Consider Cutter Motors in Santa Barbara! (archive)

Try Jon Shafer's internet special for your ordered car. I live in the Sacramento area and just picked up my Steel Blue 325i on April 24. Make your car pick-up a vacation trip. You will not regret it.
I have nothing against the Niello folks in Sacramento. They were courteous, but unwilling to accept my very special order because it had "unusual" features, and at the time were very stingy on discounts.

I've been doing a bit of reading over the past few weeks as I've been thinking about getting a car at the end of the year to replace my '96 Miata; although I'm still a young (turning 21 at the beginning of next year), single guy, my needs have outgrown my little two-seater -- you try lugging a monster 4U server around in a Miata. *grin*

Anyways; I've pretty much narrowed my choice down to a BMW 325i or 330i (sedan). Both are sporty, RWD (this is /very/ important), and reasonably spry. I thought pretty heavily about the convertible, but I'm planning on moving into an apartment next June (living at home right now as I'm a cheap b*stard), so security (read: getting-the-bloody-top-slashed) is an issue.

I make a hair under $60K a year and have no debt (other than what's left on the Miata), so I'm not too worried about being able to maintain the vehcile (the warranty and maintenance offerings were a big consideration). That, and being able to get a Bimmer as a 21st birthday-present-to self (I would /never/ want my parents to pay for my car) would certainly be nifty!

Here's what I'm considering in the way of options -- any suggestions? Any specific dealership I should look at (I live in Sacramento, CA)? Any general tips/suggestions?

Options:
- Sport package (need this for AutoX. *grin*)
- Premium package.
- Xenon headlights.
- In-dash CD.
- H/K sound system upgrade.
- Eith Silver/Black Leatherette (leather is nice, but wears too badly). Black/Black, or Orient Blue/Sand
- BMW Alarm.

The MSRP is around $33,500; but I'm fairly good at wheeling-and-dealing with dealerships, so I'm hoping to negotiate that down to about $1,500 - $2,000 over invoice (they /do/ need to make a profit; this I understand). Any tips there as well?

Thanks! Hopefully I'll be in the "Circle" soon enough. *grin*

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