I agree... (archive)

The thing that really gets me is that most pricing services (kelly bb, NADA etc) price cars through used car lots higher than private party sale, claiming, at least in part, that they do this because the businesses assume the cost of making the car roadworthy (a la 70 point safety inspections, yeh, right!). In my experience most used car lots do nothing more than an individual would to get a car into shape and often know a lot less about the car and its condition than the individual - which is bad for the buyer (most of the time ;-)). That allowance in price is pure profit for most of these charletons! There are some quality used car outlets associated with the dealer, but I've found even simple things like fluids that are not to spec at the dealer's used car lot... the only rule to follow here is caveat emptor!

Kevin

unless they are associated with a dealership. Most used cars at stand alone used car lots are bought at auction. Dealerships send them there because it would cost to much to get them in sellable condition or it's been sitting on there lot for a long time and they can't sell it. Best bet for a good deal is a private party. Run a search on the net you should get hits on local classified ads from across the country. Just my opinion.

Larry
1994 740il

Ahmad, E-bay is great for some things and not so greeat for others. And for E32 BMW's I think I speak for most of the board here when I say that some of the things you cannot see can really cost a lot to make right. Ask yourself why they are selling a highly desireable car in a way that no one actually sees drives or inspects the car. You can figure on at least an additional $1000 for unseen but needed repairs if you are lucky, but if you are unlucky, you can be the proud owner of 5000-1000$ in repairs the first year or so. These cars are very complex and expensive to repair and maintain. The most important thing is how well they have been maintained thus far. I doubt E-bay seller has the service records for the car.

Ask the seller as MANY Questions as you can get him to answer BEFORE you bid! Good luck and scroll down the page and see how similar requests were answered.

Good luck!

Philly Bob

Im thinking about buying a 94 740IL,with 108,000 miles,from a car lot in L.A off e-bay
Can anybody give me some ideas what to ask about the car,and what to look for when buying a use bmw 740IL?
aLSO.HOW MUCH SHOULD i SPEND FOR it,only seen pictures of it on e-bay.

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