....the 740 would be my second (standby car), as the E39 530d is my main car.

 

[Karthik]

Keep the e28 , sorry just my opinion , but everyone has their own taste but isn't 69grand a bit way over for it ? Not sure other fanatics will guide you better

 

[Sith]

In this market, and with that mileage, I think the price is a little high. Plus you going to have to repair those faults. Mind you, check what the dealer will fix if you buy the car, as the car will have to go through roadworthy, so lights and such will have to be fixed in order to pass. Push for around 60k, and that's if the body and interior are neat. My hunch is they will offer you around 15k for your e28. Good luck.

 

[whattingh]

On gumtree they range from R40k-110k. If a car like this has after market alarm in I would be VERY careful. It is sometimes a sign that someone has work on the cars electronics that did not have the need knowledge to fix the problem, they just replace the alarm with after market. Might not be the case. I would be looking a bit more around first and see if you cant find something with lower milage and less errors.

 

[Ralf*]

OK..I took the plunge, the E28 went for R15K as predicted, and another R49K ie total R64 and registered etc in my name

and I will open another thread with questions about getting this "ship" into tip-top shape....but first some pics

 

[Venda Boy]

Nice ride

 

[Muney]

Congrats on the luxury cruise-liner! :clap:


Do want! :drool: