[1997gtx]

Hi all - just picked up my first Bimmer and am trying to gauge if I paid the right amount - hindsight is always 20/20!

Link to the auction is here. Seems mint. Has the warranty still, too, which is nice.

Just wanted a nice, reliable car for my wife to drive during the winter, and this seemed like a good car at the right price.

I'm used to Audi's, so this will be my first Bimmer.

Anything to look for when I pick up the car? I will certainly be looking for any fuel pump issues and/or transmission problems with slow shifting. Anything else to look out for?

Looking forward to learning a lot and hopefully contributing to this forum.

Cheers~
--Adam

[46m3csl]

not to bad or good, but you can find better deals at private dealers, try giving him a lower offer.

[1997gtx]

I figured the wholesale price would be about $20-$21K or so ... he has to make a bit of money. I'll try to work it more towards $21k and see where that gets me.

I've looked locally here in CT and most seem to be in the $24-$30 range depending upon options.

I thought the premium/cold weather/auto-shades/interior combo would make this one towards he higher end?

thanks for the insight.

[1997gtx]

Bump - any other opinions on price or what to look out for?

Cheers~
--Adam

[achilleus]

does that 23k includes taxes?

[1997gtx]

No - would still have to pay 6% CT state tax when I register it.

[achilleus]

I think the price is fair. Since you bought it already, don't look back, don't ask. Just enjoy the car. =)

[1997gtx]

Hah, thanks

Just looking forward to see what I have to look out for to fix!

[jt335i]

One thing you should ALWAYS do before buying a car is doing your price research so you'll have an estimate of what it's worth.
Go to Kelly Blue Book (www.kbb.com) and plug-in the year, make, model, miles, and options on the car and it will give you an approximate value. Then, you'll know whether you paid too much or got a good deal.
Hopefully, you got a good deal.

[nogard13]

I think it's funny how they list the options and, even though it has ZPP (which includes Power Seats) and ZCW (which includes Heated Seats), they still list Power Seats and Heated Seats as options, with their respective individual prices, in an effort to make the car seem like it's worth more than it is.

[1997gtx]

Originally Posted by jt335i

One thing you should ALWAYS do before buying a car is doing your price research so you'll have an estimate of what it's worth.
Go to Kelly Blue Book (www.kbb.com) and plug-in the year, make, model, miles, and options on the car and it will give you an approximate value. Then, you'll know whether you paid too much or got a good deal.
Hopefully, you got a good deal.

Yes - I did check out what they 'should' be going for ahead of time. I also checked out some local dealers to see what they were there. It looked to me like locally in CT/NY, they were all in the $25-$30k range. So, I thought I did OK.

But coming from an Audi and Audi forums, I often know that the only way to get 'real' pricing is to come and ask those who know the cars better than I do. You guys when giving a 'value' will take into account how much it costs to keep up, etc... KBB doesn't necessarily do this.

In any event, according to KBB, it's a good deal - which I guess is all that matters when trying to re-sell it down the line.

thanks for the input.
--Adam

[1997gtx]

Originally Posted by nogard13

I think it's funny how they list the options and, even though it has ZPP (which includes Power Seats) and ZCW (which includes Heated Seats), they still list Power Seats and Heated Seats as options, with their respective individual prices, in an effort to make the car seem like it's worth more than it is.

Yeah - they also listed Halogen lights ... when it's thankfully Xenon.

And they also listed a KBB of $35k ... even though that was only about $5k offthe original sticker price.

[Chriztofor]

OP: According to the carfax there is a service contract with AAGI (8/21/08) See what is it and if that is transferable.

[WingZeroX5]

That's what I paid for mine, but non-XI

[1997gtx]

Originally Posted by Chriztofor

OP: According to the carfax there is a service contract with AAGI (8/21/08) See what is it and if that is transferable.

Yes - Very weird.

I do know it has the factory warranty until 12/7/11, so I'm not sure why the car would need an additional one through AAGI. I'll ask the seller.

Thanks for point that out.

[1997gtx]

Originally Posted by WingZeroX5

That's what I paid for mine, but non-XI

That's what I was seeing near me, too. I figured an Xi in the same price range was pretty good.

[WingZeroX5]

Originally Posted by 1997gtx

That's what I was seeing near me, too. I figured an Xi in the same price range was pretty good.

You could always head down to Hassel BMW in Long Island (if you're willing to travel that far)

They have incredible ratings and I had an awesome experience with Carlos Nieto. Also, the pricing is just great.

[1997gtx]

^ Thanks. I will check them out. I live just outside of NYC, so it's not too far.

[GUNN IT]

I think it's a pretty good deal considering all the options you got and you still have another year and half of original warranty left. I got the same exterior color but black interior, I like your's better. And you got low miles on it...
Good luck.

[1997gtx]

^ Thanks.