Topic: BMW 323i 2000

[Ryu]

How much can I get for a 2000 BMW 323i 5speed black on black (loaded)? Winter tires with steel rims included. Excellent/clean condition with 79Km.

[Eax]

did u try to trade it and get an unreasonable offer?

[johngenx]

I see those cars kicking around in the high teens low twenties.

[Davidm]

Higher.  High teens to low 20s is a 96-98 328 out here.  I would go roughly 23-27k out here in Vancouver.

Issues:
- mileage is dead on average for the age
- although I love a manual, most buyers want an auto
- although I love black, most buyers want silver
- winters are a big plus elsewhere, but not in Vancouver
- tonnes of these available, and lots of 01 and 02 325s coming off lease are hitting the market

Really depends on the speed with which you wish to unload it.  

Blackbook on the car is "Average" @ a high of $20k, for a "Clean" car (mileage sort of rules that out) the high is $22.6k.

I stand by my range for retail asking price.

[johngenx]

I have seen a few on lots for $19-20K flat, and as high as $32K private ads.  The BMW dealer had a couple that were in the $26K range, not sure what they took.

If it were my car, I'd start at $27,995 and see what the response is.  Depends on the market.  There seemed to be a huge number of 2000 323i's on the market in the fall, must have been lots of 48 month leases on that model.  If there's lots for sale, it can be tough to get top of retail.

Also, not many people are dying to spend lots on a car in Dec/Jan.  Christmas shopping is eating away at the bank balance, and in January, the credit card bills come.  However, used BMW's are popular when they are still the current body style (the 2000 is close enough) and a strong buyer might be out there.

Why sell it?  Nice car, barely broken it.

[Froggy]

27,999? I've seen '01 330i on the autotrader advertised for 29,900 with 60-70,000 kms! And some of them still have warranty left.
Personally, I would not pay more than $20,000 for it, but if you find someone who'll pay more, good for you!

[johngenx]

Personally, I would not pay more than $20,000 for it, but if you find someone who'll pay more, good for you!

Me neither, but as a seller, I'd go for a high price and see if there is someone biting.  If you're in no hurry, give it a shot.  Not everyone is as "versed" about used prices, or does their homework.  I've sold a few of my own used cars for stupid prices because I asked it.

Of course, you run the risk of no calls 'cause everyone is like me saying "that's a stupid price."  Then you change the ad, and drop the price some.

The real killer is that the car is just bottoming out in it's depreciation curve.  If someone buys the car at the right price, they'll have years and years of great driving with much less depreciation.  So far, that car has run about $5000 a year in deprecaition charges alone.

[Davidm]

Totally agree Johngenx, BMW's seem to flatten out in the 5-yearold range, that car will stay above $20k for a couple of years.

I can also tell you and Froggy that getting that car under $20k will require a car in an accident, the "eastern canada" discount, or an idiot seller.  Used bimmers out west disappear quick unless there is a fair bit of accident damage or they are out of province.

[johngenx]

A four year old lease return BMW is the best way to pick one up.  Thanks to fairly high residuals, there is a good supply of returned cars, and they're widely available.  A $30K 330i with 75K km's is a hulluva car with some warranty left, and years and years of great driving left.

I still think the best buys are the last of the 328 E36's, as there are still 1999 Coupes available, and they are CHEAP.  The E36 was really well sorted out at the end of it's life, the 2.8L engine is sweet, and the coupe is still handsome.  For less than a new base Civic, the E36 is a sweet deal.

But, the E46's prices are dropping quick too.  The 99/00 sedans are in the market, and competition can be high, creating the occasional buyers market for these cars.  While some might prefer the E46 for it's current look, the build quality of the final run of E36's was very high and if you find a well cared for example, they are awesome cars.

I would look at the comparables in your home market and price it at the top of them.  Punch up the ad with "lots of extras" and "mint condition" (if true) and see of someone bites.  But, if every other ad is $22K, forget $28K.  Dealers are GREAT for bumping used prices, allowing you to price in their neighbourhood, at top of retail.

Now, if your car shows poorly, forget it.  Make sure the interior looks BRAND NEW.  Wax it, polish it.  Clean every nook and cranny on the wheels.  Fix any minor flaws.  Pop for a new windscreen.  Odds are that most are pitted, and your car will seem much nicer thanks to it's super-clear windscreen.  The car will feel new.

Have the service history laid out and organized.  If there is warranty remaining, get blanks of any warranty transfer forms to help the new owner.  Make sure the manual and all the related books are available with the car.  CLEAN the glovebox and storage compartments RIGHT OUT.  No crap at all.

If someone questions your high price, explain that your car is well cared for, immaculate, and then prove it.

[Ghost]

...yeah but what about bmw maintenance if something breaks and u're out of warranty?

[johngenx]

Um, if something breaks, and you're out of warranty, you fix it?

Compared to buying a new BMW, you're saving tens of thousands of dollars.  Unless your car lunches it's entire driveline every year, you're money ahead.  You don't save money buying a new car, even with warranty.

As to BMW service, dealers are terribly expensive.  You can cut your service costs by 75% easily by learning to do some basic jobs and finding a good indie mechanic.

Thing is, buying a $29,000 330i about to come off warranty is a good buy if you were considering buying a $55,000 330i.  If that $29,000 is your whole budget and the payments will eat up your cash flow, don't do it.  I see guys all the time buying a 95-97 S-Class Mercedes 'cause they can be had for $30K or less.  Problem is, those guys are buying at the top of their budget and don't have money left over for repairs.

Used cars are bargains compared to buying the new model.  A used $29,000 BMW is not a bargain compared to buying a new Mazda 6.

[Froggy]

I am actually looking into buying a '01 or '02 330i. I used to have a 94 320i and I kept bad memories of the maintenance costs, especially all the electric gremlins (mind you the car was 9 years old). I wonder if BMW made improvements in this aera?
A colleague of mine told me he liked the '99,'00 323/328 better than the current ones because the "ass" looks better. I guess there must be a market for a mid-20s 323i....

[Davidm]

I've actually been surprised at how "normal" the maintenance costs have been on my Bimmer.  I got it for around $17k (97 328i manual, sports pack, inclement weather pack, Montana leather) with 119k on the clock, one owner, no accidents, and full records.  I will happily spend $3+k to make it perfect as it is still dirt cheap.

So far here's the maintenance I've done in the last six months (and I'm picky):
- had the dealer do interior vanity bulbs, new shift knob, alignment, and dash light dimmer switch for free at purchase (including valet p/u and dropoff of my car while I was at work).
- oil change
- brake light switch and new rear bulbs ($100 including tax for everthing installed at the dealer)
- tires
- wiper blades
- upgrade main bulbs to Xtravisions

Only thing going on currently is the climate control issue (been to lazy to fix it myself).

Not too bad for a 190HP, 207 ft-lbs 4-door sedan that handles great, looks good, and is great fun to drive.

My next car will be a used 330i M-perf pack or M3 (Imola red, Black Alcantara interior, SMG tranny) - not that I'm thinking ahead or anything ...