Just returned from a test drive of the black 2005 limited coupe 6-speed in Fife, WA with 85,000 miles originally listed for just under $10,000 (now shows as negotiable). Car looked very good on the outside with the exception of some scuffs on the rear bumper and a messy touch up of the panel on the hatch below the wing pop-up.

However, inside was a nightmare. First no arm rest on driver side. Next headline had been removed and put back up with staples crudely (even I can do better). Shift *** was off and I had a bit of a time finding reverse, but figured it out. Couldn't turn the key and couldn't remove the keys after the drive (I guess you have to have your foot on the brake). The car made some weird noises under the hood when moving out of the parking lot...not the engine. Then there was something lightly thumping with the rotation of the front wheels until we got going.

The car was amazingly peppy and enjoyable to drive. The only other thing was that when I initially goosed the throttle on the street by the dealer either the gas is very sensitive and the sudden surge bounced my foot ad it didn't do it pulling into the freeway.

The dealer was nice, but said they hadn't really priced it and he thought more like $6,800. I think it was not at all what I want to take on. However, a great experience as it was my first drive.

Now I've found a graphite 2004 in Austin, TX with 57,000 miles for $7,000. I've asked my pal in Houston to ride his Harley down to check it out. If it's a winner, I will fly down to pick it up and drive it back to Seattle.

Wish me luck. Thanks. Bill