BMW 528i
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2004
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From: Joppa, Maryland
BMW 528i
I found a local listing on craigslist for baltimore for a 1997 BMW 528i for sale, he claims in great condition and no problems whatsoever. He is asking 2700 for it.. i've looked it up on KBB and looks like worse case scenario it is going to be worth at least 7000. what gives? Do I ****** this car up and try to make some quick money?
If I were to look at this car, does anyone here have any experience with them, what to look for?
He says he is out of the country, that is why he has to sell it.. which makes me worry that it may be some type of scam, but I would definetly have a transaction face to face, he also says it has a clear title.
what do you guys think?
If I were to look at this car, does anyone here have any experience with them, what to look for?
He says he is out of the country, that is why he has to sell it.. which makes me worry that it may be some type of scam, but I would definetly have a transaction face to face, he also says it has a clear title.
what do you guys think?
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 10,728
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From: Damascus-Boring, Ore
What do I think? When the deal is too good to be true, it generally is. Out of country owner is one red flag, but I'm not a fan of older used German luxo-sleds (3-series, maybe, but nothing further up the ladder). Repairs are stupefyingly expensive- a 60,000 mile service on that car is $2500, and that's just routine stuff. A Transmission is almost double that- and you won't be wrenching on it in your driveway. Then it's probably a damned mid-west car (rust, weather, easily hidden salvage titles, etc). Nope, I wouldn't be a player.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2004
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From: Joppa, Maryland
salvage titles can be easily hidden? even with a carfax or something like that?
It does seem too good to be true, like you said, but i figure its at least worth looking a little deeper into.
It does seem too good to be true, like you said, but i figure its at least worth looking a little deeper into.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 10,728
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From: Damascus-Boring, Ore
Salvage titles can be hidden? Yoo betcha- just depends where. Some geographic parts of the US have very loose DMV's. We've spotted two Katrina-Corvette's on Ebay- with clean titles (some Corvette enthusiasts were out photographing every 'Vette they saw). In a big event like Katrina, not all the data was input in a timely fashion... or at all.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Alvin, Texas.
Originally Posted by captain p4
I found a local listing on craigslist for baltimore for a 1997 BMW 528i for sale, he claims in great condition and no problems whatsoever. He is asking 2700 for it.. i've looked it up on KBB and looks like worse case scenario it is going to be worth at least 7000. what gives? Do I ****** this car up and try to make some quick money?
If I were to look at this car, does anyone here have any experience with them, what to look for?
He says he is out of the country, that is why he has to sell it.. which makes me worry that it may be some type of scam, but I would definetly have a transaction face to face, he also says it has a clear title.
what do you guys think?
If I were to look at this car, does anyone here have any experience with them, what to look for?
He says he is out of the country, that is why he has to sell it.. which makes me worry that it may be some type of scam, but I would definetly have a transaction face to face, he also says it has a clear title.
what do you guys think?
Get the car inspected by a BMW stealer, if you want it that much. Saving a few grand is worth it. THEY know what to look for. Assuming it is a good tech department, of course.
If it's a clear title and you get it handed to you and the inspection is fine, great. The thorough inspection will uncover any stuff that would otherwise call for a salvage title, like being a flood car or a horrendous wreck that would damage the frame to hell...
If you can see the car, take it for inspection, and all that jazz without any hesitation from the seller, go for it. It all is well, great.
I don't believe in Carfax, mainly because it's not hard to not report stuff to whatever agency and to them as well, I remember when I bought my Isuzu truck, it was listed as a MPFI 2.3L on Carfax when it was indeed a factory made carb version. Hmmm. Not perfect by any stretch...
Last edited by AlfredB1979; Sep 3, 2006 at 11:39 PM.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2004
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From: Joppa, Maryland
Well, turns out he is located in Texas.. how it got listed in the baltimore, maryland section I have no clue.. maybe you can go take a look at it Al 
Thanks for the help though.
Thanks for the help though.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Damascus-Boring, Ore
Carfax is generally pretty accurate- but their accuracy depends on the accuracy and timeliness of the DMV and Insurance data bases reporting to them. that's why I say Geography means a lot to us, as a dealership, when we look at a Carfax report. the more states involved, and the more locations away from the left or right coat, the more probability of an expensive mistake.
