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View Full Version : Buying used...would these things concern you?



HISWeb
10-15-2011, 02:18 PM
I'm thinking of buying a 2008 128i convertible from a BMW dealership. I took it to my mechanic today and he found what he called "minimal rust" on:
-Brake Lines
-Brackets
-Exhaust Welds and Hangers
-Suspension Control arms

and also there is some oxidation on the suspension rails.

He believes it was oil sprayed once, but not in the last 2 years. We're in Canada and it has likely been winter driven. The mechanic said that this type of rust is pretty normal in any car that has been driven in the winter and that if I take care of the car properly it would easily last me another 20 years. I do plan to drive it in the winter months except for when there is a crazy amount of snow.

The body is rust free. There is also some wind noise coming from one window.

So, how many of you would consider buying this car? I've been looking for a long time to find one that is this particular color.

My thought is that if the dealership can sort out the wind noise I'll likely buy it but use the rusting as a negotiating factor for price.

Isdera
10-15-2011, 03:18 PM
Sounds like a solid buy to me. I'm sure up there in Canada that most winter-driven cars, if not all, have this issue. If it's only got a few issues like that just use them to get money off the bill. The 1 is a spectacular car and if it's in the spec you want scoop it up or you may regret it!

VerticalNeptune
10-15-2011, 04:14 PM
Agreed, the underside of a nearly new car will start getting caked in stuff, and show early rust spots, so nothing to worry about.

Hoolie
10-15-2011, 04:33 PM
Nothing to worry about.. If you worry anyway you can give it a thorough cleaning and have undercoating done at a rust shop..

HISWeb
10-15-2011, 06:08 PM
Excellent, thanks guys! We have an appointment to negotiate on Monday.

twastheglow
10-16-2011, 02:01 PM
Excellent, thanks guys! We have an appointment to negotiate on Monday.

Woot! Good luck! Post pictures if you end up buying it. :)

dawgeatdawg
10-17-2011, 09:39 PM
I wouldn't buy a car that's only a few years old with a spec of rust on it. But I'm pretty picky about that.

jasonn
10-17-2011, 10:52 PM
The car should come with some kind of rust warranty from BMW. Then again, it's Canada so maybe the warranty is different.

pizzaman09
10-17-2011, 11:19 PM
I wouldn't buy a car that's only a few years old with a spec of rust on it. But I'm pretty picky about that.
What if you could get it for insane deal?

I bought my 98 e38 when it was 18 months old for $26,900, about 3 times less than the original retail. This was because the car had bad rust problems. It still lasted me 8 years before it wouldn't pass PA inspection due to rust. :D