[Zeroblade]

A local dealership has a used 2020 X3 M40i with a price too good to be true. Under 30k miles, seemingly fully loaded but history shows 1 minor accident reported in the front. Which I'm sure is the primary reason of the price vs similar X3's

Now I actually saw this X3 on the lot in person without having any sales rep even aware I was there. I don't see not even a slightest of scratches and the dealer pics confirm what I saw.

Besides possible sensor/electrical issue, is there anything one might look for? This isn't a BMW dealership so are they supposed to do a Pre Purchase inspection and provide proof? The car also hasn't been reconditioned so its dirty both inside and out. Additionally I saw at 30k miles BMW recommended brake fulid replacement - I imagine I can use this to my advantage to knock the price down.

I'm scheduled to meet with them end of the week for test drive etc. Thanks

[IAmSpeed]

I would also make sure to obtain all the service records or receipts if possible and maybe request longer warranty period if they claim all issues are fixed. If they don't have it, I would seriously reconsider the purchase.

I know some great dealers would actually fix the issues completely while some dealers just make it "looks" like it's fixed, you will need to pay extra attention when inspect and test drive it in person this week.

Overall buying a car that has been through an accident is always cheaper but be aware of what you are getting and the resales value (if you care) would also generally be lower.

[bcwalks2]

Originally Posted by Zeroblade

A local dealership has a used 2020 X3 M40i with a price too good to be true. Under 30k miles, seemingly fully loaded but history shows 1 minor accident reported in the front. Which I'm sure is the primary reason of the price vs similar X3's

Now I actually saw this X3 on the lot in person without having any sales rep even aware I was there. I don't see not even a slightest of scratches and the dealer pics confirm what I saw.

Besides possible sensor/electrical issue, is there anything one might look for? This isn't a BMW dealership so are they supposed to do a Pre Purchase inspection and provide proof? The car also hasn't been reconditioned so its dirty both inside and out. Additionally I saw at 30k miles BMW recommended brake fulid replacement - I imagine I can use this to my advantage to knock the price down.

I'm scheduled to meet with them end of the week for test drive etc. Thanks

How good is too good to be true?

[g11hoonigan]

If it's not a BMW dealer, I typically check the history and try think of a possible reason why it was there - auction or trade in. The selling dealer wouldn't disclose much of its history anyway - other than reconditioning stuff they did.

For instance, if this were a Porsche dealer, I would probably assume the owner just traded it in for an upgrade. Conversely, if I see the X3 m40i in, say, a Buick dealership, I'd hardly consider it unless there's obvious and compelling reason to do so. The point being is, you can probably get a feel for the possible background depending on which dealership it was traded in. It won't be conclusive though and YMMV.

[bbb83]

Originally Posted by bcwalks2

How good is too good to be true?

this... double check and make sure the title is clean

[ASAP]

don't buy a car that's been in an accident... just don't

[ASAP]

Originally Posted by bbb83

this... double check and make sure the title is clean

a car can be in an accident and have a clean title... which is why I am so weary of cars with minor accidents... you don't really know how minor and how well it was fixed... all a clean title means is car wasn't deemed a total loss... PPI, CPO, inspections... don't really have any true legal definition, it's how anyone defines them or really whatever nonsense anyone makes up on the spot

[Bimmerforlife]

I would be suspicious. There are BMW dealers who ARE selling used and CPO that have been in an accidents. If they don’t want it there must be other reasons.

[Zeroblade]

In my area used X3 30i with like 40k miles are going for $36k whereas m40i with 45k miles with less options are going for $47k. This one is just under $43k and sat for what looks like 2 months. Carfax info only shows the accident report categorized as "minor/cosmetic"

I spoke with the internet sales rep briefly about any inspection checks and only got a generic "its been checked". I got name of sales manager to battle with and look over car with a flashlight. We'll see if given the current condition of car and maintenance that needs to be done on brakes right around corner to get them below 40k not including doc fees/tax.

I'm looking through history of threads for anything else besides the 30k brake fuild maintenance but if anyone knows something throw it, any info is very welcome

[wlfpck]

So couple of things about the accident stuff.

Carfax bases the minor/moderate/severe based on the total repair bill as one of the major criterias.

You can have an accident or debris hit that will cause the repair amount to be sky high. For instance, having to replace a headlight will result in the headlight itself, the bracket, and the programming of the headlight (calibration).

If you somehow scratch the A-pillar but didn't dent it or anything, this will result in having to clear the whole quarter panel. This will result in dropping the headliner and removing the roof rails. Then spraying clear all the way through the rear quarter panel.

Best thing would be if the dealership has record of what was replaced and who the body shop was. If they have that information, you can reach out and see if the body shop has before photos and during photos.

As for the pricing, car pricing has been dropping lately on used vehicles. That plus the accident could attribute to the lower price that you're seeing.

[DTRJ]

Originally Posted by g11hoonigan

If it's not a BMW dealer, I typically check the history and try think of a possible reason why it was there - auction or trade in. The selling dealer wouldn't disclose much of its history anyway - other than reconditioning stuff they did.

For instance, if this were a Porsche dealer, I would probably assume the owner just traded it in for an upgrade. Conversely, if I see the X3 m40i in, say, a Buick dealership, I'd hardly consider it unless there's obvious and compelling reason to do so. The point being is, you can probably get a feel for the possible background depending on which dealership it was traded in. It won't be conclusive though and YMMV.

I recently sold my 2020 X4M40i that I leased, and then bought after the 36 months,to a local dealer that was a New Kia dealership. My car was loaded, was mint condition and with only 15000 miles. He offered me over $6000 more than my BMW dealer did, $2500 more than Carmax, and $3800 more than Carvana. It had a clean Car Fax. I didn't really want to sell it, but the 4 year warranty was running out,and the car had so much tech I did not want to keep it any longer.

[jsh139]

If you’re truly interested in the car I would ask the dealership if you can bring it to an independent mechanic (BMW specialists preferred) so that they can look over the car. It may cost you a couple hundred bucks, but you can have peace of mind knowing that things look good and everything checks out. Or, they may find some stuff that will make you reconsider buying it.

Any dealer that stands behind the purchase will allow this. If they refuse, run away.

[Kharma99]

Honestly not worth the risk if you ask me. I would pay the extra $ and get a CPO. We’re talking about a $45K+ purchase after all! I’d even take it a step further and tell you to get a new one instead for the additional $17K (68k OTD vs 51k OTD). That’s $472/month over 36 months (2024 vs 2021). With todays interest rates, TVM… etc maybe $550/month.

[Zeroblade]

Originally Posted by Kharma99

Honestly not worth the risk if you ask me. I would pay the extra $ and get a CPO. We’re talking about a $45K+ purchase after all! I’d even take it a step further and tell you to get a new one instead for the additional $17K (68k OTD vs 51k OTD). That’s $472/month over 36 months (2024 vs 2021). With todays interest rates, TVM… etc maybe $550/month.

I've seen in other threads that CPO generally is marketing BS. Its another way of saying "some warranty left" but doesn't guarantee they'll treat it any better from any other trade in/return.

I already have it in mind to have brought to a BMW center and pay few hundred vs thousands for CPO. Youtube salesmen seem to agree this is not an unusual request. It comes down to if the dealer has any real desire to make a sale. The quick chat I had with the online rep makes me wonder if they'll take the time now to clean up the car. Online reviews seem to point this dealer isn't shady so we'll see if their call makes me walk.

Otherwise the game plan is still to let them build their case, test drive, find anything wrong and use that to knock price off further. I forgot to mention while I was checking the car I didn't see any misalligned panels in the front either so the hope is this report is a nothing burger.

Resale wise I don't expect to be selling the car if I pull the trigger. Honestly I don't like the look these newer BMW models. I'm really cautious with more controls being on the touch screens.

[ncrypted_Bimmer]

Originally Posted by jsh139

If you’re truly interested in the car I would ask the dealership if you can bring it to an independent mechanic (BMW specialists preferred) so that they can look over the car. It may cost you a couple hundred bucks, but you can have peace of mind knowing that things look good and everything checks out. Or, they may find some stuff that will make you reconsider buying it.

Any dealer that stands behind the purchase will allow this. If they refuse, run away.

This is solid advice. Personally, I don't look twice at a car with any accidents. Even though the accident could be very minor, I think about it like why would I buy a car for soo much money that someone else already damaged to some extent.

If ur willing to put the time and effort to call and investigate the car to give yourself peace of mind then go for it but getting an independent certified BMW tech look at it would be phenomenal for ur wallet and peace of mind lol.

PLEASE make sure it has a clean title!

To be honest, if ur looking to do mods I've read a lot that 2020 and above have the box locked(can't remember the name) and its costly to have it shipped and unlocked. Also the exhaust stock noise I've read has been quieted compared to 2018 and 2019 models so that is something to consider IF that is important to you.

Either way hopefully the community can give u good insight and some clarity. Good luck!

[Zeroblade]

Man

This deal is slowly being killed by this dealership. Gonna be there tomorrow since I'll be nearby but 2 days now and no response to my OTD price request or anything.

I informed them I will be taking the car in for pre purchase inspection at a nearby independent garage that works on M cars. Some rookie salesman already saying they won't let me and they wonder why this X3 sat on their lot for almost 60 days now. Conflict of interest afoot cause "their guys checked it" but F that.

If they change their minds then deal isn't dead yet but they're sabotaging their own sale. If I'm paying out of pocket to get it checked then they can keep the receipt themselves if I don't go through with sale but least they got proof for their next "customer".

If I do end up with keys in hand I hope to install MST intake and downpipe. Next would be to install lower/middle/rear lower strut bar - heard that perks up the handling. Somewhere in there retrofit rear heated seats. Parts price seem to have come down since so worthwhile to figure out

Yeah I heard same about that ECU or whatever that locks after every patch but for 2021 and up. I'm currently not planning tunes atm. I haven't done enough research into that and my uneducated brain tells me it make fuel economy worse.

[jsh139]

Huge red flag if they won’t let you take the car for a PPI. Just saying.

[Kharma99]

What does the Edmunds appraisal look like? I think used car prices have come down a lot in the last few months and a lot of places haven’t adjusted yet to a new reality.

[g11hoonigan]

Originally Posted by Kharma99

What does the Edmunds appraisal look like? I think used car prices have come down a lot in the last few months and a lot of places haven’t adjusted yet to a new reality.

About the same as last year in our neck of the woods. Especially the M40i trim.

[Bimmerforlife]

Originally Posted by jsh139

Huge red flag if they won’t let you take the car for a PPI. Just saying.

Exactly, what are they afraid of you finding? Normal/honest dealerships would advise you yes get it checked out by all means. I would stay clear of this one, so many other vehicles out there don’t get hung up on this one.

[DDS2015]

Originally Posted by jsh139

Huge red flag if they won’t let you take the car for a PPI. Just saying.

This 100%

Cars do get damaged, it happens. If it’s repaired properly then fine.

Our X3 is just getting back from a 25k (Canadian) insurance claim. I put the summer tires on too early this year, we got a little snow, my wife lost traction and went sideways into/up and over a curb. Not a single scratch on the paint. No misaligned panels. That was all suspension damage which is all bolt on parts. Unfortunately the history report will show a 25k claim, but anybody that’s willing to investigate will see it was all suspension.

The X3 has another claim on it. It was vandalized, someone broke the passenger side mirror at my old office. 4K. For the passenger side mirror.

These cars are expensive to repair!

My old M3CS was damaged in shipping, it was disclosed to me, but since it was repaired without insurance it never showed up on the history report. That same M3 was also vandalized in my old office, smashed window and a bunch of interior parts and leather had to be replaced, 11k in damage.

[Jen4BMW]

I would never in a million years buy this X3 for all the reasons cited ^ ^