Buying Wisdom

[dj330Ci]

Hi,

David in Chattanooga.

New here. Looking for an '05 MY or '06 mostly looking on Autotrader. I hang out mostly on Bimmerfest but ready to trade in my 2001 330Ci. I need some ideas buying from private sellers and financing. Big obstacle as you all are aware. My bank wants to see the car before financing it but most have been 200+ mi. Here's one I found but in NY. This brings up a good question and that is what do you all think about a car that was bought from auction, then sold by a broker? All advice welcome.

http://www.transtekautosales.com/newandusedcars/1665/1048675/a31a4371-cd5f-4aa4-9ff3-7caa965034fa/none/2005-BMW-3Series-Poughkeepsie-NY-12601.aspx

[az3579]

I bought my car from a private seller and had to secure financing for it. I got the loan through a credit union, however. If they want to see the car, ask if there's any way you could get the loan without that happening, and if there isn't, I'd recommend you get financing elsewhere. If you're looking for a ZHP, chances are you won't find one close by, as they are rather rare. There wasn't one within 200 miles of me, so I had to drive all the way to Mass to get it.

Cattanooga is where, exactly?



Check our classifieds section; we have folks constantly hunting for deals and posting them up for everyone to see. Perhaps you'll find something close to you.

[mimalmo]

Welcome David. I haven't looked at prices in a while but that seems a bit high considering the mileage. Perhaps that's why it went to the auction.

[mimalmo]

Chattanooga is where, exactly?


TN

[az3579]

Yes, that is a high price, even for Beast Coast pricing. For that kind of mileage, I wouldn't be paying more than $14-15k.

[danewilson77]

Also check out the zhp's for sale at the zhpregistry link at the top of the page.

Droid + Tapatalk = FTW!

[dj330Ci]

Chattanooga is within a couple hours of Atlanta, Nashville, Birmingham, AL and Knoxville. I've got searches saved for 10 locations total on Autotrader.

My credit union does require that the car be seen unfortunately.

Thank you all for the advice and insight and if you don't mind I'll probably post other cars for sale too and get your thoughts. Maybe I'll see you in Williamsburg. Wishful thinking!

Thank you for pointing out the registery. I drove the one in GA and my biggest concern about it was the clutch. Felt scrunchy, crunchy when depressing the clutch pedal. Went into gear fine but that pedal feels like the pressure plate is warped from being overheated. I'll keep my eye on the registry.

[Marcus-SanDiego]

Also be sure to keep your eye on our zhp classifieds here at zhpmafia.com.

Welcome to the site.

Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk

[static667]

Welcome to the family.

The lender I went through only required the VIN and a bill of sale to complete my loan. Like Dane said, check the zhp registry and a classified section of the forum.

[Kudos]

The one thing i will say, is if you buy from a dealer and not a private party, you might get lucky and the owner (or private if they are unaware) and get a damn good deal. Be on the lookout and don't settle for a car. Just like buying a tv, it's better to go up one size than to regret a purchase later on.

[kayger12]

I drove the one in GA and my biggest concern about it was the clutch. Felt scrunchy, crunchy when depressing the clutch pedal. Went into gear fine but that pedal feels like the pressure plate is warped from being overheated. I'll keep my eye on the registry.

I felt this in several cars that I test drove. From what I have read, it is the throw out bearing and is common in these cars because of the cheap plastic throw out bearing that BMW uses. I wouldn't let it scare you off as you will probably encounter it again and from what I have read it does not lead to anything worse with the clutch, just the annoyance of feeling that vibration like feedback in the pedal.

Someone with better clutch/trans knowledge might be able to add to this...

[dj330Ci]

Here's one that seems like a strong possibility:

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=p&car_id=298306163&dealer_id=66217827&car_year=2006&systime=&doors=&model=330CI&search_lang=en&start_year=2006&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&highlightFirstMakeModel=&search_type=both&distance=25&min_price=22000&rdm=1305577128717&drive=&marketZipError=false&advanced=&fuel=&keywords_display=&sownerid=596821&lastBeginningStartYear=1981&end_year=2006&showZipError=y&make2=&certified=&engine=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&body_code=0&transmission=&default_sort=priceDESC&max_mileage=&color=&address=22312&sort_type=priceDESC&max_price=23000&awsp=false&make=BMW&seller_type=b&num_records=25&cardist=6&standard=false

I wouldn't be surprised if it's been discussed here before. Any feedback is appreciated. Also a copy of the carfax. Check out how many owners and places it's been registered. http://www.carfax.com/cfm/FSBO.cfm?report=6287D0B74E05BCB9694F3E7957DD57EF#O wner1

I've initiated contact with the owner and will procede with caution.

[dj330Ci]

Okay, it's official. I now own a 2005 ZHP, Sparkling Graphite Metallic, Manual of course! I drove up to Poughkeepsie, NY to pick it up! Who does that? Thanks to all for advice. I look forward to keeping up with everything on the forum and I regret not being able to participate in the family reunion but sounds like you all had some good times. Very impressive event seeing the galleries.

David

[mimalmo]

Woohoo! Pics ASAP because that is a great color!

[Marcus-SanDiego]

David, congrats on the new acquisition.

[dj330Ci]

I noticed the color of your car in the foreground. Good stuff. Will post asap.

[dj330Ci]

David, congrats on the new acquisition.

Thanks Marcus.

[Marcus-SanDiego]

David, be sure to formally introduce yourself in the new members area if you haven't already done so.

We can officially welcome you here.

[danewilson77]

Pics or lifetime Ban!!!!!!

[johnrando]

Congrats and welcome. PICS!

[dj330Ci]

Pics or lifetime Ban!!!!!!


Congrats and welcome. PICS!

I promise pics are on the way. I'm thinking about places that have a good background for a snapshot or two.