So I found a 135i that I really like, however the problem is the car is in NJ and I'm in Texas. Has anyone bought a car from out of state before? Would I be insane for buying it sight unseen? I've looked at cars on ebay that I've almost pulled the trigger on, but it worries me buying without seeing it first and then what happens if I pay for the car and the guy never ships the car? The car is a CPO from a individual, would it be best to have it sent to a BMW dealer there to look over?

 

i would make the trip out.. especially if it's a private seller.. just my 2 cents.

 

I live in California and I bought my 550i in Seattle, Washington.
Before I bought the car, I had someone from another BMW forum, who lived in Seattle, check out the car for me. I didn't want to buy the car unseen. He checked out the car for me and gave it the thumbs up. After that, I negotiated the price with the seller and about a week later I flew to Seattle ready to buy the car. I test drove the car, fell in love with it, signed the paperwork and drove 1,200 miles home with my 2008 550i.

 

I just bought an X5 from Texas with the plan to drive it back to NY. Bought it from a dealer. Had the terms and everything agreed on. Dealer promised me condition of car etc. When I got there car had a few issues that were not disclosed. Dealer stated no curb rash or dings. There was curb rash on all wheels and a few dings. Radiator also had a small leak. When i brought this all up to dealer and tried to negotiate he took 150 off. Couldn't get him to budge anymore. He knew I flew out and for me to take a loss on the flight and buy another X5 wouldn't have been worth it. Instead of getting a good deal on the car after shipping and everything I paid value for the car. At least I got a vacation in Texas. Moral of the story is have someone take a look at it first.

 

Thanks for the advise guys!

 

I just bought a 2010 535 x drive msport sight unseen from a dealer in Kansas and shipping it to Los Angeles now
It's. Cpo and has only 6168 miles
I will let you know how it looks when it arrives
Should be about 6 days
Ask a lot of questions about condition and make sure you are comfortable with the deal
I would stay away from private party without seein it

 

Have a local shop whom specializes in BMW's do a 'pre purchase inspection'. I almost bought an 04 545i that looked and drove great, but after an inspection I found it had two oil leaks that were going to cost $1,100 to fix. I'm now going to purchase an 07 550i assuming it passes inspection this Monday.

Good luck.