Edmunds Members - Cars and Conversations (Archived)

isellhondas · May 2017

Mr_Shiftright said:

oldfarmer50 said:

graphicguy said:
Can't remember where I read it, but a recent article stated that used BMW Z4s were bargains right now. Car and Driver, maybe?
I don't know about the Z4s but the Z3s got pretty nasty reviews in the auto press. Maybe they didn't rev it up high enough. I considered a Z3 I saw for sale in someone's driveway but the reviews scared me off. Like the looks though, very sporty.

Like Fintail said, by the time we meet most old BMWs, they are neglected and beat to hell. You have to be patient and find the one well cared for. Once a car falls below a certain resale value, it falls into the hands of owners who can't take care of it properly.

You nailed it. People tend to skimp on services more and more as the miles and years pile up. Some cars are pretty forgiving up to a point. BMW's are one of the ones that instantly seem to "know it" when a service has been skipped and they then punish the owner using a number of methods. All expensive!

ab348 · May 2017

berri said:
Well whatever on Fields, he has enough years at Ford to retire, so he'll be fine!

And he just got a big raise and bonus from the Board a couple of months ago. Made something like $22 million last year IIRC. No need to pass the hat for him.

Mr_Shiftright · May 2017

28firefighter said:
My challenge is that many owners of those well-cared-for BMWs are asking crazy dollars for their car. Finding the reasonable owner who has taken good care of it is the truly rare find.

In the past, I've allotted about $3,000 to "shape up" a used BMW (or any German car actually), after a PPI or a good look-over. So I try to buy accordingly. I need my cars to be pretty much fault-free when I drive them. My old truck--well--it just putts around the area, so I can be more tolerant.

Most of you know the drill---you find a really decent used car, but it has a few "minor" faults----the heater fan motor squeals, the right rear window jams, and glove box pops open on a hard bump, and there's a rattle in the exhaust somewhere.

So the car is "perfect" says the seller, and who can quibble with these little glitches on a 120,000 mile BMW?

Well, if you buy it right, you can't quibble. But guess what? Each of those repairs is potentially a PITA.

Been there, done that/

Heater fan needs a backhoe to get it out of there
Window regulator broke in half
Glove box lock--doesn't come separately from the glove box door
Rattle in the exhaust---internal to the catalytic--something's come apart in there.

dino001 · May 2017

28firefighter said:
My challenge is that many owners of those well-cared-for BMWs are asking crazy dollars for their car. Finding the reasonable owner who has taken good care of it is the truly rare find.

The owners of those vehicles in great condition, in their mind, want to be compensated for taking time and money to keep them in that shape. I think they deserve such a compensation, but how is only a matter of perspective. So you have a choice there: don't buy at all, buy cheap and chances are you need to put much more later, buy more expensive and chances are you won't have to put as much money later. In this case, it's a risk management. The craziness of the price may be in eye of the beholder.

28firefighter · May 2017

dino001 said:

28firefighter said:
My challenge is that many owners of those well-cared-for BMWs are asking crazy dollars for their car. Finding the reasonable owner who has taken good care of it is the truly rare find.
The owners of those vehicles in great condition, in their mind, want to be compensated for taking time and money to keep them in that shape. I think they deserve such a compensation, but how is only a matter of perspective. So you have a choice there: don't buy at all, buy cheap and chances are you need to put much more later, buy more expensive and chances are you won't have to put as much money later. In this case, it's a risk management. The craziness of the price may be in eye of the beholder.

A very well thought out point. My problem is that in the (admittedly limited) looking I have done, the condition has not justified the premium, which means I probably have not looked hard enough/long enough.

roadburner · May 2017

dino001 said:

28firefighter said:
My challenge is that many owners of those well-cared-for BMWs are asking crazy dollars for their car. Finding the reasonable owner who has taken good care of it is the truly rare find.
The owners of those vehicles in great condition, in their mind, want to be compensated for taking time and money to keep them in that shape. I think they deserve such a compensation, but how is only a matter of perspective. So you have a choice there: don't buy at all, buy cheap and chances are you need to put much more later, buy more expensive and chances are you won't have to put as much money later. In this case, it's a risk management. The craziness of the price may be in eye of the beholder.

I'd want around $15,000 to part with my ti. Is it worth that amount? Well, to me it is. If someone wants to pay that much they can have it. If not, I'll just continue to enjoy it; I've never seriously considered selling it.

dino001 · May 2017

roadburner said:

dino001 said:

28firefighter said:
My challenge is that many owners of those well-cared-for BMWs are asking crazy dollars for their car. Finding the reasonable owner who has taken good care of it is the truly rare find.
The owners of those vehicles in great condition, in their mind, want to be compensated for taking time and money to keep them in that shape. I think they deserve such a compensation, but how is only a matter of perspective. So you have a choice there: don't buy at all, buy cheap and chances are you need to put much more later, buy more expensive and chances are you won't have to put as much money later. In this case, it's a risk management. The craziness of the price may be in eye of the beholder.
I'd want around $15,000 to part with my ti. Is it worth that amount? Well, to me it is. If someone wants to pay that much they can have it. If not, I'll just continue to enjoy it; I've never seriously considered selling it.

I will have a pricing issue on my 2012 Wagon in August/September, when I expect my new Grand Coupe will finally arrive to the US. It's interesting to see the price range for 5-7 years old 3-series with 50-80k miles. Even excluding extremes, or 335, it is still good many thousands. I do have a small dilemma - wait for a motivated buyer, who wil actually understand how rare this car really is (manual transmission, sports pack, plus some good stuff inside), or sell quickly. I don't really have space to keep it, but to I don't want to give it to lowballers. When I was selling my STI, I was trolled by couple of individuals, who would send me text messages with "offers" without even seeing the vehicle. Drove me crazy. I had a quite good offer from a dealer at hand, and those guys would throw some funny numbers there thousands below that offer. I eventually sold it for less than I really wanted, as I got tired of waiting. It wasn't lowball, just less than I originally thought I could/should get. Marginally more than the dealer's offer, so wasn't really worth the hassle after all it was done, especially that the car's depreciation was very low at the first place.

I may try local independent German car garage, where I get service. The owner already said it would be OK, met one individual there who has a wagon that's 3 years older and has automatic. We exchanged emails, but will see when the actual money will need to be exchanged.

Mr_Shiftright · May 2017

dino001 said:

roadburner said:

dino001 said:

28firefighter said:
My challenge is that many owners of those well-cared-for BMWs are asking crazy dollars for their car. Finding the reasonable owner who has taken good care of it is the truly rare find.
The owners of those vehicles in great condition, in their mind, want to be compensated for taking time and money to keep them in that shape. I think they deserve such a compensation, but how is only a matter of perspective. So you have a choice there: don't buy at all, buy cheap and chances are you need to put much more later, buy more expensive and chances are you won't have to put as much money later. In this case, it's a risk management. The craziness of the price may be in eye of the beholder.
I'd want around $15,000 to part with my ti. Is it worth that amount? Well, to me it is. If someone wants to pay that much they can have it. If not, I'll just continue to enjoy it; I've never seriously considered selling it.
I will have a pricing issue on my 2012 Wagon in August/September, when I expect my new Grand Coupe will finally arrive to the US. It's interesting to see the price range for 5-7 years old 3-series with 50-80k miles. Even excluding extremes, or 335, it is still good many thousands. I do have a small dilemma - wait for a motivated buyer, who wil actually understand how rare this car really is (manual transmission, sports pack, plus some good stuff inside), or sell quickly. I don't really have space to keep it, but to I don't want to give it to lowballers. When I was selling my STI, I was trolled by couple of individuals, who would send me text messages with "offers" without even seeing the vehicle. Drove me crazy. I had a quite good offer from a dealer at hand, and those guys would throw some funny numbers there thousands below that offer. I eventually sold it for less than I really wanted, as I got tired of waiting. It wasn't lowball, just less than I originally thought I could/should get. Marginally more than the dealer's offer, so wasn't really worth the hassle after all it was done, especially that the car's depreciation was very low at the first place.

There's a way for you to increase your chances of hitting a home run on this car. Aside from the obvious one of having it detailed and putting service records in a binder or folder, it's really important to write a good ad (not too little, not too much) with all the right buzzwords; it's also equally important (if not more so) to advertise the car in the proper venue. Craigslist ads bring craigslist prices. There are better sources and paying a little for them is well worth it. Roadburner could also guide you into the BMW cathedral where, for the price of a membership, you might be able to direct some advertising to just the right person.

I would say cars.com and autotrader.com.

isellhondas · May 2017

Mr_Shiftright said:

28firefighter said:
My challenge is that many owners of those well-cared-for BMWs are asking crazy dollars for their car. Finding the reasonable owner who has taken good care of it is the truly rare find.
In the past, I've allotted about $3,000 to "shape up" a used BMW (or any German car actually), after a PPI or a good look-over. So I try to buy accordingly. I need my cars to be pretty much fault-free when I drive them. My old truck--well--it just putts around the area, so I can be more tolerant.

Most of you know the drill---you find a really decent used car, but it has a few "minor" faults----the heater fan motor squeals, the right rear window jams, and glove box pops open on a hard bump, and there's a rattle in the exhaust somewhere.

So the car is "perfect" says the seller, and who can quibble with these little glitches on a 120,000 mile BMW?

Well, if you buy it right, you can't quibble. But guess what? Each of those repairs is potentially a PITA.

Been there, done that/

Heater fan needs a backhoe to get it out of there
Window regulator broke in half
Glove box lock--doesn't come separately from the glove box door
Rattle in the exhaust---internal to the catalytic--something's come apart in there.

You made me laugh but your last post was a painful (and expensive) reminder.

These items are never a big problem in the mind of the sellers though! Ever notice?

" That rattle....probably a loose screw somewhere"

Heater fan squeals? " It probably needs a drop of oil1"

Passenger window inop? " Probably needs a fuse"

Warning light on? " I'll bet it's just a loose wire somewhere"

A/C blowing hot? " I would just buy a can of Freon and stick it in" " Oh, it's R-12? What's that?"

Yep, a PITA to be sure and sometimes on ALL counts!

Think the seller knew that? Nah....The car is "perfect" remember?

Michaell · May 2017

Mr_Shiftright said:

dino001 said:

roadburner said:

dino001 said:

28firefighter said:
My challenge is that many owners of those well-cared-for BMWs are asking crazy dollars for their car. Finding the reasonable owner who has taken good care of it is the truly rare find.
The owners of those vehicles in great condition, in their mind, want to be compensated for taking time and money to keep them in that shape. I think they deserve such a compensation, but how is only a matter of perspective. So you have a choice there: don't buy at all, buy cheap and chances are you need to put much more later, buy more expensive and chances are you won't have to put as much money later. In this case, it's a risk management. The craziness of the price may be in eye of the beholder.
I'd want around $15,000 to part with my ti. Is it worth that amount? Well, to me it is. If someone wants to pay that much they can have it. If not, I'll just continue to enjoy it; I've never seriously considered selling it.
I will have a pricing issue on my 2012 Wagon in August/September, when I expect my new Grand Coupe will finally arrive to the US. It's interesting to see the price range for 5-7 years old 3-series with 50-80k miles. Even excluding extremes, or 335, it is still good many thousands. I do have a small dilemma - wait for a motivated buyer, who wil actually understand how rare this car really is (manual transmission, sports pack, plus some good stuff inside), or sell quickly. I don't really have space to keep it, but to I don't want to give it to lowballers. When I was selling my STI, I was trolled by couple of individuals, who would send me text messages with "offers" without even seeing the vehicle. Drove me crazy. I had a quite good offer from a dealer at hand, and those guys would throw some funny numbers there thousands below that offer. I eventually sold it for less than I really wanted, as I got tired of waiting. It wasn't lowball, just less than I originally thought I could/should get. Marginally more than the dealer's offer, so wasn't really worth the hassle after all it was done, especially that the car's depreciation was very low at the first place.
There's a way for you to increase your chances of hitting a home run on this car. Aside from the obvious one of having it detailed and putting service records in a binder or folder, it's really important to write a good ad (not too little, not too much) with all the right buzzwords; it's also equally important (if not more so) to advertise the car in the proper venue. Craigslist ads bring craigslist prices. There are better sources and paying a little for them is well worth it. Roadburner could also guide you into the BMW cathedral where, for the price of a membership, you might be able to direct some advertising to just the right person.

I would say cars.com and autotrader.com.

@breld has had some experience selling "unique" BMWs - ZHP, etc. He can chime in with his strategies.

dino001 · May 2017

Mr_Shiftright said:

There's a way for you to increase your chances of hitting a home run on this car. Aside from the obvious one of having it detailed and putting service records in a binder or folder, it's really important to write a good ad (not too little, not too much) with all the right buzzwords; it's also equally important (if not more so) to advertise the car in the proper venue. Craigslist ads bring craigslist prices. There are better sources and paying a little for them is well worth it. Roadburner could also guide you into the BMW cathedral where, for the price of a membership, you might be able to direct some advertising to just the right person.
I would say cars.com and autotrader.com.

Those are all good, thanks. I did the Autotrader last time. What usually happens in just a few hours you get three or four different people calling you trying to sell you their selling service, including Autotrader itself with an upsell offer. But it normalizes afterwards. The response was there, but not very high, only two people came to see the car and one bought it. Considering that STI is a low-volume model, it didn't surprise me. Just knowing myself and lack of storage, I'm not sure if I'll be patient enough. I will probably put up an ad a month or so before anticipated delivery. Will see how it shakes out in August.

explorerx4 · May 2017

@dino001,
If you can get a significant amount of extra money selling your car on autotrader or whatever, you can always give some of it back to rent a car to tide you over.

dino001 · May 2017

explorerx4 said:
@dino001,
If you can get a significant amount of extra money selling your car on autotrader or whatever, you can always give some of it back to rent a car to tide you over.

Figured that one out already - my bigger fear is lack of response, not overwhelming response. My taste is clearly outside of the "mainstream", so I can see sitting on the ad for a while. It will take another version of me with less money to buy that car - that's not going to be easy to find in the area. That's why I'll put it month before, in case somebody motivated shows up. Will see.

Michaell · May 2017

dino001 said:

explorerx4 said:
@dino001,
If you can get a significant amount of extra money selling your car on autotrader or whatever, you can always give some of it back to rent a car to tide you over.
Figured that one out already - my bigger fear is lack of response, not overwhelming response. My taste is clearly outside of the "mainstream", so I can see sitting on the ad for a while. It will take another version of me with less money to buy that car - that's not going to be easy to find in the area. That's why I'll put it month before, in case somebody motivated shows up. Will see.

A car like yours, you should look to advertise nationally - there might be a manual-shifting, sport mode wanting, wagon loving guy in the Midwest who would want your car.

ab348 · May 2017

@dino001 - would it make any sense to advertise the car in those places suggested sometime soon, with the provision that it will not be available until September? It may take some time to find the right buyer so that would increase your chances of finding that person, assuming they are willing to wait. Or you could sell it now and rent as needed until your car arrives.

28firefighter · May 2017

I have to say @dino001 your car sounds like exactly what I'd be looking for in 12-18 months. There are also a couple of enthusiast boards around that may also yield significantly more serious traffic for a unique car like yours.

oldfarmer50 · May 2017

dino001 said:

28firefighter said:
My challenge is that many owners of those well-cared-for BMWs are asking crazy dollars for their car. Finding the reasonable owner who has taken good care of it is the truly rare find.
The owners of those vehicles in great condition, in their mind, want to be compensated for taking time and money to keep them in that shape. I think they deserve such a compensation, but how is only a matter of perspective. So you have a choice there: don't buy at all, buy cheap and chances are you need to put much more later, buy more expensive and chances are you won't have to put as much money later. In this case, it's a risk management. The craziness of the price may be in eye of the beholder.

OK consider this:
The old Lincoln has seen better days and while it still runs well there are bits and pieces starting to go. I was going to sell it for $1000 but found out it needed tie rods, sway bar links and front B&Rs. About $600.

Would it be fair for me to ask $1500 now that I've made those repairs?

qbrozen · May 2017

What is "the old Lincoln"? Need more details, miles, etc.

oldfarmer50 · May 2017

dino001 said:

Mr_Shiftright said:

There's a way for you to increase your chances of hitting a home run on this car. Aside from the obvious one of having it detailed and putting service records in a binder or folder, it's really important to write a good ad (not too little, not too much) with all the right buzzwords; it's also equally important (if not more so) to advertise the car in the proper venue. Craigslist ads bring craigslist prices. There are better sources and paying a little for them is well worth it. Roadburner could also guide you into the BMW cathedral where, for the price of a membership, you might be able to direct some advertising to just the right person.
I would say cars.com and autotrader.com.
Those are all good, thanks. I did the Autotrader last time. What usually happens in just a few hours you get three or four different people calling you trying to sell you their selling service, including Autotrader itself with an upsell offer. But it normalizes afterwards. The response was there, but not very high, only two people came to see the car and one bought it. Considering that STI is a low-volume model, it didn't surprise me. Just knowing myself and lack of storage, I'm not sure if I'll be patient enough. I will probably put up an ad a month or so before anticipated delivery. Will see how it shakes out in August.

Last couple of sub $1000 hoopties I sold got better response out on the lawn than from CL.

A $10,000+ car might be a tougher sell.

stickguy · May 2017

Dino, too early for me also, and might not be in my price range, but I would be interested in it, being one of the other oddballs that likes a stick, and loves wagons. And I even consider RWD a plus (resale in the NE be damned). Depending on colors of course! What colors is this one? How many miles?

And it does sound like something to direct toward the Roundel crowd. Maybe put it up on BaT auction?

I forget. how long do you have from when you get back from the trip, until the car shows up? Hopefully enough time to get the wagon unloaded!

explorerx4 · May 2017

@oldfarmer,
If you are going to put $600 into the Lincoln, I would ask 1895 for it.

fintail · May 2017

Enthusiast publications are keys for buying or selling odd special cars that the mass market might not appreciate. They also tend to attract people who can and do keep up with maintenance, so they can be a little safer than the local used car lot or punter who doesn't know much about the car. Prices tend to be higher, but the cars tend to be nicer.

For most aging German cars, the cheapest one to buy will be the most expensive to own. Always buy the best you can afford.

Mr_Shiftright said:

There's a way for you to increase your chances of hitting a home run on this car. Aside from the obvious one of having it detailed and putting service records in a binder or folder, it's really important to write a good ad (not too little, not too much) with all the right buzzwords; it's also equally important (if not more so) to advertise the car in the proper venue. Craigslist ads bring craigslist prices. There are better sources and paying a little for them is well worth it. Roadburner could also guide you into the BMW cathedral where, for the price of a membership, you might be able to direct some advertising to just the right person.

I would say cars.com and autotrader.com.

nyccarguy · May 2017

stickguy said:

Dino, too early for me also, and might not be in my price range, but I would be interested in it, being one of the other oddballs that likes a stick, and loves wagons. And I even consider RWD a plus (resale in the NE be damned). Depending on colors of course! What colors is this one? How many miles?

And it does sound like something to direct toward the Roundel crowd. Maybe put it up on BaT auction?

I forget. how long do you have from when you get back from the trip, until the car shows up? Hopefully enough time to get the wagon unloaded!

You don't want to know the color @stickguy. You won't like the black guts, but the exterior has got your name written all over it. If he tells you, you'll probably try and sell the RDX & pawn your Hyundai off on your wife.

explorerx4 · May 2017

Let me guess, brown wagon with a stick?

nyccarguy · May 2017

explorerx4 said:

Let me guess, brown wagon with a stick?

Its Blue with a stick

explorerx4 · May 2017

Regarding Ford replacing their CEO, they are a lot of old platforms still being sold, pretty much everything other than trucks.
Some people never liked that he commuted from Florida every week.
Shareholders don't want to see stock price down 40% before the next industry contraction happens.
When GM's bankruptcy went through, there were fears that GM being able to escape from a lot of their previous debt obligations would give them a competitive advantage.

stickguy · May 2017

wife likes blue! Might be able to work with the black interior if need be.

berri · May 2017

I've got to wonder if the no real money in old car platforms goes with opinions that Ford is going to do a FCA and get out of most cars in the US, or if their relative lack of effort and investment is driving rumors to that effect??? It just seems kind of weird that there isn't all that much investment in current non truck platforms while they are throwing a ton of cash at potential future tech that may or may not happen as they envision it will. That area is not mature, off in the future a ways and subject to many changes yet. Who knows if someone like Tesla will still be in business then or whether Google or someone develops a totally new tech approach that hasn't yet been conceived. Personally, I'm not sure Ford has the standing or street cred to make it go their way right now even if they wanted to? You can blow a lot of money being in the vanguard and still lose - the old Betamax vs. VHS case.

stickguy · May 2017

They do still have some nice platforms, though certainly can stand some updating. But the basics are there. Not like trying to pawn off the 200 and Dart like FCA was. Should not be that hard to do a nice update to the small and large platforms and make them modular. And they still have stuff over in Europe to leverage I assume?

bwia · May 2017

RIP to those young souls in Manchester who lost their lives in yet another horific and senseless bombing.

Let us pray for them.

graphicguy · May 2017

explorerx4 said:
@oldfarmer,
If you are going to put $600 into the Lincoln, I would ask 1895 for it.

I'm with explorer....$1,895. Turn it loose at anything between that number and $1,500.

driver100 · May 2017

Got back from Victoria last night.....we got a limo from the airport. Lincoln Town Car.....that car is comfortable and quiet. It is the perfect limo type car, at least for the passengers.

driver100 · May 2017

Dino, I am not a big believer in selling a car by putting a sign on it....but, one thing you may just try is putting the car on your mechanics lot....and pay him a commission or a set amount if the car sells from there Even a test for a few days would tell whether it generates interest).

It sounds like your car is the kind a lot of people are looking for, low mileage, cared for, good condition. I would write up a nice sell sheet to show up the uniqueness and the care the car has had.

People wanting to upgrade their current car may consider this to be the perfect car to move up to.

May work or could be a bust, but, in business, you always have to try. Next, try better mags and may not hurt to try Car Max or something just to have something to compare.

murphydog · May 2017

OK team - this caught my eye over the weekend http://www.cdjrofseattle.com/new/Ram/2017-Ram-1500-b8d428d50a0e0a6b505409aee3093967.htm

Seems like a screaming deal. Have been toying with the idea of a truck - but had not looked too closely till now. I am vaguely aware that trucks are huge sellers, and it seems like the model year end offers are usually pretty rich

So is this really a screaming once a year deal? Many other dealers have their Laramie's marked down $10-$15K as well.

Would I find something similar at the end of summer as well?

Your thoughts and suggestions are most welcome.

stickguy · May 2017

http://www.cdjrofseattle.com/new/Ram/2017-Ram-1500-6875f4e80a0e0a6b0cf40ddbe0637f25.htm

I like this one. But man they are big. This price at least seems palatable. Sticker on some of them is nuts. 55-60k? Ouch.

driver100 · May 2017

Murph....those trucks sure do have huge discounts. And they really escalate in price.....that one was $40k and they have one for $28k! I am sure there is a difference but it is still the same basic truck isn't it? And why does the $28k truck have an even larger incentive bonus?
http://www.cdjrofseattle.com/new/Ram/2017-Ram-1500-6875f4e80a0e0a6b0cf40ddbe0637f25.htm

It may be worthwhile to see if a one year old truck is 15 to 20% less than the MSRP or the discounted price to see what the real value is. Prices seem good but should be at least that good once the 2018s come out.

Michaell · May 2017

stickguy said:
http://www.cdjrofseattle.com/new/Ram/2017-Ram-1500-6875f4e80a0e0a6b0cf40ddbe0637f25.htm

I like this one. But man they are big. This price at least seems palatable. Sticker on some of them is nuts. 55-60k? Ouch.

Pretty big spread in equipment between the Laramie and the Express.

But, I do like the blue one, especially at that price.

driver100 · May 2017

stickguy said:
http://www.cdjrofseattle.com/new/Ram/2017-Ram-1500-6875f4e80a0e0a6b0cf40ddbe0637f25.htm

I like this one. But man they are big. This price at least seems palatable. Sticker on some of them is nuts. 55-60k? Ouch.

That's what I thought stick....for $28k it seems to be a lot of truck for the money. How another truck is 40 to 50% more for basically the same truck is hard to figure out.

btw....I sent a message with possible ideas for your trip to Toronto.

qbrozen · May 2017

I'd have to agree. $12k difference and both have 4 doors, 4wd, 5.7 engine, and 8hp70 transmission upgrade. So all that money is just cosmetics, really.

stickguy · May 2017

Thanks driver. I'll review. We are staying at an inn on Sullivan street. Supposed to be convenient location. The nest inn.

isellhondas · May 2017

What do you guys think of THIS? Dream Machine or huge Money Pit?

I think I already know the answer but....still....

https://seattle.craigslist.org/est/cto/6136956717.html

bwia · May 2017

murphydog said:
OK team - this caught my eye over the weekend http://www.cdjrofseattle.com/new/Ram/2017-Ram-1500-b8d428d50a0e0a6b505409aee3093967.htm

Seems like a screaming deal. Have been toying with the idea of a truck - but had not looked too closely till now. I am vaguely aware that trucks are huge sellers, and it seems like the model year end offers are usually pretty rich

So is this really a screaming once a year deal? Many other dealers have their Laramie's marked down $10-$15K as well.

Would I find something similar at the end of summer as well?

Your thoughts and suggestions are most welcome.

The fuel economy is impressive at 15 mpg city/21 mpg highway and list of amenities is impressive including 4WD. The price, even with a $16k discount is still high at $40+ grand. Whew!

Pardon the ignorance but is there still a gas guzzler tax, and if so would it apply to this BST (big scary truck)

Mr_Shiftright · May 2017

Of course it's going to be a money pit--question is, how much do you want to pay for your guilty pleasure? If you get a year's worth of hoots and hollers, maybe it's worth it to you.

It's an E39 so it has the more complicated V8---the usual suspects here are cooling systems, vacuum leaks, random engine failsafes and a diabolical PCV system.

roadburner · May 2017

isellhondas said:
What do you guys think of THIS? Dream Machine or huge Money Pit?

I think I already know the answer but....still....

https://seattle.craigslist.org/est/cto/6136956717.html

Many consider the E39 to be the high point for the 5 Series; me, I'd try to find a 530i manual with the Sport Package; those are just wonderful cars.

oldfarmer50 · May 2017

W

qbrozen said:
What is "the old Lincoln"? Need more details, miles, etc.

It's listed at the bottom of my post, 95' Mark VIII. TMU because the odometer stopped working last October (one of the bits and pieces) at 97k miles. Based on my consistant use I estimate about 103k miles. Most everything works, even the AC. Almost no rust because it was a Florida car. Couple of minor dings.

Last time I checked both Hagerty and KBB said $1600-1800 in fair condition.

murphydog · May 2017

I hear y'all on the more basic trims being even cheaper - My thinking is I want the creature comforts too. $55K is too much period, but $40 ish is tempting.

What I am unclear on is how often these discounts come around on trucks. I bought by current car over labor day weekend in 2008 and there was hefty incentives from Mercedes Benz at the time. This seems a bit early in the year to take $14K off?

I did see a few used Laramie's with 3-5K miles on them for ~ $42-$43K so this seems like a rock bottom price.

murphydog · May 2017

isellhondas said:
What do you guys think of THIS? Dream Machine or huge Money Pit?

I think I already know the answer but....still....

https://seattle.craigslist.org/est/cto/6136956717.html

I think it is both - I love that body style, but I am sure even normal stuff is expensive. Do you feel confident you can do some of the work yourself? It is amazing the video directions you can find now a days on YouTube

qbrozen · May 2017

isellhondas said:
What do you guys think of THIS? Dream Machine or huge Money Pit?

I think I already know the answer but....still....

https://seattle.craigslist.org/est/cto/6136956717.html

He checked off the valley pan gasket, so that is good. However, no mention of the cooling system. He also mentions timing cover gasket, but not the tensioner and guide rails. Those are the REAL concern.

qbrozen · May 2017

oldfarmer50 said:
W
qbrozen said:
What is "the old Lincoln"? Need more details, miles, etc.
It's listed at the bottom of my post, 95' Mark VIII. TMU because the odometer stopped working last October (one of the bits and pieces) at 97k miles. Based on my consistant use I estimate about 103k miles. Most everything works, even the AC. Almost no rust because it was a Florida car. Couple of minor dings.

Last time I checked both Hagerty and KBB said $1600-1800 in fair condition.

TMU kills it, IMHO. I don't know how much proof you can provide up until the odometer quit that it is at least near 100k, but I'm feeling like it is a $1200 car at best given that TMU issue.

Mr_Shiftright · May 2017

qbrozen said:

isellhondas said:
What do you guys think of THIS? Dream Machine or huge Money Pit?

I think I already know the answer but....still....

https://seattle.craigslist.org/est/cto/6136956717.html
He checked off the valley pan gasket, so that is good. However, no mention of the cooling system. He also mentions timing cover gasket, but not the tensioner and guide rails. Those are the REAL concern.

Gotta check the cooling system--it can blow up in your face (ask me how I know).

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