Xoutpost.com - what should I pay for these 4.6is'?

After months shopping for an X5, I found that good clean 4.6is were going for $12.k to $14k, but that's around my area. YMMV. Many of the dealers (used car lot cars) were much more expensive, and there was usually ZERO chance of getting any service records, as usually the dealers buy them from the auctions. If you're going to buy from a dealer, and pay the "surcharge", buy from a BMW dealer, as at least they will generally not deliberately try to mislead you or screw you over. But BMW dealers may not want something this old on their lot, it's too old for CPO; but you never know if they find a pristine car. Many of these used car lots will try to add $500 BS charges to sell you the car. About the only thing they have going is financing. And they will make a killing on that. Then they will sell you an overpriced warranty. Not that a warranty on a 10yr old X5 is a bad idea, but bought from a used car lot, they could build in another $500-$1K of profit. One reason the dealers' X5s are so pricey in my area, is that they sell for 10-25% above Blue Book at the wholesale auctions....I don't know why. I also searched the Manheim auctions in my area, and there were absoulutely no bargains to be had on X5s. And you can't take a car for a thorough test drive if it's at an auction. Service history is a total unknown. (You can get a very brief warranty for major hidden issues though). Private party sales seem to be much more in line with Blue Book.

So if I needed financing, I'd go to my bank or credit union or whatever and take a car loan. Plenty of good indys can sell you a warranty with only a modest mark up, or get one online. Seach here and you'll find some recommendations on that.

So for me, the options would be from a BMW dealer, or from a private party. I would ideally like to see a one owner car with complete service records, but that can be asking a lot on a 10 year old car, (mine had 5 previous owners; but somhow was in new condition cosmetically). I am much more comfortable with dealing with mechanical issues, than too much in the cosmetic area. I would search eBay and Craig's list and stay away from the sleezeoid used car lots. 95% of what's on Autotrader in my area is dealers. I would also seach well beyond my local area to increase my chances of finding the car I like; a 4.6 is not exactly common. As I did, you may end up making some long drives to see cars that come to nothing, but persistance will pay off. I also brought an Autologic with me when I went to see cars; and that alone ruled out some that had too many expensive hidden faults. Iit's very amusing when the Autologic can tell you that the someone turned the CEL off 1 mile ago, and the owner is swearing to you there are no known issues! Shuts 'em right up.

If you you don't have access to a good BMW scan tool, or don't know enough to examine a car on your own, PAY for a PPI at a BMW dealer, or a trusted Indy. There's a TON of expensive stuff that can go wrong on a 10 year old X5, at least get a car that's up on its maintence.