Newbie int in used car inspection-Columbus, OH

[chicnyclady]

Hi all,
Not sure if I can find this info here, but I thought it was worth a try. I'm looking to buy a '00 323i private and would like to find out if anyone can recommend a good garage in Columbus, OH who can do a comprehensive inspection job to feel confident about. Otherwise, if anyone has a recommendation on where to look (if there's a site list, etc.) I've alread talked to 2 dealerships: MAG is booked through the end of next week and Kelly BMW didn't seem too helpful and I'm sure they'll just check the maintenance records and say everything looks fine. Any information is greatly appreciated!

[BMWL2]

I would just check you local directory and start calling places. That would probably be the best way to find local help.

[chicnyclady]

BMWL2 - thanks for your response -- after spending several hours calling places that specialize in german cars, dh and I decided to check with our lexus dealership (where we bought and service our other car) -- they have a BMW certified tech, so let's keep our fingers crossed!

[HiPerFor]

I would suggest trying to establish a relationship with a local BMW Service Center who can provide you with warranty work and technicians who are still working on BMW's. I would be concerned about a technician no longer employed by a BMW Dealer. At the very least, a BMW Center would be able to access the service records that the Lexus Dealer would have no way of doing.

[chicnyclady]

Hi HiPerFor,
Thanks so much for your input -- I was really looking for a pre-purchased used car inspection -- which essentially can be done at a reliable independent garage or a travelling mechanic, but wrt the service and warranty work, I intend to do just as you mentioned, establish a relationship with a bmw service center which I hope will be as good to us as our lexus service has, they really pull out all the stops to make their clients happy.