Would You trade???
 

Greetings all,

I am in a semi bind. I currently own a 2002 3.0i with 87k miles, no body work, no tranny or engine problems just the usual maintenance fixes (cv boot, control arm bushings, and all preventative maintenance done). I am being offered a trade for a 2003 4.6is with 117k miles, estoril blue with no previous body work but owner has no records of maintenance. Also it has had a tranny rebuilt at 90k according to owner. I drove it and it feels nice, but it has that dreaded "lurch". Owner wants to trade for my '02 + $6k cash. Here is a blackberry picture of the Estoril. I am going to have my friend, who works on mine to inspect it and tell me what he finds.

What would you do???

Did he tell you why he wants to trade?

I think on the surface that sounds like a great trade for you. However, I would be concerned why he wants to trade. No offense but a 3.0 isn't nearly as desirable as a 4.6 and the fact he's throwing $6k into the deal seems almost crazy. I would think straight across or even asking you for cash would be what most would consider reasonable. I'd be wary of serious potential flaws with the 4.6 with that sort of a deal, but if it checks out, take it and run! (oh and either paint the centers of the wheels black or gunmetal or put 87s on!)

He claims he wants a 3.0i because of the gas consumption between the two, says current gas prices are killing him. Also, he wants ME to give him $6k in the deal. So it will be my 3.0i + $6k. I would also suggest he keeps his rims and I keep my 87's. But I will be taking it to shop on friday, lets see what happens.

It's kinda strange that the owner has NO records at all.... But the dealership can run the VIN for you and pull up all of the records that THEY have on it. Does it have a clean carfax? Can the owner PROVE the trans was rebuilt/repaired, with a repair order? Why was the trans repaired and why is the "lurch" still there?

If he's wanting to part with it because of the fuel consumption, methinks something is a bit screwy.... I believe that excuse is right before... "This vehicle is waaaay to fast for me... If I dont get rid of it, I'm gonna get a speeding ticket..."

While this sounds golden, there's just not enough information to jump on to this deal. Unless you are capable and dont mind buying a "pig in a poke"..caveat emptor.

These are all the things that have me worried. Owner claims that he's moved from PA to NYC and in the process has misplaced all receipts. I honestly think its bullshit, therefore I will be running a car fax and see what this SAV is hiding in its closet.

Good luck, I hope your inspector friend knows all of the sniglets to look for.

As a proud owner of a 4.6, I can tell you the gurl will snap your head with acceleration/braking.... but if it isn't healthy, your wallet is what REALLY gets snapped...

Dan

I would leave it alone. Keep looking for another with less suspicions. I wouldn't even bother with a carfax. I've bought trouble-free rides before with no maintenance receipts. Simply, the owner wrenched it all himself and had this old notebook with the maintenance history.

My personal first rule of cars is to never go older or higher mileage than what you currently have, regardless of how cool the car is. I urge you to think.the same. More mileage = more likeliness to have problems, period.

:iagree: ...the only time that rule might be bent is by someone that has a stable of stuff, and is looking to fill a gap in their 'collection'. But, for a DD, around Gotham City,
I would take a Pasadena.
GL, mD

You could buy a lot of gas with $6K...something's not right with this 'deal'

you pay 6000USD to get a car with 30K more miles on the clock, with unkown history? don't do it.

forget about 4.6 for a while, let's be practical, are we in a rally all the time? the 3.0 has enough kick, less cmplicated systems, easier to maintain, etc... and it's your car, you know its history... keep her.... come on, go get her a nice detail and apologize to her for having such a thought :D

:iagree: :D

Update
 

So I just finished checking out this 4.trash and man I am glad I'm not one of those fools that just act on impulse. So after inspection we found that this X was previously in a collision. A collision which cracked the engine and was soldered back together (great job by the way cuz you cant tell unless you get underneath it). The transfer case had been replaced and after doing 70 on the west side highway, a very strange shake appears. After lifting and removing the fuggly rims, we noticed it has a slight bent in the cross-member.

The funny thing about this all is... the owners face. He was acting all surprised at what we were telling him and at what he was witnessing. Bullshit if you ask me.

I wasnt looking to for a trade cuz I am very happy with my 3.0i, but if it was a win situation for me, then why not. I will be pampering my baby with Turner Motor Sport pulleys, a new water pump, gas filter, and an interior detailing, and I might just do a Dinan stage 1 trans and engine software upgrade so she can fully forgive me (20% off sale through 12/31). Just a few things to apologize for just having the "thought" of trading her.

never trust someone who would put wheels that frigging ugly on a vehicle.

hope the upgrades go well

haha, no doubt.

such a shame how people could treat such a beautiful car in such a crappy way!

ohh well, enjoy your 3.0i, send her to phil for a serious detail!

Ah, don't do it. You'll regret it if u do. If he was an enthusiast he would be on here. Don't do it

I say Go for it!

Face it, the 4.6 is a lot more fun than a 3.0, and Estoril is about the coolest color there is on earth!

I think the rims are fine, a lot more fun than most original/and/or black rims that I've seen on this forum. But that's a matter of taste, change them to 87:s if you want.

If your main reasoning is low mileage to stay away from service you should look for another kind of car, a cheap, simple Japanese car instead of a BMW! :)

I think you just missed/bypassed the entire thread and completely missed post#14. I have no desire for a Japanese car(no offense to those who own them).

So I see now... :rofl: I'm sorry, but I lost focus in the beginning where so many said no, arguing service maintenance and gas consumption.

Of course you should always check out a car before buying -- good for you you did adn congrats for doing the right thing.

But I still think Estoril is awesome! :D