You’re All Paying Way Too Much for BMW ZHP’s!

[cornercarver]

Interesting opinion...

https://www.thedrive.com/news/39063/youre-all-paying-way-too-much-for-bmw-zhps

[Cabrio330]

Reads like the opinion of a hedge fund manager going short on ZHP stock. Let's start a reddit campaign and show him!

Seriously though, it his opinion and lacks any real substance. Sure, I scratch my head about some of the higher sales prices. But it always strikes me as foolish to try to rationalize used car prices with objective yardsticks. I mean, in every objective way my 2004 and 2006 ZHP convertibles are vastly better cars than a 1964.5 Mustang convertible but I would definitely pay more for a "good" example of that car than for a "good" ZHP example. Which makes no sense really because I would never tolerate a Mustang as my daily so...to each their own!

Still an interesting read, thanks for sharing!

[Reasoned1]

Ultimately, all valuation is subjective so, when push comes to shove, there’s no accounting for taste or, therefore, price. I will say this... I’ve been searching for years for any car that beats or even rivals the performance, reliability, practicality, and looks of the E46 330 (i or xi), and I cannot find one. There’s always some serious flaw that spoils it for me, and that goes for newer model BMW’s as well. So, I think I can say, somewhat objectively, that I am not surprised people are willing to pay a premium for these cars. I know I am. Usually, the lamenting about price seems to come from individuals who recognize how great these cars are but are unhappy about having to pony up the extra cash for something special. I’ve also lost count of the many who regret selling their ZHP’s.

[BMWCurves]

Yeah, I posted this article over in general chat, but I agree with both of you. I think it is unfortunate the price of admission for these cars is going up, but at the same time, it shouldn't be surprising. If you yearn for the BMW ethos of old that doesn't really exist anymore, then your only option is to go with older era cars. The ZHP fits that bill pretty well, especially since it's the most performance oriented E46 below the more expensive M3.

[fredo]

Another factor : the supply is getting low. If you check the ads in our classifieds section, there are not too many besides the auction ones.

[John in VA]

I think it is unfortunate the price of admission for these cars is going up, but at the same time, it shouldn't be surprising. If you yearn for the BMW ethos of old that doesn't really exist anymore, then your only option is to go with older era cars.
Same thing is happening with 2002s & E30s.

[Reasoned1]

True enough about a diminishing supply driving the price up. On the subject of an alternative to the ZHP, I’ve recently picked up an interest in 2004-2006 Infiniti G35’s. The RWD ones are pretty rare—especially the ones with standard transmission. I’m also interested in the AWD ones which, like 330xi’s are rear-biased. I’d try that route, but I still hope to find a low-mileage 330i or 330xi.

[BMWCurves]

Another factor : the supply is getting low. If you check the ads in our classifieds section, there are not too many besides the auction ones.

Oh yeah, browsing through Craigslist across the country, supplies are drying up. Not nearly as many available.


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[Reasoned1]

If I were to allow myself to go with a 2-seater, I’d consider a 1999-2001 Corvette or an ND Miata. Got any other suggestions?

[Reasoned1]

A couple years ago, I passed on a 2004 330xi with sport package and less than 30,000 miles for $13k, because the timing wasn’t right. Still kicking myself...

[Reasoned1]

I aim to get a nice, satisfying specimen with low miles for less than $20k.

[Reasoned1]

I see more on the West Coast, but that’s too far for me.

[d-rod]

I see more on the West Coast, but that’s too far for me.

Ship it or fly out and road trip back!

[Reasoned1]

Even if I saw what looked like a perfect car, there’s no way I’d travel out just to inspect, so there’d be no way to confirm it as such.

[NachoB]

Interesting opinion...

https://www.thedrive.com/news/39063/youre-all-paying-way-too-much-for-bmw-zhps
Yeah, yeah... I agree, these cars are not worth that much and neither is 60s porsche.. Whatever, everything is overpriced..fact. I just paid $11K sight unseen for a 104K manual ZHP in july and I'm already $1100 tax and registration and $6500 in suspension refresh, alignments, complete brake system redo, oil pan gasket, Alcantara interior swap, new tires, fresh bolts and not even done. So whatever!

[Reasoned1]

Do I detect a bit of buyer’s remorse? ; )

It’s funny how everybody thinks the prices of the things we’re buying are too high, but the price for what we’re selling (typically, our labor) is too low. With the government giving away trillions, just wait...

[Cabrio330]

Even if I saw what looked like a perfect car, there’s no way I’d travel out just to inspect, so there’d be no way to confirm it as such.

How about talking on the phone to the seller, getting a measure of his honesty, and having him take it to a mechanic you chose for a PPI before committing to buy it, contingent upon you flying out and seeing it? I've purchase 5-6 cars in this exact way and then drove them back, all without incidents beyond what one should expect from older and/or high mileage cars. And I've enjoyed each experience immensely.

[iya_e46]

Oh yeah, browsing through Craigslist across the country, supplies are drying up. Not nearly as many available.


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Agree, been monitoring CL LA and Surrounding areas for years and zhp's are not as abundant as before. And the ones in CL now are all beat up and abused.

[cakM3]

Agree, been monitoring CL LA and Surrounding areas for years and zhp's are not as abundant as before. And the ones in CL now are all beat up and abused.

It's a shame to see people neglect and abuse these cars even if they are on the most part high mileage cars these days. These cars deserve better in my opinion...

[Reasoned1]

Maybe, the right car would induce me to do such a thing, but you’re a braver man than I.