Should I purchase this 2003 iS with 101,000?
 

Should I purchase or walk?
I am scheduled to purchase a 2003 4.4 iS tonight. Car has no, nav, no Dsp, no winter package which is a big deal here in Upstate NY. Car has 101,000K and it has had 3 owners all from TX. Car is fairly clean and carfax looks good. Price is $4200.00
From what I can tell it is going to need ALL the common items and those I see right away are, valley pan ( coolant was low and drip at rear of engine), RF outer cv boot, water pump ( hasn't been changed yet), right door handle'is broken and won't open the door from outside, left rear window won't stay up. Owner thought it needed a torque converter but after putting a new battery in the transmission is shifting fine. Now the ABS, brake and triangle lights are on and the airbag light is on. Owner of the last 8 years, 60k said only thing he did short of new tires, brakes and oil changes every, was an aux fan for ac.
Car will be for my wife and she is not good about checking gauges warning lights or sounds...
I'm also going to want to put an aftermarket nav/Bluetooth, backup camera system in if I purchase.
Thanks

not worth it

I will be using this vehicle as our tow vehicle for a 3,500 lb boat.
Plus, I have an 2005 545 iaS that she does appreciate the v8 in...

As some have noted, you need a very thorough PPI and budget for the needed repairs, plus those not yet identified that will occur. Personally, I'd pass ........

^^Agreed.

Coolant overhaul - North of $600 bucks, CV boots with labor and both sides done - $500 - ABS Light could be module, or speed sensor, $100 for each or both, or could be other issues - Door window regulator $100 per side - Broken door handle carriers $100 per side - Torque converter ???


You've got about a grand to $1500 of work before knowing if you need a torque converter. i'd keep looking.


OH AND BTW, There is no such thing as a 4.4 iS LOL

Even if you're a DIY'er there is likely to be a lot of heartaches in store for you- I'd move on too.

What I thot...

Pass on this one, you'll just get frustrated with all the small things that need to be done...

Okay, my error on the x5 4.4iS - it's a sport model. I saw someone else post that way so I thought maybe they know something I didn't...maybe it means something else?
Anyway, after the responses and my own gut check, I'm gonna pass unless he comes down to 3-3500. Mostly because my wife wants the heated seats... Her 2004 Chrysler Pacific has more options than this X5, so other than it being a BMW, it would be a step back and with 160,000 on the Pacifica (built by Daimler), she has been a great car with very little maintenance, just getting a bit rusty.
And yes I am a DIYer...have done all of the listed repairs on either my e39 540iS or my 2005 545ia