Need advice ASAP... debating purchase of 2004 X5 4.8
 

Folks, need some advice ASAP, thanks in advance:

I'm pressed for time and am debating buying a 2004 4.8is, fully loaded, with 58k miles on it, it's blue w/ black interior.

Carfax is clean (two owners before me), here is the service record history:
25k: oil change and inspection #1
43k: oil change and brakes

I'm not sure why there wasn't any service performed prior to 25k miles.

Asking price is $29k, this is from a dealer, but NOT a BMW dealer, so it's not CPO and there's no warranty. This dealer has had the car on the lot for three months.

I'm having it inspected tomorrow by my local BMW mechanic, but am hoping for some feedback from you, please help:

1) How much should I negotiate?
2) Any "red flags" I should look for or ask about?

THANKS!

For starters, pics would help...can't provide much feedback on something unseen. However, @ 29k they're probably either trying to quickly move it off the lot or there are possible issues that they have not disclosed. My suggestion is to test drive it and have a mechanic inspect her. If she feels right and inspection is positive, go for it. No need to rush into a regrettable situation and be stuck with a vehicle you can't unload...keep in mind that there will always be other opportunities. :thumbup:

I would look for better deals personally. Do you need the power of the 4.8?

I picked up my 3.0, black on black, premium/sport/cold weather packages, 2006, 22k miles for 27k, so there are some deals out there to be had...

29k is pretty average price now for an '04... what's the urgency?

Thanks for the responses-

the urgency is that my credit will soon be taking a big hit and I'd like to buy a car while I have good credit.
I'm getting the inspection done today on the 4.8, if all goes well I may put in a low offer, how low should I go? 24K?

$24K would be a reasonable starting point

I paid $31k for my fully loaded 04 4.8is with 30k miles on the clock here in So Cal...So I would try to get them down to at least $26k, or I say walk. On the other hand, gas has been cut in half, so instead of paying $95 to fill up, its only less than $50...People may be looking to by these more now...

First, if the dealer is advertising $29K then you should still have bargaining room. How much room depends on how bad they want to sell and how bad you want to buy. Because of your credit situation and your goal of buying soon - then you may only get $500 - $2000 less.

Second, I agree that it's hard to comment on something unseen and, really, unknown. Mileage is only part of the complex equation. If the car looks good, seems to drive good, and you trust whoever inspects the car - then negotiate hard and go for it.

However, my main point is try and take emotion and your credit situation out of the equation when you're doing your evaluation (and see my first comment - in your negotiations). Is the body really in good condition or do you find yourself justifying imperfections, dings, or whatever? Are you kinda shrugging off that whine or noise when test driving? If you're not then IMHO you should be okay.

If this is what you want, and you've thought it out, then good luck and I hope things work out for you! :thumbup:

TwinsPoppa and others who responded-
Thanks, I appreciate the advice. I'll be picking it up soon from the inspection and will find out what they think.

It's in flawless condition, one very minor ding but that's it. It looks exactly like TwinsPoppa's 4.8is except has the darker interior and stock 20s.

Based on the economy and the fact they've had it for 3 months, I'm going to go hard for the negotiation.

Will keep you posted-

Thanks,

ScottinCA