Any idea how much my car is worth? (2003 330i ZHP, 34k miles)

[dusterbuster]

Hi guys,

Newbie member here, so I hope I'm posting in the right forum (apologies if I posted in the wrong place!). I have a 2003 BMW 330i ZHP that I've owned since picking up the car in Munich in June 2003 via European Delivery (the best European trip souvenir!). Over the years, I've received all kinds of random requests asking if I would sell my car, including random notes left on the car from strangers, and my local SoCal independent BMW service shop asking me every time I go in for a service. Up until now, I've been thinking I would hang onto this car forever, but now I'm thinking that it might finally be time to bid farewell to the car (I have an increasing itch to pick up a CPO Tesla Model S), although I'm a bit torn over the decision.

Anyways, as I think through the decision of whether or not to sell, I figure it would help to know how much my car might be worth. The KBB site doesn't seem to reflect the true value of the ZHP cars, and it's hard to find comparables for my relatively lower mileage car (I walk to work, and we have 2 other family cars). Any thoughts on what my car might be worth?

2003 330i ZHP - silver gray - 34,350 miles
6-speed manual
alcantara/textile interior
Navigation
moonroof
folding rear seats
bi-xenon headlights
No modifications other than clutch stop and BMW universal transmitter

[Vas]

Keep it and get rid of the thought of selling it. You will regret it.

[FL116]

Keep it and get rid of the thought of selling it. You will regret it.

+100. If I were you, I wouldn't sell it. Lile Vas said, you'll regret it

[Just_George]

I'd keep it too, were I in your position. But, just fyi, I bought my car for $11k - Imola, leather, cold weather package, nav, 6-speed, folding rear seat. Now granted, I got a very nice deal (seller is a friend), but mine also has 63k miles. I'm not an expert on the value of these cars, but I'd have to believe that anything less than $14k would be disappointing...

[BMWCurves]

I bought my '05 330Ci ZHP with 49k miles for $14k from a guy who flipped it to me (he beat me out of the purchase from the original owners a week earlier who were selling it for $12k). I think you could fairly ask $15k. You lose out on it being a 2003 so some features aren't there (automatic headlights/wipers I think), but it's also low miles so it bumps up the price. It's honestly a real crap shoot. You could ask higher and someone out there would probably buy it.

[chacend]

I'd say a bit more info is needed. Specifically, what maintenance has been done based on time as opposed to mileage. Anything more than just oil changes? The cooling system is 12 years old now as well as other rubber and plastic parts. What about the tires?

[dusterbuster]

I'd say a bit more info is needed. Specifically, what maintenance has been done based on time as opposed to mileage. Anything more than just oil changes? The cooling system is 12 years old now as well as other rubber and plastic parts. What about the tires?

The only repair I've had to do was replace the AC compressor (is that the right term?), which developed a leak. That was done about a month ago, and was a major expense (about $2300 from the local independent BMW shop). Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires were installed about 2k miles ago. Car is a California car that has always been garaged, so all the rubber/plastic is in good condition. The owner of the local independent BMW service shop I use raves about the condition of my car, and has asked me several times whether I'd be interesting in selling the car (he says he has a few customers who would be very interested in the car, especially with its condition and miles). I thought I might out reach it to him about selling the car, but figured I should have an asking price in mind.

[NoVAphotog]

Keep it and get rid of the thought of selling it. You will regret it.
+1

Sounds like you've got space to keep it and keep the mileage low with the other cars. I'd at least wait till the Model III is announced/released...should drop prices of S plus the III will be that much cheaper.

That said, I'd agree with others, anything less than $14k would be unacceptable.

Sent from an HTC One

[TheFinanceGuy]

In my opinion, once the thought of selling develops, it only grows. I suggest researching (as you are) and figure out what the car is worth to you. The market for a low mileage ZHP is all over the place. Go look at EAG for some over priced ZHP's (05 Coupe (http://enthusiastauto.com/qsearch/?id=4457&form_display=51#.VbI6dflViHg), 04 Coupe (http://enthusiastauto.com/qsearch/?id=4629&form_display=51#.VbI6ePlViHg), 04 Sedan (http://enthusiastauto.com/qsearch/?id=4935&form_display=51#.VbI6e_lViHg)).

Once you have come to terms with what you are willing to accept, see what the market will support. Before you do anything, take it out on a drive.

What other cars are in your fleet? Have you test driven a Tesla S? I'd love to have one, but know that it is not in the budget at the moment. Another member here just got a i3. You might give that a shoot too?

Post up some pictures too! You know we all drool over anything that has less than 70,000 miles these days...

[NYRhockey]

my honest opinion? you should sell it to me for cheap :)

but really, there was a guy on here a few months ago out of NY who was selling basically the same car as yours (same year, color, alcantara, 6spd, etc) with 46k on it. He started off at $20K and didn't sell and then lowered it to $18K and sold within a few weeks and he said he got close to asking.

[JanMatt]

guy in florida selling an '04 with double your miels at 13,800 if that helps any.

on a side note how do people keep their cars at such low mileage? just a fleet of weekend cars? Currently expecting 5k-7K a year on my weekend car.

[BMWCurves]

my honest opinion? you should sell it to me for cheap :)

but really, there was a guy on here a few months ago out of NY who was selling basically the same car as yours (same year, color, alcantara, 6spd, etc) with 46k on it. He started off at $20K and didn't sell and then lowered it to $18K and sold within a few weeks and he said he got close to asking.

That guy's car sat at $20k for a long time, like 6ish months. He said EAG even passed it up, although they were flush with ZHP sedans at the time.

How set are you on the Model S? Do you need the size/space? If not, the Model 3 looks very promising (to me at least) as a slightly smaller and much cheaper alternative. Plus, given how battery technology continues to improve every year, it may behoove you to wait. I have no idea if I used that word right, I just like to toss it in there from time to time.

Anyways, If I had the cash and was in the market for a new car, I'd have a very tough time deciding on anything other than the Model 3 when it comes out.

[NYRhockey]

That guy's car sat at $20k for a long time, like 6ish months. He said EAG even passed it up, although they were flush with ZHP sedans at the time.


Yea i remember it being for sale for a while @ $20K and then lowering to $18K. Also remember he mentioning EAG passing up on it and i remember at the time they (EAG) had a black and silver zhp that wasn't selling and even reduced the asking price on them by a thousand or so before they sold. This supposedly was the reason plus i've also read/heard on forums that EAG does not buy 03 models.

But anyways, if that zhp with 46K sold for, say $17K, that's a good benchmark for the OP on what he could reasonably expect for his car.

[dusterbuster]

Thanks everyone for all of the helpful input. Wow, I had not heard of EAG before, but the ZHP prices on that site do seem a bit high, or maybe I just don't quite appreciate the market value of our ZHP cars.

As low as the miles are on my car, I'm finding that I'm driving my car even less nowadays, as my wife has an i3 and we usually end up using that car on the weekends. I've come to appreciate the relaxed but peppy performance of the electric drive unit (maybe I'm getting old). I've always been a fan of the Tesla Model S, but could never justify the cost for my situation, especially since I don't drive a whole lot. I previously thought I would hold onto the ZHP at least until the Model III came out, but Tesla's recently announced CPO program offers some pretty good deals (about 44% off MSRP for 2012 model, with nice warranty). There is something intangibly satisfying about the simplicity and connectedness of my ZHP car with its 6-speed manual, but if I can get a return of around 17k for the car, I think just might have to sell.

[dusterbuster]

FYI, here a few crappy pics of the car (car wasn't cleaned/detailed, just took a few snapshots with my phone yesterday in bad lighting since was getting late in the day).

20896

20897

20898

20899

20900

20901

[TheFinanceGuy]

Minty Fresh!

I wish you the best of luck good sir.

Another tip, if you want to get top dollar, have every record you can possible find available. Better yet, have it available in a 3 ring binder. Track down missing records (perhaps you use the same dealer/indy for everything and they can produce the missing items). Spend a few dollars and have the car professional detailed, inside and out. The looks great, but for to dollar, you'll need to market it to someone who wants to get in a drive.

EAG is pretty high. $14k to $15k might be more reasonable with the above done.