New Gal Needs Help!

[Louisa]

Hi All ---

My name is Louisa. This is my first post here. I am thinking of buying a used BMW. Have never had an European car, always owned American or Japanese.
I want an automatic mid-sized car that is safe with good braking and road handling, that will last a long time.
I NEED YOUR HELP!
Would like to know if this is a good deal or a rip-off. It is a private owner sale. Also need to get a Carfax report to help me decide. Have to make a quick decision, or may lose out.

The car I fell in love with and want to get is a 2001 525i.
The asking price is $9,000.
The owner ran over a parking curb and tore up the underside (engine and trans). No body damage at all. It's clean - no dents, dings, etc. Has leather interior, sun roof, CD player, automatic everything, all the bells and whistles. I believe, no sports package.
Odometer - 91,000 miles
The following repairs has just been completed....
Replaced:
Motor - with 51,000 miles
Trans - with 6,000 miles
SO, WHAT DO YOU THINK? Thanks in advance.

[reagannelson]

Louisa,
It sounds like a good deal but I would make sure I had it completely checked out by a mechanic before I signed on the dotted line. The car should last you a long time.

[Louisa]

Reagannelson-
Thanks for the quick reply.
The guy selling it is a mechanic, he is the one who installed the new motor and trans. I saw this car at the Service Station where he works. I have long taken my cars there for service, and have always been satisfied. He is currently installing a new carb in my Camaro Z28. Should I trust him with this, or have another mechanic check it out. I am so unsure, and afraid to lay down what to me is a big chunk of change.

[witeshark]

If he's honest and the car is good, he should have no reason against your getting another opinion.

[Louisa]

Thanks for the replies. Still debating about it.
Just got the Carfax report.
Has had 4 owners: 2 private, 2 dealer. Sold at auction in PA. Clean Title. All owners have been from NJ/PA area. (I'm in NJ)
Looks to have been well maintained.
Rear-end accident in 2005. (Body in perfect cond. now.)
Recent accident where owner drove over a parking pylon damaging the engine and trans. The Service Station mechanic that repaired it and is selling it, bought it from the insurance co. I trust this mechanic....but just to be sure, am taking it for another opinion.
My son works for a car dealer (Dodge, Ford, Pontiac, & Isuzu).
Plan to take it there to have their mechanics check out under the hood and the undercarriage. Will be worth the $100 for reassurance and peace of mind...know they will be honest with me.
Son tells me it is a good price. His only warning is that maintenance is costly.
I still love this car! It is pretty....White with tan leather interior. There I go being a typical female!
Any other advice is very welcomed. Will let you know my final decision. Thanks again.

[reagannelson]

Originally Posted by Louisa

Thanks for the replies. Still debating about it.
Just got the Carfax report.
Has had 4 owners: 2 private, 2 dealer. Sold at auction in PA. Clean Title. All owners have been from NJ/PA area. (I'm in NJ)
Looks to have been well maintained.
Rear-end accident in 2005. (Body in perfect cond. now.)
Recent accident where owner drove over a parking pylon damaging the engine and trans. The Service Station mechanic that repaired it and is selling it, bought it from the insurance co. I trust this mechanic....but just to be sure, am taking it for another opinion.
My son works for a car dealer (Dodge, Ford, Pontiac, & Isuzu).
Plan to take it there to have their mechanics check out under the hood and the undercarriage. Will be worth the $100 for reassurance and peace of mind...know they will be honest with me.
Son tells me it is a good price. His only warning is that maintenance is costly.
I still love this car! It is pretty....White with tan leather interior. There I go being a typical female!
Any other advice is very welcomed. Will let you know my final decision. Thanks again.

You have chosen wisely.

Let us know how things turn out (good or bad)