New to this forum, but actually coming here seeking help with a little issue.
I've been the happy owner of a 2003 BMW 540i which I purchased as a Pre-Owned/Certified about a year and a half ago. the car is phenomenal to drive, and has no problems. However, I am a nature Photographer, and it really just isn't condusive to my lifestyle. After 6 months of painful thought, I decided to trade it in for something more suitable to what I do.
Anyway, I went to the dealer, negotiated the new car deal, and then went to trade mine in. They came back and told me that it had been repainted! And that the value was significantly less than book because it had probably been in an accident.
I was shocked. How could a repainted car be certified under the "Pre-Owned/Certified" program, and shouldn't there have been a disclosure? The car is still under Pre-Owned/Certified warranty, and I have taken very good care of it. Needless to say, I was not happy, and did not make the deal. The dealer was kind enough to show me the evidence that it had been repaired/repainted, and told me that it should have been seen under the Certified/Pre-Owned inspection.
I immediately called the dealership who sold it to me, only to find that they were now under new ownership. I was kindly told that they felt the situation was wrong, but that they could not help. I then called BMW USA and was told that I needed to work it out through the dealership.
Does anyone have any idea what I can do about this? It really has been a wonderful car, but I feel this is wrong, and shouldn't have happened. I have to believe that a first rate operation like BMW would not stand for this type of thing. I have appealed to BMW USA in writing, and will hopefully get a response. I'm not after much here, I just want fair value for the car...not the deflated value that was dealt to me without my knowledge. I really wouldn't feel right unloading it onto some other unsuspecting fool (The CarFax report is clean, BTW). I really think this is one that BMW should step up to. Anyone have a good point of contact?
The dealer, despite being under new ownership, should still help you.
How is it not conducive to your lifestyle exactly? MPG? With a good tuneup mine got around 30mpg highway before it was supercharged...
No - I am a Wildlife/Nature Photographer. I spend a good amount of time out in the swamps of Florida. I can't drive the 540i in there. I'm looking at an SUV or Jeep type vehicle. I will definitely buy another BMW eventually, but this is a more urgent need.
No - I am a Wildlife/Nature Photographer. I spend a good amount of time out in the swamps of Florida. I can't drive the 540i in there. I'm looking at an SUV or Jeep type vehicle. I will definitely buy another BMW eventually, but this is a more urgent need.
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