Used Cars: 143,000 ON A 1997 328i CONVERTIBLE, carfax, autocheck

Question
QUESTION: THEY ARE ASKING $6000 CASH OR $6900 IF FINANCING IS REQUIRED. IS THAT TO MANY MILES AND TO MUCH MONEY FOR THIS PARTICULAR YEAR? THE DEALER PURCHASED IT FROM AN AUTO AUCTION. DO YOU THINK THE DEALER WOULD OR SHOULD HAVE SERVICE RECORDS?

X0X0X0X-THANKS A BUNCH...ADRIANE

ANSWER: Hi Adriane

Here a few factors for you to consider. It's a well made car,,, BUT

(1) The car is going on 12 years old, and 6 to 7K is a lot of coin unless you can drive for about 3 years without mechanical issues.

(2)A BMW will be heavy on your pocketbook when it comes to service and repairs.

You don't want to end up with a lemon, with a little homework on your part, here are some steps I would like for you to follow buying a vehicle to ensure valid value for your money.

Navigate to my website    http://www.usedcartips.org/  and study these web pages in order - Test Drive " - Take To Mechanic - Negotiate, from there you will most likely have further questions, in such case feel free to get back to me.

PS... Seller may not have service records, but will have a history report on vehicle RE Accidents if any. Is there a link where I can view this car ? Also 143,000 ? is that miles or KM.



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: 143,000 IS THE MILEAGE. DEALER GOT CAR FROM AUCTION SO THEREFORE DOES NOT HAVE SERVICE RECORDS. I HATE SPENDING MONEY FOR CAR REPORT IF IM NOT EVEN GONNA BUY THE CAR. I DID FIND THAT THERE ARE 19 REPORTS BUT DONT KNOW WHAT THEY ARE. SPENDING $20+ IS ALOT THESE DAYS.... ARRRRGH THIS ECONOMY! P.S. THE DEALER WAS VERY PLEASANT AND IMMEDIATELY GAVE ME THE VIN. HE ALSO TOLD ME THE CAR WOULD DEF. NEED BRAKES. IS THERE ANY OTHER WAY TO OBTAIN HISTORY OF CAR...MMM CHEAPER?

THANKS- ADRIANE

Answer
Adriane, your funny, I like your style, let me get this right, you don't mind a $7000. investment but to lay out 20 bucks to have peace of mind don't sit well with you.

Here is how I would approch, for $14.99 you can get one history report " that is not worth the bucks " and for $24.99 you can get unlimited reports for 60 days " that's worth the money "

Any vehicle you may consider, simply phone and ask for the vin #, then you can check history and not waste time shopping the vehicle should it have issues you don't like.

Now you got 2 choices - carfax and autocheck, I personally like autocheck for several reasons, on my website main page, scroll down you will find a link to click on for more details.