[anthemavm]

My wife's 428i was recently totalled, and she wants another 4 series.

She drives about 20k miles a year in traffic to downtown Los Angeles
, so we know a new car is not a good choice as it is going to have some battle scars from the road.

So the question that I can't decide is to get a slightly used 2019, as this will give us the most warranty, or pick up a lower miles 2016/2017 cpo?

She plans to keep the car for five to six years.

Thanks for your input.

Michael

[Juice247]

Huge discounts on used cars with an active BMW warranty. Driving 20k a year, you're going to have a vehicle that is worth the same in 5-6 years, so whether it has 100k miles or 120k miles isn't going to make a difference. A 2 year old car with less than 30k miles is half the price of new, and if you want a long warranty on it, factor the $3k it costs for a platinum extended warranty. Only difference with new is that you can get exactly what you want. Biggest discounts are on Gran Coupes since they are not a well known model to the populace.

[F30lolz]

Does she want a 430 or a 440? Start by searching the BMWUSA.com site and review the CPO inventory. Remember, you may have to travel to get the one she wants. Also, some dealers may have leftover MY 2018/2019 sitting on lots heavily discounted.

[anthemavm]

She is fine with a 430, she is heading up to Los Angeles to look at two today.

https://cpo.bmwusa.com/used/2018-BMW...7075?zip=92646

https://cpo.bmwusa.com/used/2019-BMW...9198?zip=92646

It might be me that wants the 440.

[Lgb0250]

Originally Posted by anthemavm

She is fine with a 430, she is heading up to Los Angeles to look at two today.

https://cpo.bmwusa.com/used/2018-BMW...7075?zip=92646

https://cpo.bmwusa.com/used/2019-BMW...9198?zip=92646

It might be me that wants the 440.

I purchased mine from this place. Been very happy with the whole transaction. https://www.vroom.com/catalog/all-years/bmw_4_series

[Gen13 F36]

Just saw a 2017 430i GC m sport 25k miles for $27k at irvine bmw. Went there yesterday to get my friend x3 oil change.

[Yungsta]

Originally Posted by anthemavm

She is fine with a 430, she is heading up to Los Angeles to look at two today.

https://cpo.bmwusa.com/used/2018-BMW...7075?zip=92646

https://cpo.bmwusa.com/used/2019-BMW...9198?zip=92646

It might be me that wants the 440.

That 440i is a steal at that mileage and those options. It must be an executive lease return. I bought my car from the same dealer. Look for Leonard, he was really pleasant to deal with.

[johnung]

Originally Posted by F30lolz

Does she want a 430 or a 440? Start by searching the BMWUSA.com site and review the CPO inventory. Remember, you may have to travel to get the one she wants. Also, some dealers may have leftover MY 2018/2019 sitting on lots heavily discounted.

BUYING NEW OR USED?: I wouldn't recommend buying new or leasing, especially with your 20k miles driven per year. The depreciation is so great on these cars it's like throwing money away. You are likely to find a low mileage car either coming off lease or a BMW internal company car which they often sell with 3-4k miles or 10-12k miles.

CAN SAVE 40+% BUYING USED: Recent purchases that I assisted friends with were cars that sold new in the $60's and were purchased used in the $30's. Both were 2-2 1/2 years old with only 9k and 11k original miles on them. Both looked like they had just rolled out of the showroom.

PROCESS OF FINDING YOUR USED CAR:
My advice is to drive some cars locally to zero in on exactly what year(s), model(s), exterior/interior colors and features are desired. Google BMW product literature from that year(s) so you understand available features and packages. Dealer/retailer ads are extremely poor in describing features of a car, often they are just using generic boilerplate. Run the VIN number of any car of interest through an online decoder such as mdecoder to get a build list on the car.

NARROW DOWN YOUR CAR CHOICES
Any car that you are REALLY interested in, ask the dealer to run reports and send you complete equipment lists and maintenance records. NOT just carfax or similar reports, but actual BMW records. Got lucky with one car that dealer records showed extras had been added to car either at port or at dealer before it was picked up new. None of it was showing in advertising or in how the used car was priced. So it became obvious that this car had more that was desired than other used cars with prices that appeared similar or even a little less. Basically "free" features on this car were blacked out grills, M Performance Intake, MP Exhaust and MPPK tune!

OBTAINING A COSMETIC EVALUATION:
Before you buy it, schedule an appointment and take it to a local high quality detailer for an estimate on paint correction & ceramic coating. Quality guys will be able to spot any previous damage, scratches, dings or resprays that magically don't get listed on CarFax or dealer records. They will spot interior stains and issues too if you ask. Not supposed to sell cars as Certified with these issues but we caught two dealers doing so because issues weren't listed on CarFax! Of course they played dumb.

BE SUSPICIOUS of any dealer that just wants to give you a CarFax and keeps emphasizing it, and keeps stalling about giving you information about the car from BMW sales and maintenance computer systems. It's as easy as pressing "print" for them.

Did this for two different cars and retailers found damage that dealer corrected prior to sale that would have cost $250 and $500 to the car owner later.

CERAMIC COAT: Definitely consider an immediate paint correction and at least a 2-layer ceramic coating with a 5 year warranty from a well established high end local detailer. Cost is typically in the $1,500-$1,800 range. Everyone has a friend who ceramic coats on the side but a professional job from a well established business that coats cars a lot more expensive than yours will actually be worth their warranty. Typically you return once a year for them to inspect and it either costs nothing or up to $300 for them to renew the top coat if necessary. Ceramic coating, especially if it's a black car, will keep it looking showroom new. Dirt can't stick to it and uv filters in the coating keep the paint fresh and glossy.

KEYS: Before car purchase, get something in writing, even if it is you confirming a conversation via a follow up email that two full function keys are included. Dealers are notorious for selling car with one key and struggling their shoulders like you knew it only had one key. Had it in writing from one dealer who pulled that con and got them to send a check for $350 to purchase a second key.

SEARCHING FOR USED CAR: Low mileage cars come off lease and from manufacturer demonstrators constantly in waves which also helps to keep the used car prices down. Use 3-5 websites to search for cars that meet your criteria. (Such as BMW, cargurus, cars, carmax, autolenders, etc) If you searched last week there will be additional cars available this week.

SEARCH FURTHER AWAY: Don't be afraid to expand the distance of your search. One friend was about to purchase a car locally. It seemed like a good deal. Did a search the day before pickup and found a lot of similar cars off lease near a city 300 miles away. Found exact same car with 12,000 less miles for $8k less! Called detailer company owner in that area and asked to evaluate it cosmetically. Offered to pay for his time but he did it for free. He found dings that dealer was forced to fix with paintless dent removal specialist. Then had same detailer paint correct & ceramic coat. Could have travelled 300 miles to pickup car but instead hired car transport to pickup and deliver it.

Another friend just could not find car with exact list of desired features. Expanded search and found perfect car but 1,200 miles away. Used Facebook to find an old friend who lived in that area who went to test drive car and FaceTimed to show a paint issue that dealer was forced to fix. Used a transport company to pickup & deliver.

USED CAR EVALUATORS: With low miles and remaining factory warranty there is no need to hire a used car evaluation company. Waste of $. Get better cosmetic information free or at lower cost from a detailer who is a professional specialist.

TRANSPORT COMPANIES can vary widely in quality and price. There are open carriers that you see on the highway all of the time. They are the least expensive but expose you car to the same elements as if it was driven so it will show up dirty. Closed carriers roll the car out in the same condition that it left. They are generally used to transporting much more valuable cars than yours so they inherently take better care. Ask the dealership who they might recommend since they wouldn't use a poor company.
Ready Logistics is an excellent car transport company at (480) 729-8793

Hope all this detail helps you or someone else!

[F30lolz]

Originally Posted by anthemavm

She is fine with a 430, she is heading up to Los Angeles to look at two today.

https://cpo.bmwusa.com/used/2018-BMW...7075?zip=92646

https://cpo.bmwusa.com/used/2019-BMW...9198?zip=92646

It might be me that wants the 440.

She picked the 440?

[anthemavm]

Originally Posted by F30lolz

She picked the 440?

Sounds liked it, she loved the track package and extra horsepower. The blue brake calipers were pretty cool to her.

[AlpineX]

Originally Posted by johnung

BUYING NEW OR USED?: I wouldn't recommend buying new or leasing, especially with your 20k miles driven per year. The depreciation is so great on these cars it's like throwing money away. You are likely to find a low mileage car either coming off lease or a BMW internal company car which they often sell with 3-4k miles or 10-12k miles.

CAN SAVE 40+% BUYING USED: Recent purchases that I assisted friends with were cars that sold new in the $60's and were purchased used in the $30's. Both were 2-2 1/2 years old with only 9k and 11k original miles on them. Both looked like they had just rolled out of the showroom.

PROCESS OF FINDING YOUR USED CAR:
My advice is to drive some cars locally to zero in on exactly what year(s), model(s), exterior/interior colors and features are desired. Google BMW product literature from that year(s) so you understand available features and packages. Dealer/retailer ads are extremely poor in describing features of a car, often they are just using generic boilerplate. Run the VIN number of any car of interest through an online decoder such as mdecoder to get a build list on the car.

NARROW DOWN YOUR CAR CHOICES
Any car that you are REALLY interested in, ask the dealer to run reports and send you complete equipment lists and maintenance records. NOT just carfax or similar reports, but actual BMW records. Got lucky with one car that dealer records showed extras had been added to car either at port or at dealer before it was picked up new. None of it was showing in advertising or in how the used car was priced. So it became obvious that this car had more that was desired than other used cars with prices that appeared similar or even a little less. Basically "free" features on this car were blacked out grills, M Performance Intake, MP Exhaust and MPPK tune!

OBTAINING A COSMETIC EVALUATION:
Before you buy it, schedule an appointment and take it to a local high quality detailer for an estimate on paint correction & ceramic coating. Quality guys will be able to spot any previous damage, scratches, dings or resprays that magically don't get listed on CarFax or dealer records. They will spot interior stains and issues too if you ask. Not supposed to sell cars as Certified with these issues but we caught two dealers doing so because issues weren't listed on CarFax! Of course they played dumb.

BE SUSPICIOUS of any dealer that just wants to give you a CarFax and keeps emphasizing it, and keeps stalling about giving you information about the car from BMW sales and maintenance computer systems. It's as easy as pressing "print" for them.

Did this for two different cars and retailers found damage that dealer corrected prior to sale that would have cost $250 and $500 to the car owner later.

CERAMIC COAT: Definitely consider an immediate paint correction and at least a 2-layer ceramic coating with a 5 year warranty from a well established high end local detailer. Cost is typically in the $1,500-$1,800 range. Everyone has a friend who ceramic coats on the side but a professional job from a well established business that coats cars a lot more expensive than yours will actually be worth their warranty. Typically you return once a year for them to inspect and it either costs nothing or up to $300 for them to renew the top coat if necessary. Ceramic coating, especially if it's a black car, will keep it looking showroom new. Dirt can't stick to it and uv filters in the coating keep the paint fresh and glossy.

KEYS: Before car purchase, get something in writing, even if it is you confirming a conversation via a follow up email that two full function keys are included. Dealers are notorious for selling car with one key and struggling their shoulders like you knew it only had one key. Had it in writing from one dealer who pulled that con and got them to send a check for $350 to purchase a second key.

SEARCHING FOR USED CAR: Low mileage cars come off lease and from manufacturer demonstrators constantly in waves which also helps to keep the used car prices down. Use 3-5 websites to search for cars that meet your criteria. (Such as BMW, cargurus, cars, carmax, autolenders, etc) If you searched last week there will be additional cars available this week.

SEARCH FURTHER AWAY: Don't be afraid to expand the distance of your search. One friend was about to purchase a car locally. It seemed like a good deal. Did a search the day before pickup and found a lot of similar cars off lease near a city 300 miles away. Found exact same car with 12,000 less miles for $8k less! Called detailer company owner in that area and asked to evaluate it cosmetically. Offered to pay for his time but he did it for free. He found dings that dealer was forced to fix with paintless dent removal specialist. Then had same detailer paint correct & ceramic coat. Could have travelled 300 miles to pickup car but instead hired car transport to pickup and deliver it.

Another friend just could not find car with exact list of desired features. Expanded search and found perfect car but 1,200 miles away. Used Facebook to find an old friend who lived in that area who went to test drive car and FaceTimed to show a paint issue that dealer was forced to fix. Used a transport company to pickup & deliver.

USED CAR EVALUATORS: With low miles and remaining factory warranty there is no need to hire a used car evaluation company. Waste of $. Get better cosmetic information free or at lower cost from a detailer who is a professional specialist.

TRANSPORT COMPANIES can vary widely in quality and price. There are open carriers that you see on the highway all of the time. They are the least expensive but expose you car to the same elements as if it was driven so it will show up dirty. Closed carriers roll the car out in the same condition that it left. They are generally used to transporting much more valuable cars than yours so they inherently take better care. Ask the dealership who they might recommend since they wouldn't use a poor company.
Ready Logistics is an excellent car transport company at (480) 729-8793

Hope all this detail helps you or someone else!

Very detailed and excellent advice. More work than most people are willing to do, time well spent.

[johnung]

Originally Posted by AlpineX

Very detailed and excellent advice. More work than most people are willing to do, time well spent.

Thanks! I spend a lot of time researching and gaining experience. Like to pay it forward so it might help someone else. Otherwise feel like it's wasted, only helping myself.

[sean2648]

Originally Posted by AlpineX

Very detailed and excellent advice. More work than most people are willing to do, time well spent.

+1 to that, very well written post and the people who post the notorious "how should I find my next car!?" should take some notes here.

[amancuso]

Sounds like the decision has been made!

[anthemavm]

Update--Mercury insurance has come back and offered us $26,923 to total the car. I am going to push them to $28,000. This was an older CPO for 2 year/100,000 miles. A new CPO today I would only get 1 year unlimited miles.

Michael

[amancuso]

Originally Posted by anthemavm

Update--Mercury insurance has come back and offered us $26,923 to total the car. I am going to push them to $28,000. This was an older CPO for 2 year/100,000 miles. A new CPO today I would only get 1 year unlimited miles.

Michael

Yeah it sucked they lowered CPO from 2 yrs down to 1.

[AlpineX]

Originally Posted by anthemavm

Update--Mercury insurance has come back and offered us $26,923 to total the car. I am going to push them to $28,000. This was an older CPO for 2 year/100,000 miles. A new CPO today I would only get 1 year unlimited miles.

Michael

What else are you waiving with that settlement?
They don't owe you two new years fyi. One year unlimited mileage fair deal.

[IK6SPEED]

Originally Posted by amancuso

Yeah it sucked they lowered CPO from 2 yrs down to 1.

It was 1, they raised it to 2 circa late 2016/early 2017.....when did they drop it back to 1 ?

Not been in market for CPO so haven't kept up with the changes.....again.

[amancuso]

Originally Posted by IK6SPEED

It was 1, they raised it to 2 circa late 2016/early 2017.....when did they drop it back to 1 ?

Not been in market for CPO so haven't kept up with the changes.....again.

They must have just done it, I bought my CPO 428xi in October of this year.

[bimmer456]

Is it still under new car warranty? The CPO doesn't kick in till after the new car warranty. You can try to negotiate if they will throw on an extra year with unlimited miles.

[anthemavm]

Originally Posted by amancuso

They must have just done it, I bought my CPO 428xi in October of this year.

Did you get one year or two years?

[amancuso]

Originally Posted by anthemavm

Did you get one year or two years?

One year. Original warranty expires June 2020 CPO June 2021.