If I knew for a fact that Hyundai is putting out that convertible next year I'd hold out for that. I've seen lots of "this is what they are doing" but nothing with a date and no confirmation from Hyundai.
But, yeah, a dark blue 9-3 with a stick.....
2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
that one is pretty nice. Still at least 8 months and 6k on the warranty (but not CPO). Price does not seem too crazy.
I actually think in this car, the AT is a better option. Just fits the car better, and helps with resale if you care. besides, this model never came with a stick.
but, for the price of a new Civic, I could live with it.
that one is gorgeous. Love the colors, and even like the wheels. That is still the 4speed AT, so should not have some of the 2001 S70 teething issues. Nice low miles.
no clue if that is a good price or not,but I would be happy to have that baby! Probably a couple grandhigh? Knock it down to $7,500 and I will take it home.
having looked at the mechanism and seen it in action, I agree with you.
I liked my miata top. Pop 2 levers (by hand, no motors, oh the agony!) then flip it back. Done. Putting it up you could do from the drivers seat if you had a strong enough shoulder. Pretty much bulletproof.
and quite possibly, the power top isn't covered by the CPO warrenty.
The top would certainly be a concern. I'm more of a cloth top type guy anyway.
Still, it has me thinking.
At first I thought that first one was white and I'm really not into white cars. I see that it's gold - not a favorite but I could live with it. That second one is perfect.
2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
I would guess they are complicated as well as a mechanical nightmare to repair. I was talking to a gentleman at the auto show who happens to work for the BMW dealer in Brooklyn as a service advisor or technician. He said someone came in with a dented top piece of a 3 series w/ retractable hard top. He said the whole top has to be replaced at a cost of $21,000 + paint + labor to uninstall the old top & install the new top.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
I was talking to a gentleman at the auto show who happens to work for the BMW dealer in Brooklyn as a service advisor or technician. He said someone came in with a dented top piece of a 3 series w/ retractable hard top. He said the whole top has to be replaced at a cost of $21,000 + paint + labor to uninstall the old top & install the new top.
I thought I'd read a story here on Edmunds about someone with one of the HT BMW's ... was involved in a minor rear end accident and the insurance company totaled the car!
Technology, when it breaks, ain't cheap to fix, apparently.
Not bad. Although I'd want an HT, personally. Still, though, I think, for less than half the price and only 14k more miles, it is more appealing than the '08.
Trade value is near $5500 on it ... so stick's offer of $7500 is much more realistic. Not sure if that's a dealer... seems like it is... so maybe push to $8500 if it is perfect.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
if it was a little closer and in the 7's, I would go take a look!
it is some kind of small dealer it seems. Probably not going to be that flexible given time of year, and low miles. But man, I love the colors and the wheels look great on that car (if those are factory, I don't recall seeing them before).
It was back in '05 that I passed up the chance to get a '02 9-3 hatchback with the stick... but that test drive is what got me sold on the European way of turbocharging.
If the V70 could have been had with the turbo and a stick (short of the R) I'd have cashed in my wannabe-CCB points a few years ago.
Can't recall if my brother told me stuff that scared me off the T5, or I just wasn't inclined to go with a 3-yr old model at that time... and the NA 2.4 just never did anything for me.
Of course, turbos be damned after I followed that BMW search link that someone posted in here a day or two ago... this one is beautiful, and would be really dangerous if it were closer than Alabama. As would this.
But my better half is first in line for a new ride.
now those, I like. Birmingham does not bother me, since southwest flies right in, and the drive home would be nice (and I live in NJ).
the price? Now that is a bit of an issue...
I prefer the darker blue, and don't want black guts. Normally I don't care for black paint, but on that car, it looks good.
seems that the black one is an Xi and the blue one isn't? Or at least they did not mention it, though I thought that by 2008 the wagons were all Xdrive.
the non-Xi is worth about $23k on a trade and the Xi about a grand more. So they aren't TOO far off for CPO. I'd like to see at least a grand less on the blue one, though.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
I prefer the darker blue, and don't want black guts. Normally I don't care for black paint, but on that car, it looks good.
seems that the black one is an Xi and the blue one isn't? Or at least they did not mention it, though I thought that by 2008 the wagons were all Xdrive.
Choose your black evil, I guess? My V70 is black with tan guts, and it's been ok even in the Carolina heat. I think black guts might be worse.
According to the BMW USA website, you can STILL get the RWD wagon... tho I bet they're really hard to find! (like the manual is easy?) Not sure about this black '08 being an Xi, because even tho the dealer's ad says Xi, the carfax says RWD. :confuse:
According to the BMW USA website, you can STILL get the RWD wagon... tho I bet they're really hard to find! (like the manual is easy?) Not sure about this black '08 being an Xi, because even tho the dealer's ad says Xi, the carfax says RWD.
Closer look shows the badge on the rear of both says 328i... Xi in the ad for the black one is a misprint, because it also mentions Steptronic auto, which the pics clearly show it isn't.
I blame nyccarguy for posting a BMW CPO-search link a day or two ago.
Alas, I'm in NC and those cars are in Alabama... but maybe it's better that way because I think the better half would veto such things, unless she had her Jetta first.
Its funny (kind of) but here it is a whole 10 months later and I'm still not tempted away from my GTI in the least.
I'm now averaging over 28mpg yet have a fun and reasonably comfortable car that also provides good utility .... all at a decent pricepoint, mind you. Sure, I like other cars... but nothing enough to give up the VW for. Like those bimmers, for example. All I can think is "I don't want something that heavy [as my daily driver]."
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
Oh don't get me wrong, it would take a lot to get me out of the Volvo, even 4 years in as I am now. OK, just 2 critical elements that are hard to find in the same vehicle... a wagon with a stick. Hence that Outback XT that caught my eye a few months ago, and now these Bimmers. And the other object of wanderlust is the Jetta SportWagen TDI...
If only my lady and I were truly Jetta-compatible... but she's an auto/sedan girl.
I like the golf. even the non-GTI, though not a big fan of the 5cyl engine. With all the engines in the VW global portfolio, I still don't see how they have not come up with a modern tech, more efficient 2.0l 4 for the base car.
but, if I was to actually replace my Accord with a new DD now, I would be looking at something in the "B" size class. The golf gets a look, and I really like the upcoming Kia rio.
just has to be a 5 door, with real good FE, and a stick (not to buzzy on the highway). And of course, a moonroof and basic creature comforts.
going up a bit, the Kia Forte 5 door is also a nice package. Or maybe the Mazda 3 2.0l hatch that is about to appear.
something that size or smaller, and cheap to run but sorta fun to drive, with utility of a hatch/wagon, is enough for me.
Jettas come as auto/sedans. That problem is that you and your lady are not even car-compatable.
I know they do... was just saying that the Jetta she wants is far different from the Jetta I would want. Which is probably a good thing... especially compared to the prospect of Jetta-envy, or other scenarios of getting one and fighting over who gets to drive it.
Mind you, that's not to say I won't switch toy cars.
Granted, giving up the MR2 seems like a really bad idea. I mean, c'mon, its a mid-engined sportscar. Engine swaps are common. All I gotta do is drop in a potent V6 and I've got a porsche equivalent.
On the other hand, I really wish I had a 4-seater toy so I could drive it more often.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
On the other hand, I really wish I had a 4-seater toy so I could drive it more often.
That's right where I'm at - possibly replacing my Miata with a fun 4-seater, thus my interest in the GTI right now. But with the warmer weather starting up, I'm starting to appreciate the Miata again (though it's been almost constant rain here in Denver for the past several days).
I may wait a year and check out the Golf R, but that may be a bit extreme (both in price and performance) for my needs.
I did a search on cars.com yesterday for E46 3-series wagons with manuals. There was perhaps a dozen around the country. I like those quite a bit. I also did a search for 2001-2003 5-series with manuals. Mostly M5's, but a few 530s and 540s in there too. Love the classy look of that model.
Q - KBB seems real optimistic on my Miata. What would you think for trade and private party on a 2009 Miata Grand Touring, yellow soft top, premium and suspension packages, 6-speed manual and about 9k miles?
Here are a couple I found with my search that caught my eye. My wife loves these wagons as much as I do, so it'd be an easy sell. It's probably a good thing they're not local.
$18500-$19k trade. Private party? well, its the right time of year, of course, and its has nice low miles... so ask $22k and take $21k. BUT, selling something so pricey private party is tricky.
Personally, there is no way I sell that private party. Not if I'm trading it on a car of equivalent value or more, that is. I push for $19k and benefit from the $1330 tax break on the new car.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
Thanks q. I'm with you on the trade - my tax rate is about 8.5% I think, which pretty much eliminates any benefit of selling privately.
That's good to know - I bought the car a little over a year ago when they had huge incentives on the leftover '09s. Paid $21,600 for it, so I wouldn't feel too bad about turning it over so quickly. But I am having a great time driving it and may go another season with it. It's mostly a thought on the days I am commuting with my kids, and thus have to choose the large suv (CX-9) just to have the passenger room. Something like your GTI would be nice for those times.
Every time I priced used Miatas (older ones than yours), TMV was always way lower than the asking prices. Hate to say it but KBB's optimism may be justified, at least in some markets. Might be different in southern California but in Boise they got crazy money for them. Otherwise I might be driving one.
Talked to the used car manager and he offered a fair trade for the Miata (consistent with Q's estimates), but wouldn't budge much at all on the asking price of the M3. The price seems to be on the high end of the value ranges, but it does have low miles and I looked it over closely and found nothing wrong with it cosmetically, aside from some peeling of the "aluminum-looking" surface around the door handles.
I told him I was interested, but wouldn't make a decision that day. I get the feeling he'd come down a little bit, but probably no more than $500-$1,000.
Here's the somewhat annoying thing - he wasn't allowing test drives unless you basically agreed on price and informally agreed on the purchase pending the test drive. I kinda get it, being in a big college town, but that M3 isn't quite that precious.
I may have asked this before, but do these M cars have the potential to be maintenance/reliability nightmares?
What we did take for a nice test drive was another BMW they had on the lot - a 2003 530i, sport package and manual trannie, silver over black. We were both really impressed by the way it drove, particularly with 82k miles. I think they were asking about $12k. We loved the size of it - seems just a bit bigger than the wife's current 3-series, so roomy enough but still fun to drive. I was surprised at the pull it had, at "just" the 530 trim - certainly the manual trannie helps with the fun factor.
We casually discussed buying that 530, but it really isn't a replacement car; it'd end up being a fourth car. Not that there's necessarily anything wrong with that.
No test drives on a $23K used car? :surprise: That ain't the Mona Lisa...
Really the only thing that has going for it is the low miles.. not sure I'd pay up that much extra for that... Especially since you could move up to an '05 model with the same miles for only $3K-$4K more... all day long...
The E39 is a great car... and, probably no bigger than the current 3-series.. Isn't it amazing how much 225 HP can do? BMW must use bigger horses..
Never sold cars but if I was that salesman, I'd have put an offer on the table if there was 1k left. Must be holding out. It will sell in Colorado with summer a month away. If you go into it knowing that a 9 year old bmw could be costly for any parts, tires, service then roll the dice. If you have concerns in that regard, stay clear. It helps to have deep pockets -- even if you don't need them.
That M3 convertible is an unusual combination that appeals to a very, VERY small slice of the consumer pie. It could be on the dealer's lot for long time.
The M3 package and manual transmission say "high performance", while the convertible top says, "no, not really". Plus, it's 9 years old.
For the right buyer it might be heaven but most would say, "no thanks".
Agreed..... most people that want a manual-shift M3 want the coupe.. If you really want a 3-series convertible to cruise in, get a 330i.. if you like the go fast styling, go for the performance package.. Most will be automatics in a convertible, but there are a few sticks... and, will save you some cash upfront and over time..
That said, here is the newest E46 M3 vert that you can buy ('06) with 52K miles for just $5K more than that '02... stick shift, too.
Thanks for all the input everyone. I took another look at the M3 today for kicks and the interest in this particular one definitely has waned.
I did a search for '04-'06 330's (coupe and convertible) and found several with similar or lesser miles for the same money (if not less) that I'd much prefer over the M3. I like those changes made in '04, with the revisions to the headlights and taillights.
Comments
If I knew for a fact that Hyundai is putting out that convertible next year I'd hold out for that. I've seen lots of "this is what they are doing" but nothing with a date and no confirmation from Hyundai.
But, yeah, a dark blue 9-3 with a stick.....
I actually think in this car, the AT is a better option. Just fits the car better, and helps with resale if you care. besides, this model never came with a stick.
but, for the price of a new Civic, I could live with it.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
no clue if that is a good price or not,but I would be happy to have that baby! Probably a couple grandhigh? Knock it down to $7,500 and I will take it home.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Well, I'm not a huge fan of the color, but otherwise, that's right in my sweet spot.
Aren't those PRHT devilishly complicated? I'd hate to think what the repair bill would be if it failed out of warranty.
I liked my miata top. Pop 2 levers (by hand, no motors, oh the agony!) then flip it back. Done. Putting it up you could do from the drivers seat if you had a strong enough shoulder. Pretty much bulletproof.
and quite possibly, the power top isn't covered by the CPO warrenty.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Still, it has me thinking.
At first I thought that first one was white and I'm really not into white cars. I see that it's gold - not a favorite but I could live with it. That second one is perfect.
not really that close to either one of us, which is probably for the best!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
I thought I'd read a story here on Edmunds about someone with one of the HT BMW's ... was involved in a minor rear end accident and the insurance company totaled the car!
Technology, when it breaks, ain't cheap to fix, apparently.
BMW, Volvo, Volkswagen, Chrysler, Pontiac....
Trade value is near $5500 on it ... so stick's offer of $7500 is much more realistic. Not sure if that's a dealer... seems like it is... so maybe push to $8500 if it is perfect.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
it is some kind of small dealer it seems. Probably not going to be that flexible given time of year, and low miles. But man, I love the colors and the wheels look great on that car (if those are factory, I don't recall seeing them before).
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
BMW, Volvo, Volkswagen, Chrysler, Pontiac....
I've given thought to a used EOS, G6 or Sebring with the power HT .. but, I too am concerned about the reliability of those brands.
The Eos is the one that gets to me. A highly complicated electrical device on a Volkswagen. What could POSSIBLY go wrong?
If the V70 could have been had with the turbo and a stick (short of the R) I'd have cashed in my wannabe-CCB points a few years ago.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Guess it's a good thing that the closest BMW wagons with sticks are in Alabama, and I'm in NC.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
I just missed getting a 2001 T5 stick wagon a couple years back. Got sold out from under me.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Of course, turbos be damned after I followed that BMW search link that someone posted in here a day or two ago... this one is beautiful, and would be really dangerous if it were closer than Alabama. As would this.
But my better half is first in line for a new ride.
the price? Now that is a bit of an issue...
I prefer the darker blue, and don't want black guts. Normally I don't care for black paint, but on that car, it looks good.
seems that the black one is an Xi and the blue one isn't? Or at least they did not mention it, though I thought that by 2008 the wagons were all Xdrive.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
the non-Xi is worth about $23k on a trade and the Xi about a grand more. So they aren't TOO far off for CPO. I'd like to see at least a grand less on the blue one, though.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
seems that the black one is an Xi and the blue one isn't? Or at least they did not mention it, though I thought that by 2008 the wagons were all Xdrive.
Choose your black evil, I guess? My V70 is black with tan guts, and it's been ok even in the Carolina heat. I think black guts might be worse.
According to the BMW USA website, you can STILL get the RWD wagon... tho I bet they're really hard to find! (like the manual is easy?) Not sure about this black '08 being an Xi, because even tho the dealer's ad says Xi, the carfax says RWD. :confuse:
Closer look shows the badge on the rear of both says 328i... Xi in the ad for the black one is a misprint, because it also mentions Steptronic auto, which the pics clearly show it isn't.
Minor details...
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Alas, I'm in NC and those cars are in Alabama... but maybe it's better that way because I think the better half would veto such things, unless she had her Jetta first.
I'm now averaging over 28mpg yet have a fun and reasonably comfortable car that also provides good utility .... all at a decent pricepoint, mind you. Sure, I like other cars... but nothing enough to give up the VW for. Like those bimmers, for example. All I can think is "I don't want something that heavy [as my daily driver]."
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
If only my lady and I were truly Jetta-compatible... but she's an auto/sedan girl.
Jettas come as auto/sedans. That problem is that you and your lady are not even car-compatable.
but, if I was to actually replace my Accord with a new DD now, I would be looking at something in the "B" size class. The golf gets a look, and I really like the upcoming Kia rio.
just has to be a 5 door, with real good FE, and a stick (not to buzzy on the highway). And of course, a moonroof and basic creature comforts.
going up a bit, the Kia Forte 5 door is also a nice package. Or maybe the Mazda 3 2.0l hatch that is about to appear.
something that size or smaller, and cheap to run but sorta fun to drive, with utility of a hatch/wagon, is enough for me.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
I know they do... was just saying that the Jetta she wants is far different from the Jetta I would want. Which is probably a good thing... especially compared to the prospect of Jetta-envy, or other scenarios of getting one and fighting over who gets to drive it.
Geeze, this could be worse than Jolie and the 07 Pilot.
Who are you and what have you done to q?
Granted, giving up the MR2 seems like a really bad idea. I mean, c'mon, its a mid-engined sportscar. Engine swaps are common. All I gotta do is drop in a potent V6 and I've got a porsche equivalent.
On the other hand, I really wish I had a 4-seater toy so I could drive it more often.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
That's right where I'm at - possibly replacing my Miata with a fun 4-seater, thus my interest in the GTI right now. But with the warmer weather starting up, I'm starting to appreciate the Miata again (though it's been almost constant rain here in Denver for the past several days).
I may wait a year and check out the Golf R, but that may be a bit extreme (both in price and performance) for my needs.
I did a search on cars.com yesterday for E46 3-series wagons with manuals. There was perhaps a dozen around the country. I like those quite a bit. I also did a search for 2001-2003 5-series with manuals. Mostly M5's, but a few 530s and 540s in there too. Love the classy look of that model.
Q - KBB seems real optimistic on my Miata. What would you think for trade and private party on a 2009 Miata Grand Touring, yellow soft top, premium and suspension packages, 6-speed manual and about 9k miles?
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
Silver wagon
I don't really like those wheels, but the sport package and low miles are appealing.
Steel blue
No sport package and higher miles, but I've always liked that color.
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
Private party? well, its the right time of year, of course, and its has nice low miles... so ask $22k and take $21k. BUT, selling something so pricey private party is tricky.
Personally, there is no way I sell that private party. Not if I'm trading it on a car of equivalent value or more, that is. I push for $19k and benefit from the $1330 tax break on the new car.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
That's good to know - I bought the car a little over a year ago when they had huge incentives on the leftover '09s. Paid $21,600 for it, so I wouldn't feel too bad about turning it over so quickly. But I am having a great time driving it and may go another season with it. It's mostly a thought on the days I am commuting with my kids, and thus have to choose the large suv (CX-9) just to have the passenger room. Something like your GTI would be nice for those times.
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
2002 M3
Talked to the used car manager and he offered a fair trade for the Miata (consistent with Q's estimates), but wouldn't budge much at all on the asking price of the M3. The price seems to be on the high end of the value ranges, but it does have low miles and I looked it over closely and found nothing wrong with it cosmetically, aside from some peeling of the "aluminum-looking" surface around the door handles.
I told him I was interested, but wouldn't make a decision that day. I get the feeling he'd come down a little bit, but probably no more than $500-$1,000.
Here's the somewhat annoying thing - he wasn't allowing test drives unless you basically agreed on price and informally agreed on the purchase pending the test drive. I kinda get it, being in a big college town, but that M3 isn't quite that precious.
I may have asked this before, but do these M cars have the potential to be maintenance/reliability nightmares?
What we did take for a nice test drive was another BMW they had on the lot - a 2003 530i, sport package and manual trannie, silver over black. We were both really impressed by the way it drove, particularly with 82k miles. I think they were asking about $12k. We loved the size of it - seems just a bit bigger than the wife's current 3-series, so roomy enough but still fun to drive. I was surprised at the pull it had, at "just" the 530 trim - certainly the manual trannie helps with the fun factor.
We casually discussed buying that 530, but it really isn't a replacement car; it'd end up being a fourth car. Not that there's necessarily anything wrong with that.
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
Really the only thing that has going for it is the low miles.. not sure I'd pay up that much extra for that... Especially since you could move up to an '05 model with the same miles for only $3K-$4K more... all day long...
The E39 is a great car... and, probably no bigger than the current 3-series.. Isn't it amazing how much 225 HP can do? BMW must use bigger horses..
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The M3 package and manual transmission say "high performance", while the convertible top says, "no, not really". Plus, it's 9 years old.
For the right buyer it might be heaven but most would say, "no thanks".
That said, here is the newest E46 M3 vert that you can buy ('06) with 52K miles for just $5K more than that '02... stick shift, too.
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I did a search for '04-'06 330's (coupe and convertible) and found several with similar or lesser miles for the same money (if not less) that I'd much prefer over the M3. I like those changes made in '04, with the revisions to the headlights and taillights.
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman