Gosh, this is so much more fun than some stupid new car, where'd you're afraid to change anything, and it smells all funny inside, but not funny like crayons. And there's a...warranty. Where's the excitement in that, for god's sake??
This odyssey began about the first of March, coinciding with the realization that I'd had the 325i for a little over 4 years. I come from a long bloodline of restless car traders, and that's the longest I've EVER driven the same car. So I started sniffing around. Dismissed all other brands quickly. Thought about some e90s, but I just (no offense to anyone offended) don't like them that much. Considered some e46 tourings, still want one kind of. Just missed a really clean 545i 6MT that would have been fun. Started looking at E46s seriously, though. Saw a post about a ZHP where some guy recommended to some other guy that he get some information on ZHP Mafia. Which is where I found you guys. When I decided I really wanted a ZHP, I petitioned the powers that be, and some how they let me in. Good thing. I found my ZHP from one of the many reposts of ads in the classified area. You guys know where all the good ones are. Just not near my house.
I thought I wanted a sedan at first. Barely missed out on an Imola sedan in New Jersey. Really got close to pulling the trigger on Bill's sapphire black sedan with the birch wood trim. But also had feelers on a couple of Imola coupes. I actually told the previous owner of mine "No, thanks, I think I want a sedan". These are some of the pics he sent that made me reconsider:
She was domiciled in the scenic mountains, a little north of Asheville, NC. They parked for the winters, waxed her more than they drove her, I think. After several exchanges with the Owner, I had a real comfort level that these folks were good honest, people, really loved this car, and wanted it to go somewhere it would be cared for and thoroughly enjoyed. I made an offer, it was close, and we came to terms. Now, where the heck is Asheville, NC?? Oh, 865 miles almost due East of my house. If you only give 6 days notice, a one way ticket costs 40,000 frequent flier miles.
Next installment - Let's drive her home.