coastcruzr

I was curious about the X-3 xDrive 35i. And I may go back with my checkbook this weekend.

Here's the question:

The salesman offered me $16.5K based on Manheim Auction prices for my '97 Glacier White NB 993 coupe daily driver with 133000 miles (valve job and new clutch at 120000 by Hergesheimer).

Should I take the $16.5? How much more $$, if any, can I realistically expect from a private party? I just washed the car last month, and really don't feel like vacuuming dog hairs again just to sell it.

It's in good shape but with a gnarly front end from freeway and driveway wars. (Driver error? Never!)

Your comments, as always, sort of appreciated.

Paul

matt777

You know they figure they can sell it for more and I'm sure you can. I had an '07 X3. I liked the vehicle but hated the auto transmission/computer/software. Drive one in the city in stop and go traffic before you buy. Hopefully the problems have been resolved.

porschemikeandnancy

If you "trade" to a dealer, in most states you "shield" the trade in value from sales tax. So if Ca. tax is 8%, you "save" approx. $1,400 in sales tax. OTOH, if you can "wait" to get the "right" buyer, you should get low twenties for your car in a private sale. Getting, say $22k, gives you far more than the $1,400 in tax savings.

By the way, you washed the car "last month"??? I wash my car at least 1/week and wax it at least 1/month. What's the big deal. Vacuum it out - hell, get it professionally detailed (probably about $300) and it should shine.

Falcondrivr

I know someone who would probably send you $18 K tomorrow.

Quadcammer

with a new top end, I'd be looking for over 20k.

vjd3

You don't know if it's a "real" $16.5k unless you know how much they are discounting the X-3 (their dealer cost plus incentives plus whatever profit they are trying to make on it) ... unless it's a BMW lease deal where the selling price of the car is set. If you negotiate the cash price of the new car first, then spring the trade on them at the last second, you know what they are really offering you. With that kind of mileage, and if it's a new BMW dealer, chances are it's a little less than what their high-line wholesaler will give them. Not the kind of car they are going to put on their lot.

If it's a real $16.5k, and you can save the taxes on the new car, it wouldn't be completely unreasonable to let the car go if you're not willing to put the time and money in it to make it more presentable and deal with the potential hassle of selling. Also, in some states (Massachusetts among them), you can be liable for repairs found after the sale that are deemed safety issues. Not sure what the laws in California are. I think it's 60 days in Massachusetts.

dylanc

You could definitely get low 20's for that car in a private sale.

deadhead1960

Are you sure it is a true $16.5k? Are they reducing the list price of the X3 by $16.5k or have they first discounted the X3 and then deducted this amount. I generally don't buy new cars but if I did I would first negotiate as a cash buyer, get the best price and then introduce a potential trade, so you can separate the true sales price from the trade in amount.

If it's a true $16.5k number and your 993 needs the typical $1,000-2,000 worth of work that would be uncovered in a PPI, I'd consider the trade, given the tax break which is worth about $1,400; hence a net gain to you of approx. $18,000.

PNogC2S

Why would you ever consider trading in a car????

Sell it yourself, if you don't want to deal with the hassle, consign it (not sure what they charge, but it can't be as bad of a hosing as you get on a trade in).

Trading in a car that is in decent sellable condition is for those who are wealthy or foolish or both!

Ed Hughes

All we can see is a picture of a banged up front end. Yes, you identified that as a problem. There is no way that, and one short post gives anyone here the ability to evaluate that offer.

TheBen

CA is not one of those states where you pay only the difference in sales tax.

coastcruzr

Thanks for your comments.

I just didn't have any feel for the value of my car with the higher mileage. I always thought I would keep it forever. But a chronic bad back, and old age (I'm 65), makes it increasingly difficult to get in and out of my 993.

Based on all your comments, I see now that my car is probably worth 15-20% more than the trade-in offer.

I like the X-3 because: its curb weight is about 4300 lbs, 300 hp, auto 8 spd. No discounts, though. (See
http://www.businessweek.com/lifestyl...412_494187.htm)

Thanks again.
Paul

mongrelcat

Did they think they were doing you a favor by taking it off your hands or something?

So much for being a customer.... Personally, I'd never set foot in that dealership again.

Regardless, I'd do private party sale for sure. Post up additional details on your car and I bet you find a buyer here in short order for $20K plus. Hergesheimer is a well-respected shop on this board, to me the top-end alone is worth $3-4K on top of the normal rate for the car, which is probably around $20K, assuming it's been maintained and in at least good condition all around.

race911

Paul, before you do something rash give me a shot at it. I think pretty much EVERYONE here knows I want an extra one in the ~$20K range as a driver. White would be a bonus.

Quadcammer

dude, its a business not unicef. Of course they are going to give him a low ball trade offer...thats how they make their money.

If he's not happy with it, he can go elsewhere or sell it himself, but there is no sense beating up a dealer for attempting to make a profit.