Branded Title M4 Purchase Advice?

[sds0918]

I know it’s crazy to go for anything with a branded title... but I’d be saving a ton of money. It’s a 2018 M4 except for the driver assist package and I’m really hooked on it.

What do you guys think about getting cars with branded titles? I know the risk is high... which is why I would have it inspected by a BMW dealer before truly considering it.

Another negative Is having to get a 3rd party warranty. The one they recommend is “first mile warranty”

You guys think it’s too risky to go with one despite taking precautions?

[Mthrice]

I guess it depends on how much you're saving? Resale can also be difficult as well.

Though a warranty can give you some piece of mind...

[Flacht3]

Don't look at it as "saving a ton of money"... look at it as "gambling a ton of money".

Is the money you're "saving" worth the risk of something going wrong, being stuck with the car, taking an even larger loss on resale etc? Most likely, it is not. You're better off finding a good deal on a 2015, 2016, etc. The difference in price is likely worth it in the end.

[sds0918]

Fair points...

From what we’ve discussed it was the bumper, headlights, radiator, seat belt, air bag, and AC were replaced.

[schnell325]

What’s a branded title?

[deenbob1]

Vehicle title branding is the use of a permanent designation on a vehicle's title, registration or permit documents to indicate that a vehicle has been written off due to collision, fire or flood damage or has been sold for scrap.Wikipedia

[cionide]

Take it to a body shop to get it inspected, someone who fixes cars will be able to see clear signs of repair and how it was done. THAT BEING SAID - It's a new car, and if it's gotta be 40-50% value of car in damage to write it off, it doesn't take alot. All those little plastics and crap under the hood cost a fortune.

[instarand]

Originally Posted by sds0918

I know it's crazy to go for anything with a branded title... but I'd be saving a ton of money. It's a 2018 M4 except for the driver assist package and I'm really hooked on it.

What do you guys think about getting cars with branded titles? I know the risk is high... which is why I would have it inspected by a BMW dealer before truly considering it.

Another negative Is having to get a 3rd party warranty. The one they recommend is "first mile warranty"

You guys think it's too risky to go with one despite taking precautions?

If your budget is limited go for a clean Golf R or something. I'd never buy some mystery wrecked and rebuilt M3.

[cionide]

Often if you type the vin into google it'll come up with photos from the car auction it was sold at.

[mjposner]

The frame needs to be inspected as well. Airbags indicate this was at speed, so likely the frame has been damaged.

[MaynardZed]

Race Car Build!

[Wmf80]

If you can’t afford a new or used M3 you shouldn’t be attempting to get one. Go for what ur budget allows and have piece of mind. Last thing you want is to buy this M3 and then have serious issues where you take a huge hit. You clearly don’t have the money to take a hit like this in life.

[SD ///M4]

Originally Posted by schnell325

What’s a branded title?

Originally Posted by deenbob1

Vehicle title branding is the use of a permanent designation on a vehicle's title, registration or permit documents to indicate that a vehicle has been written off due to collision, fire or flood damage or has been sold for scrap.Wikipedia

Must be a state or regional thing. I've lived in Michigan and California and I've never heard that term before.

[jd__m4]

Originally Posted by SD ///M4

Must be a state or regional thing. I've lived in Michigan and California and I've never heard that term before.

I usually hear branded/salvaged/rebuilt used to mean the same thing, whether or not they are.

[RickFLM4]

Will a 3rd party warranty company actually write a warranty policy for it?

[damageprone]

Only if I was getting a Huuuuuge discount, and the repairs were done correct of course, I'd consider it. Because it's going to be a PITA to sell once you've had your fun.

[FrenchiedadSF]

Just don't do it. If you don't work with cars professionally, these cars are too complicated even for the mechanically inclined.

[FriedPiston]

IK6SPEED can probably speak on this since he's rebuilt two F80s on his own, and is supposed to be an experienced auto rebuilder...

Personally, I don't think it's worth it unless you absolutely know cars inside and out, especially BMWs. You'll also need to be ready to have time and resources to fix unforeseen issues at any moment. Buying a Salvage title vehicle means you have to pay 100% cash, no comprehensive insurance coverage, and any remaining factory warranty becomes null and void.

You want to be able to enjoy the M car for what it was designed to be instead of worrying about the uncertainties every time you go out for a drive.

[IK6SPEED]

Originally Posted by SD ///M4

Must be a state or regional thing. I've lived in Michigan and California and I've never heard that term before.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vehicle_title_branding

"The designation or brand is mandatory in most provinces and states in North America when an insurer or vehicle owner writes off a vehicle as a "total loss". Typically this means the cost to repair the vehicle would equal or exceed the car's value, although legal definitions vary."

[Ibiza]

Unless the money you would spending is 110% disposable income that you could care less about; run, don't walk away from this deal.

[nicknaz]

Originally Posted by MaynardZed

Race Car Build!

He's talking warranty so probably wants to use is as daily driver....

My $0.02 to Op would be to take a pass.

Never know where else the damage spread with all the aluminum and chassis bracing.

It's not like a Miata where if you get surprised that rear subframe is bent it's a $100 used part and an hour of extra labor. Lol.

[damageprone]

Originally Posted by nicknaz

He's talking warranty so probably wants to use is as daily driver....

My $0.02 to Op would be to take a pass.

Never know where else the damage spread with all the aluminum and chassis bracing.

It's not like a Miata where if you get surprised that rear subframe is bent it's a $100 used part and an hour of extra labor. Lol.

Agreed, for fun cars yes, for daily drivers no.