[Saigon]

Hey Guys,

Gf is in the market to purchase a z4. I wanted to know a couple things about this vehicle before checking it out. What seems to be a good price to offer?

Pros:
-The price seems good compared to the z4's that are offered around the area.
-The mileage is low
-Car is immaculate (from pictures)
-Car is a rare combo (red interior)

Cons:
-No Sport Pkg (Not that my gf needs it?)
-It was in one accident

"I did get into a fender-bender on Wilshire Blvd during traffic hour back in '06 when I was living and working on the westside. An over eager taxi driver was driving illegally in the bus lane, and I was crossing the road. The front of my car hit the side of his driver side at about 10 mph. The damage wasn't much, but I took it all the way to Alhambra to D2Technik and had them fix everything to factory spec. "

Link:

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sgv...787875700.html

-I'm planning to offer around 16-17 is that fair/reasonable?
-Does this car share the same engine as the E46? Is it pretty smooth, reliable, gas efficient?

She would be keeping this car for a while and would be her daily driver. Any input/suggestions are welcomed and appreciated. Thanks.

Regards,

-Jimmy

[enigma01]

I owned two Z4s (e85/e86), so I am very familiar with this model.

This car is pretty much a stripper, and I like the way he justifies not buying the options that matter:

1. 2.5 vs. 3.0 engine: the 2.5 is a good engine, but not getting the 3.0 because of the chrome grille and light-housing is a complete BS. If you GF doesn't care much for the additional power, the 2.5 is OK. This engine paired with Steptronic (automatic), you won't be going anywhere very fast. And, yes, the e46 (323i) shared the same engine.

2. No Sport Pkg: what he describes here is also a load of cr@p! It adds a better suspension, better seats and nicer looking/larger wheels (from 17" to 18").

I wouldn't be too concerned about the fender bender as long as it was limited to a new bumper. You should get it checked out by an authorized technician to be sure though.

A few other observations:

1. He claims he purchased it from BMW of Valencia. How come does it have a license plate holder from BMW of San Diego, and where are his license plates?

2. The standard interior trim (without the Sport Pkg or Premium) is a really cheap looking plastic. You may want to check it out to make sure you can live with it.

$16k sounds reasonable if everything checks out and if you can live with it.

[Saigon]

Originally Posted by enigma01

I owned two Z4s (e85/e86), so I am very familiar with this model.

This car is pretty much a stripper, and I like the way he justifies not buying the options that matter:

1. 2.5 vs. 3.0 engine: the 2.5 is a good engine, but not getting the 3.0 because of the chrome grille and light-housing is a complete BS. If you GF doesn't care much for the additional power, the 2.5 is OK. This engine paired with Steptronic (automatic), you won't be going anywhere very fast. And, yes, the e46 (323i) shared the same engine.

2. No Sport Pkg: what he describes here is also a load of cr@p! It adds a better suspension, better seats and nicer looking/larger wheels (from 17" to 18").

I wouldn't be too concerned about the fender bender as long as it was limited to a new bumper. You should get it checked out by an authorized technician to be sure though.

A few other observations:

1. He claims he purchased it from BMW of Valencia. How come does it have a license plate holder from BMW of San Diego, and where are his license plates?

2. The standard interior trim (without the Sport Pkg or Premium) is a really cheap looking plastic. You may want to check it out to make sure you can live with it.

$16k sounds reasonable if everything checks out and if you can live with it.

wow sounds good. he sent her the carfax everything looks good. it is from valencia. i was thinking 16k too. we'll be looking at a few other cars too.

[Saigon]

Originally Posted by XiaoDeeDeee

miss you too johnson

[Saigon]

Originally Posted by XiaoDeeDeee

I saw your GF's pic on FB. Nice pull!
I'll have free time in July, you down to hang then? sorry for OT

of course!

[blue2fire]

Just based on the way he writes of the car, i wouldn't want to deal with that guy. Those types tend to be very hard to deal with and not very forthcoming.

Plus, its not really cheap. Especially considering the accident.

[carrot]

It's nicely loaded. But I'm weary on how this guy is so detailed on his explanation. If you're nearby, you should check it out. I would say even 15k since it has the accident.

There are a bunch of 2.5 on autotrader and yahoo autos in LA/SF/SD area. So plenty to cross shop.

[Saigon]

Originally Posted by carrot

It's nicely loaded. But I'm weary on how this guy is so detailed on his explanation. If you're nearby, you should check it out. I would say even 15k since it has the accident.

There are a bunch of 2.5 on autotrader and yahoo autos in LA/SF/SD area. So plenty to cross shop.

thanks man. i met up with him today. car ran smooth, been through 3 oil changes. we offered him 15k he said he got an offer for 15800 but the car is very immaculate. what do you guys think?

[enigma01]

Originally Posted by carrot

It's nicely loaded. But I'm weary on how this guy is so detailed on his explanation. If you're nearby, you should check it out. I would say even 15k since it has the accident.

There are a bunch of 2.5 on autotrader and yahoo autos in LA/SF/SD area. So plenty to cross shop.

How is that nicely loaded?!

No Prem or Sport Pkg! It's a real stripper.

[enigma01]

Originally Posted by Saigon

thanks man. i met up with him today. car ran smooth, been through 3 oil changes. we offered him 15k he said he got an offer for 15800 but the car is very immaculate. what do you guys think?

Only 3 oil changes? Apparently, he hasn't done recommended maintenance (which is bare bone really). BMW recommends oil to be changed EVERY YEAR on low mileage cars. It's a 5-6 year old car, and it should have had at least 5 changes, by now?

I say he's bluffing. Stick to your gun and offer him 15k. Even if he's not bluffing, there are plenty of Z4s around unless you are in love with the color/option combos.

[Outlaw 06]

He'll get no more than $14,000 on a trade-in for it, so I think your $15,000 offer is fair for a car with a minor fender bender (if it has good tires). The auto transmission in that car is a complete detriment though. Good luck.

[Saigon]

we picked it up, 15,800 was the dealbreaker. The color combo is absolutely amazing and she is in love with it! thanks for all the help!

[Tim2189]

waiting for pics....

well of the car as well if you get a chance lol jk