Hey guys - I'm looking to buy a 530 '04 under warranty w/ 25K miles. The car looks good (black on black) and drives well. I'm putting a lot of money down and am a little nervous of buying it without getting it inspected. The guy I am buying it from seems legit, but a little eccentric.

I figured I could get it inspected at the dealership, but when I called them they said I could bring it in only for a checkup or a service problem. The owner seems resistant to taking it anywhere else but the dealership...any idea, how I can get some verification that the car is OK or tips about how I can get the BMW service center inspect it and give a thumbs up? FWIW, the car diagnostics all showed up green in idrive.

I would ask the dealer if they have a standard 96 point inspection or something similar to that. I know my local BMW dealer does and they have performed a general diagnostic service on some cars I've purchased for about 1 hour of labor. The thing is, you can't expect them to drop everything and do this, normally it's a drop the car off and get it back tomorrow thing.

However, the cars under warranty, so anything that may be found would be covered. The only real exception would be the wear and tear parts like tires. The 04 probably doesn't have much warranty left (until the original owner extended it), so if you buy it I would take it right to your local dealer for service, but you can be pretty sure that it's been adequately serviced by BMW thus far. You can go into any BMW dealer w/ the VIN number and they can print you a coded service history which should detail every server performed.

Run the carfax report to check for previous accidents and try to borrow a paint meter to check all the panels for body work. This is really one of the most important steps if buying blind.

If the vehicle doesn't have the extended warranty you can still extend the warranty through a third party. They usually run anywhere from $1500 to $2500 depending on coverage and deductibles.

Good luck!

I would pay the dealer to inspect it and I would take the car to my favorite body shop for an inspection. A competent body shop can tell you if the car has ever been in an accident - and possible extent. If the seller can't handle this, I would walk away and find another seller. Just my 2 cents.

Jim

I have found BMW buyers to be obsessive compulsive. Maybe their problems develop prior to them selling vehicle.

Time to get flamed.

Here is a suggestion. Keep in mind that you might have to handle this seller with kid gloves. As I understand it, he does not want you to take it for an inspection.

Maybe you could work this into the conversation. Offer to write him a personal check. He certainly will decline. Then somehow tactfully remind him that he does not trust you, rightfully so, because you do not know each other and he has no leverage over payment.

You too have the same problem. You give him cash or bank check, and you have no proof of the condition of the car other than seeing it and driving it once or twice.

You might need to do some roll playing at him with your relatives.

You are in a tough position.

A few friends of mine who buy and sell cars have told me that their biggest headaches come from sellers/buyers who are ministers, doctors, attorneys. One friend said that he has had more hot checks from those guys than anyone else. Never take a check from anyone.

Well, well....a car inspection showed that it had been in an accident. Friggin' scumbag...almost pulled the wool over my eyes. Thanks for the advice all!

Well, well....a car inspection showed that it had been in an accident. Friggin' scumbag...almost pulled the wool over my eyes. Thanks for the advice all!

How about a red 2002 Z06 Corvette with about 2,500 miles on it. Never wrecked, scratched, damaged or anything like that. $31,500. email or pm me. 6 speed stick, 5.7 Liter, HUD, cd, etc. Not even a parking lot chip on it.