Pip
11-29-2011, 09:12 AM
Hi guys,
I've been lurking/contributing to the classified section in my free time when I could. I currently drive a Honda Civic EX coupe MT. I started my quest for the E46 about a year ago when I first test drove a 2006 silver gray 330Ci. After some research I read something about a ZHP option that peaked my interest and it was over from there. At first I was searching for a 2005 silver gray sedan MT with anywhere from 40k-70k miles in good condition. I decided to part with the MT idea and get a steptronic so that my fiance could drive the car if needed. She can drive stick, but I'd fear for my ZHP's life if it came down to her driving it :). I finally found a no accident 2005 ZHP silver gray, blk leather interior, alcantara wheel etc, blk cube, steptronic, with 60k miles in Monrovia advertised for $17,991. I saw the listing from the BMW dealer drop to $16,991 and I became skeptical but interested since it was close to KBB and I thought I found a great deal. I was able to talk the dealer down to $16,250 and started the paperwork in order to hold the car on the lot.
I knew I'd be in LA for Thanksgiving so I made the trek to Monrovia to see the car. I had all the maintenance records from the lease, when it was CPO'd for the second buyer, and I had the details on what was done once the car arrived back at the dealer so I was comfortable with the car, but needed to see it in person. I arrived on black Friday of all days to look at the car and checked it out. The car looked very good for a 2005 -- paint was in good condition with a couple scratches, wheels had curb rash, hood was rock chip free, lens were slightly cloudy, interior was great condition except for the rear right arm handle leather was scuffed, the center console showed some wear, and the driver seat bolster had some wear. The wheel wrap was worn, but to be expected. There was no vanos rattle, oil leak had been fixed on the VCG recently, control arm bushing were changed, new brake pads in the rear, high speed test felt controlled and if I was the road. The a-pillar material is coming off and the right passenger window is slow to roll up so it probably needs the regulator fix. Overall I'm happy with the purchase and was excited to drive back to Sacramento in my NEW to me ZHP! The only downside is I'll be doing the cooling system overhaul as a preventative measure and will need to search the forums for all tips.
Now for some terrible cell phone pics until I get out my DSLR for a photo shoot this weekend -- weather permitting.
Can't quite figure out how to post pictures just yet.
http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6097/6425787963_c11ffdaedf.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/71101842@N08/6425787963/)
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7145/6425787885_cfd521e25e.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/71101842@N08/6425787885/)
I've been lurking/contributing to the classified section in my free time when I could. I currently drive a Honda Civic EX coupe MT. I started my quest for the E46 about a year ago when I first test drove a 2006 silver gray 330Ci. After some research I read something about a ZHP option that peaked my interest and it was over from there. At first I was searching for a 2005 silver gray sedan MT with anywhere from 40k-70k miles in good condition. I decided to part with the MT idea and get a steptronic so that my fiance could drive the car if needed. She can drive stick, but I'd fear for my ZHP's life if it came down to her driving it :). I finally found a no accident 2005 ZHP silver gray, blk leather interior, alcantara wheel etc, blk cube, steptronic, with 60k miles in Monrovia advertised for $17,991. I saw the listing from the BMW dealer drop to $16,991 and I became skeptical but interested since it was close to KBB and I thought I found a great deal. I was able to talk the dealer down to $16,250 and started the paperwork in order to hold the car on the lot.
I knew I'd be in LA for Thanksgiving so I made the trek to Monrovia to see the car. I had all the maintenance records from the lease, when it was CPO'd for the second buyer, and I had the details on what was done once the car arrived back at the dealer so I was comfortable with the car, but needed to see it in person. I arrived on black Friday of all days to look at the car and checked it out. The car looked very good for a 2005 -- paint was in good condition with a couple scratches, wheels had curb rash, hood was rock chip free, lens were slightly cloudy, interior was great condition except for the rear right arm handle leather was scuffed, the center console showed some wear, and the driver seat bolster had some wear. The wheel wrap was worn, but to be expected. There was no vanos rattle, oil leak had been fixed on the VCG recently, control arm bushing were changed, new brake pads in the rear, high speed test felt controlled and if I was the road. The a-pillar material is coming off and the right passenger window is slow to roll up so it probably needs the regulator fix. Overall I'm happy with the purchase and was excited to drive back to Sacramento in my NEW to me ZHP! The only downside is I'll be doing the cooling system overhaul as a preventative measure and will need to search the forums for all tips.
Now for some terrible cell phone pics until I get out my DSLR for a photo shoot this weekend -- weather permitting.
Can't quite figure out how to post pictures just yet.
http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6097/6425787963_c11ffdaedf.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/71101842@N08/6425787963/)
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7145/6425787885_cfd521e25e.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/71101842@N08/6425787885/)