Test drove an E46
 

So Pam and I go out and take this thing for a test drive (Pam's idea, she is sick of minivan driving during the day when she's w/out kids):

http://www.fitzmall.com/fitzway/carf...39876624224537

MD inspection report says fail b/c of worn ball joints, messed up glass on outside mirror, and a few minor things.

The dealer's inspection notes a few other things - some interior pieces broken, worn rotors, nothing that seemed all that bad.

We take it out for a test drive, first thing was I couldn't find third gear. The shift lever would "spring" all the way to the right I kept getting fifth. Gave up and just did 2nd to 4th shifts. It had a bit of a vibration from the start, then the vibration got scarry bad. I stopped thinking it had a flat. No flat, wheels were not ready to fall off, so I drove it back. Right rear brakes smelled like they were hot off the track.

They wouldn't budge on allowing a PPI, or including their 5 day return policy for their handyman specials. Wouldn't buy that car w/out one.

Interesting ride though, thought for sure I was going to be returning it on a flat bed.

I don't think I have ever seen a car advertised as:


There's too many of these to mess with the trashy ones.

...everyone knows it's a sellers market :roll: Get her a 996. Friend just bought his wife a beutiful blue '99 for ~$17.5.

Did she tell you to say that??

been married a long time.... they don't have to tell me what to say :roll:

John:

That sounds like more than a few little problems. Anyone afraid of a PPI ... run t'other way quickly.

Nice cars. But, there are way too many around to settle for one that's beat.

John,
If Pam won't need the rear seats and is OK w/ convertibles, look at a used Boxster. They're a lot of car for the money right now. AND, she can use it for DEs so you're not sharing the 44 anymore....

Odd,that's the dealership that I bought my '02 GTI new at, and they treated me fairly well. Guess there's a big difference between their new and used selections.

nate

I have no problem with Fitzgerald's. They just started doing this "handy man special" deal with the low end tradeins rather than send them off to auction. They have only sold like two cars since they started the program.

All the "regular" used cars can be returned with-in 5 days.