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      08-21-2011, 04:09 PM   #1
Henry1518
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New member, found a car but have some questions

Hey all, I've been in the market for a Z4 M roadster for awhile now and I think I've finally found one I like. Its low mileage (under 10k miles) and is in a decent color (silver). My only issue is that the dealer is a tiny independent non-franchise dealer. Is there anything I should be concerned about or watch out for? His max inventory seems to be only 1 car at any time but seems to deal in only high-end cars. I do plan to get a PPI done at a nearby BMW dealership before buying the car, so if everything checks out okay then I shouldn't have anything to worry about, right? I did test drive the car and it seemed to drive smoothly. I just feel funny buying a car from a such small operation. Any thoughts?

Here is the car in question:

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...standard=false
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      08-21-2011, 04:26 PM   #2
VinnieAces
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i'd always prefer to buy from BMW to get the CPO but if the car looks mint and you have a good feeling about it then go for it! just make sure to do the PPI and carfax
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      08-21-2011, 04:32 PM   #3
Nicolas M
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Hi,

In my opinion the size of the dealer should not be so important in your decision, except if you have a warranty directly related to this dealer.

The most important is to check the car, exactly the same way as if you were buying a car in a big dealer or to a private seller: clean history, general aspect of the car, mechanical inspection, no accident...

Nothing particularly related to this dealer, except the feeling you have with it!

Good luck, and hope to hear from you soon with a new car!
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      08-21-2011, 04:46 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by VinnieAces View Post
i'd always prefer to buy from BMW to get the CPO but if the car looks mint and you have a good feeling about it then go for it! just make sure to do the PPI and carfax
Quote:
Originally Posted by Nicolas M View Post
Hi,

In my opinion the size of the dealer should not be so important in your decision, except if you have a warranty directly related to this dealer.

The most important is to check the car, exactly the same way as if you were buying a car in a big dealer or to a private seller: clean history, general aspect of the car, mechanical inspection, no accident...

Nothing particularly related to this dealer, except the feeling you have with it!

Good luck, and hope to hear from you soon with a new car!
+1 on both of these recommendations. Look closely at the paint too and have the PPI folks look for replacement parts. Carfax is not foolproof by any means.

If all checks out you may have a great find there!
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      08-21-2011, 07:18 PM   #5
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Not that different from buying from an individual right?
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      08-21-2011, 07:53 PM   #6
Stilweezy
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ask to bring it to a trustworthy mechanic for a full inspection. the mileage is super low for a 2006. get a carfax too just to have some history of it.
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      08-21-2011, 07:57 PM   #7
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Make sure it has had yearly oil changes and the 1200 mile service. That is super low miles. I thought my 06 was low at 13,500! I also find the price interesting. I paid 29K for my 06 with 9500 miles in May of 09. 30,500 seems a bit high to me.
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      08-21-2011, 08:36 PM   #8
mjposner
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Call BMW and give them vin and see what service was done. Get a code reader and check to see if there are any codes. Run a Carfax for accidents.

price seems a bit high for a 5 year old car.
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      08-22-2011, 06:21 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mjposner View Post
price seems a bit high for a 5 year old car.
It has done less than 9000 miles/ that's nothing.

You are probably wasting your time getting a mechanic to look at it ... unlikely to be any major mechanical issues until you hit 50000 or even 75000 miles.

More important is a panel beater to check for any sign of big accidents.
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      08-22-2011, 06:23 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by chickdr View Post
Make sure it has had yearly oil changes and the 1200 mile service.
Also insist on a signed affidavit that they only used 98 octane ... not 91.
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      08-22-2011, 09:43 AM   #11
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Quote:
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Also insist on a signed affidavit that they only used 98 octane ... not 91.
I assume you are trolling here? Your comments are amusing. Just because a car has super low miles, nothing could be wrong with it? Sometimes LACK of driving causes more issues than driving the car many miles.
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      08-22-2011, 10:57 AM   #12
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Just get a PPI done by a reputable shop and go on that. I had a PPI done on a car by this shop in Manhattan Beach:
http://www.bimrs.org/profiles/AutoWerkstatt.html
Based on his inspection, I passed on the car. Good guy, nice guy, slightly expensive, recommended by my local indy, Vanguard Motors here in SF.

I think you'll generally have good luck with mechanics you find via the bimrs.org website.
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      08-24-2011, 02:21 PM   #13
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I saw that car while I was searching for mine, it's been listed for a LONG time. Maybe something wrong with it?

Also, price is a little high for an 06, even with 10k miles. Mine with 16k miles was $27k two months ago. That and the length of time it's been up should give you some negotiation ammo.

Get it checked out at bullet performance if you can, they specialize in BMWs and they are in Costa Mesa, not too far from the dealer.
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      08-24-2011, 03:57 PM   #14
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Seems legit by reading it. Now I would go check it out in person. When I was shopping for a Coupe last year I could have sworn I saw this car.. The price is about right or a little high for the mileage if nothing is wrong.

I paid $29,800 out the door with no tax for my 2008 Z4M Coupe last September and it had all options and 19000 miles on it. I know if my Coupe would have had 9000 miles it would have more than likely been like $35,000. I have seen them up here currently with that mileage at like Kuni BMW.
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      08-24-2011, 07:23 PM   #15
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I think the dealer is pretty close to the BMW dealer Sterling on PCH in Newport Beach. Why not have the car checked out by the BMW dealer? For a small fee you may have peace of mind.
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