Found ZHP! let me know what you guys think!

[Aikidoadam]

Ive had a 325is before and many other cars. I love rare cars which is why Im eyeing this one. Clean carfax but no maint. history scares me.
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&car_id=306393287&dealer_id=50876959&car_year=2004&systime=&doors=&model=&search_lang=en&start_year=1981&body_style=SEDAN&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&highlightFirstMakeModel=&search_type=both&distance=100&min_price=&rdm=1315867444289&drive=&marketZipError=false&advanced=y&fuel=&keywords_display=&sownerid=71417&lastBeginningStartYear=1981&end_year=2012&showZipError=y&make2=&certified=&engine=&dma=MILWAUKEE&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&body_code=8&isFlashPlugin=true&transmission=Manual&default_sort=priceDESC&max_mileage=&color=&address=53012&sort_type=priceDESC&max_price=17500&make=BMW&seller_type=b&num_records=25&cardist=25&standard=false&captcha=success

[Hornung418]

As low as that is Maintenance should be a breeze with all the cash you save over List Price. Go for it on price alone.

[Marcus-SanDiego]

Welcome.

Looks pretty clean. The owner swapped out the shift knob. Looks like a newer BMW Performance knob.

[lilcdkey]

Looks real good.

[Aikidoadam]

Thanks for the input so far. It does look nice. He said tires are just ok, so probably need new ones. I hate buying cars like this with not knowing what was done
to it. After reading the '100k mile what to do threads' it looks like I need to drop about $800 alone on parts. I could probably do most myself however,as long as there isn't any BMW only tools. Is insurance any different with these?

[Oli77]

Would probably depend on your age.

I think the price on that one is pretty darn nice for being at a dealer.

[Hermes]

different in what way? as far as I know if your <25 you prob wanna stick with a 4dr, besides that it all depends on your driving history

[Aikidoadam]

Well im older than 25 and driving history is very good. Just wasn't sure if it was any different than a regular 330. My only concern is buying it and finding serious problems shortly after purchase. Im also in the process of getting a new bike, which is why i'm concerned about the money issue.

[Marcus-SanDiego]

As far as your insurer is concerned, there won't be any difference with this and a regular 3 series. However, that could also pose a problem, since you may be underinsured (as these cars fetch a premium as compared to regular 3 series vehicles). Therefore, you will want to make sure you have enough insurance. Call insurer for details on how to handle this.

[Aikidoadam]

thanks. Once the 100k maintenance is done will this be reliable? I do take very good care of my cars.

[SoarinZHP]

I bought my ZHP from a local dealer selling comparable inventory as the one you're looking at. Most of the cars being sold look to be higher end, european vehicles. Get a PPI done from a local indy shop. You'll get good information. It needs x,y and z to use as bargaining chips. It's completely screwed up and it's been wrecked so you can walk away. Best case scenario - it's in really good shape and you're getting a screaming deal. Either way, the PPI is money well spent! Good Luck!

[static667]

Welcome to the Mafia. It looks fairly clean. Like stated previously, a PPI would be a great idea.

[lilcdkey]

I'm paying quite a bit for my ZHP's insurance. Then again, I'm only 17 years old and it's a coupe.

[Hermes]

I'm paying quite a bit for my ZHP's insurance. Then again, I'm only 17 years old and it's a coupe.

that must not be cheap

[mimalmo]

Welcome

[Aikidoadam]

Thanks for the input and welcomes! I'll check it out and see if a dealer can look up any records of it.

[danewilson77]

Welcome

[imola red zhp]

Welcome to the Mafia (ZHP) Good luck Searching for the right ZHP.

[HokieZHP]

Is it just me or does it have a different exhaust on it as well?

BTW- Welcome to the Mafia!

[johnrando]

Looks nice, welcome to the site. GLWP.

[cakM3]

Welcome.

Looks pretty clean. The owner swapped out the shift knob. Looks like a newer BMW Performance knob.

Yup, that's what it is Marcus. My ZHP had the same knob but I ended up replacing it for the ZHP knob. I like it better...:biggrin

OP, car looks clean :thumbsup and welcome!

[Aesora]

Welcome, from one of the fellow younger members! I'm in much the same position you are, I've found one that I don't know much history on but for what it is and how it looks I think I'm going to pull the trigger and buy it.

Best of luck!

[cakM3]

Welcome, from one of the fellow younger members! I'm in much the same position you are, I've found one that I don't know much history on but for what it is and how it looks I think I'm going to pull the trigger and buy it.

Best of luck!

Nate,

If you don't know much history on this car I would strongly suggest you get a Pre-Purchase Inspection (PPI) done on this car first. Have the car taken to a certified BMW tech/mechanic so that a proper PPI can be performed. You will have to pay for the PPI but imo it's money well-spent. Also, get a carfax report on it, although the carfax is not all conclusive but it will give you a decent idea of the car's history (accident wise).

I would never recommend buying a used car without first getting an idea of it's maintenance history and condition. If you don't do this then you are taking serious chances IMHO.

[HokieZHP]

Me thinks it has a BMW performance muffler on it as well as an added bonus. Those aren't ZHP tips on it.

[Aesora]

I agree completely, which is why I've already had another member here go look at the car. It has a clean carfax, and it's been registered in the same city since it was new so I'm hoping the dealership I want to have the ppi done at can share their records with me. Thanks for lookin out for me! I should have been more specific when I said pull the trigger lol.

[cakM3]

I agree completely, which is why I've already had another member here go look at the car. It has a clean carfax, and it's been registered in the same city since it was new so I'm hoping the dealership I want to have the ppi done at can share their records with me. Thanks for lookin out for me! I should have been more specific when I said pull the trigger lol.

No problem :thumbsup If all works out after the PPI then it's all good. Also look into when the next major inspection will be whether it's an INSP I or INSP II. That will also take more $$$ from your wallet in maintenance. Just a heads up.

[Hermes]

Are we talking about 1 or 2 cars here. Started with aikidoadam then aesora talked about looking at a car. I'm confused...

[Aesora]

Are we talking about 1 or 2 cars here. Started with aikidoadam then aesora talked about looking at a car. I'm confused...

Just aikidoadam's now! I was just adding my two cents, not meaning to threadjack!! Some of the knowledge shared I would say can go for both of us but it's his thread and his hopefully new ride! Just relating to his situation :-)

[Aikidoadam]

Is it a good idea buying one of these with this many miles not knowing how it was taken care of? How reliable will it be as miles go up? I just dont want to keep dumping money in it only to sell it and lose my a$$.