Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

roadburner

There are all kinds of modded '02s out there- with S14, S38, M42, and M50 conversions, not to mention hotted-up M10s. I have E21 Recaros and a MOMO Alpina wheel in my '02- along with an Alpine AM/FM/CD/SiriusXM head unit. Suspension modifications are limited to Bilstein HDs.The only underhood mods are a Weber 32/36 DGAV, a Delta Mark 10 Capacitive Discharge Ignition box and a Bosch Red coil. And of course all the emissions garbage is MIA.
If it had A/C It would be my DD all year long.

graphicguy

@isellhondas said:
Something tells me it's going to sit another 30 years!

Those can bring big money but that is NUTS!!

Yeah....I've seen some nice 2002s bring some really good money, too. But, even one with 500 miles isn't worth anywhere near $75K. Maybe half that?

RB....the more I read and hear about the M235i, the more I want one. I'm reading about an awful lot of cars that really have peaked my interest here, recently. The upcoming Acura TLX is another one that's really got me wanting a test drive, too.

qbrozen

@nyccarguy said:
roadburner

Probably way more than a 10 year old BMW should be worth. As we've seen, the low mileage, showroom condition ZHPs seem to be bringing stupid money. The lack of options is a plus for you, but might be a negative on the open market. I wouldn't be surprised if he was asking $18K. If he asked you "make him an offer," see if he'll give you the title for $16K. Doesn't hurt to ask. Just my humble opinion:)

Just make sure you aren't confusing "bringing stupid money" with "asking stupid money." I could be totally wrong, but I'd be a bit surprised if all of these ZHPs are really finding buyers at their ridiculous asking prices. Pretty sure 99.9% of bmw shoppers would just take a newer 335 instead.

fezo

Hi, after a long hiatus that did include a couple of posts accidentally posted here but meant for elsewhere....

I was worried that I was on the edge of being kicked out here but I realized that in the last 12 months I've bought two cars. An 04 Mazda 6 wagon with a stick and a six. A hoot to drive. I know if I tried something German I'd be screwed in that category but it was cheap (other than the accident I had with no collision insurance (note to self even though that's the only at fault accident I had, if the insurance doesn't cost almost what the car is worth, bite the bullet.

Maybe 6 months ago I bought an 04 Camry that while it has 198K on it was owned by a meticulous Toyota mechanic. It's technically an LE but he put in the suspension and stabilizer bar that effectively makes it an SE. It's still a Camry but as such things go it's pretty entertaining.

I do own 5 cars for 4 people. That should count for something.

stickguy

I love that Mazda setup.

rayainsw

Thing 1 – Stickguy, Congrats on the [ Family ] punch = Jetta!

Thing 2 – Catching up after a visit from my Daughter here, took the GTI in for first ‘real’ service [ at approx. 8,500 miles = oil change, tire rotation, checks ] this past Saturday – cost included. Uneventful.

• Ray

‘uneventful’ = as good as it gets, for automotive service & airline travel, today . . .

qbrozen

i've seen a few of those v6 5spd wagons lately for sale. My personal preference would be the 2.3 with a 5-spd, but I don't believe such a setup was ever available in the wagon.

xwesx

@stickguy said:
From my understanding, the weak link on those (I assume it applies to the turbo also) is the head gaskets.

Actually, the head gaskets on the turbos are not generally an issue because the blocks are sand cast rather than die cast, which means they could build them with additional cylinder wall buttressing (the weak point on the NA engines), but the production of each engine was more expensive. Still, the new block design (FB is the designator), which rolled out in both new versions of the engine (NA and turbo-charged) does avoid that issue altogether by different routing of the coolant passages. Presumably, this change rolled out to both versions of the engine due to cost savings all around on a per-engine basis (e.g., no more sand casting). My understanding is that both versions use the same FB block; it is the internals that differ.

I think it was around 2009 that a recall came out on the turbo engines due to a faulty banjo spring in the turbo that could cause catastrophic failure and there was a revision of the recommended OCI. Overall, though, the turbo has proven itself the far more reliable/robust version of the Subaru blocks over the last 10+ years (pre FB). I think the primary concern for any used turbo Subaru is prior ownership and what tortures the car may have endured as a result!

corvette

@graphicguy said:
RB....the more I read and hear about the M235i, the more I want one. I'm reading about an awful lot of cars that really have peaked my interest here, recently.

I'm really looking forward to next week's episode of Top Gear, as they're going to compare the new GTI to the M135i.

nyccarguy

@xwesx

Thanks for the info! It is greatly appreciated!

breld

Roadburner - is that the imola red ZHP on bmwcca.org? I've been watching that one too, but it's quite a premium being asked. At $17-18k, I think it would be gone. A similar '06 coupe recently sold (quickly) at just under $19k on another forum.

nyccarguy

@qbrozen

You are right. Brining and asking stupid money are 2 very different things. I guess it "never hurts to ask." "Everything is negotiable" to a point. If someone is asking $18 or $19K for a car that they obviously think is worth, do you really think the guy is going to take $12K?

nyccarguy

2007 Outback XT

It's got a "dirty car fax," but the owner had it fixed and drove it for a while after the accident. Lots of service records.

stickguy

Bradd, no clue why, but today and yesterday when I click on your links, it just opens up this page in a new window. Even though if I hover over the link I can see an autotrader URL. Very odd. Not sure if it is you or me, or if anyone else is having issues with the link (or, not!)

qbrozen

Depends on the details. The 2006 with 20k miles that was $18k isn't all that crazy. But an '04 with 33k for $21k is quite far out of line. The market will usually speak for itself.

nyccarguy

@stickguy

Maybe because I'm posting from my iPad?

graphicguy

@nyccarguy said:
stickguy

Maybe because I'm posting from my iPad?

I'm getting the same thing, but I'm posting from my Mac Air, but using Chrome as the browser.

qbrozen

speaking of low mileage 330s.
I actually know they bought this at auction for $7900. So the asking price isn't crazy, but could definitely get it for less. Ok, granted, its not a ZHP, but all the right options otherwise and 2 extra doors appeal to me. Not a fan of the color combo, however.

stever

Linking problem - could be some other stuff going on but when you click on the Link icon, the field is prepopulated with http://. If you copy a link and paste it, often you'll wind up with http://"http:// as the first part of the link. And that won't work.

It'd be nice if the http:// text were greyed out just as a reminder of what should go in the box, but meanwhile, you'll need to delete or select the http:// and overwrite it.

You can go back to your post and edit out the first http:// if your link is broken. I've been messing with the '07 Outback one and it should be working.

roadburner

@breld said:
Roadburner - is that the imola red ZHP on bmwcca.org? I've been watching that one too, but it's quite a premium being asked. At $17-18k, I think it would be gone. A similar '06 coupe recently sold (quickly) at just under $19k on another forum.

Yes; I've known the owner for over 20 years. He had a Hellrot Club Sport like mine which he sold to get the ZHP.

stickguy

@qbrozen said:
speaking of low mileage 330s.
I actually know they bought this at auction for $7900. So the asking price isn't crazy, but could definitely get it for less. Ok, granted, its not a ZHP, but all the right options otherwise and 2 extra doors appeal to me. Not a fan of the color combo, however.

That one is nice. Not colors I want either and the stereo looks tacky. But I could live with it. Heck from the pictures of the place I want to swing by and just browse around

stickguy

@nyccarguy said:
[2007 Outback XT](http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?zip=06902&endYear=2015&modelCode1=SUBOUTBK&sortBy=mileageASC&showcaseOwnerId=67126&startYear=1981&makeCode1=SUB&searchRadius=300&showcaseListingId=359134634&trim1=SUBOUTBK|2.5XT+Limited&mmt=[SUB[SUBOUTBK[SUBOUTBK%7C2.5XT+Limited]][]]&listingId=366351615&Log=0"

It's got a "dirty car fax," but the owner had it fixed and drove it for a while after the accident. Lots of service records.

Interesting color. Too pricey for me for that many miles with a shunt on record. Though for a run into ground keeper not an issue. As long as price reflects it.

breld

I've seen that 330i listing as part of my searches too. Yeah, not a ZHP, but still very nice, especially with those miles. Much more reasonably priced than the ZHPs too.

roadburner

Methinks I'd prefer a ZHP over a 335i. The ZHP is less than 3/4 of a second slower 0-60 and in the quarter mile, while handling/braking is a wash. The main advantage of the 335i for me is that you can uncork a lot more power for relatively little money. That said, the ZHP has a dipstick, while the 335i has RFTs, the infamous HPFP(which is supposedly fixed), and the wonderful IBS.

xwesx

RE: 2007 XT - Seems like a LOT of photos, but why none of the engine bay or any other mechanicals? It clearly looks good from a cosmetic standpoint.

Another potential issue with the Gen 3 Legacy/Outback: They had integrated head units, which is not a problem as long as they don't fail or you don't want to upgrade your stereo....

kyfdx

@roadburner said:
Methinks I'd prefer a ZHP over a 335i. The ZHP is less than 3/4 of a second slower 0-60 and in the quarter mile, while handling/braking is a wash. The main advantage of the 335i for me is that you can uncork a lot more power for relatively little money. That said, the ZHP has a dipstick, while the 335i has RFTs, the infamous HPFP(which is supposedly fixed), and the wonderful IBS.

In my experience with the ZHP, you'd really have to thrash it to get 90% of the acceleration out of it... Getting that oomph out of the 335 is much easier... So, in real world daily driving, the 335 is a lot, lot faster (especially, in passing manuevers, on-ramps, etc... )..

That said, I love my ZHP... I've had it almost FOUR years... and, I never feel the need for more power..

rayainsw

'...I never feel the need for more power..' - kyfdx

I had a Corvette for over 2 years, and a 335 [ iS ] for about 2 years -
and I _always _needed [ wanted ? ] more power...

• Ray

TQ addict to the end

kyfdx

Wanted.... is the operative term, I think.. lol

au1994

@kyfdx is correct the 335 is much faster in daily driving. The under rated 300 hp and 300(?) lb/ft of torque are just amazing, the car pulls like an absolute train. The ZHP likes to rev and works a lot harder to deliver the same performance. My ZHP is stock and I may tweak it just a bit but all in all it is a great driving/handling car. A bit unfair to compare the driving dynamics between a vert and sedan but I feel lucky to own both and have the opportunity at daily comparisons!

sda

____> @qbrozen said:

speaking of low mileage 330s.
I actually know they bought this at auction for $7900. So the asking price isn't crazy, but could definitely get it for less. Ok, granted, its not a ZHP, but all the right options otherwise and 2 extra doors appeal to me. Not a fan of the color combo, however.

Ok, I hate to ask, what is a ZHP?

sda

I purchased my 2013 Accord EX in Sept 2013. It will turn 10000 miles within the week. It has averaged 33.7 mpg since delivery per the trip computer. I have owned many cars and this one offers just about the best of everything. It is a pleasure to drive. No issues so far.

stickguy

ZHP is a performance package BMW offered on the E46 model. Think of it as a sports package on steroids. A bit of a HP boost, some suspension tweaks, a short shift kit, and some body mods (like an M sport has), different seat trim and alcantra steering wheel. Stuff like that.

almost like a mid point between a 330i sport and an M3.

stickguy

@sda said:
I purchased my 2013 Accord EX in Sept 2013. It will turn 10000 miles within the week. It has averaged 33.7 mpg since delivery per the trip computer. I have owned many cars and this one offers just about the best of everything. It is a pleasure to drive. No issues so far.

Good mileage. I sat in a couple at the car show last week and was impressed. I probably won't be in the market for a "large" (by my standards) sedan again, but if something changes and I am, I absolutely will drive an Accord (along with a Mazda 6 for sure!)

nyccarguy

@sda

The ZHP is known as the "Performance Package" which bridged the gap between "regular" BMWs and the ///M3. The ZHP included unique front fascia, rear diffuser, a higher redline, more aggressive suspension setup, unique 18" wheels, a suede steering wheel and seat inserts, a six speed manual transmission... I'm sure there's something I left out.

nyccarguy

Here's a 41K mile 2005 Outback XT. It's not too far from me. There's got to be a catch;)

stickguy

other than being bright red and 9 YO? Seems fairly priced to me, even with the low miles.

kyfdx

@stickguy said:
other than being bright red and 9 YO? Seems fairly priced to me, even with the low miles.

That's the catch.. A turbo Subaru that's fairly priced... weird.

If it had a stick, they'd be asking $16K...

graphicguy

@nyccarguy said:
Here's a 41K mile 2005 Outback XT. It's not too far from me. There's got to be a catch;)

Bradd....I'm digging on that little Subie. I'm even liking the red. Looks like a clean "fax". I'd be curious where it came from. But, if it drove and looked good, probably a good deal.

I wonder if that can be had for $10K-$10.5K?

stever

Hood scoop, check. Roof rack, check. Red, check.

Yep, it's an Outback. I think the hood scoop on this one is even functional, unlike my '97's.

It probably would go for $10k. In Florida.

jayrider

@nyccarguy said:
Here's a 41K mile -- got to be a catch.

The car is 8 years old ---- no catch.

qbrozen

would be about a $10k car with 90k miles (which is the lowest on manheim). So I'd say that is pretty good for only 41k miles.

nyccarguy

@jayrider

Normally I'd agree with you "The car is 8 years old - no catch" assessment. If you look at what other Outback XTs like it are asking for, with between 60 & 80K miles, it is in the $16 - $17K range. These Turbo Subarus with low miles seem to hold their value well as @kyfdx & I found out a few years ago when I trekked to a used car lot in NJ to look at a SAABARU 9-2X (WRX) for his son.

@graphicguy

I think it is priced to sell at that. Maybe they'll take $11,500 for it. It looks like it was owned in a NYC suburb not too far from where I live.

xwesx

@nyccarguy said:
Here's a 41K mile 2005 Outback XT. It's not too far from me. There's got to be a catch;)

There is... it's an automatic!!!

graphicguy

@nyccarguy said:
jayrider

Normally I'd agree with you "The car is 8 years old - no catch" assessment. If you look at what other Outback XTs like it are asking for, with between 60 & 80K miles, it is in the $16 - $17K range. These Turbo Subarus with low miles seem to hold their value well as kyfdx & I found out a few years ago when I trekked to a used car lot in NJ to look at a SAABARU 9-2X (WRX) for his son.

graphicguy

I think it is priced to sell at that. Maybe they'll take $11,500 for it. It looks like it was owned in a NYC suburb not too far from where I live.

I agree. If in the market, I'd write the $11,500 check (I'd still throw $10K out there to see the response).

roadburner

E46 fans- the February 2014 issue of the British magazine BMW CAR features a Buyer's Guide for the E46 330i.

laurasdada

Abacomike, get out your checkbook! Already $4500+ rebate on the Caddy ELR...

fintail

That red Outback would sell in 5 minutes in Seattle. The 05-09 or whatever style is the pinnacle of traditional Subaru design, before mainstream bloat kicked in.

ELR will probably see bigger discounts with time.

abacomike

@laurasdada said:
"Abacomike, get out your checkbook! Already $4500+ rebate on the Caddy ELR..."

No way, no how, no chance, no possibility, etc. I would not buy a Chevy Volt disguised as a Cadillac with a gasoline generator. I am anti-electric vehicles because I have no way to charge the batteries here in a Condo development. And if I could charge batteries, I'd buy a Tesla, assuming their prices come down about. $30,000.

There is no question that alternative energy powered vehicles is a necessity in the next few years, but I certainly am not ready for electric.

As for the $4500+ rebate/incentive, even if I could get one for nothing, I 'd pass on the deal.

What are your impressions, dada?

greg128

@abacomike said:
laurasdada said:
.

As for the $4500+ rebate/incentive, even if I could get one for nothing, I 'd pass on the deal.

I'd absolutely take one for nothing. And so would 99.99% of the population.

qbrozen

Dad has asked that I help him check out a used RV on Sat. This will be a new experience.