Stories from the Sales Frontlines

sterlingdog

You are correct. It was a stick shift. Good luck with the one you found. It looks absolutely flawless. Hope that holds true if you go to see it.

Richard

mako1a

e46 did start in MY 1999, but only in the 4 door

Thanks, stick. That and a million other things confuse me about BMW.

They look good, the one I drove in Italy was very nice, but I just don't have enough info myself to know whether I'm looking at gold or gold plated.

sterlingdog

"What is the travel log feature?"

It is something new that is located on the same screen as the NAV. It allows you to research a lot of things---like a computer. Example: Hit the "sports" button and then key in your favorite team. You can then hit "schedule" and get the game dates or view the win/loss record, etc. Click "restaurants" and see the locations and menus for each one. Click "weather' and get all of the info that you need. Click "Gas" and get the day's prices at the various area stations. The list goes on and on. As I understand it, it is a new feature on many 2012 cars. I must say that I found it to be most impressive.

Richard

kyfdx

The price is cheap enough... But, even with a lower mile engine (and, of course, you have no way to verify that), the rest of the car still has 147K miles... E36s tend to have a lot of niggly repair issues. A convertible will have even more..

Most enthusiasts don't want convertibles or automatics, which will work in your favor, if you decide to negotiate price... 240 HP.. and great handling... the car will be a hoot to drive..

Stick was right about the E36/E46 thing.. The S52 engine is the stock M3 engine from '96-'99.. (the '95 used an S50).

driver100

the ad said the car had 152k miles, but the engine (S52 3.2L) has 75k on it.

Ah, I missed the total mileage. That's getting up there in miles but it is possible I suppose, that the car was well cared for and parts were replaced as needed and it might be in pretty good shape.

I like that design the best, it's still got the original boxy looks and the car is just the right size....not overblown as most cars keep growing in size with each new model...just like the 3 Series has for 2012.

If you are at all interested though, I would want to have it checked by a BMW dealer or mechanic first. Unfortunately, a car with that much mileage, and especially a BMW, could become a money pit.

If you want to know more about M3s this is a very good article and can probably answer most of your questions about the heritage of that year and model.

wikipedia M3

I even like the earlier version and think it would look good if they were making these today,

driver100

Click "restaurants" and see the locations and menus for each one. Click "weather' and get all of the info that you need. Click "Gas" and get the day's prices

I think I have those features in my navigation system, but haven't spent time to try it. I know there is a site for weather and restaurants, not sure about sports or a site for "how to split atoms" but one day I will check. Right now I don't want to mess up what I do have. I put it on split screen, the navigation is always showing where I am, so it helps me learn the street names, and the other half has the radio. There are over 100 channels on Sirius, and you can make it so it tells you what song or program is actually playing at any time. The song you are listening to has the name and singer shown on the screen.

I really like all the features, but I don't know how much more technology I want or can learn. Especially when you get into the Florida pattern of living, which is basically only do something when you really feel like doing it.

oldfarmer50

Wow, I don't check in for a few days and everybody has some interesting stuff to talk about.

richard64--I agree with the other posters that your Sebring probably didn't need a tie rod but what's done is done. I've found it's very difficult to check unless the wheel is off the ground like in the videos that were posted. On my van I tugged at the wheel while it was on the ground and didn't feel any play but a few weeks later when I was getting a flat fixed, the guy said "your wheel is falling off" and boy, was it ever.

I also agree that for nuts and bolts work like that, an independent shop is just as good and MUCH cheaper.

BTW, you said you were taking the boat to Europe next time? I hope it wasn't THIS boat:
http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20120114/WIRE/120119730

fezo--Happy belated birthday.

mako1a---On your BMW if you want expert opinion I'd ask on CBBA board as they seem to be really into those cars. If I were looking at that car my question would be : 1) Why is there a new engine in there? Was it raced until the motor blew? and 2) If Edmunds says $6K value, what makes it worth $3K more. I'd judge it as a car with 150K miles on it and go from there.

The thought of some rich kid burning rubber at every stop sign would keep me away from cars like that but that's just me.

canadiantoyota

Hi Guys,

While this is not a sale story, it is a report on my opinion on the 2012 Ford Focus.

My F150 was in the shop for warranty work and since the dealer could not complete the work (timing chain tensioner making a squealing noise) before closing, they rented me a 2012 Ford Focus.

While the car in general was OK, there are a number of things that I noticed over the two days that I was not impressed with. First of all, I could not find the door lock button. I searched the doors to no avail, only to find it on the center panel, near the hazzard light button. What a stupid place for it. The window buttons are on the door where they should be and there is room for the door lock button, but some engineer got cute.

This car had the Sync package. I am very glad that I did not order it on my truck. What a confusing and overly complicated system. Nothing is easy, you must go through the main menu to access the radio staions and other functions. Talk about a distraction and accident waiting to happen.

The steeing wheel has more buttons than a person would know what to do with. Way, way too many and again a distraction. How many buttons or places does one need to answer your phone, change channels, access the menu, engage the cruise control, etc.?

Ride was less than ideal. We received 3 to 4 inches of snow on Friday. The car was pushed all over the road by the slush. The car felt very loose on the road. This particular car had under 18,000 miles on it.

Fuel mileage was a big disappointment. I travelled just over 75 miles in it, with 70 of that being highway mileage and the car used over 4 gallons of fuel (17 miles per gallon) on average. Not very good.

Very small back seat, when I had my seat adjusted for me, there was NO leg room in the rear of the car. The trunk is oddly designed. You don't lift or lower things into it, you slide them in the opening. This is OK if the item is light, but when placing a heavy object in the trunk, you must slide it out of the opening and onto the rear bumper before being able to lift it up. Again, some engineer with no real world experience designed this part of the car.

On the positive side, the car had no squeaks or rattles and seemed well put together. The seats were comfortable and supportive.

I was considering a Focus for my wife in the next year or so, but now that I have had a chance to spend some time with it, it is off the list.

My wife and I completed a couple of errands with it and I did not say anything to her as I wanted her opinion. She was also not impressed with the car.

Again, just my opinion, but I was able to form one for this particular model and I would never purchase one and I will never purchase a vehicle with the Sync system.

Randy

tommister2

I hate the ad. The owner claims 147k miles is "very low miles"? Firm price? Keywords at the bottom (which violate craigslist terms of service)? Just from the ad the owner seems like a real jerk. Proceed with caution...the owner might be a great person, but I would try to verify anything they tell you.

driver100

report on my opinion on the 2012 Ford Focus.

I really enjoyed your review of the Focus. I like reading reviews of average normal people (you know what I mean - not journalists). The problems you mentioned are the ones I would want to know about.

For example, the Sync System sounds great in the TV ads, but if the i system in the BMW is any indication...and it is excellent now....then you don't want it any more complicated than that.

Also, mileage and the trunk problem are real world things that I would like to know about.

If we eventually get a car we would leave in Florida I am leaning towards a Fusion, though I considered a Focus since they get good reviews. But, then my wife thinks she wants a VW - European and all that. I would try it, but the last thing we need is a tempermental car while on vacation.

driver100

The owner claims 147k miles is "very low miles"? Firm price?

Nice to hear from you. Interesting observations about the ad. You could be 100% correct, or the guy might have just found it hard to come up with things to say about the car, and thought those were points he should mention. You could be right on, but I don't know how much you can read into those words. I think it is fairly low miles for a 1999 model and if he said negotiable he is asking for trouble.

tommister2

The title and the added keywords to the ad are misleading in my opinion. This would make me suspicious of anything the seller said. Having said that, mako is a big boy and I'm sure he'll be fine if he decides to look at it.

I'm not a BMW guy so I don't know about the price, but in my experience people who are firm on price usually want too much. Not always, but usually. The car sure does look nice, and I bet it's a blast to drive. He may buy it and it becomes the best car he ever bought. What do I know?

driver100

Having said that, mako is a big boy and I'm sure he'll be fine if he decides to look at it.

I totally agree and I always think it is best to get all views and opinions before judging. I would really like to know if those key words you found mean something. They could, I guess I am just not that dubious about people (ha ha). I also have no idea how much you can read into words in an ad. I try to err on the side of understating something, so the buyer will be pleasantly surprised when he does see the item I am selling - I did that with my snow tires.

Some people think the only way to get a customer is to overstate how great the item is. It's a fine line developing interest, but not exaggerating to the point of turning off a possible customer.

It will be interesting if Mako goes further and we find out more details.

jmonroe

I'll have to disagree with you on this. While the turbo has more power the standard 4 has plenty to get it moving.

Some prefer more in the way of moving. I'm one of those.

Since you own a Sonata with the standard 4 and are a fan of Hyundai , you should at least try the turbo.

jmonroe

sterlingdog

"...and boy, was it ever."

That's why I decided to err on the side of safety. Not having a mechanical bone in my body, or an independent to trust, I just didn't want to take the chance. I drove the car to a meeting this morning about 12 miles from here. It certainly feels tighter in the steering. Since I had the alignment, plus rotation and balance, I decided to test it. Without steering it at all, the car stayed right in its lane and didn't lean either left or right. I suppose that I got at least that much good for my $200.

As for the cruise ship, that WOULD be my luck. Poor souls. At least all were evacuated safely.

Richard

mako1a

Well thanks for all the input. It's sold (and I didn't buy it).

I'm usually pretty quick to snap up a great deal, but I had

a head cold last night, was going to call him today. Too late.

All I can think was it must have been a good one. Lots of

cars sit for weeks in this economy (except BMW I guess).

Thanks again, Dave

sterlingdog

"...more technology I want or can learn."

I totally agree. There is a limit as to how much we can use at one time....or even want to use. Our SRX operates the same as your BMW---split screen with NAV and songs and performers names, etc. Even if I don't use the NAV fully, it's nice to have the surrounding streets and roads named for you. It helps in learning the general area.

Richard

sterlingdog

Who knows? Perhaps that head cold saved you a future headache. Besides, there are lots of cars out there. You may run into a better deal. For an entry level to BMW, perhaps Autotrader or some of the other sites might be worth a look. We may get a new sales story out of you yet.

Richard

driver100

Well thanks for all the input.

No problem. I saw one exactly the same today. There will be others, more fish in the sea type of thing.........

driver100

There is a limit as to how much we can use at one time

One point I would like to mention that you made me think of (oh oh, a dangling preposition I think, although we said it was ok at times).

The rear view camera is very helpful in some ways. It shows you clearly what is on the ground or directly behind you. However, it can also be a distraction at times. For example you can look at it too long...you get a bit mezmorized watching where you are going, and you don't look to the sides or around you as much as you would without the camera.

The camera is a good thing in many ways, but as with most things there are advantages and disadvantages.

I like the navi too. It works so much better than those portable kind. We got lost a lot of times trying to use one of those. And the poor woman giving instructions was getting really angry. "Recalibrating, recalibrating you idiot, why don't you listen to me when I tell you to do something", reminds me of one of my old school teachers (not you).

driver100

For an entry level to BMW, perhaps Autotrader or some of the other sites might be worth a look

One thing I would really consider if I was getting an older BMW would be buying it from a dealer. It will cost more but at least you will get the 4 year warranty and for an extra amount a 2 year 50000 mile warranty.

I am not saying that is the answer, just something to consider. But, I don't know if M3s like that one come up very often. Maybe if you buy something like that you have to be willing and able to do some repairs.

oldfarmer50

"...Not having a mechanical bone in my body..."

I'm only slightly better. Every time I have something on a car break I make a mental note of the noise it made, what I should have looked for and how to tell if it happens again. A long, never ending learning curve.

With my van I knew I was dealing with a junker so any claim that something needed replacement I would consider valid. With your car being so new I would have sought a second opinion unless it was under warranty.

My wife's 2009 Pt Cruiser needed a wheel bearing at 14K miles which really blew my mind. I would have been outraged if it had been out of warranty and if so, I would have had my indie shop do the repair for half the price.

Even independent shops have different abilities. When I had the van tie rod replaced the place that did the fix said I needed the complete assembly because everything was so rusted--at extra cost. Later when I had my main shop do the follow up alignment I thought I would need to have the entire assembly replaced on the other side as well. To my surprise, the second shop was able to do the alignment without replaceing any parts. I asked him how he did this and he said "we just heated the rusty parts up a bit with a torch and after a few wacks everything moved". Had the first shop been so clever I would have saved $100.

That's why the second shop is my go-to guy.

oldfarmer50

"...it must have been a good one..."

So you have Non-buyer's remorse?

How close are you to DC? I did a search of CL for BMWs there and saw a boat load. Makes sense to look in hi-income areas. Maybe good deals are falling from the trees.

oldfarmer50

I know mako1a doesn't like manuals but I thought this one was just too nice:

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/mld/ctd/2794478832.html

At that milage even I might be tempted. I think I'd say SOLD! if they threw in an extended warranty.

For what it's worth there are exactly 1000 bmws for sale on Craigslist in Washington. What does that tell you? :sick:

roadburner

The US spec E36(1995-1999) M3 is not a bad used car proposition. The engine isn't a true ///M motor but it still makes decent power. Several of my friends run them as daily driver/track toys.

roadburner

I also posted this over in CCBA, but I finally finished the installation of the new head unit in my son's '02. The only remaining jobs I have left are to install the replacement carpet set as well as the LED tail lamp conversion kit. Here is a picture of the interior the day I brought the car home:



And here it is today:



And the finished installation:

sterlingdog

Just wondering---what made you opt for velvet instead of leather?

Richard

jmonroe

For what it's worth there are exactly 1000 bmws for sale on Craigslist in Washington. What does that tell you?

Let me take a stab at this...1000 BMW owners in Washinngton don't want their BMW??? :surprise:

jmonroe

roadburner

Just wondering---what made you opt for velvet instead of leather?

The seats were rebuilt by Aardvarc Racing, and they are a bit pricey- Fortunately I bought this set off eBay for half the retail price. The colors matched and the velour is more comfortable- especially in the winter.

sterlingdog

Thanks for using the word "velour". I knew that "velvet" wasn't right, but couldn't think of the word to save me---another senior moment.

Richard

driver100

Here is a picture of the interior the day I brought the car home:

Looks great roadburner....nice car. Did you happen to scoop a silver 99 M3 convertible that was on Craigslist?

oldfarmer50

"...I bought this set off eBay for half..."

That's a nice restoration you've done. I'm surprised to see such nice seats off eBay. When I first inherited the 84 Vette I looked into getting new seats from eBay because the originals are stained and ripped. The ones I saw were in much worse shape than mine and they wanted as much as $300 each.

Do you think you could get your money back if you sold that BMW or is this more a labor of love?

roadburner

That's a nice restoration you've done.

Thank you!

I'm surprised to see such nice seats off eBay.

I had actually found another set on eBay and a friend on the 2002 FAQ told me to pass and get the seats from Aardvarc Racing. A few months later these seats turned up; the seller had sold his project car and he had never gotten around to installing the seats. When he mentioned that the seats were from Aardvarc I decided to bid on them. If I had bought the seats from Aardvarc I would have paid $995 for the front seats and $475 for the rear seats- plus, I would have had to ship my rear seat cushions to Aardvarc to have them re-padded and reupholstered. Then there would be the shipping for the whole shebang from California to Kentucky.
I wound up paying $749(including shipping) for the Aardvarc front/rear set I bought off eBay.

Do you think you could get your money back if you sold that BMW or is this more a labor of love?

I know that I've spent more on the car than it is worth, but it isn't really going to depreciate- and I'll still do better than if I'd bought a late model used car and sold it after four or five years.
One other advantage; in KY we pay an annual property tax on vehicles, but for assessment purposes the county doesn't take into account special interest or classic status. As a result, the car is valued at a whopping $500... :P

driver100

We were thinking of getting a car to leave in Florida, but we thought we would wait until next winter. We've had lots of expenses so far for one year. But, there is one problem, my wife wants to go to exercise classes and I want to go to tennis somedays. We thought if this is a big problem we could rent a car for about a month, that would be the best way to do this for now.

Then my BIL and SIL mentioned there is a newly widowed lady in the community they live in. She has an older large Ford with 37000 miles on it. She is asking $5500 for it. They estimate it is 6 to 8 years old but aren't sure, also not sure what model it is, though it might be a Crown Vic. Maybe its a GM! We will take a quick look at it on Tuesday when we go by that way.

Maybe there will be another sales story soon............

verdugo

If I were going to dismiss a make because someone had a real bad experience with a warranty claim I would be walking everywhere.

That might be the case for you, but I for one will no longer go to Rite Aid :P

verdugo

If we eventually get a car we would leave in Florida I am leaning towards a Fusion, though I considered a Focus since they get good reviews. But, then my wife thinks she wants a VW - European and all that.

Keep in mind that the Fusion is about to get redesigned.

Also, the Jetta and Passat are no longer "European" cars. They are american cars from an European company. Boo hoo!

snakeweasel

LOL thats a good one.

stickguy

and the upcoming fusion is pretty much a European car from an American company.

sterlingdog

What?! YOU with a GM?! I'll keep a Depends ready in case you hit me with the news. :P Whether you buy it or not, take it for a test drive and give me all of the details. This is exciting news!

Richard

sterlingdog

"...will no longer go to Rite Aid."

Oh, that was so cool!

Richard

tjc78

also not sure what model it is, though it might be a Crown Vic. Maybe its a GM! We will take a quick look at it on Tuesday when we go by that way.

Better be careful, once you get behind the wheel of a Panther you get sucked in. Pretty soon you will trading the 535 for a Town Car. :P

driver100

Keep in mind that the Fusion is about to get redesigned.

That would be even better. If we come here in November we could probably get a 2012 at a good price since it will be the old design. Besides, I like the styling of the 2012, they'll probably mess it up when they do the redisign.

the Jetta and Passat are no longer "European" cars. They are american cars from an European company

As the ads say, "They have German engineering" which is still true. Not as good as the real thing but in that price range they still have Euro handling characteristics I would imagine.

lol.....about Rite Aid....some people don't go back when they are mistreated

driver100

Whether you buy it or not, take it for a test drive and give me all of the details.

I will, we look at it tomorrow. My wife doesn't like big cars so that is a major hurdle...she also likes European cars as she lived in England for a few of her formative years. But, $5500 for a car with 37k miles on it. That car could probably last us 15 years.....using the Driver amatorization tools that's about $300 a year of motoring excellence!

driver100

Pretty soon you will trading the 535 for a Town Car.

My wife has said if we buy this thing she will drive my car ( ) and I will drive the Ford. I said, well for $5500 it doesn't matter if it's big and sloppy, who cares if the fenders get all dinged up.

Yeh, I might actually like driving it more than the 535! At least I won't care where I park it.

oldfarmer50

"...37000 miles...$5500...6 to eight years old..."

An older model, low milage, cheap, rust-free car. You have just described my dream vehicle. All those grandmas selling their pristine cars is another reason to move to Florida.

NOTE: Just ran a 7 yo Crown Vic LX with 37K, no extra options, excellent condition, through Edmunds and they say it's worth $8600 private party in my area.

If it's newer, has more options or is a GM it could be worth more. I'd grab it at $5500. :shades:

oldfarmer50

"...I might actually like driving it more than the 535..."

You actually might. I'm sure you've notice how everything is flat and laid out on a grid down there. Who needs BMW handling to go in a straight line for 25 miles? Under those conditions a smooth ride and comfort are important.

michaellno

Wanted to inform you of an interesting warranty discussion happening here.

Lots of GM vs. Hyundai back-and-forth and thought you might want to weigh in with your story about the XG350.

What good is a warranty if the company refuses to honor it?

Happy Monday to all. Not terribly surprised that the Broncos got hammered on Saturday.

:sick:

fezo

Yeah, but the Giants won!

sterlingdog

"...will be trading the 535 for a Town Car."

Finally. He's going to get the "feel of the couch".

Richard

sterlingdog

"...using the Driver amatorization tools..."

You reminded me of something. When I feel that I have lost money needlessly, as on the $200 car repair, I begin to look for ways to get it back in other areas. Our new TV was on sale at $300 off sticker. Best Buy told me that if the price went lower within 30 days, I could have the difference. I've been watching the sales. Last week the price dropped another $100. I rushed to the store and got the extra credit. Having done that, I now feel that the car repair was only $100. I'll be looking for another way to make up the remainder of the mistake....if it was a mistake. When you view the car repair in this light, it doesn't seem quite as bad.

Richard