Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

breld

Hey Michael - I've been eyeing those same cars down at Winslow as well (the 328i coupe and the GTI). I even drove by there last week when I took my kids down to Garden of the Gods, and then stopped by Fargo's Pizza (just across the street from the dealership). If I hadn't had the whole family with me (including my parents), I would've stopped in to take a look.

That 328i coupe has been there for several months, which probably explains the winter tires. Did you notice anything else that may be preventing its sale? Miles are a little high at 54k, but it seems to be priced accordingly. What was the other 3-series coupe that just came in? It doesn't seem to be online yet.

If that GTI was a 4-door, I'd be very interested.

That blue 330ci 'vert at Schomp is nice. As of a couple months ago, your salesperson there whom you recommended to me was trying to sell his 330ci convertible ('02 I think). You may want to give him a call to see if it's still for sale.

Speaking of Schomp, looks like they just got this in. I'd take an extended lunch to go look at it, if not for the black on black. Not too crazy about that.

Black ZHP

Bruce

michaellno

Did you notice anything else that may be preventing its sale? Miles are a little high at 54k, but it seems to be priced accordingly.

Nothing on the surface. I didn't look inside any of them, so cannot tell you about the state of the interior.

What was the other 3-series coupe that just came in? It doesn't seem to be online yet.

The other 3-series coupe is also a silver/black 328i. Stick with sport package, but only 41K on the clock. Priced at $23K. The salesman told me on Saturday that they'd just taken it in on trade the day before and that there was someone coming in to look at it that afternoon. Salesman seemed pretty confident that it would not last the weekend, but when I went by on Sunday it was still there.

If that GTI was a 4-door, I'd be very interested.

Actually, the 2-door works for me .. I've got the CX-7 as the family vehicle; very rarely do I have more than 2 people in the car.

That blue 330ci 'vert at Schomp is nice. As of a couple months ago, your salesperson there whom you recommended to me was trying to sell his 330ci convertible ('02 I think). You may want to give him a call to see if it's still for sale.

The initial pictures of the blue 330ci weren't all that great, and seemed to have been taken before it had been processed and detailed. Glad to hear that it looks better now.

As mentioned a few posts ago, I think I'm going to hold off on pulling the trigger on anything for the short term.

Speaking of Schomp, looks like they just got this in. I'd take an extended lunch to go look at it, if not for the black on black. Not too crazy about that.

Then, of course, you have to post this ... sigh. Like you, I'm not crazy about the black/black combo, but everything else is quite nice.

My brother in law in San Diego has a 330i ZHP - his is silver, automatic and a sedan, but otherwise, it's exactly like this!

kyfdx

Might be going to look at one, this week.. Asking $1900....

Perfect condition, of course.... lol... or not..

stickguy

For Fezo's kid.

took the dog for a walk through the old folks neighborhood (where sadly, I don't seem to stick out as an intruder). The green accord was in the driveway where the estate sale was, but no signs on it, and it was parked in front of an SUV (and up close to a pod) so hard to go up to look at it. Plus dog had not done his bizness yet, so didn't want that up on their yard!

but besides being a 2004 with 29K, the tires looked good (probably original, so old but lots of tread) and it was a green over tan 4 door 4 cyl LX. Did not look inside, but I will bet every dime I got it is an AT!

actually looked very, very clean. the proverbial old lady drive to church car I assume. 12K seems a bit steep, but you don't see many quite like this one.

kyfdx

I'm all set up to go look at an '88 325is, tomorrow night... Has me sort of nervous, because I suck at checking out old cars... $1900.. 217K miles..

Anyway, (roadburner alert) guy at local used BMW-only sales/service e-mails me that he has a '95 318ti Club Sport coming in, today.. sunroof-delete and two-tone red/black upholstery.. Says he would be at $3600, if I buy it before they start working on it...

So, I'm going to look at that one on my lunch hour, tomorrow... :surprise:

qbrozen

how many miles on the ti?

$1900 is high for an E30 with over 200k. It better be near perfect.

jayrider

In my neck of the woods any beater that starts - drives and stops is worth 2k no matter what the make ,model or year.

kyfdx

The 318ti has 149K, but has service records for the last 3-4 years.. Full cooling system overhaul at 137K... Power steering refresh, recent oil change.... all service done at an independent in Cleveland area..

Around here, nice E30s start at $4K and up... Decided not to go look at the E30.. took a quick look-see at the Ti... going back today to drive it..

Beaters here start around $800... Beater BMWs are usually $1500 and up... couple other people told me not to bother with sub-$2K BMWs, unless I'm very handy.... which, I'm not..

qbrozen

couple other people told me not to bother with sub-$2K BMWs, unless I'm very handy.... which, I'm not..

There is truth in that. And it is why I feel $1900 is high for anything with that many miles. unless it has had the engine rebuilt, there isn't all that much life left in it, i don't care what anyone says or who's uncle's roommate had a bimmer go 300k miles. You are taking a gamble buying something with those miles, and $1900 is a bit much to gamble, IMHO.

I'd also say decent beaters start at $800. There are some that are less, but there is a reason. Once you cross 200k, though, it is a different ballgame. Mostly parts cars.

kyfdx

So.. the 318ti..

Strong motor... really pulls, once you get the revs up.. Decent clutch.. Brakes pulse... assuming warped rotors... steering is good and handling is fairly tight.

A/C blows warm.. radio doesn't turn on.. right power mirror doesn't move.. Interior is pretty darn good for 149K miles.. Leather bolsters have cracks on the front seats, but cloth is in great shape.. back seats are very good... carpets decent.. headliner is good. Power windows and locks work.. All lights/wipers work.

No real rust... Some body work on left rear fender that looks like it will have to be re-done (paint starting to crack along fender crease)... No rust down low in the rockers, strut towers, etc...

It's missing the stock style 18, 16" wheels.. has winter tires and 15" BMW alloys.

I checked the VIN... it's a true sunroof-delete 318Ti Club Sport.. One of either three or five in the US.. (that and a quarter will get you.. well, you know..).

It's as-is... $3600 the way it sits...

graphicguy

kyfdx...are you shopping at that lot in Sharonville (I think) that specializes in used BMWs?

michaellno

So, what do you estimate the costs to be to put this right?

And, what is the value of one of these that is in great condition?

If the $3600 + rehab costs is less than the value, go for it!

qbrozen

ouch.

Well, I can't say I know the value of these ... if there really is any true value added in such a vehicle.

I guess the question is: do YOU have a strong desire to own this rare model? or would any small, light BMW do the trick?

roadburner

Sounds like a solid car. The only big money item might be the A/C. Is the radio fuse blown?
If a ti rusts it usually starts at the rear edge of the rear wheel opening- right above the bumper seam.
There were only three options available for the Club Sport:
1. Sunroof(BMW pushed everybody to take a hole in the roof, but it really was an option)
2. Premium Sound(Became standard on all E36 cars in 1996
3. Limited Slip Diff
Ask away if you have any other questions...

kyfdx

Yes.. it's at that dealer... GG and roadburner know the one... He doesn't really deal in down-market cars like this, but he fixes plenty in his repair business... He's always saying, "come in and get a PPI, if you find anything you like", and yet he wants to sell this one, as is... This guy never gives me any warm, fuzzy feelings, anyway.....

Don't know what it would cost to make everything right... but, if it was a really nice example, it might bring $6000-$7000... I'd say it might be fairly priced, as is... if I had the abilities to know what's wrong, would have a better idea.

No, I don't have a strong desire to own this model, but it's a decent car for my son... I'd much, much rather have an E30.. I guess the fact that it's rare sort of clouded my mind to that..

RB: I checked the VIN.. it's definitely a Club Sport, non-sunroof model... It's got an Eclipse stereo, with a manual in the glovebox... pretty sure that's after-market.. No idea on the limited slip.... I wouldn't be able to tell without taking the rear wheels off the ground.

I think that paint work on the left rear fender is part of decent size side swipe, long ago... The driver's door fits a little hinky.. It could be a decent car, for someone that really wants a Club Sport, and does his own work.

The more I thought about it... the more I realized that I really want an E30... the car will really be for both me and my son...

So... there you go... false alarm... lol

qbrozen

You are better off. You gotta think you WOULD be into it for $7k in the end. Figure... for a checkbook mechanic... you have to assume the worst with the AC and that could run you $1800 to put right. Strip, prepare, and repaint the fender could be $800. Hell.... might have to repaint the whole car at that point since the paint is so old ... so that could be the cost of the car right there. Add in the full service and other smaller issues and it sounds like at least $3k-$3500 to put it right.

kyfdx

At $1800, we don't do the A/C...

Of course, with no A/C, you have to keep the power windows working...

Just didn't thrill me.... I will say, the BMW 4-cylinder is pretty sweet.. even with 150K miles, would rev right up to the red-line, and feel good doing it..

One thing this car had going for it for was extensive service records for the last three years (also, a negative, when you saw the amount spent..)

stickguy

the first BMW I looked at and drove at the dealer many years ago was a 318tI. I liked that car. would not mind having one now.

and sounds like you are doing something similar to what I am. Getting a fun car to free up a vehicle for my daughter (permit-table this November, solo eligible the year after). Mostly a toy for me, but it keeps the sedan in the family for when I need it.

stickguy

also, an eye bleeding recent repair history can be a good thing. As long as the last guy paid for all the expected stuff, so I don't have to, it is good!

kyfdx

My son caught the disease from me.... I know what will happen... we'll find an E30 and his current car will never be driven again.... and, I'll wonder why I'm paying for a toy that I don't get to play with...

But, it beats the wife spending it on home decorating....

stickguy

I know that feeling. Between what we already did (wood floors and a laundry room, 2 huge improvements), the about to start full kitchen redo, and the Master bath that really should get done before the kitchen, I will not be shopping for anything much above beater territory for a long time!

I did give my wife the choice again, new X3 or the kitchen/bath, and she is sticking with the house stuff!

The toy idea though is growing on me. Daughter gets a nice, safe but not particularly new Accord for daily use, and I get whatever I find that amuses me, just have to make sure she can drive it when I need the "good" car, since whatever I get is not likely to be particularly new.

Christmas, 2012, wife gets to replace the mini van, but it sure won't be with anything in the price range of the X3.

graphicguy

kyfdx,roqdburner......tomorrow the BMW store is doing the "drive for the Olympics" (or whatever they're calling it). Drive whatever you want (1, 3, 6, 7).You get a $1,000 off your best deal, directly from BMW.

Jake's outing is Saturday. If I'm going to buy a BMW, it will probably be tomorrow or Saturday.

Thought I'd give you guys a heads up, if you don't know already.

kyfdx

Thanks.... but, four months left on the wife's lease..

I've obtained really cheap deals on her last two BMW leases.. doesn't look like it's shaping up that way, this time..... Plus, she is adamant about wanting a small SUV... The last couple of times, I leased whatever was cheap...

rayainsw

I will be going to a local dealer in July.
Good luck - what model will you be shooting for?
- Ray
Also went to last year's event
And the year before that
And [ you get the idea ]

graphicguy

ray....actually, from what my contact tells me, you can really drive any BMW that the factory has brought. I'd like to get behind the wheel of the 6, as that's all new. But, I'm thinking so will everyone else. Aside from that, I wouldn't mind trying an M3, but again, so will everyone else.

When push comes to shove, I'm mostly interested in that $1000 BMW credit just by participating. I'd be OK driving a 335i coupe, which is what I have my eye on anyway (among other cars, too).

corvette

"Plus, she is adamant about wanting a small SUV..."

There's not much lease support on the CR-V. The Crosstour lease looks like a bargain by comparison.

qbrozen

Hell, i don't know if I would even call the crosstour a small SUV. The slope just makes the hatch area so much less useful. A decent wagon even trumps it in the "utility" segment.

michaellno

Hell, i don't know if I would even call the crosstour a small SUV. The slope just makes the hatch area so much less useful. A decent wagon even trumps it in the "utility" segment.

Is it just me, or does the Crosstour look something like the old Sterling 825/827 hatch on tippy-toes?

dc0000

Hello:

I would like to know if any one has brought an Insurance Sale Car, Repos, Theft Car, Salvage Car? Also, in there any one who can give me a list of Licensed Auto Brokers in CT? Is any one selling a used car for around $1500-$2000 that runs and doesn't have engine problems or extentsive damage?

Thanks,
dc0000

roadburner

Thought I'd give you guys a heads up, if you don't know already.

Thanks for the heads-up, but I'm a Putnam Park instructing at another HPDE. I'm driving my 1995 ti and even with 126k miles on the clock it still runs really well. I can almost hang with the stock E30 M3s but I'm outgunned by most everything else- E36/E46M3s, 135is, 911s, etc. There's also an old Mustang Cobra R here and I can keep up with him in the tighter corners but once he sees daylight he is GONE...

jayrider

Check out ebay -- see what is on sale for that price. Then check completed listings to see what sold. You are probably going to have to buy from individuals at that price. There are body shops that sell wrecks that they repair -- one near Granite City , Il but I'm sure there are lots around the country.

isellhondas

The reason there isn't much (if any) lease support on CRV's is because they don't have very many to sell. The Japan situation has wiped out inventories and it's getting worse as we start the summer months.

Crosstours are poor sellers hence the "deals".

rayainsw

'..tomorrow the BMW store is doing the "drive for the Olympics".. '

Report?

graphicguy

Ray...pretty cool even, Drive for Olympics. They had a gold medal winner there from the '73 (?) Olympics. She was part of the swimming relay team and lives in Cincinnati. Cool talking to her.

They had a Benz E Class to drive and compare to a 5 series. They had a 3 Series (I think it was a 328) to drive back-to-back to a CTS. They had a 7 series to drive and compare to an S-Class they had on hand.

Surprisingly, no one picked the 6 series by the time I strolled in to register. So, off I went in that....a convertible. What a very nice car. But, the one show stopper was the size of the rear window. It looked like it was as big as a smartphone. Exaggerating, of course....but not that much. You can tell it's packing a lot of weight. Even BMW can't break the laws of physics. I was aware of all the weight in carried while I was driving it.

The BMW folks on hand were from NJ. Talked to them for a while. They've been traveling all over the country doing it. Sounded like they were having a blast doing it, too.

According to them, I will get an certificate via e-mail for the extra $1,000 off. But, they said the dealer will know how to retrieve it immediately if I'm ready to do a deal.

Unfortunately, the dealer I visited for the event didn't have anything I liked.

I'm looking for a 335i xDrive coupe....with something other than black interior.

I have another dealer that's said they've located one for me at the port, which is ready to be delivered. But, so far, they've been unable to get the VIN# for it. That tells me either they can't get the car, or it's already sold, or there's more paperwork that had to be done to get it.

That said, I gave the dealer a deposit. So, they know I want it.

isellhondas

I hope you get your car but it's not sounding good without a VIN!

kyfdx

It might be that she doesn't want to give up the VIN number, so he can take it to another dealer....

graphicguy

Craig...kyfdx...it's just a car. But, it's not sounding real promising right now. I've asked for my deposit back. They said they'll email me the refund receipt by the end of the day(they're about an hour away from me) today as they still have hopes they may get this car.

I gave the sales lady some leeway and agreed. I still don't think the odds are good.

graphicguy

Craig...kyfdx...it's just a car. But, it's not sounding real promising right now. I've asked for my deposit back. They said they'll email me the refund receipt by the end of the day(they're about an hour away from me) today as they still have hopes they may get this car.

I gave the sales lady some leeway and agreed. I still don't think the odds are good.

isellhondas

" It's just a car". You are correct and I'm happy you feel this way!

kyfdx

Sorry... wrong discussion.

That's just crazy talk!! :shades:

stickguy

It's not just a car. it is a BMW. the ultimate driving machine. Feel of the road and all that!

jayrider

It could also be a Kia with the power to surprise.

nyccarguy

"It just wasn't meant to be.". Right isellhondas? Still willing to go for that G37X?

stickguy

a motor, and everything. Too bad it was just a lawn mower...

but, still so nice to dump a POC machine that had issues, and was giving me grief. Tried to mow Sunday, and the engine just would not stay running even when it did catch . that big puff of smoke last time I used it (when I shut it off) might have been significant after all.

just like a car,last year I put money into it instead of cutting my losses. At least got almost 1 more season out of it.

Got a troy bilt at Lowes. man, tons more power than the tired old Sears model.

kyfdx

Got my Honda in 1990, I think.. still going strong..

Went to look at an '86 325es.. $1600. Too iffy. Here is the next candidate... '89 325i

Whaddaya think?

graphicguy

kyfdx....I like that. Looks well cared for, right down to eco friendly A/C charge retrofit. How many miles? What is the seller asking?

graphicguy

nyc.....I like the G. I was really turned off by the dealers I've spoken to, though. The one local to me was pretty condescending, surprising they're a lux dealer. I don't mind someone telling me they can't make the deal I'm proposing. As I usually do, I did research....lots of research. When I made my offer, it was a skinny deal, but doable (because I found another dealer willing, without hesitation). The local dealer was $3K from my offer and told me I couldn't find a better deal. They wasted a lot of my time. Partly my fault, I usually don't get into a debate with dealers. It's either a deal or it isn't.

I did find an M37x I'm mildly interested in. But, it's in Lexington (about a 90 minute drive). I just haven't had the time to go down there to look at it. Price is right, too.

Not sure that's what I want.

I'm kind of stuck on the thought of this 3 coupe, if I can find one I like. I'm not going to spend money on something "I'll get used to".

qbrozen

Looks pretty. When was it repainted? And that looks to be 120k on the clock? Is it an S or were those seats retrofitted? Cracked dash is a shame on an otherwise decent looking car. Needs a good underhood detail.

If there is zero rust, the paint was done professionally, and all service is up to date, I could see it being a $3k-$3500 car.

fezo

Got a troy bilt at Lowes. man, tons more power than the tired old Sears model.

No Honda? For shame! :surprise:

stever

A Volt may be in my future.

My electric mower is working good. Haven't run over the cord once. :-)

Used it to whack down the weeds at the in-laws and it managed that chore fine. Stuff was over a foot tall in spots. Nice being able to stop, move something out of the way or grab some ice tea, and then flick the button and get going again.

A couple of days ago I whacked down a small 3" circumference pine tree that was too close to their house. Used their electric chain saw. Used a similar one a couple of years ago to take down some 8" trees of heaven at my sister's house.

Sure is nice just plugging in and going. The rechargeable batteries in my Panasonic drill are almost as old as your Honda, so bring 'em on.