What do you guys/gals think?

[737Drvr]

Hello all. I have not been on here for awhile. We have had our M3 for about a year now and have been very happy with it. However, the time has come to part ways with it and try something different. We went and test drove a F30 335i and liked it (please don't give me too hard of a time, LOL). Spec'd one out with the M sport package and some other nice options. The dealer has offered us that car at 500 over invoice. A pretty good deal. Now, here's the problem. This dealer (the same one I bought the M3 from) only wants to give me 53-55K on trade for our 2011 M3 Sedan. Here are the specs of our M3. Space Gray, Black Novillo Leather, Competition Package, Premium Package, Technology Package, Cold Weather Package, and DCT. It is in excellent condition with only 7000 miles. I also have a clear bra and crystalline tint on it. MSRP on it was just north of 73K. To be honest, we paid around 67.5K for it. In doing my research, dealers are getting in the high 50's to low 60's for 2011 M3 sedans. So, I feel they have a some room to come up but they are digging in. I understand the need to make a profit but let's be fair--especially to a repeat customer. So, what would you do in this situation? Sell it outright for more? Try another dealer? Am I being realistic about the value of our M3? I do like this dealer and my CA but they have communicated poorly this go around and I'm about to tell them to forget it. Thanks for your input. Here's a pic or two of the M with a friend.

[THE TECH]

Why downgrade?

[hpc3]

Need to pull your car out of the equation, sell it and then go find the next one... unless you're willing to take the potential loss on yours.

Its impossible to negotiate a great deal with both cars in the equation fwiw.

[lorinzo]

A dealership low-balled you with a trade-in offer?

Shocking!!

That is what they do....

I was in a similar position when I bought my M3. The dealership where I purchased my M3 low-balled me with a trade offer for my 2008 550i. I went to several other dealerships and got trade-in offers for $4-5k more. Ultimately, I sold it myself for $12k more than the original trade-in offer.

It took me about 6 weeks to close a private party sale. Yes, I had to deal with a few phone calls, e-mails and negotiations but it was worth it in the end.

[NoM3ForMe]

Originally Posted by THE TECH

Why downgrade?

I was going to ask the very same thing.

OP, sell the car yourself.

[Nate2046]

I think 53-55k is a pretty strong offer for your car on trade actually. I just bought a similiarly equipped '11 with 7k miles for 58.5, original sticker was 78k, so I'm a little surprised they offered you that much.

[737Drvr]

Thanks for the input everyone. Kind of what I expected. I'm in no rush to get rid of the M, so I can sell it myself. I'm thinking 58-59K is a fair asking price for the car with the options it has. I live in Arizona and right now there are no E90 M's for sell in the state--as of this morning. As I said before, the ones in the surrounding states are going for 59-64K. If the car is purchased locally, the buyer has the benefit of paying no sales tax as private party sales in AZ are tax free. I haven't tried to contact other dealers about the car but would probably trade it in at 55.5 to 56K. Thanks again for the advice.

[737Drvr]

Originally Posted by NoM3ForMe

I was going to ask the very same thing.

OP, sell the car yourself.

Yeah, it is a downgrade. The car is actually my wife's which I coaxed her into getting for my own selfish driving enjoyment when moving the family around. She is a cool lady and does like the car but feels it's a bit much for a family truckster. So, as a compromise, we agreed on a 335i. Not the same but still a BMW. After the experience we had with this dealer, she is open to other options. I would still like to stay with BMW but must admit the Range Rover Evoque has caught my eye. Time will tell what happens. Thanks for the advice!

[burakkose]

dealers will always give "dead prices". sell the car yourself, but why downgrade? you'll never feel the same again

[Ghetto2315]

What's that slow POS red car next to your M3?

[M3 Esq]

Depends, has the dealer offered 53k or 55k? Normally they offer a number and not a range. I think 55k would be fair, I'd even push for 56k based on the low milage. GL!

[NoM3ForMe]

Originally Posted by 737Drvr

Yeah, it is a downgrade. The car is actually my wife's which I coaxed her into getting for my own selfish driving enjoyment when moving the family around. She is a cool lady and does like the car but feels it's a bit much for a family truckster. So, as a compromise, we agreed on a 335i. Not the same but still a BMW. After the experience we had with this dealer, she is open to other options. I would still like to stay with BMW but must admit the Range Rover Evoque has caught my eye. Time will tell what happens. Thanks for the advice!

I am always happy to help. Have you looked into the S4 Avant/Sedans? Great car for the money.

[737Drvr]

Originally Posted by Ghetto2315

What's that slow POS red car next to your M3?

LOL. That red slow poke is part of the reason my wife wants to get a different car. She doesn't think we need two sports cars in the garage. While I disagree, compromise is part of marriage. She also knows that in about a year I'll get the itch to trade that one on something a little pricier. So, between that and her thinking that an M3 is too much car to carry the kids around in, I agreed to get her something a little more tame.

[737Drvr]

Originally Posted by NoM3ForMe

I am always happy to help. Have you looked into the S4 Avant/Sedans? Great car for the money.

Yeah, actually I have thought about the S4 and do like the Avant. But it seems that the E90/F30 have more room inside and I like the looks of the BMW better. The Audi is a great suggestion and being a car guy like most of us on this forum, I respect different types of cars and am open to try new things. Thanks again for your help.

[PrimoM3]

Originally Posted by NoM3ForMe

I am always happy to help. Have you looked into the S4 Avant/Sedans? Great car for the money.

They're wonderful, but the last year of the S4 Avant was the '08 for the U.S. I'm selling my near mint condition CPO black on black, loaded, if intererested.

[bga23]

Originally Posted by Nate2046

I think 53-55k is a pretty strong offer for your car on trade actually. I just bought a similiarly equipped '11 with 7k miles for 58.5, original sticker was 78k, so I'm a little surprised they offered you that much.

Agree here. Just bought an '11 E90 for $57.5K, I think sticker was mid-$70s. Don't think dealers are getting low $60s for sedans, maybe for some coupes though.

[m3buckeye]

Originally Posted by NoM3ForMe

I am always happy to help. Have you looked into the S4 Avant/Sedans? Great car for the money.

As it was said earlier, you can no longer get a new S4 Avant in the US. B8s were the last and they were sweet. AMG wagon though....

[NoM3ForMe]

Originally Posted by m3buckeye

As it was said earlier, you can no longer get a new S4 Avant in the US. B8s were the last and they were sweet. AMG wagon though....

You are correct, you can no longer get an S4 Avant new; I was just suggesting it as a possibility since you can get them used. I must admit, I like your idea of an AMG wagon better...