One other question... Have any of you guys purchased out of state? I have more of a selection when I expand my search. Unfortunately, a lot of these places aren't driving distance but I was told by a dealer they have these companies like "inspect my ride" that specialize in inspecting cars for people purchasing out of state. I'm definitely not a mechanic so I'm thinking it may be worth it since the cost is about $160.

Any thoughts on if this is something I should consider?

 

I would be careful using the dealers so called inspectors. If you did not initiate the transaction for the vehicle to be inspected by some one you want then do not do it. Most of these inspectors actually work for the dealership more than the customer if it is someone they recommended or called. If you want to have an inspection done find one on your own that you feel comfortable with. That way you know that you are getting a non bias opinion.

If you have done your homework on the vehicle and this is the one that you want and it has no flaws from what you have seen on the website and or on the history report take the time to fly down and drive it and meet with the inspector. It is all worth it in the end. I too purchased mine from out of state a flew to make sure everything was tip top once I did my research and found the one I felt most comfortable in buying. Im gald I did. 18 months and 27000 miles later not one issue. I have 94000 on the dash now and never had a warranty. Im not saying the way I went is the way you should go but dont buy unless you feel comfortable.

Another avenue since you are not mechanically inclined. Pay for someone else to fly down that is and have them look at it. Just another thought. I wish you the best and I hope you enjoy the new ride.

 

I paid for the pre-buy inspection and Classic BMW in Dallas missed that all 4 rims were bent. I wouldn't hold too much stock in what BMW provides. If you have a different mechanic that you do work with have them look it over. You'll get more for your money that way.

 

I would get a cpo. I just got an 08 535xi cpo with 33k miles this past march. If you are financing any decent amount the .09% financing that comes with the cpo makes it a no brainer and you get the cpo warentee on top. I would never buy a bmw without at least a power train warentee. I wouldn't worry about going out of state or inspecting the vechile. Get a car fax and get something under 4 years 50k miles so if anything at all goes wrong in the first couple months your covered. I had about a year left on my 4 yr 50k warentee.