Should I buy an older X5? Answer NO

[alberniken]

Originally Posted by c-bass

I've heard rumors of this forgotten rust free land, here in Ontario they've managed to start using the liquid stuff that's even more corrosive than salt so finding something even relatively rust free in the future looks very unlikely.

My $1200 find (nicknamed swamp thing so far) was cheap because it was ROUGH looking but mechanically not that bad for a DIY guy with pic n pull yards nearby.

Maybe I should buy up a bunch of rust-free X5's and ship them east


K

[c-bass]

Originally Posted by alberniken

Maybe I should buy up a bunch of rust-free X5's and ship them east


K

As long as I get to cherry pick, I approve of this message

[alberniken]

Do you think there is a market for rust-free E53's? I could probably rustle up about 7 or 8 X5's that run & drive for under $3k each. Load 'em on a truck and ship eastward.



You just need a mechanic that could expedite out of province inspections.
K

[c-bass]

Originally Posted by alberniken

Do you think there is a market for rust-free E53's? I could probably rustle up about 7 or 8 X5's that run & drive for under $3k each. Load 'em on a truck and ship eastward.



You just need a mechanic that could expedite out of province inspections.
K

Yes I do, but I'm probably somewhat biased being an enthusiast and not a fan of newer cars.

However, I have noticed a lot of people are more open to "older" luxury cars because they have ABS, Airbags and all kinds of creature comforts that you still don't find in new entry level vehicles that cost 5x or 10x as much.

The BMW styling of the e46/e53 year platform has aged VERY well and the usual reasons why people might stay away from an older vehicle is high mileage and RUST, at least around these parts.

Based on the amount of time I see a decent e53 listing is up for sale, I guarantee you that if I had a parking lot with half a dozen rust free vehicles here in Ontario they would sell like toilet paper at the start of covid.

[alberniken]

Originally Posted by c-bass

Yes I do, but I'm probably somewhat biased being an enthusiast and not a fan of newer cars.

However, I have noticed a lot of people are more open to "older" luxury cars because they have ABS, Airbags and all kinds of creature comforts that you still don't find in new entry level vehicles that cost 5x or 10x as much.

The BMW styling of the e46/e53 year platform has aged VERY well and the usual reasons why people might stay away from an older vehicle is high mileage and RUST, at least around these parts.

Based on the amount of time I see a decent e53 listing is up for sale, I guarantee you that if I had a parking lot with half a dozen rust free vehicles here in Ontario they would sell like toilet paper at the start of covid.

I am always up for a side gig if it doesn't end up costing me out-of-pocket.



I am tempted to get a quote for a car carrier to Ontario. I suspect not worth it by the time you factor in shipping, taxes and all.


Also I am on Vancouver Island, not Vancouver area proper, so logistics would be a pain.

[Fifty150hs]

Originally Posted by alberniken

I am always up for a side gig if it doesn't end up costing me out-of-pocket.



I am tempted to get a quote for a car carrier to Ontario. I suspect not worth it by the time you factor in shipping, taxes and all.


Also I am on Vancouver Island, not Vancouver area proper, so logistics would be a pain.

Car ferry out of Sydney wouldn't work?

[alberniken]

Originally Posted by Fifty150hs

Car ferry out of Sydney wouldn't work?

I live on the west side of VI, and most of the best deals are in the greater Vancouver area; making purchases would involve a lot of travel to view and buy, as well as finding a place to collect them all together before shipping.
Just getting to Vancouver for me is a 4 hour one way journey. Even is a 2 hour minimum with the added cost of a return flight and taxi if I don't buy.


Would be a good gig for someone who lives in the lower mainland and has parking space.


K

[c-bass]

Originally Posted by alberniken

You just need a mechanic that could expedite out of province inspections.
K

I was thinking about this in particular...

Why would you need to have a mechanic inspect anything?

Maybe things work different in B.C., but here you can buy anything and do what you want with it with regards to shipping, storing, modifying or burying in a deep hole.

Only if you want license plates to legally drive on an Ontario road would an inspection be necessary.

[Fifty150hs]

Originally Posted by c-bass

I was thinking about this in particular...

Why would you need to have a mechanic inspect anything?

Maybe things work different in B.C., but here you can buy anything and do what you want with it with regards to shipping, storing, modifying or burying in a deep hole.

Only if you want license plates to legally drive on an Ontario road would an inspection be necessary.

Isn't that what people buy them for?

[alberniken]

Originally Posted by c-bass

I was thinking about this in particular...

Why would you need to have a mechanic inspect anything?

Maybe things work different in B.C., but here you can buy anything and do what you want with it with regards to shipping, storing, modifying or burying in a deep hole.

Only if you want license plates to legally drive on an Ontario road would an inspection be necessary.

The plan was to ship to Ontario to sell the cars to locals who wanted rust-free chassis. Therefore, safety inspection needed.

Anyway I think we are swinging way off topic here and should either end this thread or start a fresh one.


cheers
Ken