330xi total noob buyer questions

[AK49]

So I need to get rid of my truck, for a car, and I found one on craigslist. I really like the looks of the car, and I plan on taking a look at it tomorrow. My background with cars is frankly, embarrassing, so I was wondering if I could ask you guys some questions about the one I'm interested in.

http://anchorage.craigslist.org/ctd/2034394170.html

I carfaxed it and It came up no "issues" or giant red flags. Although there are some things I am really curious about. I realize this is kind of more about carfax than anything else...

Part of the summary is as follows.

3 Previous owners
Types of owners: Corporate, Personal

Sold at auction
in Desert Southwest Region
Listed as
a fleet vehicle (California)

Sold at auction
in Pacific Northwest Region
Listed as
a dealer vehicle (Alaska)

So some questions I have...

What does a corporate owner mean?
What does listed as a fleet vehicle mean? Is that possibly a rental car?
Should I be afraid of it being sold at 2 different auctions?
Are there any BMW specific questions I should ask at the test drive?
On the craigslist ad you can see the right side of the front bumper has a missing square?
Are these all dumb questions?

I apologize if I offend anyone because I realize I could probably search some of this stuff up but I'm really short on time and must get to bed, so any help would be GREATLY appreciated! Please ask any questions if you need to know more of what I (don't) know. :)

[EuroSportChi69]

The reason about being sold at auctions can be various things; such as unable to make a payment.

IMO where I am from(Chicago) these types of car lots are generally not the most honest salesman and are known to take advantage of customers. I don't know what the buying situation is in Alaska but look into your options

[AK49]

Good point. I was thinking about asking this dealer to agree to an inspection from the main BMW dealer in town. That probably wouldn't hurt.

[floydr]

Ok, several things.
1) It was a California car, probably owned by a private party that tricked it up a bit (wheels, blackout lights). Probably a lease-back or tradein; I wouldn't worry about the previous owners; they probably got rid of it when it came out of warranty/maintenance. It was sold at auction to someone that brought it to WA and sold at auction again, and brought to AK. You can probably puzzle ownership out, but it doesn't really matter IMO.
2) The car is basically loaded: Premium, Sport, probably Cold Weather, Nav, iDrive, auto, AWD. Ideal for a city car in AK, and to drive down almost anywhere up there.
3) Can't tell what kind of tires are on it; you obviously want snows. One of the headlight washer covers is missing. Car hasn't had any suspension mods: still at AWD ride height.
4) Key on these cars is maintenance; however it's probably only had BMW's maintenance, which means barely maintained. Going to need new fluids all round. Probably good for close to 40K miles before normal maintenance items (CAB, belts, hoses, radiator, etc.) need replacement.
5) A PPI is mandatory, but probably going to only find minor things wrong.
6) Price seems high, but everything in AK is high.

[EuroSportChi69]

Good point. I was thinking about asking this dealer to agree to an inspection from the main BMW dealer in town. That probably wouldn't hurt.


If they denied your request...maybe their hiding something:nono

[mryakan]

Good point. I was thinking about asking this dealer to agree to an inspection from the main BMW dealer in town. That is a must.
Fixed.
Don't buy a used car, let alone a BMW, without proper PPI. Good luck.

[AK49]

Thanks for all the great info and tips! Gonna go check it out soon.

[AK49]

Alrighty then.

Checked it out today and here are some things I found.

-"Restraint system malfunction" They said it's a broken passenger side seat sensor and the part was on order. Claimed it was a easy 20min fix with instructions.
-"Brakes worn beyond limits" New pads on, but they said it the computer hasn't been flashed to take off the warning. (Guessing I have to take this to certified repair center to get it fixed, anyone know how much this should run me?)
-The missing headlight jet spray cover.
-Minor scuff marks on the interior, mainly center console.
-No snow tires, but around 70-80% tread summer tires.

Other than that it appears to run and drive great. They did agree to a PPI and said it was a good idea, so pre-deal this WILL be happening.

I said I would think about it, and as far as the $24,800 price tag goes, I'm not feeling that so much and am going to try and get it down a bit. They got my number and I'm hoping for one of those "we want to make a sale" calls. Really hoping to join the club... :)

[EuroSportChi69]

fly to texas/LA

Buy a rust free car with a huge selection

[AK49]

fly to texas/LA

Buy a rust free car with a huge selection

More like move to texas/LA but, can't have it all I guess.