Sigh...how much is my car worth?

It's a sad, sad day. Finally time for me to get rid of my relatively huge monthly payments (for a seventeen year old anyway).

3/2000 build 323i

• Titanium Silver / Black Leatherette
• 5-speed
• Sport Package
• Auto Climate
• Business CD
• 16 x 7.5" Mille Miglia MM112
• 225/50/16 Contisports, 40% front 25% rear
• 60,900km (37,800mi)

No accidents, a few major engine troubles fixed under warranty (new VANOS unit, new cam gears, some other smaller items), nothing wrong with the car physically. Brand new OEM pads+rotors all around. Never tracked or auto-x.

Just a few educated estimates would be great. Also, am I obligated (or ethically encouraged) to inform the buyer of my engine issues?

2000 BMW 3 Series 4 Dr 323i Sedan
Trade-In Private Party Dealer Retail
National Base Price $17,185 $18,856 $20,494
Optional Equipment $451 $489 $585
Sport Suspension $154 $167 $199
AM/FM/CD Audio System $102 $111 $133
Metallic Paint $195 $211 $253
Color Adjustment
Silver $27 $30 $32
Regional Adjustment
for Zip Code 77--- $110 $121 $132
Mileage Adjustment
38,000 miles $0 $0 $0
Condition Adjustment
Clean $0 $0 $0
Total $17,773 $19,496 $21,243


Certified Used Vehicle $22,793*

Price Another Vehicle
Print Private Party Window Sticker | Print Dealer Window Sticker

18 grand eh...

I may pass it off to the guy who sold it to me, he has a used dealer too. Wonder if he'll take it for $25k CDN. Probably not, since he knows how much I paid for it originally.

Whoa, that's cool man. I'm also 17 and am looking at a CPO 325i. Why are you getting rid of your 323i, it looks like a tight ride?

But you're looking at $17k to $18k US for your car. The dealership would most likely sell it between $20k and $22k US. Good luck.

Originally posted by 323i Man
Whoa, that's cool man. I'm also 17 and am looking at a CPO 325i. Why are you getting rid of your 323i, it looks like a tight ride?

But you're looking at $17k to $18k US for your car. The dealership would most likely sell it between $20k and $22k US. Good luck.

I bought the car used, 17 months ago, not even fully legal to drive yet (did that stop me? Ha!). It's an amazing car, exceeding every expectation I had. But the monthly payments just don't make sense anymore. I have to start saving for College, which I'm not starting until 9/2004 (taking a year off). The job I have now is a LOT better than when I got the car, but I'm "too old" for this (the irony). Just too many financial responsibilities to work with.

I paid $30k for the car, which was like $22k US for the car at the time. So really, I've done amazing depreciation-wise.

You know... Before I even read this thread, I saw this and thought of you...



"The day I placed this ad (see below) on the EMRA website I had numerous calls. The first guy wanted the car. He was very sincere, so I told all the other callers that the car was sold. Now, in the 11th hour, the guy has reneged. So, having no choice in the matter, the car is back on the market.
=================================================
FOR SALE: 2002 Sentra SE-R. PERFECT condition. I will sacrifice, and
sell for a huge loss just to get it sold. Only 2200 orig. miles and
still under factory warranty. Comes with loads of extras like three (3)
sets of factory wheels, lots of extra suspension parts, spare ECU, extra
rotors, brakes, and many, many other parts. One set of wheels is
powder-coated black and they stand out. The car has been professionally
maintained by Datsun Dynamics. The Mitch Piper customized rollcage is a
work of art and provides the maximum in driver safety.

Sparco racing seat, fire extinguisher, 5-point harness, & window net.
The car has lots of custom work, like a perfect mandrel-bent exhaust.
It is 100% street legal AND 100% race-ready, or track-ready. It is in
full compliance with SCCA Showroom Stock specs. It has everything you
need to do track events or to go racing including a fuel test port and a
hard-wired transponder. It is completely race-ready. It comes with
lots of track tires, including two brand new ones. With all the spare
parts, you'll not have to worry about suspension, brakes, or tires (or
wheels) for a very long time. Over $25K was spent to get the car to
this condition and I will sacrifice for $13,000.00 OBO. The car is
still under factory warranty.

Here is a photo: <http://www.b15sentra.net/barry/BBrown7ssc.jpg>

This car is "turn key." No work required, just jump in, turn on the
key, and it's ready for the street or the track. Needs absolutely
nothing.

If interested, e-mail me at: mimishusband@yahoo.com or call (703)
339-0579.

Barry
mimishusband@yahoo.com

Barry
mimishusband@yahoo.com
SCCA Showroom Stock C, Number 7"

You know, I WAS a member of B15Sentra.net months before Bimmerfest even opened. I got my 323 just 2 days after everyone migrated here.

I wonder what would have happened if that 2002 SE-R Spec-V came in in time, before I knew of the 323. Would I have given it up so soon?

But DAMN that is a STEAL on that SE-R. WOW.

Originally posted by Nick325xiT 5spd
If interested, e-mail me at: mimishusband@yahoo.com or call (703)
339-0579.

Barry
mimishusband@yahoo.com

Barry
mimishusband@yahoo.com
SCCA Showroom Stock C, Number 7"

Isn't that one of the moderators from bmw330ci.com?

Oh, and my Nissan dealer has had a bright yellow Spec-V sitting in their showroom since October, and since it's been there they have added an AEM Intake, Eibach springs, a full yellow interior dash kit, etc. Apparently no one wants it and they are willing to give it to me for CHEAP. Guess they still feel guilty about not getting my ordered car in time.

Originally posted by Cliff3
Isn't that one of the moderators from bmw330ci.com?

Wouldn't be surprised. He owns one. (For the moment.)

According to the Canadian Black Book, your car is worth $20,217 (dealer trade in), or $24,597 (private sale), assuming your car is accident free and in great condition (exterior and interior).

But the blackbook website doesn't allow you to add more options like sports package, metallic paint, etc. So if you're doing a private sale, I would think the price of $25,000 obo is fair.

[edit] One thing to note. The price they give seems to be a bit on the low side (I appraised my car and it says its worth $30000 trade in and $36000 private, when I can realistically get $36000 for trade in and roughly $40000-42000 for a private sale). So, it might be a good idea to check out other local prices before you determine your asking price, if you're doing a private sale. [/edit]

You know, I'm an idiot. I work in a bank, I have access to that black book.

Originally posted by 323i Man
Whoa, that's cool man. I'm also 17 and am looking at a CPO 325i. Why are you getting rid of your 323i, it looks like a tight ride?

But you're looking at $17k to $18k US for your car. The dealership would most likely sell it between $20k and $22k US. Good luck.

Yeah, realistically I probably can't afford that 325i, either. As bad as I want one. I'll probably end up with something Japanese. So are you going to be getting a new car, or are you just going to forgo a car and save for college?

Originally posted by 323i Man
Yeah, realistically I probably can't afford that 325i, either. As bad as I want one. I'll probably end up with something Japanese. So are you going to be getting a new car, or are you just going to forgo a car and save for college?

I am a driving freak. Public transporation is like jail to me.

I'm looking at a few cars, trying to keep it under $10k CDN.

• Mazda MX-6
• Prelude SR-V
• VW GTI VR6
• BMW E30 "is" (never driven a 318, but should be quick enough)
• Nissan 240SX

I'm strongly leaning towards the MX-6 and E30, 2 cars that I have always liked. The Prelude holds its value too damn well, the GTI is pretty unreliable and thirsty, and the 240SX is rare up here.

Originally posted by Mystikal
I am a driving freak. Public transporation is like jail to me.

I'm looking at a few cars, trying to keep it under $10k CDN.

• Mazda MX-6
• Prelude SR-V
• VW GTI VR6
• BMW E30 "is" (never driven a 318, but should be quick enough)
• Nissan 240SX

I'm strongly leaning towards the MX-6 and E30, 2 cars that I have always liked. The Prelude holds its value too damn well, the GTI is pretty unreliable and thirsty, and the 240SX is rare up here.

Hey man, that's cool. It's smart of you to downsize, I mean, we're 17...we have our whole lives to drive Bimmers. Anyway, I've realized that I cannot afford a 3 any more than you can.

So, I'm looking at the Volvo S40, Infiniti G20, or Acura RSX. All FWD, I know. But, oh well.

Personally, I think you should go for the 240SX or GTI VR6. Just get the GTI with a warranty and you'll be cool.

Originally posted by 323i Man
Hey man, that's cool. It's smart of you to downsize, I mean, we're 17...we have our whole lives to drive Bimmers. Anyway, I've realized that I cannot afford a 3 any more than you can.

So, I'm looking at the Volvo S40, Infiniti G20, or Acura RSX. All FWD, I know. But, oh well.

Personally, I think you should go for the 240SX or GTI VR6. Just get the GTI with a warranty and you'll be cool.

I'd like you to find a warranted GTI for $6K US... And if the 240SX is rare, well...

Congratulations to you for being so wise at such a young age! The BMW money spent on your education is probably the best investment that you will ever make.

Yup. As a matter of fact, Joyce A. Myers said "A BMW can't take you as far as a diploma."

I guess that's true to some extent....................

Hey Mystikal or Toast:

Do you know what Canadian black book is on:

1997 328i
Arctic Silver, black leather, heated seats, 6 disc CD changer, ski bag. 84,000km.

Originally posted by Kanuck
Hey Mystikal or Toast:

Do you know what Canadian black book is on:

1997 328i
Arctic Silver, black leather, heated seats, 6 disc CD changer, ski bag. 84,000km.

According to blackbook, your car (assuming a 5 speed manual) is roughly $14,350(low) and $17,500(high).

For future reference, the line to the website of the Canadian Blackbook is located in the Toyota.ca homepage. Just click "Vehicles" on the right, and then "Appraise your trade in" on the left.

Originally posted by Nick325xiT 5spd
I'd like you to find a warranted GTI for $6K US... And if the 240SX is rare, well...

Yeah, I'm looking at 95-97 VR6's. Not exactly Honda's in their reliability.

You'd be surprised though, there are QUITE A BIT of VR6's on the road up here. I think people stay away from 240's because of the RWD in the snow.

Originally posted by Parump
Congratulations to you for being so wise at such a young age! The BMW money spent on your education is probably the best investment that you will ever make.

Originally posted by Toast
[B]According to blackbook, your car (assuming a 5 speed manual) is roughly $14,350(low) and $17,500(high).

Thanks Toast, and thanks to Toyota for so thoughtfully providing the link.

Originally posted by 323i Man


So, I'm looking at the Volvo S40, Infiniti G20, or Acura RSX. All FWD, I know. But, oh well.

If you want something fun to drive, don't get the Volvo. A) it's a boring car and B)they're changing them next year anyway.

Originally posted by Mystikal
Oh, and my Nissan dealer has had a bright yellow Spec-V sitting in their showroom since October... Guess they still feel guilty about not getting my ordered car in time.

Dealers can't "feel" anything, especially guilt.