Check this out, im this close!!!

[m3f_2k_889896e9da]

Seriously guys, thanx for all the info and keen eyes whatchin out for me



The meet up with the owner went good.In the initial look-over I noticed a few things Id like to bring up.First off, I think this m3 was drivin VERY hard.When he took me out for a spin to check out the handling, we almost got in a serious accident. He was going about 60 right towards a group of cars stopped at a light.We ended up skidding out into another lane, inches from hitting another car! I was pretty freaked out...After that wake-up call, we did some highway runs and then hit up some local twisties. Holy $hit! This car can handle! Once we got back to the meet up spot I started to really check out the m3. I noticed a few things Id like to bring up

.

The -



1) The plastic/metal trim that surrounds all the glass windows on the outside was very decayed on both sides.Is this expensive to replace?



2)In the sidemakers there was significant water condensation.



3) There was a bit of water ontop of a cd laying in the trunk that he did not notice before and the trunk mat was alittle damp.



4)Rear tires were worn to the point that they needed to be replaced he said. But as he stated, he would throw in 2 new tires.



5) Not a negative, but there was no traction control button/system installed.



6)No HK soundsystem, but the disc changer was in good shape. Also the seats were the vaders, heated but not automatic.



7) I did not notice the temp gauge until I got back and read my post here. Now that worries me...



The +



1) Looked very appealing, how I would want MY m3 to look.



2) The viper alarm was really trick along with the remote start.



3) Engine sounded/looked good along with the handling.



4) He did have all the paper work.



5) The exterior was in good shape including the head/tail euro lights, windsheild, lights, exhaust, rims, paint.



6) The interior was in great shape.



In closing, the price we settled on was 17500, with all the extras thrown in as stated in his ad. He also stated that this week he would take the m3 to the dealer to change all the belts and brake pads...Also he said he would take it to the mechanic of my choice to have it looked over if I wanted. Now I know that this is a late model car and not going to be in show room condition, but Id love some more feedback from you all on the things I noticed both good/bad. I am willing to pay alittle more for exactly what I want, but not if I am going to be droppin cash right back in it as soon as I get it to just make the car run!. Thanx again to you all for the feedback :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[m3f_Sirius_880bd69485]

1) The plastic/metal trim that surrounds all the glass windows on the outside was very decayed on both sides.Is this expensive to replace?



2)In the sidemakers there was significant water condensation.



3) There was a bit of water ontop of a cd laying in the trunk that he did not notice before and the trunk mat was alittle damp.



4)Rear tires were worn to the point that they needed to be replaced he said. But as he stated, he would throw in 2 new tires.



5) Not a negative, but there was no traction control button/system installed.



6)No HK soundsystem, but the disc changer was in good shape. Also the seats were the vaders, heated but not automatic.



7) I did not notice the temp gauge until I got back and read my post here. Now that worries me...





Wow, what a wild ride lol. Did he let you drive the car at all?



Yes, the trim work around the windows gets expensive. If its the rear glass, I think on this you can replace it w/o removing the rear glass, that may be an e46 thing only.



Water leak in the trunk. Check the deck lid seal, the gutters for rusting, and check the headlamp seals.



As mentioned before, perhaps he has air in the cooling system, but the waterpump may be failing also



+ for the seats, manuals adjust faster than electirc.



I don't think the earlyer models has the ASC system button, or asc at all. Don't quote me on that though :P

[m3f_95RogueM3]

95 werent offerred with ASC, so not seeing the light isnt a big deal, :dance:



About the other things, that list didnt sound to great and he only came down 500 in price?



I would point out that water in the signal marker, I would mention that the trunk is leaky and that the door seals should be able to do just that, seal.



The alarm is cool, but that really shouldnt influence your purchase. If you love the car for what it is..great, but dont buy it thinking "the car is in pretty good shape but the accessories are badass" you know what i mean :thumbsup:



-Richard

[m3f_romh_9db5ad5d95]

Let me add my opinion. I have a 98 M3 that also had the overheating problem. It never overheated to the red line, but did get to the spot in the picture above. I took it twice to the dealership. The first time they replaced the thermostat. That didn't work. The second time they replaced the radiator cap (mechanic said that sometimes leaks. Maybe its something as simple as that). But most importantly, they put it in a new fan clutch. And that solved the problem. As far as cost, I don;t know how much it was because everything was covered with the CPO.

Maybe dark_sirius can tell you how much a fan clutch costs.



Also remember that 95 M3's have a problem with the plastic impeller. Could be that too.

[m3f_Edgy_592e912c16]

2K:



Welcome to the Board, you're right it's a good one!



First let me share in your excitement. It's not often you find a really good looking 95 with decent miles and with all the most popular and useful mods -- clears, Euro lights, keyless entry/alarm. Very cool. Also I personally think the "MOTOSPORT" etching on the 95 rims really make them stand out from the usual double spoke.





Now for the sober-minded analysis:



1. The price he is asking for is too much even for a pristine car. Edmunds.com shows a private party price of under $14K, even loaded and in perfect condition! Even dealer price is under $16K.



To justify it, he needs to address all your observations, or drop the price. Don't get distracted by talking about the value of the mods -- everyone knows mod costs aren't very transferable to the next owner. Some can even hurt re-sale, like performance mods.



If it was me:



The car is very close to 60K Inspection II. It's good that he is agreeing to pads and belts, but he should have a full Inspection II done before he sell to you. Or drop the price.



I knew as soon as I read your first post the back tires were toast, otherwise why would he "throw in" another set? BTW, I'm assuming those match the fronts? And how worn are the fronts? And I can't tell from pics if there is sunroof.



Control your excitement, get it independently inspected, and try to be super rational about all the things you noticed.



Best of luck! If you end up being a proud M3 owner, I know a mechanic in Sterling that can save you big maintenance bucks.



Edgy

[m3f_04M3blur_1ceee0bbd5]

Definitely take advantage of his offer to take it to a mechanic that YOU CHOOSE (I assume he will foot the bill) and make sure the mechanic looks at everything and gives you, not the dealer, an itemized list of what it needs.

[m3f_95CosmoSm3]

I'd be a bit concerned with the temp gauge being that high, def not at the normal position.

[m3f_SpecVcepS]

^ i would get him to knock off a few hundred.



tell him you need to replace



-thermostat

-t stat housing

-water pump

[m3f_Ritz]

hmm its a manual with remote start?

[m3f_M3 4 SPEED]

even with that low milage i wouldnt pay over 15,000 for that car....



ya i would say a good 13-14 thousand

[m3f_Sirius_880bd69485]

hmm its a manual with remote start?



Yeah, you can do it. My friend wanted me to put one in my car, but I refused... its pointless seeing how I always put my car in gear when I park it, and the safety switch would prevent the engine from starting.... so.....

[m3f_qu1k]

Looks like a great find!!! wish i found that haha :banghead:

[m3f_04M3blur_1ceee0bbd5]

Okay, you must be really confused now, you got a lot of members saying "great deal" and several saying "he's asking too much". Whatever..........do what feels right for you. Good luck with your decision.