Buying sight unseen

hdpt00 · 07-05-2009, 01:47 AM

Looking at getting an '08 e92... how safe is it to buy sight unseen? I got photos, no damage etc... what cautions should I take? Should I use some type of title escrow? Anything else if I'm buying a car 2,000 miles away? I don't really want to fly 5 hrs to check out a car if I don't have to.

Thanks.

djMpower · 07-05-2009, 02:00 AM

What city is it in? Maybe a local can get it checked out for you. Is it new/used? Have you seen the CarFax? There are way too many variables involved to be able to give you an informed answer.

Personally, I would say if you're going to be buying a car don't be lazy/cheap about the flight time/ticket cost. It can do no good, but it has the potential for much harm.

JCtx · 07-05-2009, 02:17 AM

Guess I don't have to tell you it's not the best decision, but it can be safe. You have to be VERY careful though. For such a transaction to work, everything should be squeaky clean. I'd only buy from original owner, title has to be in his name, title's address must match his DL's, owner much accept payment to title holder (presumably him), and I'd pay a BMW dealer for an inspection, plus make the owner take title, and instruct SA to check both title and DL for identity of owner and vehicle. If everything checks out, and the owner gives you a good vibe, there shouldn't be any problems. And before making any payments, make sure you have scanned copies of title, DL, and a bill of sale.

Finally, if car was financed, I'd pay the financial institution directly, and instruct them to endorse the title and send it to you. Then pay owner any difference (if any).

One final suggestion. Why don't you start a thread on the appropriate regional forum and ask for help? Most members would be happy to check out the car and owner for you. Just to make sure both are real. You can offer gas money for the favor. I'd gladly do it if it was here

. By the way, I'd start by telling us at least where in 'Earth' you're from

. Good luck, and keep us posted.

spyderco10 · 07-05-2009, 05:39 AM

um, can't you find one that's closer?

M3PGH · 07-05-2009, 10:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by djMpower

What city is it in? Maybe a local can get it checked out for you. Is it new/used? Have you seen the CarFax? There are way too many variables involved to be able to give you an informed answer.

Personally, I would say if you're going to be buying a car don't be lazy/cheap about the flight time/ticket cost. It can do no good, but it has the potential for much harm.

+1

hdpt00 · 07-05-2009, 11:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spyderco10

um, can't you find one that's closer?

Hard to find an e92 AW, M-DCT with carbon fiber roof. I have only found 2 and one is priced WAY too high.

I asked in a regional forum if someone can check out the car for me. Now I need to get a carfax, is it worth the $30?

osteome · 07-05-2009, 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hdpt00

Hard to find an e92 AW, M-DCT with carbon fiber roof. I have only found 2 and one is priced WAY too high.

I asked in a regional forum if someone can check out the car for me. Now I need to get a carfax, is it worth the $30?

I think that I would invest the $30.00, relative to the value of the car, although Carfax is not necessarily the "bible" for all the potential history on the car.

hdpt00 · 07-05-2009, 02:54 PM

I got the carfax and there is an 850 mile oil and lube change but no 1200 mile service recorded... how long do these things take to show on a carfax? If the othe records are correct the 1200 would have been within the last 2-3 weeks.

07-05-2009, 01:47 AM	#1
hdpt00 Private 12 Rep 99 Posts Drives: Mo-Ped Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Earth iTrader: (0)	Buying sight unseen Looking at getting an '08 e92... how safe is it to buy sight unseen? I got photos, no damage etc... what cautions should I take? Should I use some type of title escrow? Anything else if I'm buying a car 2,000 miles away? I don't really want to fly 5 hrs to check out a car if I don't have to. Thanks.
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07-05-2009, 02:00 AM	#2
djMpower Second Lieutenant 60 Rep 208 Posts Drives: '18 SSII F82 ZCP Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Los Angeles, CA iTrader: (0)	What city is it in? Maybe a local can get it checked out for you. Is it new/used? Have you seen the CarFax? There are way too many variables involved to be able to give you an informed answer. Personally, I would say if you're going to be buying a car don't be lazy/cheap about the flight time/ticket cost. It can do no good, but it has the potential for much harm. __________________ "If life is passing you by, downshift!"
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07-05-2009, 02:17 AM	#3
JCtx Major General 258 Rep 5,012 Posts Drives: No BMW yet Join Date: May 2008 Location: El Paso TX iTrader: (0)	Guess I don't have to tell you it's not the best decision, but it can be safe. You have to be VERY careful though. For such a transaction to work, everything should be squeaky clean. I'd only buy from original owner, title has to be in his name, title's address must match his DL's, owner much accept payment to title holder (presumably him), and I'd pay a BMW dealer for an inspection, plus make the owner take title, and instruct SA to check both title and DL for identity of owner and vehicle. If everything checks out, and the owner gives you a good vibe, there shouldn't be any problems. And before making any payments, make sure you have scanned copies of title, DL, and a bill of sale. Finally, if car was financed, I'd pay the financial institution directly, and instruct them to endorse the title and send it to you. Then pay owner any difference (if any). One final suggestion. Why don't you start a thread on the appropriate regional forum and ask for help? Most members would be happy to check out the car and owner for you. Just to make sure both are real. You can offer gas money for the favor. I'd gladly do it if it was here . By the way, I'd start by telling us at least where in 'Earth' you're from . Good luck, and keep us posted.
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07-05-2009, 05:39 AM	#4
spyderco10 Colonel 63 Rep 2,426 Posts Drives: AW E92 M3 6MT Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Honolulu, HI iTrader: (0)	um, can't you find one that's closer? __________________ “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” - John 3:16
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07-05-2009, 02:54 PM	#8
hdpt00 Private 12 Rep 99 Posts Drives: Mo-Ped Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Earth iTrader: (0)	I got the carfax and there is an 850 mile oil and lube change but no 1200 mile service recorded... how long do these things take to show on a carfax? If the othe records are correct the 1200 would have been within the last 2-3 weeks.
	Appreciate 0 Quote