[masterh]

I am looking for E91 wagon. There are just few on the market even though I live in a big city (seattle)
I also looked at other options (sedan or coupe) but average price is certainly higher than SF, LA and eve Salt Lake City (all 2007 coupe owners think their car is so special than others. I don't want to deal with that)

Here is just one example.
This 2009 328i with 90k miles (rare blue color) is minimum $12k in my area.
I would jump right on it if it was nearby.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/2009-BMW-3-...1Z92iQ&vxp=mtr

I am thinking about Buying mobile PPI first, either fly their to pick it up (California)and drive back Or just ship the car.

Have you guys done this before? I am not sure if I should negotiate the price first before sending the PPI guy since it will give him upper hand. (he knows I already spent $200 on it so he can just sit back and stick to his price)

Maybe agree on the price first for a normal condition, send the PPI guy and if something major shows up then try to knock it down more?

[GATORB8]

E91 $10k 75k
https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/invent...ting=182252762

Looks like you can get in that range local even for E92 335s.

Otherwise, I'd negotiate a price before PPI. And dump it if something big is wrong.

[masterh]

Yeah I test drove that car. Had a check engine light for vacuum leak. they said they will fix it but didn't budge on the price at all so I walked out.
It sat on volvo dealer for a month and got transferred to used car dealer on Sep.

Wagon is rare but demand is also very low. Used car dealers play 'it's rare' game. So I guess it depends on how you can patiently wait for the price to drop.


They just dropped $3600 on this one.
I would wire transfer the money and wait for the car to arrive like buying something on amazon if it were Not Beige interior.
It just hurts my eyes when I see that ugly beige color all over the interior.
https://www.subaruoflittlerock.com/u...earchDepth=1:2

Originally Posted by GATORB8

E91 $10k 75k
https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/invent...ting=182252762

Looks like you can get in that range local even for E92 335s.

Otherwise, I'd negotiate a price before PPI. And dump it if something big is wrong.

[Rustler]

Having bought several cars remotely, I recommend doing your due diligence, including a PPI first, and then if you still want to buy the car, negotiate based off of what you found in the inspection.

That way you can offer a reasonable justification for why you think it's worth less than the asking price. Base your offer off of what it will cost to fix items that came up in the PPI that weren't readily apparent from pics or disclosed in the listing.

Remember, if you've spent some time talking with the dealer, and he's facilitated a PPI for you, he's got some skin in the game as well, and will have some motivation to see it through.

You've got to be willing to walk away from the amount you put into the PPI, otherwise why bother with the inspection at all, right? Your greatest leverage in car buying is your willingness to move onto the next car, don't give that away.

Good luck!

[CTinline-six]

Definitely get a PPI from a reputable shop/dealer. This is one of those cases where I'd actually use a dealer because you know they will find EVERYTHING that they could possibly replace on the car.

I say this because I've personally driven hours to look at cars that from tons of pictures and carfax looked perfect, then I saw/drove them in person and knew right away there were issues.

[RocketSurgeon]

As difficult and expensive as it is, I would strongly suggest doing any transaction in person. You really need to be able to test drive the car to make sure it's solid. I live in NC and bought my latest car out of Miami. It cost me $350 in travel expenses, but I got a 2009 335i M-sport coupe with 61k on it for under $10k. And you don't have to deal with the whole shipping mess.
There are too many shady sellers to take a risk like that.

[N52UNED]

Originally Posted by RocketSurgeon

As difficult and expensive as it is, I would strongly suggest doing any transaction in person. You really need to be able to test drive the car to make sure it's solid. I live in NC and bought my latest car out of Miami. It cost me $350 in travel expenses, but I got a 2009 335i M-sport coupe with 61k on it for under $10k. And you don't have to deal with the whole shipping mess.
There are too many shady sellers to take a risk like that.

... that's quite a deal. Nice snag. Even for FL that's pretty impressive.

[D.K]

Doing this now actually. Bought an E92 completely through emails and text messages from a dealership, and it's being loaded up to ship out to me. I always prefer to buy cars in person so I can get a feel for them before making a decision, but getting time away from everything else to make a 1700 mile round-trip just wasn't in the cards for me. We'll see if it's everything I'm looking for when it shows up. Plus, the color combo that i wanted wasn't anywhere locally, and I didn't want to settle for anything less.
As for the process itself, it was actually easier than going into a dealership and buying, mainly because there was no waiting around and no overly pushy sales/finance people. I could do everything on my schedule. On the down side, it does suck having to wait for it to show up.

[masterh]

That's crazy deal. I wonder why they just didn't sell it locally for more.

Btw, when you see a good deal in Florida, don't you worry about hidden flood damage?

Originally Posted by RocketSurgeon

As difficult and expensive as it is, I would strongly suggest doing any transaction in person. You really need to be able to test drive the car to make sure it's solid. I live in NC and bought my latest car out of Miami. It cost me $350 in travel expenses, but I got a 2009 335i M-sport coupe with 61k on it for under $10k. And you don't have to deal with the whole shipping mess.
There are too many shady sellers to take a risk like that.

[N52UNED]

Originally Posted by masterh

That's crazy deal. I wonder why they just didn't sell it locally for more.

Btw, when you see a good deal in Florida, don't you worry about hidden flood damage?

Not speaking for the owner ... but there's a shit ton of BMW's in FL. It really is crazy. Just running a couple quick errands around town, I'll easily see a good dozen or so. Mostly 3-series and X5's (335's are about as common as 328's around here). Heck I didn't even see this many BMW's while in the Greenville, SC area. So with that, there's deals to be had in FL ... but even with that, a 61k mile 335 for under $10k is pretty darn cheap. Not to mention being a M-Sport ... which aren't a plenty even down here in BMW country.

KBB has his M-Sport at about $12,500+ ... but since there's not a lot of M-Sports around - I can see closer to $14k to the right buyer. Heck he picked it up for "trade-in" value.

BUT ... frankly who knows why people sell stuff cheap. Perhaps a quick sale was better than more money. Who knows. Hopefully the seller was legit.

... hope it is a great car for the owner.

[lab_rat]

I bought my E90 330i from the BMWCCA classifieds, and was happy with the experience.

In my opinion, it's all about the PPI, and learning from those who are knowledgeable in the remote buying process (especially when you're new at it).

Don't be afraid of buying remotely though; with such a vast network of BMW enthusiasts, there are many folks out there that would do an "unofficial PPI" if you find a car that's near them. I've seen that happen before.

I just wouldn't get too set on one car, no matter how rare. I know that feeling though.

[masterh]

yeah I am not sure which PPI service I should go through. There is one for $99 by SGS on ebay motors. I found a bmw specialists by the dealer but dealer charges $150 to move the car. so $300 total ($150 inspection) just to look at the car.....

[tlow98]

That $300 could save you the biggest headache of your life or buy you a great car.

Either way, seems like smart money.

Like 3% of purchase cost? ...you’ve never bought cheaper insurance in your life.

[masterh]

Yeah if I purchase the vehicle, it would be a good investment. But it could be one of those cars in Used Dealer Lot that doesn't fully describe it. You find multiple things after test drive and they just say 'oh well sorry about that'

Any forum member in LA area with mechanical knowledge?

Originally Posted by tlow98

That $300 could save you the biggest headache of your life or buy you a great car.

Either way, seems like smart money.

Like 3% of purchase cost? ...you’ve never bought cheaper insurance in your life.

[tlow98]

Originally Posted by masterh

Yeah if I purchase the vehicle, it would be a good investment. But it could be one of those cars in Used Dealer Lot that doesn't fully describe it. You find multiple things after test drive and they just say 'oh well sorry about that'

Any forum member in LA area with mechanical knowledge?

I’m confused. It’s an even better investment if you don’t buy the car. They will tell you the car needs several thousand dollars in work and thus the value is $3000-300=2700 saved by not buying the car.

No cars are ever “fully” described. It’s a used car. If the major things are fine, then you take care of the little issues that bug you and drive on.

Who’s doing the actual inspection? I feel like there’s some missing information...

[masterh]

I guess you can look at it that way too

I am either going to find a mobile PPI person or find someone who can drive the car to the bimmer shop nearby.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/2009-BMW-3-...53.m2763.l2649

here is the car. he said it's got a Vossen package. I think Vossen is a wheel company and don't make body skits. it's got aftermarket front bumper lips, headlight eyelids and side skirts. It's all stock other than that I think.

Originally Posted by tlow98

I’m confused. It’s an even better investment if you don’t buy the car. They will tell you the car needs several thousand dollars in work and thus the value is $3000-300=2700 saved by not buying the car.

No cars are ever “fully” described. It’s a used car. If the major things are fine, then you take care of the little issues that bug you and drive on.

Who’s doing the actual inspection? I feel like there’s some missing information...

[Greyfox]

Originally Posted by masterh

I guess you can look at it that way too

I am either going to find a mobile PPI person or find someone who can drive the car to the bimmer shop nearby.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/2009-BMW-3-...53.m2763.l2649

here is the car. he said it's got a Vossen package. I think Vossen is a wheel company and don't make body skits. it's got aftermarket front bumper lips, headlight eyelids and side skirts. It's all stock other than that I think.

Honestly, I wouldn't even bother.

First, with the mods I see there is a better than average chance the car has been driven hard. WTF is up with the spoiler below the glass on the tailgate???? "Supreme Power" license wrap? And honestly, those wheels do not match up the rest of the look of the car. Car has an aftermarket sport exhaust but BMW 360 wheels off an E87 or early E90? Not Vossen wheels.... http://www.bmwstylewheels.com/bmw/360


Second, from the pictures it has some sort of damage to the front left corner. Completely missing the blade assembly on the rear wiper.

Third, there are only 2 bad marks on the sellers ratings, but the response from the seller to the one tells me that they aren't even as good as a normal used car salesman.

[Greyfox]

btw.....

https://www.ebay.com/itm/2007-BMW-3-...4383.l4275.c10

https://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-3-Serie...dZ-76j&vxp=mtr

[masterh]

Yeah if someone put any mods, they couldve driven hard or they could've maintained it more than average person. I am not sure.

It's hard to find those color combo though. (no beige interior. thank god)
Looks like it has all the options except HID.

hard to find what I want even nationally

Originally Posted by Greyfox

Honestly, I wouldn't even bother.

First, with the mods I see there is a better than average chance the car has been driven hard. WTF is up with the spoiler below the glass on the tailgate???? "Supreme Power" license wrap? And honestly, those wheels do not match up the rest of the look of the car. Car has an aftermarket sport exhaust but BMW 360 wheels off an E87 or early E90? Not Vossen wheels.... http://www.bmwstylewheels.com/bmw/360


Second, from the pictures it has some sort of damage to the front left corner. Completely missing the blade assembly on the rear wiper.

Third, there are only 2 bad marks on the sellers ratings, but the response from the seller to the one tells me that they aren't even as good as a normal used car salesman.

[Greyfox]

Originally Posted by masterh

Yeah if someone put any mods, they couldve driven hard or they could've maintained it more than average person. I am not sure.

It's hard to find those color combo though. (no beige interior. thank god)
Looks like it has all the options except HID.

hard to find what I want even nationally

It's your money.

I looked for 5 months to find my E91 then drove 5 hours to get to it.... that was 7 years ago.

[tlow98]

Wheels in the pictures are not 17" (they'e OE 16s), "vossens" arent shown, no interior shots and weird body add-ons everywhere...hard pass on this one. You don't know how they attached those 'extra' body panels and removing them could lead to body work needing to be done. (who knows how they were attached)

No Sport package means this car only has a few options...have you ran the VIN to see the options? this car has premium and cold weather packages and that's it.

I agree with GreyFox.

[masterh]

yeah I say I would prefer some body imperfections (bumper areas) if the price is reflected. Because I would be parking on streets of LA, sooner or later someone will scratch it.

If it's mechanically in good shape, it wouldn't be a bad deal for $8500? I can't find 2009 one under $12,000



And I've never seen sport package options on e91 so far.....I just gave up on this.

This one got Hifi audio, Nav with Idrive (probably better to go with Android based aftermarket Nav these days but....)

Originally Posted by tlow98

Wheels in the pictures are not 17" (they'e OE 16s), "vossens" arent shown, no interior shots and weird body add-ons everywhere...hard pass on this one. You don't know how they attached those 'extra' body panels and removing them could lead to body work needing to be done. (who knows how they were attached)

No Sport package means this car only has a few options...have you ran the VIN to see the options? this car has premium and cold weather packages and that's it.

I agree with GreyFox.