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BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum > BMW E90/E92/E93 3-series General Forums > Regional Forums > USA - California > Buying a car in Santa Rosa Sight Unseen - Help!



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      04-19-2017, 10:46 PM   #1
mxa121
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Buying a car in Santa Rosa Sight Unseen - Help!

So I live in Atlanta area, but found a car that I am preparing to buy and it is in Santa Rosa CA.

I spoke with the seller, and he seems cool with this transaction, but wondering if you have any advice or if you are willing to help out.

Plan:
1. Get all info possible from seller (service, vin, carfax, pics, etc) this is in process now.
2. Get my bank funds secured for that vehicle
3. Confirm seller's bank is good with transaction
4. Get shipping quotation in writing
5. Transfer funds!
6. Have transport pickup car and wait!

So, anyone willing to assist with the transaction or do you have any tips for this process? Thanks in advance.

Car is a 2010 335i M-Sport AW/Black with PE/PPK
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      04-19-2017, 11:54 PM   #2
AnthonyT
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mxa121 View Post
So I live in Atlanta area, but found a car that I am preparing to buy and it is in Santa Rosa CA.

I spoke with the seller, and he seems cool with this transaction, but wondering if you have any advice or if you are willing to help out.

Plan:
1. Get all info possible from seller (service, vin, carfax, pics, etc) this is in process now.
2. Get my bank funds secured for that vehicle
3. Confirm seller's bank is good with transaction
4. Get shipping quotation in writing
5. Transfer funds!
6. Have transport pickup car and wait!

So, anyone willing to assist with the transaction or do you have any tips for this process? Thanks in advance.

Car is a 2010 335i M-Sport AW/Black with PE/PPK
Try to find a local board member to check the car out for you.
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      04-20-2017, 01:05 AM   #3
Sfvalley135i
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Don't buy without ppi ! My friend purchased a car out of state from a big dealership and was ripped off. He assumed a franchise dealership would be honest but he was wrong. He received the car leaking oil and much more... either fly out here to inspect or ppi
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      04-20-2017, 01:45 AM   #4
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No matter how trustworthy you think the seller is, I'd strongly encourage a PPI.

I bought my car from a private party in Santa Rosa as well. I arranged the owner to drop off the car at a local independent shop called North Bay Bavarian. They were pretty thorough and offered me peace of mind that the owner wasn't hiding anything.
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      04-20-2017, 01:49 AM   #5
ZeeVaughn
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A ppi or a round trip flight will be minimal costs compared to unforeseen repairs from buying sight unseen. I give people the benefit of the doubt, but you never know.
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      04-20-2017, 08:34 AM   #6
mxa121
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Agree, we already discussed a PPI and the seller is willing to drop it off for one on Saturday.
I am planning on handling all of the paperwork through contracts and email documents to keep a paper trail.
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      04-20-2017, 11:46 AM   #7
CharlotteE93
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I live 15 minutes from Santa Rosa, if you need any local help feel free to PM me. I take mine to North Bay Bavarian.
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      04-20-2017, 11:47 AM   #8
Mike @ SSR Performance
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Make sure that you decide where you're taking the vehicle for a PPI. Also have the shop note down all issues/leaks. Also make sure that you take it to a shop that knows the N54 well, as only someone with experience will be able to tell what has been replaced and what hasn't. Just in case you want to confirm that certain parts that the seller may claim that has been changed! Good luck with your purchase
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      04-20-2017, 11:50 AM   #9
mxa121
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Quote:
Originally Posted by HealdsburgE93 View Post
I live 15 minutes from Santa Rosa, if you need any local help feel free to PM me. I take mine to North Bay Bavarian.
Thank you for the offer, I will most likely be messaging you soon!
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      04-20-2017, 05:01 PM   #10
f32alex
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i live 15 mins from SR so if you need someone to take it in for a PPI let me know.
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      04-21-2017, 12:08 PM   #11
AK.
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There isn't much good shops you can do a PPI in Santa Rosa. Maybe if you head down towards SF area. But definitely do a PPI or come out here and check it out. I've seen too many people make mistakes from not checking their cars before purchasing.
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      04-21-2017, 03:44 PM   #12
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I was planning on having a PPI done at Hansel BMW.
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      04-22-2017, 06:28 AM   #13
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Purchase a round trip flight go handle transaction in person! Way... to many scammers around these days! Always better to be safe then sorry.
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