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Originally Posted by TSM330i
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If this car hasn't been in an accident and has been properly maintained, this is a pretty good deal!
All of the pictures look really good. The wheels look brand new with no scratches or curb rash but the tires are the original Continentals. Based on the manufacture date of 11/06 they are now six years old and should be replaced. It's possible that the original wheels and tires were taken off when the car was new, aftermarket wheels were used until the car was sold, and then the original wheels and tires were put back on. This was the case with my car. If you think that this is a possibility, look in wheel wells when the car is on a lift for any signs of rubbing or damage to the fender lip or the fender well which can happen with an overly aggressive aftermarket setup.
The interior looks to be in very good shape with the Carbon Leather trim option which I personally prefer. There doesn't appear to be any wear in some of the most common areas, which are the left thumb notch area on the steering wheel, the left bolster on the driver's seat, and the buttons on the dash.
Based on the mileage, it's probably getting close to Inspection 1. The oil and filter change, and cabin and air filter replacements are relatively easy. The valve adjustment is more involved and will require about $100 in parts, another $75 for tools, and a $400 shim kit that you can borrow or rent. Otherwise the valve adjustment will cost you as much as $1000 at a dealer or independent. Depending on when it was last done, or done at all, it may also require a brake fluid flush which is not hard to do. Brake fluid flushes should be done every two years.
Definitely get a PPI at a good independent, preferably one that will hook up a scan tool and read any error codes that the car may have as part of the PPI. They should put the car up on a hoist, check for any possible engine, transmission, or differential leaks or bad seals, including any signs of damage including paint overspray. Make sure that there are no apparent signs of leaks of any sort in the engine compartment and make sure that all of the hoses are in good shape.
In July I paid a little more than a grand less than this for a Roadster that was a year older and with about 6,000 more miles. It also has the Extended Leather and Nav options, and the iPod adapter. Coupes are rarer and one like this in good condition is a good find.