[Martin528]

Carfax? Independent inspection?

[jprad]

ask him to take it to the dmv, and change it up over there, if you worried about issues on the way, 24k least he can do

[DUI Elite]

Seems okay. I agree that actual value should be close to $22k max.

Way better than the rip-off deals others typically offer on these cars. I'd pull the trigger if everything checks out. Maybe try to swindle him into agreeing for $23k.

[CharlieBear]

just do it. looks great. bought mine overpriced by 1-2k earlier this year but I paid for the color combo.

[Eric335]

Originally Posted by CharlieBear

just do it. looks great. bought mine overpriced by 1-2k earlier this year but I paid for the color combo.

+1 i overpaid but it was for the manual!

get a temp license/registration and drive her home

[E90Graphite07]

Run the VIN through Carfax, and that should ensure you if the car had a clean record, or was 'rebuilt'. No extended warranties included? Also, check to see if any odd wear/tear, so that you can throw that back to the seller (peeling interior panels, check the inner trims on the doors, steering wheel, center console, power window switch panel, etc.). If you see peeling you may wanna see if he'll budge on the $500. Did you also run through the service menu to see what items are due. Given the fact it's 5yrs already, you'll have to pay out of pocket for maintenance I'm assuming, especially brake job; that brings me to ask, did you notice any brake squeak at low speeds? Check the thickness of those pads. Dealer will charge arm/leg for servicing them as well.

[adiba14]

Originally Posted by E90Graphite07

Run the VIN through Carfax, and that should ensure you if the car had a clean record, or was 'rebuilt'. No extended warranties included? Also, check to see if any odd wear/tear, so that you can throw that back to the seller (peeling interior panels, check the inner trims on the doors, steering wheel, center console, power window switch panel, etc.). If you see peeling you may wanna see if he'll budge on the $500. Did you also run through the service menu to see what items are due. Given the fact it's 5yrs already, you'll have to pay out of pocket for maintenance I'm assuming, especially brake job; that brings me to ask, did you notice any brake squeak at low speeds? Check the thickness of those pads. Dealer will charge arm/leg for servicing them as well.

He said brake job due to 10-15k....probably try and do it myself unless too difficult. Carfax checks out. Dude not budging on 24.5.....was going to buy today but banks closed and can't get cashiers check.

[Bimmer100_]

Originally Posted by jmaak

The options are ignored because they do not increase the value on a wholesale vehicle. Look at the finance advance on that car. Its 23.5k. Thats the number thats important. the bank will only lend you what the max the car is worth.

wholesale? Maybe when dealing with a dealer on a trade-in, not private sale. So basically what your assuming is that owners should sell their vehicle based on what people who don't have the cash in hand in the first place can borrow from a bank to purchase the car? That's absurd...

[jmaak]

Originally Posted by bwsteg

wholesale? Maybe when dealing with a dealer on a trade-in, not private sale. So basically what your assuming is that owners should sell their vehicle based on what people who don't have the cash in hand in the first place can borrow from a bank to purchase the car? That's absurd...

No, What I'm saying is the OP is concerned with the resale value of the car down the road. He should know what the car is worth currently on the wholesale market so he can have an idea of what instant deprecation he would incur if he were to dump the car down the road.

Cars are sold above their worth every day. What the car is really worth is the amount someone will lend you to purchase the vehicle.

My point to the op was if he were to trade in the car it would be based on the wholesale value not KBB.

[E90Graphite07]

Originally Posted by adiba14

He said brake job due to 10-15k....probably try and do it myself unless too difficult. Carfax checks out. Dude not budging on 24.5.....was going to buy today but banks closed and can't get cashiers check.

One more thing, see if you can look under the hood. Spot where the oil filter housing is mounted onto the engine...see if there are traces of oil (common leak on N52/N54 engines on these gaskets); in addition, look underneath and make sure the transmission mechatronic sleeve isn't leaking as well. Costly repairs I tell ya... if any trace, you may have some leverage to having him drop the price. All in all, if he won't budge, walk away... there are many 'fish in the sea'. Like someone mentioned earlier, I too would be skeptical bout buying from craigslist. Smart sellers will do their research on what's a fair price/offer and will do what they can to sell their car quickly. Items on craigslist, especially cars, are a huge gamble.