New "member" looking for info before purchasing BMW - BMW Forum

meankatie · 04-10-2009, 06:07 PM

Hey everyone,

I'm looking to buy a used BMW. found a 2002 325I coupe for 11900 with 73K mi. Want to know what I should be looking for when I test drive it. Don't want to pull out of the lot to find out I have $2k worth of repairs to do. Anyone have any advice?

Thanks!

MK

coolvegase34 · 04-10-2009, 07:32 PM

Take the car to a qualified mechanic. A reputable bmw shop wouldn't hurt either. Pay them $60-100 and have them go through the whole car. They will tell you what is wrong if anything. If the car has 70,000 plus on it, chances are it will need a service 2 which can be expensive. You also want a car that has the service records. These are great cars but they must be serviced according to the manufacturer's specified intervals. Run a carfax as well. It will tell you everything you need to know about the car.

coolvegase34 · 04-10-2009, 07:35 PM

by the way, I noticed that you live in Vegas. So do I. The Bmw shop that is use is on spring mountain and polaris. It is called european motorcars. They are very honest and will not rip you off. If you need any more help, pm me or just post in this thread. You can have them look at your prospective purchase.

mtccl · 04-10-2009, 08:26 PM

If you don't take it to a mechanic.....check the CV joints, front tie rods, clutch operation for slipping (if a manual), parking brake, smoke from tailpipe, creaks in steering, steering wheel vibration at speed, creaks in suspension over bumps, tire condition, take it thru a carwash and see if anything leaks, also check all lights, wipers, horn, muffler, leaning wheels, bald spots on tires, cracks at lower frame, damage to jack points, paint color differences, wear and bad smell in carpet...........and run a CARFAX.

Get it good and hot on the test drive. go back to the lot leave it running and open the hood...nothing should be smoking. both radiator hoses should be warm and not bulging....belts should not squeal.

meankatie · 04-10-2009, 09:33 PM

Awesome, thanks for the info guys. I'm not super familiar with cars and have always had my uncles around to translate for me. I really hope this car checks out. Definitely will be getting a Carfax, and familiarizing myself with cv joints, tie rods and hoses.

Coolvegase34: thanks for the tip on the shop. That's in the area where I work, so I'll definitely take the car there for a run through.

cheers! and here's hoping I'm a real member soon!
mk

coolvegase34 · 04-10-2009, 10:03 PM

Anytime meankatie. If you don't take it to a mechanic you are asking for trouble. At the Bmw shop I recommended, they have a 2004 3 series for sale for 14,500. They sell their customer's cars for them. I bought mine there. It had all the service records starting from when the car was new. If this car doesn't check out, see what they have available.

mtccl · 04-11-2009, 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by coolvegase34

If you don't take it to a mechanic you are asking for trouble.

Absolutely agree. You are asking for a PPI, Pre-Purchase Inspection.

Will normally cost you between $50-100 bucks. Mention someone referred you and they may do it for free. Good PR for future customers.

Ask for the PPI in writing. Use the PPI as a negotiating tool with the seller. That is the smart way to buy a used car.

Good Luck!

meankatie · 04-11-2009, 04:13 PM

This is such good info guys. Thank you. Good to know what I'm asking for at the mechanic as well. I'll keep you all posted on what happens!

mk

meankatie · 04-13-2009, 01:47 PM

Ok. Did a carfax on it, and turns out it was in a major accident. No wonder it was so inexpensive. Booo.

witeshark · 04-13-2009, 02:38 PM

Sorry to see that. It would help if people were more honest up front.