[lax]

Hi everyone, I'll be purchasing my first car, a used (not CPO'd) 2006 325i within the next two weeks. I have to fly out to NYC and after a couple searches of cars.com and autotrader there are simply way more cars available there than here at home (Michigan). That being said, what should I do to ensure I don't end up with buyers remorse and a car that spends all of its time in the shop at my expense? Anything I should know about this model to keep an eye out for?

I'm planning on getting one just under 50,000 miles and taking it in to a dealer in NYC to get checked out before I drive it the 700+ miles back home. Other than pulling a CarFax should I take the car to get checked out by a mechanic before I purchase?

I'm assuming I can't get a car CPO'd even if it's still under the original 4/50 warranty? If so, I'm planning on getting a third party warranty (either AAA, EasyCare, or Fidelity) which should I go for?

Lastly, I'm trying to get this car for between $15.5k (haven't really seen any) and $17k. The dealers there (not BMW, but independent) have cars that are a little bit higher (for example $18,995 for a 325i with i-drive and 48,7XX miles) how much under the listed price should I be trying to negotiate for?

Thank you so much, I really appreciate any input any of you may have. I don't know a ton about cars, have no experience purchasing, and I just want to insure I don't find myself regretting the decision to purchase.

[la0ninja7816]

Just an idea but you can take it to a local BMW dealership and get a pre purchase check up for like $300 I think. You might have to make an appointment and take it in early so they dont' have to keep it over night. They will check everything on the car and make sure it works. $18,995 for a 06 325i with 48k is actually a pretty good deal. If you can get them to go lower than that then great. If not, then it's still a good deal. Only bad thing it's not CPO. Hope this helps.

[Kiemyster]

I dont know if you want to run 700 miles on the car as soon as you get it.... I think it would be alot safer to just pay 300 bucks and have it transported back to your home. At least, if I were in your situation, thats what I would do. I would be to paranoid to go on such a long ride. Too many things can go wrong, you dont know the car well, who knows what kind of hidden faults it may have? You dont want to experience that 400 miles away from home on the highway do you?

How about spending 18,900 and getting a car with 39,800 miles? that makes MUCH more sense as a purchase, 10k miles of wear and tear is a significant difference.

Check this deal out: 40K Miles @ $18,900 - Alpine White

And this: 37.5K Miles @ 18,695 - Sparkling Graphite MT

These are two deals i found that are much better than your current purchase. check it out and give it some thought.

Good luck with the purchase of your Bimmer

[lax]

Thanks for the advice so far. Any one else?

[jewishcubbiesfan]

I would definitely take it some where and get it checked over. I have heard good things about Warranty Direct. I have no direct contact with them, just what I have read on the boards in the past.

I would try and find some that still have 10-15K miles worth of warranty left. BMW's are expensive to work on if something breaks.

You might do a quick search about 3rd party warranties on here and see what people have said in the past. There is alot of very useful information if you are willing to take the time to search and read.

Good Luck with the purchase!

[lax]

bump