I would not buy a car from any distance without some sort of inspection. Whether you have a friend in LA or the seller takes it to a dealer for a pre-purchase inspection (on your dime if necessary), I wouldn't buy it without this due diligence. I almost bought a Porsche from what appeared by all accounts to be a reputable dealer, with a ton of photos, but when I had a friend in go see it, there were numerous issues not shown nor disclosed. Actually, they outright misrepresented certain things.

Personally, I would not buy this one. The distance is a major factor, the area it comes from is prone to floods and other water damage, and you're only in Reno and there are plenty of X5s to choose from in neighboring California where you could go out to see the right one and maybe drive it home.

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