Sigh. Probably Selling My Y34 w/ 65k Original Miles

[ChiefRider]

This is not a post I want to write. But I have too many cars that sit around and my wife says something must go.

I have a Garnet Fire 2003 M45 with 65k documented miles. Never, ever out in any kind of bad weather. Simply put, a beautiful car. Complete service records from the delivering dealer to the original owner right thru to last year. I replaced the original (no kidding!) battery, changed the oil and filter that's it. Car was always garaged, never sat outside, and the paint and interior reflect that. Everything works perfectly, as clean underneath, and under the hood as anything on a showroom floor. Highly optioned car that gets a lot of comments.

Where should I be on price? I don't think KBB is relevant, this is not your typical used car.

Thanks for your comments!

[airmanhoward]

Pics please

[Ilya]

I'd go 2-3k above KBB price for excellent condition as a starting point. Sounds beautiful.

[Brando C]

In for pics! I absolutely love the 03 M45's. Especially that color!!!

[EdBwoy]

I saw your post and it reminded me of another member buying a low mileage M45: considering-the-purchase-of-2003-m45-t610157.html
Turns out it was you. How has the ownership experience been?


On pricing, I'd say it depends on location & finding the right buyer.
I have seen a KBB-priced car sit on my local craigslist for months, I have seen a few above-KBB ones there for years as well.
I'd check ebay sold listings as well, to see what the nation has been willing to pay.


If you're still considering posting pictures, check out my signature below.

[ChiefRider]

Thanks for the comments.

The ownership experience has been fine, but limited. The car stayed in my garage from last July until this April, starting it and moving it occasionally. I registered it in early April, and am driving it in nice weather. The car is great, no complaints at all. But I find myself not wanting to rack up any miles on it so, having 6 other cars my wife is after me to reduce the fleet. While I would love to keep it, I have to concede this point to her. Later when I have a little more time I'll figure out how to post some photos. I though I might try cars.com in order to reach a larger audience. I don't think CL will be the way to go. Who knows, but I really would like to see this go to someone who knows what it is.

[Brando C]

Thanks for the comments.

The ownership experience has been fine, but limited. The car stayed in my garage from last July until this April, starting it and moving it occasionally. I registered it in early April, and am driving it in nice weather. The car is great, no complaints at all. But I find myself not wanting to rack up any miles on it so, having 6 other cars my wife is after me to reduce the fleet. While I would love to keep it, I have to concede this point to her. Later when I have a little more time I'll figure out how to post some photos. I though I might try cars.com in order to reach a larger audience. I don't think CL will be the way to go. Who knows, but I really would like to see this go to someone who knows what it is.

CL is fine for the local doing some car shopping. I would definitely do cars.com and car gurus. If you want to spend a small amount of change, post it ion Auto Trader. That is my # 1 search engine while looking for new cars. GLWS!

[ChiefRider]

Thanks for the shared experience. Hope I can find the right buyer that loves the car like I do. I don't have any photo accounts to upload photos from. If I can find some time this weekend I'll see what I can do. If nothing else. I'll put it on CL and post the link here so you can see it. It's not perfect, there are a couple scratches on the front "bumper" where the original owner kissed something. If I thought it would net me a better sales result I'd have it painted. Other than that the paint is just beautiful. I brought it to the Infiniti dealer to have a second key programmed for it. The service staff virtually swarmed the car, very excited to see it.

[EdBwoy]

Chief, if you'd like assistance, I can help you. Send me the pictures at [REDACTED]

[ChiefRider]

Hi Ed, thanks for the offer. Sent some pics to your email.

[EdBwoy]

[ChiefRider]

Thank you for posting the pics!

[Double E]

This truly is a fantastic car. Were it not for the color, I think I'd buy it.

For folks that know what it is.... maybe put it on Bring-a-Trailer?

[Gene Ln]

Looking at the screen in the dash is this without Nav? what about the voice commands?

[ChiefRider]

It does not have navigation, but it does have the Voice Command functions. Everything works perfectly, too. I should take a pic of the window sticker with all of the options listed. The pic of the engine bay doesn't do the car justice. It looks like it could be in a showroom.

[Double E]

I had two of these cars with the Nav option and believe me, you're not missing anything. (I do not have either anymore but I sure do miss them.)
Outdated interface, clunky data entry method, no updates (since 2008?).
You're better off using Waze on a phone.

[ChiefRider]

Adding a link to my CL add. I haven't gone to any of the car sites yet, will need to take some good pics of the car cleaned up a bit for that!

https://nwct.craigslist.org/cto/6200234140.html

[Double E]

Slight CL ad error...it is 340HP, not 350.

GLWS.

[Jester.308]

I live on Connecticut and I saw this but 10k is way to high also considering the fact that NADA doesn't even list the car for 10k, Now for some reason if it was an 04 you could get 10 for it all day but the 03's have dropped in value which I don't understand. Believe me if I bought that car I'd never sell it nor take it out in s*** weather.

[ChiefRider]

Well, you can't ask $6k and expect to get $10! Got to start somewhere.

I am not in a rush to give this car away, and I don't expect there are very many in its near pristine condition, with its complete documentation. For someone who wants a really nice Y34, this would be it. I never placed much stock in NADA anyway. Always welcome forum comments!

[szh]

I love that Garnet Fire color! When I bought my Silver 2003 Y34 back in 2003, that stunning "red" was what I was looking for ... unfortunately, was quite rare.

The dealer I bought from had two Gold (can't remember the official name) and one Silver ones on the lot. I had originally gone in to get a G35, but ended up buying the Silver M45.

Now 14 years later, it is showing its age (to me physical care is not as important as mechanicals), but at almost 200k miles, it is gulping more oil than I would like ... will probably have to change cars soon, unfortunately. Yours is tempting ...

Z

[Jester.308]

Well, you can't ask $6k and expect to get $10! Got to start somewhere.

I am not in a rush to give this car away, and I don't expect there are very many in its near pristine condition, with its complete documentation. For someone who wants a really nice Y34, this would be it. I never placed much stock in NADA anyway. Always welcome forum comments!

The reason why I say NADA is because NADA is what the insurance companies go by if you were to total your car and if you totaled this M45 you'd get 5800, it's sad that this is the case and that the 04 is worth so much more, but hey, if it's still around down the road and I'm back at work I'd come very close to your asking price. Now KBB has been even harsher. You've seen the response from enthusiasts here, beautiful car but they end up saying GLWS. Now if I was you I'd keep it and see what it's worth in 10 years, maybe then you could get 10 grand for it as it becomes a classic car by that time.

[Jester.308]

Don't mean to double post but if the car is still around in a few months when I'm back at work I'll come real close to your asking price with cash.

[ChiefRider]

Think I will put it on AutoTrader this weekend.

Since I decided to sell, I have mostly stopped driving it. Took it for a ride 2 days ago and really enjoyed it- The Y34 M45 really is a nice car, just has a great feel to it. Can't keep doing that or I won't list it!

[Jester.308]

Don't list it! I can already tell your going to be kicking yourself over it. Keep it and watch the value rise in 10 years.

[Double E]

I think it is on par with the folks that like the E36 (BMW) so much, but far fewer Y34s were ever made for the US market and for far shorter time. Just the aftermarket makes the E36 a great platform, in addition to the classic lines and pretty good power from the engine. Npt an apples and apples comparison but those that like and seek out the E36 don't have a problem paying $20K for a 65K mile example in the M edition.

I think that if the Y34 would have ever been a coupe, the tuners and specialty market would have been all over it.
Toss in a 6 speed and it would have been epic.

That said, it will take a certain individual to see what a great car that Y34 is and if maintained as it sounds and looks, you'll get that 10K sooner, maybe in another year or so. It may come down to how well it is photographed and where it is placed to find that buyer. In a different color, I'd have already grabbed it from you.

[ChiefRider]

Hi Double E, thanks for your comments. Too bad you don't like the Garnet ( my favorite!); You would love the car! I already have too many cars that I store for occasional use. I bought this intending to use it as a DD, but it is just too nice, and too unusual. I hate racking up miles on nice cars. I do hope it finds a home with someone who really likes the Y34. Anyway, if you decide you like the Garnet after all.....!

[Jester.308]

Hi Double E, thanks for your comments. Too bad you don't like the Garnet ( my favorite!); You would love the car! I already have too many cars that I store for occasional use. I bought this intending to use it as a DD, but it is just too nice, and too unusual. I hate racking up miles on nice cars. I do hope it finds a home with someone who really likes the Y34. Anyway, if you decide you like the Garnet after all.....!

I like it and I'm seriously considering a bank loan to pick this up.

[ChiefRider]

Let me know if you want to talk about it or come see it. I haven't listed it yet, we have family visiting from out of state so I haven't been able to get out and take really nice photos for a listing. I put it in my garage and shut the door. Out of sight, out of mind at the moment.

[Jester.308]

Let me know if you want to talk about it or come see it. I haven't listed it yet, we have family visiting from out of state so I haven't been able to get out and take really nice photos for a listing. I put it in my garage and shut the door. Out of sight, out of mind at the moment.

Yeah, I would like to come look at it, I'm going back to work by the end of this month, you are in Goshen correct?