Thoughts on this 4.8is Carfax?

[brentnclemson]

So I'm considering a 2004 4.8is with about 90k that is listed a few thousand below book value. It is in excellent condition and has 7k left on an aftermarket extended warranty. The owner has had several major items repaired under warranty, including the air suspension. I was ready to buy until I saw the Carfax below. It wasn't so much the Carfax, but the fact that the owner seemed to be hiding the Carfax and other small details from me.

Seems like a LOT of change of ownership, also not sure why a vehicle would go to auction with such low mileage...and I'm mostly worried about the "Auto Recycling" place, even though the title is clear. I'm not extremely worried about the owner hiding mechanical issues, given the extended warranty.

Thoughts?

[SlickGT1]

Wow. The title has to get re-issued per state. So every dealer got a new title. I am concerned about the recycler part. What the heck is that? Vehicle parts offered for sale? WTF. What I do like is the previous owner holding on to the car for about 30k miles. Still, I would get it inspected hard.

[TwinsPoppa]

Originally Posted by SlickGT1

Wow. The title has to get re-issued per state. So every dealer got a new title. I am concerned about the recycler part. What the heck is that? Vehicle parts offered for sale? WTF. What I do like is the previous owner holding on to the car for about 30k miles. Still, I would get it inspected hard.

Automotive Recycler Facility = Junkyard

Usually if insurance writes it off as a total loss the vehicle must get a "salvage" title. Obviously it means it was heavily damaged if it was at the recycler and offered for parts.

However, if the vehicle gets exported/imported it may "lose" that salvage title and be titled normally.

Maybe that's what happened when it was in Ontario. I don't really know. Obviously, the reason he was hesitant to show the Carfax is exactly what you noticed - auto recycler and offered for parts.

My take. Excellent condition because so many parts had to be replaced and its been detailed. For me, I could care less if it had an extended warranty that may or may not accept claims. A few thousand off doesn't justify the purchase.

I would skip this one, especially if you're at all concerned about resale value.

[ninjabmw]

Ok the car is not clean title anymore i would explain to you like this. The car got hit really hard, which means the insurance company gave them money instead of fixing the car which equals to the car being total loss. After it went to the junkyard they probably did not sell anything so it went back to action. Auctions can change the title of the car by just writing this one paper when someone buys the car and the car can be clean but if u call bmw of usa they will see that your car is salvage and they wont replace anything under their good will policy u will have the clean title in your hand but your car was salvage at some point so i wouldnt suggest u buying this car. Sorry if i m bad at english

[epdarks]

Yes, car was most likely a salvage at one point. In some states, simply titling a car in a different state is enough to "clear" the title. Some states may issue a "rebuilt" title. Either way, look at the physical title to see.

PPI it to hell. Stand with the tech when he's doing the inspection. My guess is he finds previous repairs or accident history.

If it checks out clean and you can live with the fishy history then go for it.

At the end of the day if something looks too good to be true then in probably is. There is a reason the truck is priced low. For some it may be worth it to penny pinch, remember it could backfire in the future... Especially when it's time to sell it.

[ninjabmw]

Originally Posted by epdarks

Yes, car was most likely a salvage at one point. In some states, simply titling a car in a different state is enough to "clear" the title. Some states may issue a "rebuilt" title. Either way, look at the physical title to see.

PPI it to hell. Stand with the tech when he's doing the inspection. My guess is he finds previous repairs or accident history.

If it checks out clean and you can live with the fishy history then go for it.

At the end of the day if something looks too good to be true then in probably is. There is a reason the truck is priced low. For some it may be worth it to penny pinch, remember it could backfire in the future... Especially when it's time to sell it.

ye he is right like states in georgia i have seen one like this happen the guy had his 4.4 clean title in hand but bmw north america was showing salvage title. Then they found out that the car was salvage but when it come out of auction it was clean because it was resold

[squeasel]

Concerned with all above and the mention of 3 alignments/balances in a short time.

[bimmerFanatic]

There are so many fish in the sea, save yourself the headache and find another 'deal' unless you're willing to stomach a few possible repairs. Also think about how much harder it'll be to sell it down the line.

[brentnclemson]

All good points, thanks for the replies! I can handle repairs, and might even consider extending the aftermarket warranty...but I'm concerned about the possibility of it having a salvage title, mostly for resale purposes.

Too bad, that thing was fun to drive...

[recklessspyder]

I'm not concerned about it being a salvage title.....but it probably was in an accident. My vehicle was in an accident and the a-hole put resistors in where the airbags go to trick the computer.

Doesn't CARFAX warranty against vehicles being salvaged?