New member, hopefully new car...

[double_a]

Hi Everyone:

A little background... I have been a BMW fan most of my driving life, just never owned one. My father had an old 635CSi, and a e34 M5 that I drove around frequently as a youngster. Year later now, my wife and I talk about getting a bmw all the time. Currently I have been in the market for a new 4runner (own a 3rd gen (rusty), but looking for a 4th gen with the V8)... I had been looking for quite some time now. Most have either too high miles, more rust than I want, or a ridiculous price.

Anyway, we were driving past a local dealer and out front was this X5... Used 2007 BMW X5 3.0si For Sale - 24176A | Lititz PA | Serving York, Lancaster, Reading , 2007, Blk/blk, 74k miles and $23.9 USD.

Looks pretty bad ass, I drove it today, and all seemed well. Has a accident history, rear end damage. The only thing I noticed was a tick when first started, sounded like it was from the middle-rear of the car, that went away after about 5min of warming up.

I think its overpriced. What do you all think? My wife and I see this as the in between car till we are ready to commit to a couple 50k+ new bmws. What would be your max price? or just walk away?

Thanks, and appreciate all feedback.
Cheers.

[double_a]

alright! I will start the reply... to make myself feel better. Maybe some X5 owner will have an opinion

[ART-qitec]

I'd see if they can go down a bit. Maybe around $20-22k. Try to see if they will take care of the ticking sound before you purchase. Also I've noticed that it has the 214 style wheels but no fender flares which looks a little weird in my opinion (something else you can bring up to them).

[double_a]

Originally Posted by ART-qitec

I'd see if they can go down a bit. Maybe around $20-22k. Try to see if they will take care of the ticking sound before you purchase. Also I've noticed that it has the 214 style wheels but no fender flares which looks a little weird in my opinion (something else you can bring up to them).

did not notice the fender flare missing. also wonder if there is a wheel spacer in the front.

[bdcanetti]

My 2 cents. I have bought 2 X5's used and here is a bit of advice. Seeing you live in Lancaster PA, I am aware of the rust and the corrosion damage on a used car as I live in Buffalo, NY. So if you're going to buy used, I would suggest buying from someone in the south in order to avoid the damage that has been done over the last 7 years from the winters and road salt etc... I bought my first in Atlanta, GA and recently my 2nd in Scottsdale, AZ. Make sure to get the history on the car since dealers from the South often buy from auctions and that car could have been a Northern car to begin with. My buddy bought a 2009 X5 brand new here in Buffalo and I bought a used 2007 X5 from AZ and he has had brake lines rot and numerous wire connectors corrode. I have had only one wire connection go bad. Plus my paint and trim still looks better than his. I drove my car from Scottsdale to Buffalo but shipping would have only been $1000. Just my 2 cents.

[gregg3gs]

- Be aware that these cars are maintenance intensive (cost a little to fix).
- Make sure you check on the accident report and the number of owners (check to see if you any damage to the car from outside and underneath)
- Get a pre-purchase inspection (it is worth it since cost of repairs is high. get it at a bmw authorized repair center, not bmw dealership)
- If you can work the price down, great (let dealer know these cars are depreciating quickly because they are not reliable. be reasonable)
- In ideal scenario I agree with the "get it from the South" comment. When you are inspecting the car (pre-purchase inspection) ask if the mechanic can let you see the underside and look for signs of rust. Ask your mechanic his thoughts.

[ard]

buy a car from an original owner; one that maintained it well; that doesnt have accident history..AND THAT LIVES IN A NO RUST STATE.

IMHO

[gregg3gs]

^^^^ best you can do

[double_a]

well in the end i lost the deal. i offered 21k, they offered 23k, they said there was another customer coming in to look it... odds are they played me against them, i lost. probably for the better! although I loved the all black look.

i do have the bimmer bug again now, and will still be hunting for a X5. wish me luck, and thank you all for the information!

[gregg3gs]

Well.... you may get a call in two days asking if you still want the car. Don't despair, you could have done something as silly as buying a x5 bmw. ... ohhhhh, opps.