Found Vert Low Miles - How much should I offer?

[3rdtimearound]

I work with a guy who's mother apparently has a 1990 325i Convertible Automatic with 26k original miles. It has been in here garage since new and she only drives it once in awhile(obviously). I am trying to see if I can release this from her grasp and need to know what might be a good offer assuming all is as pristine as I can imagine. So what would you pay for a super low mileage always garaged convertible? Any thoughts? I am trying to figure out what a "i don't want to sell it" offer should be. It sounds too good to be true but is true.

[wcipolli]

Well it's hard if someone doesn't know the value of the car. Really clean manual ones go for 10k+, but if you have someone that doesn't know anything of the cult following of the car KBB makes an offer at 6k look amazing.

The automatic thing greatly detracts from the car's sale value. As someone that's been looking for a clean manual vert I can't tell you how disappointed I am when I find a beautiful vert only to get to the bottom of the ad and see "Automatic transmission shifts great."

The automatic verts are listed at an average of 2-4k less than the standards even though the automatic cars are often garage queens for E30 lover's wives and some old folks who prefer the auto transmission.

I like to consider the bidding style auction (ebay) to value a cars worth. Book price means less to me than what actual people are willing to spend. I saw a not perfect but pretty beautiful standard vert with one or two minor issues go for $6500, then I saw a just as nice or better with 100k less miles automatic go for less than $3500. One should also note that in the summer months these cars become more desirable so there are less on the market and they are more expensive.

I guess what I'm trying to say is, it's always better to start low - but not offensively low. Maybe find a comparable vehicle for sale and start there; odds are you might have to teach her a bit about the car. I think I saw this somewhere going for $3k. I WAS SO MAD WHEN I SAW AUTOMATIC.

Quick search: http://www.empireautos11.com/vehicle...b8f136277ece3/

Good luck with the purchase!

[3rdtimearound]

Thanks. Good input.


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[hillbarry]

You have to figure 2500.00 for someone to change it to a 5sp. That's pulled and new parts done the right way. That is with a pro doing the job.

[3rdtimearound]

Correction. It is an 89 not a 90. Not sure if that changes anything.


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[3rdtimearound]

Lots of good info thanks


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[anabolice30]

Dont be a douche man. $6k is reallllly fair on your end. Don't take advantage of her if she doesn't know about e30s. A 26k mile e30 is something you probably will never find again, even if its auto.

[cory58]

If it's red/tan, please send me the lady's number, so I can offer her $8k.

[3rdtimearound]

I threw $5k out to the guy at work. This is going to be a long conversation by the time it reaches his mother, sinks in with her etc. I predict weeks to months but I will keep poking. And I still have to inspect it so that figure could change easily. I told him about the timing belt and he had no idea it was an issue. Oh boy I hope they don't blow it up.


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