Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

au1994

another

stickguy

Pretty sharp looking. I could live with that.

kyfdx

@breld

Saw your updated ad on the Fest.. $10K shipped to Cincinnati, and we have a deal! ;-)

nyccarguy

@au1994

Beautiful! I dig it!

corvette

au1994,

Nice! Did you buy it at Carmax?

au1994

@corvette said:
au1994,

Nice! Did you buy it at Carmax?

Yeah, I found it at a Carmax in Maryland and had it shipped to Georgia. Price was fair or even good for what I was seeing for similiar miled ZHP's. Buying process was a piece of cake. Out the door about and hour after the test drive and inspection.

breld

Sandy - if it's convenient for you, I certainly wouldn't mind having a set of eyes I trust on the 330i just to vouch for the non-mechanical condition of the car. You seem to have a pretty sharp eye for these kind of things - if it's been "babied" as the dealership has said, that will say a lot for the way the car has been treated.

So it's a 2004 BMW 330i sedan - it's listed at the Subaru of Pembroke Pines dealership. I've been talking to a salesperson named Larry Russell.

But only if it's convenient - I'm leaning far toward what you and Mike have been saying. Not sure if I'd make the move on a car so far away that I can't look at and drive myself. But if it is indeed in as good condition as they say, it really is a good deal.

Thanks!

Bruce

breld

au1994 - beautiful. That definitely gives me pause on this sedan I'm considering. Perhaps replacing the current 'vert with a stickshift ZHP 'vert is the right answer!

Love the color combo!

breld

kydfx - figured you'd see that updated ad at the 'fest. The car is going in next Monday for any required maintenance and then I'll hit it hard on the classifieds.

Up-to-date maintenance should be a nice selling point. I'm taking it into the shop for my MIL, and am looking forward to driving it again!

nyccarguy

@au1994

So how's that work? They ship the car to GA (for a fee?) and if you don't like its condition that fee is refunded? Did you price other ZHPs? How much cheaper was the one you bought?

kyfdx

I think you pay the fee, whether you buy the car or not..

au1994

@Breld...Thanks, I love it! Drove it to work yesterday as it was 65 and sunny.

@nyc kydfx is correct, you pay the fee regardless but shipping within 250 miles(I think) is free.

I'll take it to my dealer and have them make sure its up to date on any recalls. I'm sure they'll give me a list of other stuff that needs to be done but I'll find an indy mechanic to do that.

breld

Well, I've done it. Listed the 335 on cars.com as well as a couple of BMW forums. Even as I was taking the pictures I was thinking, "man, that's a good looking car!"

But, as I've been saying, considering how little I drive the car, I'd pretty much get the same satisfaction from a much less expensive E46.

Here's the listing, in case anyone is interested in seeing it:

http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail.jsp?listingId=136532975

So, yes, I have three BMWs listed for sale right now, including the MIL's (previously mine) 530i.

stickguy

That is nice looking. Love the colors. Too rich fir my blood of course!

jayrider

Breld, tried the carfax feature and it said that there was a problem with the vin. You might want to consider including a free carfax --- people will want to see it and I don't think it costs much more. Really like the pics.Can you expand the narrative to include more personal first person info about how the car drives and handles ? It sounds too much like a dealer spiel in my opinion.If I'm buying from the owner, I want a little personal connection to the car for sale.Show some emotion to hook someone on this beauty. A dealer can't do that -- this is your advantage. Good luck.

stever

Probably just me but every time I see a car ad photo and the steering wheel is "cocked" a bit off-center, I wonder if the car needs an alignment or needs the wheel adjusted.

laurasdada

Hi: Attended the New England International Auto Show over the weekend. Just some quick observations:

First, parking tickets must be much less expensive than parking meters as more than half the cars parked on Summer St, between South Station and the Convention Center (~ a mile) had tickets.

Best Spokesmodels: Lincoln. And there were a lot of them, all dressed in white (leather?) outfits. Lovely.
Best Individual Spokesmodel: The lovely young woman presenting the new Jeep Cherokee.
Best SWAG: Scion. Wind-up cars, headphones, keychains. And, if you own a Scion, hats! I tried to put an iQ in my goodie bag, but they were too smart. The bags were just a bit smaller than the iQ...

General Notes:
MB CLA: Claustrophobics need not apply. The "less expensive" plastics are obvious, in fact there was quite the sharp edge on a seam in the center console!
BMW i3: Cartoonish, but not as much as in pictures. Bigger (taller) in person than in pix. Probably functional, especially in city driving, with all that glass. Locked, so couldn't get in and review interior materials. No i8.
Cadillac: ATS, see MB CLA. The "Piano Black" center console in the Caddys is a fingerprint nightmare, they are everywhere. A bit busy, but Caddy interiors are handsome, with a nice, delicate, frameless rearview mirror. The XTS, imho, interior is the best. Really very well done. Not thrilled with the somewhat oddly proportioned exterior, though. ELR a handsome wedge, but (as on the floor) $80k+? Two seater with parcel shelf back seats, nice Caddy interior.
Volvo S60: Maybe I shoulda considered it a bit more. Somewhat tight interior, but great seats, nice, simple layout. Good looking exterior. Same with the upcoming V60.
Porsche Panamera: Still odd looking, but great interior. Wonderful lumbar support/extended seat cushion function. This was the $110k Hybrid. And, Cayman S? Oh, yes. Please sir, may I have some more? I want one...
Kia K900: Wow, Kia must really like the Jag XF as it appears they have just slightly altered the exterior and put the KIA nameplates on. On a revolving pedestal, so couldn't fully review.
Audi S3: What a handsome little chunk of car. And, I do mean little! Also locked, on a raised pedestal so couldn't fully taste. Instantly on my list.
Lincoln MKZ: Good looking, but overshadowed by the spokesmodels! And, interior needs better plastics, notably center stack.
Acura: Definite family resemblance in all the interiors. And, I believe, still using the unfortunate "plood." RLX, dull, dull, dull. Note to Acura: hire Ian Callum or Walter d'Silva. And, this from a two time Acura owner!
Infiniti Q50: Handsome beast, nice interior. Too bad the reviews are less than stellar...
McLaren, Bentley, RR, Lambo, Lotus: Why wouldn't they let me in to bounce around in them and make vroom-vroom noises? Musta been because I was wearing one of my Invicta watches instead of the Swiss Miss I usuall wear!

Oh, and Jaguar? MIA...

breld

@jayrider said:
Breld, tried the carfax feature and it said that there was a problem with the vin. You might want to consider including a free carfax

Thanks - I did pay for the carfax. Called cars.com and that should be corrected soon.

And thanks for the advice all - I'll try to add more of a personal touch to it. I try to refrain from sounding too cheesy, but it does read sort of "dry."

breld

Hmmm - the dealer with that ZHP updated their ad with additional photos:

http://www.subaruofpembrokepines.com/used/BMW/2004-BMW-330i-82a9d9cc0a0a00640db096148dd403da.htm

I'm so close to giving them a deposit pending an inspection. Anyone ever use one of those "Autochex" services? I suppose that'd give some assurance as to the mechanical condition as well as an independent set of eyes on the cosmetics. Ideally, I'd have a BMW mechanic check it out.

Looks to be in good condition, and the carfax is clean. Seems like a really good, if not cheap, price, for a ZHP with 70k miles. The thing is, the $11.5k price they've offered to me is in line with "book" value - it's just that these ZHP's seem to be commanding a premium. But if they don't know what they have...

nyccarguy

@breld

that is one gorgeous car you got yourself there. BTW, now we all have your phone number:)

au1994

@Breld... that seems to be a reasonable price for a ZHP sedan w/those miles. I paid a bit more than that, basically the premium for the drop top and to your point I don't think Carmax knew what they had.

I was seeing similar ZHP's for 16-19k from private party and dealerships. The 19k was an Imola 05 w/39k. Waaay over budget but I inquired anyway and it was gone.

There is a website dedicated to the ZHP (not sure if I am allowed to mention here) that has a wealth of info on the model. Most of the problem spots are the same as a std E46.

stickguy

It does look nice. I would rather have the zhp and 20k in pocket than the 335 i think

stickguy

I think I missed out by a day on something for my son. Subaru dealer here had a nice looking 2096 Acura rsx. At, 75k for $7500. Stopped Saturday but gone since Friday. That could have been a fine bridge between the TL and an expensive new car. And if he didn't want it I would have taken it!

abacomike

@breld said:
Hmmm - the dealer with that ZHP updated their ad with additional photos:

I looked at the pictures of the interior and, I must admit, for a 10 year old car, it looks like the previous owner too very good care of it. Tires look good and I was not able to detect any damage to the car from the pictures.

To be driven just 7000 miles a year and have a stick transmission is quite odd. If it were my car, it would have 120,000 miles on it.

The engine lookers clean. As for the dealer not knowing what he has because of the asking price, I know the used car manager there - Paul - spoke with him 10 minutes ago. He told me the car is pristine according to him. The interior is an. 8 out of a 10 for cleanliness and wear.

The sales man can do a video walk around on the car if you like. Just call him and ask him to do one for you.

If the video looks good - buy the car. Definitely worth all the money.

jayrider

Breld, The mechanical check is a great idea. They can check to see if there is any evidence of hidden damage, brakes, driveability, tires etc. My only question would be can you afford to take a hit if it turns out to be a dud --- if yes, then proceed. I might suggest searching for a local dealer, indy etc that you could contact directly about an inspection. Would cost more but might be worth it. There is a BMW dealer in Penbroke Pines 866 780 1857 You could call re a thorough inspection and ask the selling dealer to take it there --- if you agree to buy if it checks out , they should comply.
Having said all that, since it is being sold by a Lexus dealer, the odds are good that is a worthy vehicle.

stickguy

Certainly sounds like a winner. Inside contacts are a wonderful thing.

breld

@stickguy said:
It does look nice. I would rather have the zhp and 20k in pocket than the 335 i think

Exactly.

breld

Wow! Thanks for all the advice and inside info! It's like our own little car buying family here.

au1994

I received clearance from Clarence to mention by name the ZHP website...its ZHPmafia.com. Good people (just like here ) and very knowledgeable about the model, E46's and BMW's in general. Might even find a good indy to look at it.

jayrider

@breld said:
Wow! Thanks for all the advice and inside info! It's like our own little car buying family here. ## Just revisited your ad -- well done - much better narrative and carfax is working.

breld

Alright - talk about being a flake. I actually sent an email to the dealership expressing my interest in moving forward with the deal. I then was chatting with my wife about it (we work together), and as I was talking about it, I remarked on how I'm gonna miss the convertible. She said to make sure I don't do this "just because it's a good deal."

So I realized how much I like my current convertible, and would rather focus a search on another 'vert or coupe (like au1994, but a stickshift). After all, having the Passat allows me to keep a less practical car for the fun car.

I recalled my e-mail. Mike - if you manager friend says something about this indecisive buyer from Denver, you can say, "I heard."

stickguy

Bread, you are more all over the place than my son.

So the plan is still sell both your cars but find a stick convertible to replace them instead?

stever

Nah, half the fun is planning and dreaming, yakking and scheming. You guys are better at "follow through" than one old friend of mine though. He'd get a few mail-order catalogs a week and would go through each one page by page with a highlighter and he'd dog-ear the corners of pages that held items of interest.

Never once actually saw him buy anything.

oldfarmer50

SPEAKING OF PIZZA DELIVERY...

I was coming home from work last night and was behind an Audi Allroad 2.7t with a pizza store sign on the roof. Looked like this:

http://www.fourtitude.com/news/uploads/Features/allroad_plus.jpg

I wonder if Mitchell ever considered working for a high end pizza store? Must be expensive pizza if they use Audis.

oldfarmer50

@au1994 said:
another

If you ever run out of room in your driveway I would let you park it in mine. Just leave the key.

jayrider

@oldfarmer50 said:
SPEAKING OF PIZZA DELIVERY...

I was coming home from work last night and was behind an Audi Allroad 2.7t with a pizza store sign on the roof. # Probably belongs to the family that owns the place and maybe more. They put the sign on the roof so they can advertise and write the car off as a business deduction. That way they pay less taxes so we have to pay more.

oldfarmer50

@breld said:
Hmmm - the dealer with that ZHP updated their ad with additional photos:

http://www.subaruofpembrokepines.com/used/BMW/2004-BMW-330i-82a9d9cc0a0a00640db096148dd403da.htm

I'm so close to giving them a deposit pending an inspection. Anyone ever use one of those "Autochex" services? I suppose that'd give some assurance as to the mechanical condition as well as an independent set of eyes on the cosmetics. Ideally, I'd have a BMW mechanic check it out.

I've read some sample Autocheck type reports and while they give a good surface perspective--how the engine "sounds"--how the transmission shifts "feel"--how many scratches, interior appearance etc. They don't seem to do a real mechanical inspection.

breld

@au1994 said:
I received clearance from Clarence to mention by name the ZHP website...its ZHPmafia.com.

Yup - that's a great site. I've been on it quite a bit lately. Even had someone willing to check out the Florida sedan later this week. Very nice.

breld

@stickguy said:
Bread, you are more all over the place than my son.

So the plan is still sell both your cars but find a stick convertible to replace them instead?

Yes, I am all over the place. Bless my wife who listens to my ramblings on a daily basis.

I think I may keep the convertible for the time being as I seek out a stick shift replacement.

breld

@Stever@Edmunds said:
Nah, half the fun is planning and dreaming, yakking and scheming.

To be honest, that's at least one big reason I don't want to pull the trigger yet. I love the search and anticipation of what's next. (Not that making a purchase actually prevents me from still looking).

oldfarmer50

@jayrider said:

Great Idea. So I can put a tomato on my roof and call my Eclipse a farm truck?

Actually, that Audi was driven by a teen who's mom was probably so happy that he actually got a job that she let him borrow her car.

jayrider

Oh yeah, you can take a deduction by putting a tomatoe sign on your truck. I suggest you spell it "Termatas" which is how my uncle pronounced it. This way when you get audited, the IRS will go easier on you based on the obvious mental challenges you face getting your tax return in order.

nyccarguy

@abacomike

You did @breld a solid by reaching out to the dealership on his behalf to your contact! Excellent job citizen!

abacomike

@nyccarguy said:

You did @breld a solid by reaching out to the dealership on his behalf to your contact! Excellent job citizen!

Thanks, nyccarguy. I remembered the used car sales manager when I traded my 2012 E Class for a Lexus GS. Worst car I've ever owned BTW. So I put in a call to him and got the details about the BMW. He wouldn't sell a car that had problems, that 'a why I changed my mind about Breld buying it only after he viewed the video walk around.

Thanks for the kind words and thoughts.

nyccarguy

We are in the midst of quite the snow storm right now. Snow started at 9:30 AM & is still going strong. We've got about 8 inches so far. Tonight's commute was longer than usual. I pulled out of the garage next to my store at 3:45 pm. By the time I pulled into the garage at home (thanks to my amazing wife who organized the garage tonight) it was 6:45 pm. My BMW's Xdrive helped me jump off of I95 and take some hilly, snow covered, roads confidently which broke up the monotony of bumper to bumper traffic.

breld

Yes, thanks very much Mike. Sorry I ended up not going that way.

Michaell

@oldfarmer50 said:
SPEAKING OF PIZZA DELIVERY...

I was coming home from work last night and was behind an Audi Allroad 2.7t with a pizza store sign on the roof. Looked like this:

http://www.fourtitude.com/news/uploads/Features/allroad_plus.jpg

I wonder if Mitchell ever considered working for a high end pizza store? Must be expensive pizza if they use Audis.

If it was the original allroad they are about 10 years old.

In the five+ years I've been there I've seen all sorts of rides. MB C class, BMW E90, Audi A6 for starters. Folks who have bought new include Kia Spectra, Subaru Impreza, Kia Optima Hybrid and Suzuki Kizashi.

A fair number of fuel inefficient vehicles too - Jeep Grand Cherokee V8, Chevy S-10 V6 (2WD!), gen 1 Ford Explorer.

sb55

@nyccarguy said:
We are in the midst of quite the snow storm right now. Snow started at 9:30 AM & is still going strong. We've got about 8 inches so far. Tonight's commute was longer than usual. I pulled out of the garage next to my store at 3:45 pm. By the time I pulled into the garage at home (thanks to my amazing wife who organized the garage tonight) it was 6:45 pm. My BMW's Xdrive helped me jump off of I95 and take some hilly, snow covered, roads confidently which broke up the monotony of bumper to bumper traffic.

I sure don't miss my commute from Northern Westchester to LIC Queens every day. My worst commute took me 7 HOURS instead of the "normal" 1.25 hours.
Now that I live in Northern VT, people up here actually use snow tires and know how to drive in/on the snow. But then again, I'm semi-retired so don't HAVE to drive.

nyccarguy

@sb55

That's a rough one. More miles and much longer than my Stamford, CT to Bronx ride for sure. Once you have to cross a bridge to get anywhere around here, all bets are off. You mention snow tires around here to anyone who's not a car nut & they look at you like you have 3 heads.

As you know, people around here either drive too slow (scared) or too fast (over confident) once the white stuff hits the pavement. Just this morning, I was next to an African guy in a Gypsy Cab Lincoln Town Car (most likely with 250 - 300K miles & bald tires) trying to "race" me away from a stop light. He didn't get very far:)

After this winter, I'm definitely a 4WD/AWD driver for as long as I'll be working. Which given the fact that my Dad is going to be 68 & never plans to retire will be a LONG time.

Michaell

@nyccarguy said:
After this winter, I'm definitely a 4WD/AWD driver for as long as I'll be working. Which given the fact that my Dad is going to be 68 & never plans to retire will be a LONG time.

We've had a relatively quiet winter here in Colorado, snow wise. Mountains are getting their fair share, but the Front Range is behind schedule. However, March and April are usually the snowiest months, so we can still get caught up. And, we've had snow as late as May some years.

Wife and I always say that there are about 10 days where you really "need" AWD. In 5 years, I've only gotten stuck two or three times delivering pizza.