In case anybody knows anybody...

[Josh (PA)]

Both are up for sale. Currently, the M5 is only listed on M5board and the M3 on the fest. I've gotten 3 inquiries on the m5 and one potential buyer drove it tonight. The M3 hasn't had any attention yet. I'll start expanding coverage after this weekend.

thanks for looking and passing on to perspective buyers.

[Josh (PA)]

Bird in the hand/two in the bush dilemma:

The M3 hasn't seen much sale interest since I listed it at the end of August. In the meantime, I've been driving it more (the weather's been awesome here lately) and re-bonded with the car. It is really a lot of fun with the top down.

This week, three separate real (ie: I know they are actively shopping and have cash) potential buyers contacted me and I showed the car to the first one an hour ago. He offered $8500 after a quick drive with an offer to give me a deposit check on the spot.

$8500 is the number that puts me right on the fence about just keeping it. I wouldn't take $8000 and $9000 would make me OK coming to terms with selling. I told him I had appointment commitments with the other 2 buyers for Friday and Saturday and I would consider the offer.

Side data points:
1. My wife says take it
2. Friday's appointment is with a co-worker of his that is much more of a BMW enthusiast (good = he gets e36 m3s, bad in that he'll be much more exacting in his evaluation)
3. the +/- $500 is totally a mental thing, not a financial deal breaker.
4. I don't like the idea of not having a convertible around, but I'm sure that feeling will be less strong in the cold rains of November.
5. I'd have to spend $12k to replace it with another e36 M3 that had all of this issues mine has fixed (top, 5th gear detent, tires in the spring).


What would you guys do?

[TD]

Sell it now and buy my E46 M3 when I list it in the spring.

[JST]

Originally Posted by Josh (PA)

Bird in the hand/two in the bush dilemma:

The M3 hasn't seen much sale interest since I listed it at the end of August. In the meantime, I've been driving it more (the weather's been awesome here lately) and re-bonded with the car. It is really a lot of fun with the top down.

This week, three separate real (ie: I know they are actively shopping and have cash) potential buyers contacted me and I showed the car to the first one an hour ago. He offered $8500 after a quick drive with an offer to give me a deposit check on the spot.

$8500 is the number that puts me right on the fence about just keeping it. I wouldn't take $8000 and $9000 would make me OK coming to terms with selling. I told him I had appointment commitments with the other 2 buyers for Friday and Saturday and I would consider the offer.

Side data points:
1. My wife says take it
2. Friday's appointment is with a co-worker of his that is much more of a BMW enthusiast (good = he gets e36 m3s, bad in that he'll be much more exacting in his evaluation)
3. the +/- $500 is totally a mental thing, not a financial deal breaker.
4. I don't like the idea of not having a convertible around, but I'm sure that feeling will be less strong in the cold rains of November.
5. I'd have to spend $12k to replace it with another e36 M3 that had all of this issues mine has fixed (top, 5th gear detent, tires in the spring).


What would you guys do?

I can't answer that, really. It all depends on how much of a PITA it is to store the car and insure it. For me, for $8500? It's a hell of a lot of car. You won't be able to replace it with anything close to as nice for even double that price. I'd keep it.

[Josh (PA)]

Originally Posted by JST

I can't answer that, really. It all depends on how much of a PITA it is to store the car and insure it. For me, for $8500? It's a hell of a lot of car. You won't be able to replace it with anything close to as nice for even double that price. I'd keep it.

The plan isn't to replace it with anything. My problem is I"m looking at it from an emotional point of view, instead of a logical one. We (my wife) has decided its time to sell it, so it comes down to do I hold out taking the offer in hand over $500, seems silly logically, but emotionally, its a reason to keep it for a little while longer.

and to TD's point, if the convertible wound stays raw next spring, we'll get an e46 M3, or since the kids bitch about riding in the back seat anyway, a boxster.

[Jeff_DML]

if it was coupe I would be tempted to buy it for that price

[bren]

It sounds like you still enjoy it, it's not a financial burden, and you have no storage issues. So yeah, I wouldn't sell a perfectly good car for no reason at all.

[equ]

Originally Posted by JST

I can't answer that, really. It all depends on how much of a PITA it is to store the car and insure it. For me, for $8500? It's a hell of a lot of car. You won't be able to replace it with anything close to as nice for even double that price. I'd keep it.

I don't know enough about what you drive vs. not, but it sounds like a great car for that price. Make sure you are comfortable with that... And you know, you don't have to let yourself be bullied by lowballers. On the other hand, 'vert time is nearly over for the year, and you seem to indicate that you're due for a new top...

[Josh (PA)]

I was able to work out a more palatable deal with the buyer, so at least I can get over my 'minimum' number and feel OK with it. My wife accused me of brain-fu*king these kind of things to death. She's right its time to sell it.

We'll see how long we go without a 'vert.

[Josh (PA)]

One thing that is nice is we sold both the M5 and the M3 before we had any major maintenance issues. They are both in good shape, but approaching the age that issues start arrising. It is nice to avoid worrying everytine you turn the key if it is going to cost money.