thanks guys, finally part 3
Senior Members
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 531
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles, CA
My Ride: 2000 540i/6: Silver
Model Year: 2000
Yes, I think it is questionable.
I fell for that same deal, and let me say, I'm upset on many levels, but I'll isolate it to just the price of the car.
My budget was the same as yours.
I didn't have a need for speed, so I was looking at the 525/530 2 years ago December 2009.
I came across a 525 that came to 28k OTD with 31K miles and a couple others at 31k OTD with much more miles (~10-15k more miles), as well as some 530's priced at 34500 sticker, "no room to move".
I fell for the "less miles is better" bs and I ended up with a car that after a year of experience with, regret purchasing. I should have spent a little more money, but my motto with cars has always been to draw the line somewhere regardless of how much more be it a $1000 or $5000, otherwise the sky is the limit, and before you know it, your 10 g's over budget.
The point is, inspect the car thoroughly, run your OWN carfax, don't be afraid to walk away.
I know myself and can take a guess, if you can buy the car for 30K OTD, a few grand more is not a big deal, in the long run, you will be glad you spent it, because that "new car" feeling goes away really fast, and a year later, you'll say...fuck...I should have spent a little more, whats 4 grand. If however, the additional 4 grand is going to set you back, than don't buy the car at all. But that's a whole other story.
Ignore the prices to a certain degree, pick the car you want, then make an offer, reasonably obviously. If you pick EXACTLY at your budget, you're not going to be choosing your car, but forced into a car, because none others will fit the budget. This IS NOT HOW CAR BUYING SHOULD BE. If it is, its the wrong car, wrong class, wrong time.
Good Luck.
I fell for that same deal, and let me say, I'm upset on many levels, but I'll isolate it to just the price of the car.
My budget was the same as yours.
I didn't have a need for speed, so I was looking at the 525/530 2 years ago December 2009.
I came across a 525 that came to 28k OTD with 31K miles and a couple others at 31k OTD with much more miles (~10-15k more miles), as well as some 530's priced at 34500 sticker, "no room to move".
I fell for the "less miles is better" bs and I ended up with a car that after a year of experience with, regret purchasing. I should have spent a little more money, but my motto with cars has always been to draw the line somewhere regardless of how much more be it a $1000 or $5000, otherwise the sky is the limit, and before you know it, your 10 g's over budget.
The point is, inspect the car thoroughly, run your OWN carfax, don't be afraid to walk away.
I know myself and can take a guess, if you can buy the car for 30K OTD, a few grand more is not a big deal, in the long run, you will be glad you spent it, because that "new car" feeling goes away really fast, and a year later, you'll say...fuck...I should have spent a little more, whats 4 grand. If however, the additional 4 grand is going to set you back, than don't buy the car at all. But that's a whole other story.
Ignore the prices to a certain degree, pick the car you want, then make an offer, reasonably obviously. If you pick EXACTLY at your budget, you're not going to be choosing your car, but forced into a car, because none others will fit the budget. This IS NOT HOW CAR BUYING SHOULD BE. If it is, its the wrong car, wrong class, wrong time.
Good Luck.
Former Vendor
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 5,051
Likes: 1
From: SoCal
My Ride: 14 550i
did you buy from a bmw dealer?
Yes, I think it is questionable.
I fell for that same deal, and let me say, I'm upset on many levels, but I'll isolate it to just the price of the car.
My budget was the same as yours.
I didn't have a need for speed, so I was looking at the 525/530 2 years ago December 2009.
I came across a 525 that came to 28k OTD with 31K miles and a couple others at 31k OTD with much more miles (~10-15k more miles), as well as some 530's priced at 34500 sticker, "no room to move".
I fell for the "less miles is better" bs and I ended up with a car that after a year of experience with, regret purchasing. I should have spent a little more money, but my motto with cars has always been to draw the line somewhere regardless of how much more be it a $1000 or $5000, otherwise the sky is the limit, and before you know it, your 10 g's over budget.
The point is, inspect the car thoroughly, run your OWN carfax, don't be afraid to walk away.
I know myself and can take a guess, if you can buy the car for 30K OTD, a few grand more is not a big deal, in the long run, you will be glad you spent it, because that "new car" feeling goes away really fast, and a year later, you'll say...fuck...I should have spent a little more, whats 4 grand. If however, the additional 4 grand is going to set you back, than don't buy the car at all. But that's a whole other story.
Ignore the prices to a certain degree, pick the car you want, then make an offer, reasonably obviously. If you pick EXACTLY at your budget, you're not going to be choosing your car, but forced into a car, because none others will fit the budget. This IS NOT HOW CAR BUYING SHOULD BE. If it is, its the wrong car, wrong class, wrong time.
Good Luck.
I fell for that same deal, and let me say, I'm upset on many levels, but I'll isolate it to just the price of the car.
My budget was the same as yours.
I didn't have a need for speed, so I was looking at the 525/530 2 years ago December 2009.
I came across a 525 that came to 28k OTD with 31K miles and a couple others at 31k OTD with much more miles (~10-15k more miles), as well as some 530's priced at 34500 sticker, "no room to move".
I fell for the "less miles is better" bs and I ended up with a car that after a year of experience with, regret purchasing. I should have spent a little more money, but my motto with cars has always been to draw the line somewhere regardless of how much more be it a $1000 or $5000, otherwise the sky is the limit, and before you know it, your 10 g's over budget.
The point is, inspect the car thoroughly, run your OWN carfax, don't be afraid to walk away.
I know myself and can take a guess, if you can buy the car for 30K OTD, a few grand more is not a big deal, in the long run, you will be glad you spent it, because that "new car" feeling goes away really fast, and a year later, you'll say...fuck...I should have spent a little more, whats 4 grand. If however, the additional 4 grand is going to set you back, than don't buy the car at all. But that's a whole other story.
Ignore the prices to a certain degree, pick the car you want, then make an offer, reasonably obviously. If you pick EXACTLY at your budget, you're not going to be choosing your car, but forced into a car, because none others will fit the budget. This IS NOT HOW CAR BUYING SHOULD BE. If it is, its the wrong car, wrong class, wrong time.
Good Luck.
Senior Members
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 531
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles, CA
My Ride: 2000 540i/6: Silver
Model Year: 2000
Thread Starter
Members
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 122
Likes: 0
From: tustin, CA
some say BMW's service and inspection report is more detailed and better than autocheck and carfax. Since I'm going towards downtown area, wouldn't hurt to go in and check it out right? I'm just worried that service report could be altered just so that they can sell the car, but maybe i'm thinking way too much on that part.
I tried to read the CPO warranty and I don't know what constitutes as not covered and whats covered. Should I just get the $0 maintenance to be safe?
Argh I feel so stupid
I tried to read the CPO warranty and I don't know what constitutes as not covered and whats covered. Should I just get the $0 maintenance to be safe?
Argh I feel so stupid
Senior Members
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 531
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles, CA
My Ride: 2000 540i/6: Silver
Model Year: 2000
some say BMW's service and inspection report is more detailed and better than autocheck and carfax. Since I'm going towards downtown area, wouldn't hurt to go in and check it out right? I'm just worried that service report could be altered just so that they can sell the car, but maybe i'm thinking way too much on that part.
I tried to read the CPO warranty and I don't know what constitutes as not covered and whats covered. Should I just get the $0 maintenance to be safe?
Argh I feel so stupid
I tried to read the CPO warranty and I don't know what constitutes as not covered and whats covered. Should I just get the $0 maintenance to be safe?
Argh I feel so stupid
Oh and as for the carfax, none of them need to be accurate, if the previous owner paid out of pocket for a repair, they won't show up on carfax. I learned that the hard way >(
Thread Starter
Members
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 122
Likes: 0
From: tustin, CA
ya I totally understand. That's why I told myself if I can get a car 30K OTD I'll be happy, but if I also find one thats better and only 1k-2k more then ya I'll work my way through for that extra 2k. But ya, that 21k miles seem fishy to me. Should I still make the trip to check it out?
I feel stupid because I get swayed by different opinions. Ya I'm a little cheap on the part of carfax because if that car doesn't work out its $40 gone. Before I know it i'll be paying like $300 before I find a car haha. I really feel bad that you guys are walking me by babysteps.
I feel stupid because I get swayed by different opinions. Ya I'm a little cheap on the part of carfax because if that car doesn't work out its $40 gone. Before I know it i'll be paying like $300 before I find a car haha. I really feel bad that you guys are walking me by babysteps.
Senior Members
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 531
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles, CA
My Ride: 2000 540i/6: Silver
Model Year: 2000
I would make the trip, but with low expectations in terms of it being the one. Be meticulous in your checking. Don't let them talk to you for the love of god, they are all amateurs at best, none of them know their ass from their elbow. I would set my eyes OFF that car. It's probably been through something that is not reported, and highly unlikely to be seen by the naked eye. It would only be worth it if you had them significantly come down on the price. Remember, the salesman is NOT on your side...ever.
Heck, maybe find a CPO 535i that has already replaced the fuel pump?
Thread Starter
Members
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 122
Likes: 0
From: tustin, CA
welll even getting a 535i all these issues with 528 still exists. Issues on my part of course. arghhhhh i really want a BMW but I dont want to pay 5 gazillion dollar to fix it haha. Or be laughed at by freakin cows on 5.
this seems good. I'd get it if I can haggle it down to $31k OTD
http://nitra.bmwt2dealer.com/socal/V...a-CA/903398663
btw thx a lot guys. Keep posting. I'll be checking in later tonight. Have a good one y'all.
this seems good. I'd get it if I can haggle it down to $31k OTD
http://nitra.bmwt2dealer.com/socal/V...a-CA/903398663
btw thx a lot guys. Keep posting. I'll be checking in later tonight. Have a good one y'all.