Re: 850i purchase (archive)

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In Reply to: Re: 850i purchase posted by Len Cacioppo on February 15, 2000 at 20:28:14:

Be careful on the online "Title checks" as advertised. I did one on my car just to find out that some air conditioning work had been mis-entered somewhere between the dealer and the warranty people. Result? I now have a brand new V12 engine installed in my car according to the title check. Hmmmmm. Think the dealer gave me a new engine and didn't charge me for it? I guess when I sell the car I could list it as having a new engine (with no papers) and it would be verified by the search!!!!!!!!??????? Also, with the advent of color printers, etc. it is VERY easy for people to print up their own records. Be wary.

: : : : I am considering a 1991 850i (the guy says it is a 850ci, but we know better), anyway, it has 105k, new tires and runs good. Is $15k a good price? How many miles do these cars usually get? What key questions should I ask him? I know every car has its own little quirks, and I figured you guys would know what they are and what to watch out for. Thanks. P.S. I think I will keep the NSX and get the 850, too!

: : Thanks for the advice, I usually have all my cars checked by a local dealer before I buy, the only problem is I'm in Ohio and the car is in West Hills, California (wherever that is). One other question: was blue a factory color in '91?
: : : I would have the car gone over by a knowledgeable BMW (or trusted third party mechanic). 15K sounds a little too good to be true. Are you in the SF Bay Area?

: I would ask whoever is selling the car for the VIN & run a title check (www.carfax.com). It will be the best $$$ you spend on your car as it gives you the specific manufacturer details on your car. In addition, you can purchase an unlimited number of searches in either a 30 or 60 day window for a very reasonable price. As a matter of fact, that is how I found my 850CSi as the advertising dealer had the description completely wrong on the one I purchased (had is described as a Ci when in fact it was a CSi). You can also then run the VIN in BMW�s database to verify the stock color. If they even hesitate on the VIN, I would run fast and not look back.

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