[power]

Hello all!
Found this super resourceful site while scouting the Internet for insights for buying a preowned 2018 X3.
I’m looking to buy a 2018 X3 with 81,000 miles, a clean Carfax report, and one owner. Everything looks good, test drive went great.
Please share your tips and insights on any red flags I should look for.

Thanks!

[glennbk]

Do you have an inspection scheduled with your local independent BMW shop? That is a must. Most shops charge $150 to $200. They will inspect the car stem to stern. If you have the VIN, you can pull the Service records at any BMW dealer. Does he/she have the records?
while BMW has a decent reliability for the X3, I'd be wary of a first model year produced. Which engine does it have?

[bouchy]

Service history, check mileage, insurance logs. Then go to the ramp to see suspension, overall state.

[power]

Originally Posted by glennbk

Do you have an inspection scheduled with your local independent BMW shop? That is a must. Most shops charge $150 to $200. They will inspect the car stem to stern. If you have the VIN, you can pull the Service records at any BMW dealer. Does he/she have the records?
while BMW has a decent reliability for the X3, I'd be wary of a first model year produced. Which engine does it have?

Thank you for the pointers. Am buying it from a BMW dealership, And it has been inspected already. It is not a certified preowned though because of the year, which is more than five years old.

The Carfax shows some service history, but some was missing, when I spoke with the sales person about this, he searched for it and reported back saying that all service was done at a local shop, but everything was done on time. He said that he cannot show us the records because that would reveal the identity of the previous owner.

After purchase, I do plan to take it to our local family owned shop who we trust and who do have experience with BMWs. We will be paying them to do a full inspection. If anything is amiss, the dealership gives a five day return policy.

[mcdanielvzw]

That's exactly the reverse of what you should do. You need to take it for a *pre* purchase inspection there, not assume you'll be fine with a post purchase and then returning it.

[power]

Originally Posted by mcdanielvzw

That's exactly the reverse of what you should do. You need to take it for a *pre* purchase inspection there, not assume you'll be fine with a post purchase and then returning it.

Thank you!
Yes, that is what I would do normally. But this dealership is 2.5 hours from where I live and where our car mechanic’s workshop is. Pre-purchase will not work out unfortunately. It is a challenging market to buy a car. This one checked most boxes for me. The dealership showed me their report in which a water pump needed to be replaced and they have done it. In addition, they’ve put new tires and replaced 2 break pads.

[gphin]

Originally Posted by power

Thank you!
Yes, that is what I would do normally. But this dealership is 2.5 hours from where I live and where our car mechanic’s workshop is. Pre-purchase will not work out unfortunately. It is a challenging market to buy a car. This one checked most boxes for me. The dealership showed me their report in which a water pump needed to be replaced and they have done it. In addition, they’ve put new tires and replaced 2 break pads.

I would make sure you get a copy of the "five day" return policy well in advance before you buy to confirm all details and no hidden exceptions, such as a mileage limit. Have it read by several people to ensure no hidden exception gimmicks in the fine print.

[power]

Originally Posted by gphin

I would make sure you get a copy of the "five day" return policy well in advance before you buy to confirm all details and no hidden exceptions, such as a mileage limit. Have it read by several people to ensure no hidden exception gimmicks in the fine print.

That is an excellent tip, thank you so much! Your response came just in time.