Buying a 2nd Hand 3 Series

[redline15]

Re: Buying a 2nd Hand 3 Series

Bro, a pre-owned car, the upfront depreciation is lower compared to a new ride. However, you will need to put aside $$ for repairs. The concern is the condition of the car but you can bring it to a workshop for diagnosis before your purchase. Factor this into your price negotiation.

New car will have less headache but the annual depreciation will be higher.

If you're uneasy with a high loan and am prepared to down 50k, you might want to consider a 320 still under warranty.

Dear Canuck78,

May i ask how's the overall maintenance of the 320? If she can clock 9-10 km/ , i would say its rather good as current Jap ride is clocking 10.5 km/l (and is only a 1.6 cc !!) Has never own a Beemer before and is getting one 1 soon.

Considering 2010 June onwards (is it correct to conclude iDrive equip 320 is from this period onward?

Oh, if i'm prepared to down 50k, would you suggest i go for a new 320 instead of 2-3 years pre-owned?

Feel uneasy going for too high a loan.

Appreciate your opinion.

Thank you

 

[canuck78]

Re: Buying a 2nd Hand 3 Series

Good advice for those who wants to buy a relatively new, under warranty and low mileage bimmer from PPSL. The alternative is you gotta go more homework and try your luck with one of the dealers out there. Reduce your risk by bringing it to an independent bmw specialist workshop to check. Buying a used 320i is indeed abit of a gamble

hi bro canuck78, buying a used 320 is like making a gamble . Try reputable shop like PPSL or republic auto which comes with extended warranty. Recently , i came across a thread in the car forum stating the obometer for bimmer can also be meddled with.

 

[canuck78]

Re: Buying a 2nd Hand 3 Series

IMHO the dealer not so important. What's critical is you send the target car to a bmw specialist like R2D, Munich Auto or BVO to do a used car evaluation. With a good idea the car condition and how much repairs required, you will roughly know how to bargain or if you still want to go ahead with the purchase.

Just bear this in mind, a couple hundred $ to check out the car is peanuts compared to a few K if you end up with a lemon or abused bimmer. And one more thing, don't bother sending to STA or Vicom, they do not know enough about bmw problems to give you a full picture.

I do like the C class which is more comfort based, but right now i am enjoying the drive my bimmer very much. Just hate the repairs and money I keep having to fork out to see the car doc

Hope this helps

Bro Canuck78,

it certainly helps. Given that COE continues to head north, guess i gotta head south instead by opting for pre-owned. Colleague kept suggesting MB C-Class but never like the shape. Heard so much of the Driving Experience once you're behind the wheel and i'm sold !!!

You happen to know of any reliable dealer to purchase 320 from?

Once again, many thanks for your opinion.

 

[whitecrv2003]

Re: Buying a 2nd Hand 3 Series

Bro, those who advertise "full PML records", please ensure they have the records on hand. Not tell you go to PML to get. Best to have receipts showing the servicing and what was replaced. If no records, please discount it. Speaking from experience (bad)

Thanks Bro. I'll definitely take that into consideration.

Cheers.

 

[easterner]

Re: Buying a 2nd Hand 3 Series

Many thanks to bro Redline15 & canuck78,

will heed advice given ....

will there be more promo? as now being the peak period / year end.

 

[gluejuice]

Re: Buying a 2nd Hand 3 Series

I agree. Bring it into r2d or a good specialist to get it throroughly checked.
Alot of things can't be seen on the surface.

IMHO the dealer not so important. What's critical is you send the target car to a bmw specialist like R2D, Munich Auto or BVO to do a used car evaluation. With a good idea the car condition and how much repairs required, you will roughly know how to bargain or if you still want to go ahead with the purchase.

Just bear this in mind, a couple hundred $ to check out the car is peanuts compared to a few K if you end up with a lemon or abused bimmer. And one more thing, don't bother sending to STA or Vicom, they do not know enough about bmw problems to give you a full picture.

I do like the C class which is more comfort based, but right now i am enjoying the drive my bimmer very much. Just hate the repairs and money I keep having to fork out to see the car doc

Hope this helps

 

[canuck78]

Re: Buying a 2nd Hand 3 Series

Promo for new or used cars?

New just check with PML

Used cars the dealers should definitely be willing to negotiate and seal a deal before CNY.

Many thanks to bro Redline15 & canuck78,

will heed advice given ....

will there be more promo? as now being the peak period / year end.

 

[skyfranz]

Re: Buying a 2nd Hand 3 Series

I agree. Bring it into r2d or a good specialist to get it throroughly checked.
Alot of things can't be seen on the surface.

Who should be paying for assessment fee?

 

[vexxus]

Re: Buying a 2nd Hand 3 Series

Who should be paying for assessment fee?

Usually the buyer..

 

[skyfranz]

Re: Buying a 2nd Hand 3 Series

Agree...what if the car got issues n at first the owner/dealer claim is in perfect condition?

 

[canuck78]

Re: Buying a 2nd Hand 3 Series

Then you either renegotiate an agreeable price (minus discount for repairs), or walk away from the deal.

 

[easterner]

Re: Buying a 2nd Hand 3 Series

Blessed Christmas Bro Canuck78 and all,

after much thought and advice given by brethen here, decided to opt for new 320 instead.
quoted 180k (with trade -in) for entry model and , must register in dec 12, yet to test drive and believe there's no freebies at all.
any diff in 2012 against 2013?

are there any 3rd party Sat. Nav. available out there?

Thank you

Promo for new or used cars?

New just check with PML

Used cars the dealers should definitely be willing to negotiate and seal a deal before CNY.

 

[ccc]

Re: Buying a 2nd Hand 3 Series

Wah 180k. Best deal. Congrats

 

[easterner]

Re: Buying a 2nd Hand 3 Series

thank you,

wish i've the budget for 328. nonetheless, looking forward to my 1st bimmer experience .

much to learn from you guys.......

 

[johnwerks]

Re: Buying a 2nd Hand 3 Series

What about the e46 2.2L 2002 model? any advice on that?

 

[Zincman]

Re: Buying a 2nd Hand 3 Series

i just collected my 2006 bmw 320i last week.the dealer told me that they have did all the necessary repairs like solving the engine oil leaking problem by showing you recepts their workshop have done.indeed the reciepts showed change valve seals etc etc.spending a few k.the dealer gave me 6 months warranty on the engine and tramission only.wear and tear ,they do not cover like shock absorbers etc etc.after collected my ride,drove for 3 days engine oil level drop and the stop and jerk problem appear.call them they ask me , gear box problem u go to workshop a ,went there.they do a reset only and ask me try.after that,went to workshop b to check the engine oil leaking problem,went there i was shock ,the ah beng mechanic said cannot be leaking,i top up 1liter of engine oil u try .we busy.i flared up,i told him to check throughly coz this is the workshop whom did the valve seal ,gasket replacement.pattern come again,ok lor u leave your car here ,we check lor.i asked how long to check,he said,3 or 4 days lor,bmw very ley jey one.i immediately drove my car to bvo and check and did repair.the dealer told me like that sorry u cannot claim from us coz u need to go their workshop not yours.after negotiate,they ssk me to fax the invoice to them ,they will pay me 500,tomolo i fax .see they payor not. this is my experience

 

[MapleLeaf]

Re: Buying a 2nd Hand 3 Series

It would be naive to trust ANY workshop. Neither PML or MA.

Every workshop is a suspect. I want to personally stand there and see what they do.

 

[marcus28]

Re: Buying a 2nd Hand 3 Series

bro, feel your pain!! what's the name of repair shop and dealer ? CASE says for lemon rectification ,the dealer cannot cause inconvenience to the customer... i supposed should at least assign a loan car

 

[Soifon]

Re: Buying a 2nd Hand 3 Series

Sorry to hear about your experience bro Zincman.

But like what MapleLeaf said, be weary of the workshops/dealers you deal with, regardless of black and white, SMSes and what not. It is not uncommon for such to "say A but do B" if you know what I mean.

All the best!

 

[invaz]

Re: Buying a 2nd Hand 3 Series

IMHO the dealer not so important. What's critical is you send the target car to a bmw specialist like R2D, Munich Auto or BVO to do a used car evaluation. With a good idea the car condition and how much repairs required, you will roughly know how to bargain or if you still want to go ahead with the purchase.

Just bear this in mind, a couple hundred $ to check out the car is peanuts compared to a few K if you end up with a lemon or abused bimmer. And one more thing, don't bother sending to STA or Vicom, they do not know enough about bmw problems to give you a full picture.

I do like the C class which is more comfort based, but right now i am enjoying the drive my bimmer very much. Just hate the repairs and money I keep having to fork out to see the car doc

Hope this helps

Hi Bro do you know how much would BVO charge for such an evaluation and how comprehensive is the assessment?

Are BVO and MA the only workshops that carry out such evals? By the way what does R2D stand for?