Should I buy this 325ci SE
Discussion
Hi there all you knowledgeable lot!
Having never owned a BMW before, I've put down a deposit on a 325ci SE convertible hoping for a good summer car with a little bit of practicality thrown in over a 2 seater.
The description is:
The garage selling the car say they are "chasing up" the missing service history, but not sure what they could find that I can't with BMW. I guess the question is, if there is no further service history forthcoming, should I argue back my deposit and run a mile? Should I try to negotiate the price down? How much by? or is there another good option? What's the worst that could happen?
The added complexity is that I am PXing an Audi A6 Avant which has now run out of MOT - If I dont buy this, then I'm likely to have to spend some cash getting it through the MOT, or sell it to webuyanycar for a pittance...
Help - I want to own the car, but don't want to buy a lemon!
Thanks loads in advance!
Having never owned a BMW before, I've put down a deposit on a 325ci SE convertible hoping for a good summer car with a little bit of practicality thrown in over a 2 seater.
The description is:
- 2004 (04 reg)
- 26,000 miles
- Manual
- Metallic Blue,
- MOT-03-2011,
- 3 Owners,
- Full Service History,
- Full black Leather upholstery,
- Priced at 10,495
The garage selling the car say they are "chasing up" the missing service history, but not sure what they could find that I can't with BMW. I guess the question is, if there is no further service history forthcoming, should I argue back my deposit and run a mile? Should I try to negotiate the price down? How much by? or is there another good option? What's the worst that could happen?
The added complexity is that I am PXing an Audi A6 Avant which has now run out of MOT - If I dont buy this, then I'm likely to have to spend some cash getting it through the MOT, or sell it to webuyanycar for a pittance...
Help - I want to own the car, but don't want to buy a lemon!
Thanks loads in advance!
At 26k it could well have only had the one service.
The next one will be imminent and will be an Inspection 1 - the car will say how many miles to go when started.
It should also have had brake fluid and coolant change every couple of years iirc.
It doesn't appear to have much in the way of spec - you'd probably get a sport version for not much more.
The next one will be imminent and will be an Inspection 1 - the car will say how many miles to go when started.
It should also have had brake fluid and coolant change every couple of years iirc.
It doesn't appear to have much in the way of spec - you'd probably get a sport version for not much more.
Chasing up the service history = we dont have the service book and never will. Did they say something along the lines of they're trying to get the previous owner to find it / drop it in?
As you've already found out from BMW anyway its not much of an issue, can BMW produce a new service book?
As you've already found out from BMW anyway its not much of an issue, can BMW produce a new service book?
Thanks Guys.
Vee - one question, I was lead to beleive that the car ought to be services every 2 years or when the indicator says - so being 6 years old it ought to be due at least it's 3rd service? Or have I got that wrong.
Matt- getting a new service book isnt the issue, they have it and it only shows one stamp. I think you're right it's just a cover.
Does one service in 6 years mean a problem thought?
Vee - one question, I was lead to beleive that the car ought to be services every 2 years or when the indicator says - so being 6 years old it ought to be due at least it's 3rd service? Or have I got that wrong.
Matt- getting a new service book isnt the issue, they have it and it only shows one stamp. I think you're right it's just a cover.
Does one service in 6 years mean a problem thought?
Try and get details of past MOTs, warranty work and so on. BMW should be able to provide this.
If I'm honest, with that mileage, number of owners, plus dubious service history, I'd be VERY worried whether the mileage is genuine. My understanding on the E46 is that you should have a service done every two years or when the mileage counter shows it's due.
What is the general state of the car? If that mileage is genuine then an Inspection 1 is not long due, plus the coolant should be replaced every 4 years and the brake fluid every 2.
Out of interest, does it still have the original front tyres? I'd be surprised if it didn't at that mileage. They'd have an xx03/ xx04 code somewhere on the side.
If I'm honest, with that mileage, number of owners, plus dubious service history, I'd be VERY worried whether the mileage is genuine. My understanding on the E46 is that you should have a service done every two years or when the mileage counter shows it's due.
What is the general state of the car? If that mileage is genuine then an Inspection 1 is not long due, plus the coolant should be replaced every 4 years and the brake fluid every 2.
Out of interest, does it still have the original front tyres? I'd be surprised if it didn't at that mileage. They'd have an xx03/ xx04 code somewhere on the side.
Edited by john_p on Thursday 6th May 16:00
Thanks John, really helpful.
The general state of the car is pretty good - there are a few scratches etc on the interior, but nothing major, and there is a bit of stitching coming undone on the seat, but no hugely worn bits to suggest that it's done loads more miles. I can try to check the tyres, or get the garage to - very good info.
Not sure how much you'd regard it but the HPI check said there did not appear to be a milage discrepancy.
Garage guy said the 2 year thing was new to him which surprised me, since that's exactly how my Audi needs to be serviced according to the book.
Starting to think I should cast the net a little wider...
The general state of the car is pretty good - there are a few scratches etc on the interior, but nothing major, and there is a bit of stitching coming undone on the seat, but no hugely worn bits to suggest that it's done loads more miles. I can try to check the tyres, or get the garage to - very good info.
Not sure how much you'd regard it but the HPI check said there did not appear to be a milage discrepancy.
Garage guy said the 2 year thing was new to him which surprised me, since that's exactly how my Audi needs to be serviced according to the book.
Starting to think I should cast the net a little wider...
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