Going to sell my car, would like some advice...

[joeyc]

I am going to sell my car soon, next few weeks hopefully. I need to decide if I just want to trade it in and be done with it, or take the time and effort to sell it privately. Obviously I will get more money for it if I sell it. Thats not so much an issue, actually how much more is the real question. I am looking towards those who have purchased E36 M3's or sold higher mileage ones in recent months for some input.

Here is the car...
-1998 Estoril Blue/ Dove grey 4 door 115K miles
-5 spd transmission (replaced by BMW at ~85K) with Rogue Shift Kit, Rouge TME
-M Contours - 50% Pilot Sports on front, Brand new PS2's on the rear
-Power Sport Seats/heated in good condition (shows wear on bolsters)
-GC Track/School coilover kit
-CDT comps up front/JL steal boxes in the rear - soundstream amps

Here are the issues:
-The car was in an accident, not trying to hide it - it was repaired VERY well - damage was to front right corner
-The CEL is on and off - tech at dealership tells me it is most likely 02 sensors, cat is possibility
-The trunk does not have a spoiler, although did have one at some point (There are holes present)

I am considering selling as is, or doing the necessary repairs and going from there.

I would replace cat and 02 sensors, paint the trunk and add lip spoiler which I have had for months.

I would probably remove the Dinan intake and replace with Stock Air box, remove the Depo Ellipsoids and replace with stock, remove my XM roady, HK traffic Pro and replace with a lesser expensive CD HU.

I am thinking that with the work done that is needed, the car is worth about $13K, without about $11.5K-12. I don't think that is an unreasonable amount. Do you?

Dont get me wrong, the car is in very good condition, and I have taken care of it well. I am the third owner and have owned the car since 62K miles for $30K :eek The car was CPO car and always has had maintence and repairs completed.

Should I just sell it as is, or fix what is needed?

Any advice for me? I would like to get $12K out of it. Either $12K as is, or net after putting some money into it and selling it for a bit more.

[Cobainm3]

how much for the repairs?

[norman]

put it up for sale and see if there's any bites first...it's a good color combo

[joeyc]

how much for the repairs?

I can do the Cat/02 sensors for $600, and I had estimates ranging from $350-450 for repainting the trunking and painting the lip spoiler.

So about $1000 bucks to get it in very good shape.

[Mistermotorist]

Generally, I have had good luck honestly representing the pros and cons of a car and selling "as is" to knowlegeable buyers. How much is your time worth? How much money and time required to increase sale price. What else do you have to do? It's easier to sell a car for a lowball number needing work than it is to compete with all the Kelley Blue Book quotin' peeps who want to maximize the sale price. Don't forget the time for showing chasing parts and, of course, to get top $, you gotta "detail for retail"..... All this is especially true for a relatively high mile vehicle. I'd pick an offering price half way between the numbers you said and put it on the net.

[joeyc]

Generally, I have had good luck honestly representing the pros and cons of a car and selling "as is" to knowlegeable buyers. How much is your time worth? How much money and time required to increase sale price. What else do you have to do? It's easier to sell a car for a lowball number needing work than it is to compete with all the Kelley Blue Book quotin' peeps who want to maximize the sale price. Don't forget the time for showing chasing parts and, of course, to get top $, you gotta "detail for retail"..... All this is especially true for a relatively high mile vehicle. I'd pick an offering price half way between the numbers you said and put it on the net.

So you think the numbers are reasonable? I appreciate your input, because I am agreeing with your way of thinking.

[Hammdy]

I think it's reasonable considering the mods.

[Mistermotorist]

I am not afraid to buy high mileage cars that have been well maintained. I am also not afraid to do the diddly shit that comes with buying a car sold under retail. That having been said, I just paid retail for a Jetta for my daughter yesterday because it was "exactly the one" she wanted.

btw, how do you like your traffic pro?

[joeyc]

The Traffic Pro is awesome. It needs some Map updates, but 85% of the time it works very well.