Can I improve resale price of my BMW??

[BMW_Redman]

I've got a 2003 BMW 3 series thats got a few problems, mostly minor but enough that my Dad seems to think its a money pit (I'm only 17 so he gets most of the say in the matter). The car runs fine and is completely stock for what i know but if we end up selling it could i invest in the car to get a better resale? maybe better interior, stereo system, etc... i think we got it for about 10k

[ZorroAMG]

Unless they are OEM mods, mods don't count towards resale. Save the money and put it towards the new car.

[bjstare]

+1. You never get the money out of a car that you put into it for aftermarket stuff. IMO, money well spent would be getting it detailed professionally, and then not driving it until it sells so it stays clean and you didn't waste your $250.

[AE92_TreunoSC]

Fixing dents and scratches is a good idea, but its best to revert it to stock form and have it detailed properly.

I'm selling my 02' bmw soon and its going to be shampooed and powerpolished right away and left in that state.

[TravisJ]

Originally posted by cjblair
+1. You never get the money out of a car that you put into it for aftermarket stuff. IMO, money well spent would be getting it detailed professionally, and then not driving it until it sells so it stays clean and you didn't waste your $250.

This is a great post. A high quality detail with paint correction will go very far in resale. Just don't think that a simple wash/wax/steam is a "detail".

[HondaG]

Original Post Removed. (Please read the Forum Rules and Terms of Use (http://forums.beyond.ca/articles.php?action=data&item=1) before posting again, or risk getting banned).

[TorqueDog]

What the fuck?

[chkolny541]

aww, what did he say!

[soloracer]

Purchase an "M" badge....:rofl:






Seriously, stereo mods are about the worst thing you can do to improve the value of the car right behind body kits and big ass wings. Listen to the guys here as they made plenty of sense. About the only other thing I can recommend is fixing what needs to be fixed (within reason of course - if it needs an engine rebuild you are better off parting the car) and then getting a clean bill of health from a reputable shop that you can show any potential buyer.

[2EFNFAST]

Compound/polish the paint to make it brand new; other than that, nothing is going to add value to it.

[scat19]

what's wrong with it? How many k? Is it an ontario car?

[Jlude]

Originally posted by scat19
what's wrong with it? How many k? Is it an ontario car?


Location: Memphis tennesse

[bundi]

You bought a 2003 3 series for 10K... that's a lot cheaper than avg... I think they go for $15K+ I would suggest keeping it, but you're 17 and you bought a bimmer... they tend to be more pricey to maintain.

[snoop101]

This sounds dumb.... But get your dad to sell it.

Seriously it makes a difference. Lets say a 40-50 old husband is looking for a car for his wife. He would be more happy buying a BMW from a older gentleman who he thinks babied a car then a 17 year old who he thinks bags on it everyday.

You might not do that, but you need to see it from his side. I always had my dad sell my cars when I was younger and hes a retired mechanic so it even looks better.

[Xtrema]

Originally posted by bundi
You bought a 2003 3 series for 10K... that's a lot cheaper than avg... I think they go for $15K+ I would suggest keeping it, but you're 17 and you bought a bimmer... they tend to be more pricey to maintain.

USD. US cars are cheaper on average than CDN cars.

I agree with other on mods, unless they are OEM, it actually hurts resale. Especially on older European cars. The electronic are already questionable before anyone start to tinker with it.

[scat19]

Originally posted by Jlude




:banghead:

[Mibz]

Fix whatever problems is has, get it detailed and replace the front floor mats. Nothing makes a car feel new to me like floor mats without heel marks.

[bituerbo]

Getting it detailed, and getting the documented service history from the dealer (newer bmw's should be tracked by vin) are really all you can do, other than fixing the small things that are wrong with it - so long as the cost to fix will outweight the value added to the car.