Need serious input on a new car... - TriStateTuners.com :: Home of Tristate Auto Enthusiast

NJGOAT · 07-22-2008, 02:47 PM

I recently off-loaded my wifes Avalanche and she will be taking the A6 as her car. That means it is time for me to get a "toy" again. However, the toy needs to be able to hold a booster seat and an infant seat if the need arises. I pretty much narrowed my search down to a 2004/5 Audi S4. I have great contacts at Audi dealers for service and would be buying the car through a wholesaler friend for waaayyy less than MSRP. So, the wholesaler is currently searching to find the options and colors I want.

However, now a monkey wrench has been thrown into the works. I got a call that the wholesaler has a 2002 BMW M3 that he can sell me CHEAP.

2002 E46 BMW M3
80k Miles
Dark Metallic Grey Exterior
Imola Red Interior
SMG II Transmission
Harman/Kardon Stereo
Power/Memory Seat Package
Parktronic Parking Assist

Upgrades:

Full Tint
Carbon Fiber Hood (original hood in decent shape and comes w/ car)
Carbon Fiber Front Splitter
Carbon Fiber Rear Diffuser
Dinan Front Strut Bar
Dinan Engine and Transmission Chip
Dinan Catback Exhaust

It was a one owner car with complete service records. The car was never in an accident and has had all TSB's and recalls completed on time including the rod bearing recall on the early build E46 M3's as well as all service to the SMG Transmission.

BUT...the previous owner did not take care of the cosmetics on the car AT ALL. The exterior has various nicks, scrapes and two dents that will require body work. The front bumper has a broken clip and the CF splitter is cracked from being hit on a low curb or driveway. The rims are actually in decent shape, but have a couple nicks here and there. The interior has various broken bits and heavy wear on the center console, steering wheel, dash and door panels. Essentially the car needs a new interior before it would look like a M3 again (it's currently more like a DSM, lol).

Now, I have many BMW and body shop contacts do to my line of work that would make the repair process less daunting. However, I cannot seem to bring myself to pull the trigger. So, would you buy a cosmetically ROUGH, but mechanically good M3 with 80k on the clock? Price wise this is the absolute cheapest M3 in N. America short of a salvage title. This car would be worth $25k+ if everything was perfect. I am able to pick it up for, well let's just say mid-teens.

So, do I take on a serious project car (I've always wanted a M3) or do I play it safe and get a newer mint S4?

NickS · 07-22-2008, 02:57 PM

How cheap is cheap..

BlkWhtTSI · 07-22-2008, 02:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NJGOAT

the car needs a new interior before it would look like a M3 again (it's currently more like a DSM, lol).

HEY! My interior is in great shape! haha

I would go for the M3 only because its a good deal, and you've always wanted one.

Make dreams come true for yourself you'll feel a lot happier i think.

NJGOAT · 07-22-2008, 03:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NickS

How cheap is cheap..

I did say mid-teens in my post, so let's just say $15k give or take, which is $10k+ under the value of the car in perfect condition.

**TROLL** · 07-22-2008, 03:23 PM

Sounds like you'd make out well either way so I'd just look at which will be more functional / enjoyable for you... after all you'll be spending a lot of time in it.

coleycole · 07-22-2008, 03:27 PM

Mileage would be the only thing that worries me there, but if you have experience working on these cars yourself or have some good contacts that can hook you up when it comes to service on the vehicle then I would say go for it.

DPancoast · 07-22-2008, 04:48 PM

Sounds like a good deal to me. If you're getting the car for $10k under what's its worth and you have some money to throw in, you could easily fix it and sell it if you wanted to. Or just fix it and still come in cheaper than the car is worth.

I'd do it. I love M3s

kevin@dambrosio · 07-23-2008, 08:45 AM

to me it sound like you already know what you want to do. dont bother asking us what you want to do. Its a deal and a half. buy it and turn a profit fast

SovXietday · 07-23-2008, 12:56 PM

Sounds to me like that M3 is just going to turn into a project.

sean3 · 07-23-2008, 04:17 PM

I LOVE the E46 M3s. Best color combo there as well. 80k with the SMG though... I'd be a bit weary.

sherwood · 07-23-2008, 04:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sean3

80k with the SMG though... I'd be a bit weary.

cerial.

07-22-2008, 02:47 PM	#1
NJGOAT Tri-State Addict Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Moorestown, NJ Member #1583 iTrader: (0)	Need serious input on a new car... I recently off-loaded my wifes Avalanche and she will be taking the A6 as her car. That means it is time for me to get a "toy" again. However, the toy needs to be able to hold a booster seat and an infant seat if the need arises. I pretty much narrowed my search down to a 2004/5 Audi S4. I have great contacts at Audi dealers for service and would be buying the car through a wholesaler friend for waaayyy less than MSRP. So, the wholesaler is currently searching to find the options and colors I want. However, now a monkey wrench has been thrown into the works. I got a call that the wholesaler has a 2002 BMW M3 that he can sell me CHEAP. 2002 E46 BMW M3 80k Miles Dark Metallic Grey Exterior Imola Red Interior SMG II Transmission Harman/Kardon Stereo Power/Memory Seat Package Parktronic Parking Assist Upgrades: Full Tint Carbon Fiber Hood (original hood in decent shape and comes w/ car) Carbon Fiber Front Splitter Carbon Fiber Rear Diffuser Dinan Front Strut Bar Dinan Engine and Transmission Chip Dinan Catback Exhaust It was a one owner car with complete service records. The car was never in an accident and has had all TSB's and recalls completed on time including the rod bearing recall on the early build E46 M3's as well as all service to the SMG Transmission. BUT...the previous owner did not take care of the cosmetics on the car AT ALL. The exterior has various nicks, scrapes and two dents that will require body work. The front bumper has a broken clip and the CF splitter is cracked from being hit on a low curb or driveway. The rims are actually in decent shape, but have a couple nicks here and there. The interior has various broken bits and heavy wear on the center console, steering wheel, dash and door panels. Essentially the car needs a new interior before it would look like a M3 again (it's currently more like a DSM, lol). Now, I have many BMW and body shop contacts do to my line of work that would make the repair process less daunting. However, I cannot seem to bring myself to pull the trigger. So, would you buy a cosmetically ROUGH, but mechanically good M3 with 80k on the clock? Price wise this is the absolute cheapest M3 in N. America short of a salvage title. This car would be worth $25k+ if everything was perfect. I am able to pick it up for, well let's just say mid-teens. So, do I take on a serious project car (I've always wanted a M3) or do I play it safe and get a newer mint S4? __________________ *Current Ride:* 2004 Audi A6 2.7T S-Line *Former Rides:* 2005 VW Jetta GLI, 2003 Chevy Avalanche, 2000 Audi A4, 2004 Pontiac GTO, 2003 VW Jetta GLI, 1998 Mustang GT, 1994 Jeep Wrangler To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 signatures. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 signatures.

07-22-2008, 02:57 PM	#2
NickS Tri-State Aficionado Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Endwell, NY Member #6196 My Ride: 2005 Mustang GT iTrader: (0)	How cheap is cheap.. __________________ S197 GT

07-22-2008, 03:27 PM	#6
coleycole Tri-State Addict Join Date: May 2008 Member #7902 My Ride: 2004 Nissan 350Z Roadster 6m/t iTrader: (0)	Mileage would be the only thing that worries me there, but if you have experience working on these cars yourself or have some good contacts that can hook you up when it comes to service on the vehicle then I would say go for it. __________________ "As you sow, so shall you reap."

07-23-2008, 04:17 PM	#10
sean3 Tri-State Post Whore Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Cherry Hill, NJ Member #5757 My Ride: 04 Mach 1 iTrader: (0)	I LOVE the E46 M3s. Best color combo there as well. 80k with the SMG though... I'd be a bit weary. Last edited by sean3; 07-24-2008 at 03:53 AM.

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07-23-2008, 08:45 AM	#8
kevin@dambrosio Tri-State Addict Banned Join Date: Mar 2008 Member #7325 My Ride: 2002 z06, 2006 trex iTrader: (1)	to me it sound like you already know what you want to do. dont bother asking us what you want to do. Its a deal and a half. buy it and turn a profit fast