In this time of economic downturn, there are some quite unrealistic expectations of car sellers out there. Usually you find dealers marked a smidge above private party sellers, only in my case I'm finding the opposite. I wonder if this is a function of the dealer simply needing to move cars off the lot and private party sellers only fishing the market for a bite.
Example.
BMW M3 4 door manual. 98 car, low miles for the year, great condition. Sure, it demands a premium, but not 3K over excellent retail book value. Not a 13K car in these times.
This would be my first choice.
540i's. I've had some crazy finds with this so far, but the auction is where it's at. private party sellers are looking for 15-16K for a good example, whereas they are rolling through the local auctions here for 8500-9000. Cold cars, not selling on lots right now, is probably to blame for the price. When I see one with a manual in it, I'm whipping out the Amex card immediately.
Havn't driven a newer 5 series, but I like the 87 I'm driving now. I can imagine it will be a tighter, better handling and have much more power than what I've got now.
330i 4 door manual. So far fairly reasonable prices, but still looking for a good deal. Not sure it's worth the premium in price over the G35 actually. 225hp vs 298, similar torque, gas mileage, and higher repair costs. Worth the Badge?
Finally, G35 sedan 6 speed. There are so many G35's out there, it's easy to wait for the car optioned the way I want. 6 speed, 05, mid miles (60K is fine), and the aero package. Navi would be fine but is easy to overcome later. This is probably the most practical choice for me. More power than the e36M3 car, newer, solid history and cheap to fix. 300hp/300 torks, 6 speed and good handling. Why am I even considering the 540 anymore?
Random thoughts.
Those G35s are pure sex.
I'm sure you can get one on the cheap these days. [beer]