^ After seeing that car go for < $10K, I'm starting to think I should shop around

I drove an '01 5-speed yesterday at a stealership and loved it. Specifically, it's this one. It's the only manual trans E53 available in the state right now. I'm wondering about price. It seems good to me (already below NADA) and they're willing to come down a few hundred since it's been sitting on the lot for a while. Worth it? Or should I start searching nationally?

Also, while the car drove great overall, 2nd gear was a bit notchy / grindy. It never hesitated to go into gear, but I could feel it. Anyone else experienced that? If so, did you do anything to help correct it, or did you just live with it (hopefully not until synchro failure)?

One more question, can anything be done on these to improve clutch pedal or shifter feel? I know BMWs have some kind of a valve in the clutch line, supposedly for smoother engagement, but I've never liked that feature. My M3 has had it removed I believe. And I can't find anything as far as short shifters go, so I assume none exist currently. Could the shifter be rebuilt for a more precise feel?

Edit: Found some answers to both of those last two (CDV delete and fluid change or linkage adjustment), but input still appreciated.