[BEM-S4]

Even if you get a discount now, you're going to give that discount back when it's time to sell the car to the next guy. You're not actually saving any money, but could be inheriting a headache.

[Psi5]

*If* the repair is high quality and *if* it has a long warranty and *if* you get a significant discount and *if* you are planning on keeping the car long enough that the diminished value will be irrelevant, then *maybe* you go through with it. If any of these conditions are not met, then I'd look elsewhere.

Example - was in the market for a Mazda 3 for my daughter. Found a CPO with 5k miles at a good price. Then, one of the dealer drivers scraped up the rear passenger door moving it around the lot. After negotiating a substantial additional discount, getting the warranty in writing, and knowing that she was going to drive it for a very long time, we agreed to the purchase. The discount, warranty, and lack of diminished value made it worth it.

[jaffdog86]

Originally Posted by Ben5on

Hi All! First time poster here.

I will soon be diving into the BMW world and buying my first 330d. I need some advice so I'm asking the experts . I'll try to keep this story short and sweet. I sent the money to a private seller for a 2013 330d. This car has the M Performance kit, speaker upgrades, large display, etc.

With the money in his account this guy decides to drive the car, probably to get one last go in it however he gets involved in a crash and the whole side of the car is wrecked. The car is currently being repaired and I have been told its being done by BMW themselves and the car WILL NOT be categorised (CAT D).

It is the best deal on this type of car that I have seen in a while. Other details that might shed some light:

Price = £12,350 (could possibly get a small discount)
Miles = 67,000
Car is immaculate, I mean really good shape (until it got hit).

Damage


The question is do I buy this car or wait it out?

Hi this sounds so fishy. He might be a good guy- is he your friend though? You can't be too careful really. Most people are saying a similar thing.
Go with your gut but personally I know from recent experience as of last month you can get a 320d with far less miles on the clock for less than 13 from an established firm rather than privately. Does it have certain extras and sorry if you have already mentioned by what reg year is it?

[Pauloxxi]

Follow your heart. It is not structural, the car seems in great shape and will look very good if fixed by a good body shop. My personal history is that my wife car was crashed in the front after 3 years of ownership. Now it was 3 years ago and the car is in wonderful shape and condition. No one can tell anything, the body shop did a great job.
Your case seems to be even, just replacing some panels.
As I said... it is very your decision.

[Elvisfan]

Originally Posted by Pauloxxi

Follow your heart. It is not structural, the car seems in great shape and will look very good if fixed by a good body shop. My personal history is that my wife car was crashed in the front after 3 years of ownership. Now it was 3 years ago and the car is in wonderful shape and condition. No one can tell anything, the body shop did a great job.
Your case seems to be even, just replacing some panels.
As I said... it is very your decision.

An expert can tell the car has been fixed.

[Zanity]

the impact from side is not as big of a deal, engine is most important and up front looks to be completely fine. The car value though is definitely affected, I would want 1/3 of the price returned or else I wouldn't buy it.

[Elvisfan]

Originally Posted by Zanity

the impact from side is not as big of a deal, engine is most important and up front looks to be completely fine. The car value though is definitely affected, I would want 1/3 of the price returned or else I wouldn't buy it.

OP already got the money back. Still trying to decide if he should buy the car at a reduced price.

[Pauloxxi]

Originally Posted by Elvisfan

An expert can tell the car has been fixed.

I did not say nobody can find. This car depreciate as a hell regardless.

[Elvisfan]

Originally Posted by Pauloxxi

I did not say nobody can find. This car depreciate as a hell regardless.

I’m sorry, I must have misinterpreted “No one can tell anything”.

[Livetodrive]

This guy already drove your car once without your permission. That’s reason enough not to buy the car. Why trust him a second time? It’s a big world out there with plenty of other vehicles. I say it’s time to move on.

[CoachMCs]

I bought a 2016 340i with 22k miles on it. It had a salvage title from a front end collision, no air bag deployment. I paid 16K... I have had the car looked at by a body shop and mechanic. Both said it was solid. So far it has been flawless!!! This car would have been about 30 plus if no salvage.... well worth it, in my opinion.

[Livetodrive]

If you live far from the body shop, and uncover a repair issue after you take possession of the vehicle, you will have to take it back for repairs.

[boafriend]

Yeah, red flag for sure. Also, not sure if you care, but this car seems to have halogen lights...you're better off with one that has the Bi-Xenons.

[Londoner]

If the guy gave you your money back with no quibbles, replies sound a bit harsh on the seller. Ok he took the car out for a quick jaunt to Tescos after he took your cash but that hardly makes him public enemy no 1. To be honest my sympathy now lies with him, after giving you the refund - how unlucky is that, getting hit by some scumbag on the run just before he is about to sell?

However agreed - I wouldn't now buy, without a 1/3 off the original price. And even then I think I wouldn't bother - there's loads of 330ds about.