re:97 //M3 pricing

[jkerouac@xxxxxxx]

Paul,
    My 97 was written based on a four year residual of $21,100 at 72,000
total miles.
So it was a no brainer to buy it out for that price.  West coast pricing
is currently in the high twenties or more depending on condition.  A
local crook of a dealer was asking 38k for an average '98, and they seem
to still get around 30k for any they sell.
    With any car from a dealer, sometimes the difference between a ratty
roach and a car that looks really clean is just a few hours work by a
dealer's car prep guy.
    See if the dealer will give you a full printout from the DSC
computer, and check for service campaigns performed, particularly the
crankshaft position sensor and that ECU burn to allegedly stop the
alleged O2 sensor problem.
    Also, look in the service book, which should be included with the
car.  The original owner's name ought to be written in their, along with
dealer stamps from PDI and later servicing.  If the dealer refuses to
provide the book, take down the serial number, you can try to find,
possibly with your auto insurance company's help, who the original owner
was.
    Determine if the car was turned in from an expeired lease, or if it
was a trade in.
If it came off lease, then the standard four year residual of $21,100 is
the most the dealer paid, or possibly a few thousand less if they got it
at auction.
    If however the car was traded in, that begs the question of why the
owner would take a trade of five to ten thousand$$ less than the car
will retail for.
Good luck, I hope the car checks out for you.
'jk

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