MUSSBERGER

But think of all the money you saved and the satisfaction received by doing it all yourself

123quattro

That's a bummer. If you can pick it up cheap go for it. Be careful in thinking what it might be worth to resell it though. I picked up this 99 540i 6 speed with a clean title for $5200.

michaelathome

This was my biggest fear behind putting more $ into my 2001 VW.

Out of no fault of my own I could waste my hard earned $ because I invested more than KBB actually values the car.

I gave up and bought a newer car. Sure I am paying more for insurance BUT I will have the confidence that my $ can't be thrown away by others.

Crazy way to justify it I know.

Michael

designman

Curt, mileage?

designman

Wow that's awesome!

M758

I have a 2002 530 sport. It as 130k on it and this year has finally started costing me money. I had to replace the radiator and a bunch of coolant hoses this may. Then I was doing a tire rotation and noticed some bad rear tire wear. So time to refresh the front and rear suspension. Finished the rear and made a world of difference. Front is being rebuilt now. I am doing it all myself and now I know why they value of these cars is so low. They are great cars, but at 100-140k they need repairs. Nothing really crazy, but maintence items. These cost for parts and time. Let me tell you that rear suspension was a major pain. Took me 3-4 days to do it al and lot of sweat and curse words.... Front looks easier, but proving to be still a royal pain. However I know the car will be handle better than I when I bought it. I got it with 36k on it and who know the condition of the shocks. Now it wil be much better. Still probably need to tackle the engine seals like Moe, but I will remember to latch the hood.

Even so for what I am putting into the car I cannot fine a better car for the money. So I could try to sell my E39, but get what to replace it? That is the issue. The value on the car drops not because the car is bad, but it takes money to perform the maintenance. Nothing really crazy, but time and money none the less. Still when done you are rewarded with a fine car even in today's standards.

I am shooting for 200k on mine. Just 70k to go.

hinchcliffe

My car had 138k. I just 2 years ago did Bilsteins with H&R and I did all the control arms in the last few years. I did own it from 58k to 138k. Time for an early 540 if anything car wise. Plus no VANOS to deal with and I know them. Hard to find something else when these are sooo good. Plus I can transfer the headlights and floor mats and winter tires.

Baptizo

And think of all of the $$$ you'll have saved during the next 70k miles while enjoying a fine driving machine.

If I could find one a little older in the price range like what 123quattro bought, I'd jump on it (even though I'm currently looking at early model Miata's).

Imo000

But it back for $1000, straighten it out the hood with a rubber hammer, paint it flat black and then drive it untill it falls apart.

hinchcliffe

Going to keep it as long as the buy back isn't outrageous. Hood fender and a few minor tweaks, then save my pennies for an e39 M5.....

hinchcliffe

Salvage price is $893, They value the car at $4500 less the $500 deductible so $4000. So to buy the car I end up at $3107. Estimated damges were $3300. So in a round about way (covering themselves I'm sure) if I couldn't fix it myself and paid someone to do it, it's a wash. Asked about doing it myself and buying parts, no problem as long as it gets signed off on a paper they send me verifiying it was fixed and what parts with records. I asked about buying parts from private parties and if a hand written record is good. He said sure, no problem. If I were to wreck it again the agent will be able to see if it is old or new damage.

No salvage on the title, though Carfax will show an accident it will not show that it was totalled since it is so old. I asked if I wrecked it after I fixed it what would the value be to total it, same as long as the work was certified to be done. And the rate on my policy will not change since it was a deer (comprehensive).

So in the end nothing changes but I have a little work to do and hopfully some change left over in my pocket once I'm done wih fixing it.

Maybe I should invest in Gold with the leftovers.....

jeff spahn

^^^^Only if you are going to short gold would you want to consider investing in it^^^^^^

hinchcliffe

Of course, grab a few grams and sell in the next year or so as the price goes up.......

Randy V

The price of blow is going down, not up.

Er, wait, what?

odurandina

sorry for your loss.






very nice car and color. it's the same deal here in Massachusetts.

soooo many nice examples around for pennies on the original dollar invoice.