How far would you travel?

[wegras]

All of 1.5 miles ...............to my Dealer

 

[ronk]

I flew from Bristol to Newcastle, bought the car and drove it 300 miles home with no problems and saved about 2 grand on prices at that time

I did it the other way round!

Didn't save any cash but a got the car with the spec I wanted.

 

[BMWZ4MC]

I drove from London to somewhere North of Manchester and back twice. First time to view the car, the second to part exchange my old TT. My zed had been taken to the North from where it lived in Milton Keynes again as a part exchange.
I'd recommend deciding on the car you want, then worrying about how far you might have to travel.

 

[Ewazix]

I travelled all over for three months and walked away from several before buying only ten miles away, be patient it’s going to be a long winter and prices will follow the thermometer

 

[RTDGlobetrotter]

Welcome to the forum!!

As stated in previous threads, travelling for the right car, is normal. While there are quite a few Zeds on the market, these aren't just motors or value or convenience. You probably have a good idea of the spec you're after for your budget. If buying privately, anything that goes wrong, its very hard to get a private seller to accept any liability. Even if they agree in writing/email prior to purchase. In which case a local garage will be your only option whether buying locally or nationally. If buying from a BMW dealer, you're covered locally. This is the case for my Zed. I travelled from West London to Kent for a car of a my chosen spec. The 12 month warranty and subsequent warranty extension is covered by any local BMW dealership.

Previously I travelled to Cornwall from London by train for a VW Golf V6 4 motion with low mileage, FVWSH and mint condition. Before travelling I agreed with the seller, if the itemised list of queries checks out as you say, then I'll pay such and such a price. Then we confirmed the query list on email. If not, then he had a negotiation on his hands. The paper work and condition checked out. Then closer inspection found some under body damage, hanging off engine covers, and he dropped the price. Deal.

I suggest, do your homework on the spec, get pics and ask questions. Then commit to agreements on your questions so you know what to expect when you see it. Its a buyers market, so you can give the seller a grilling. Any doubts, walk away, there's always more.

Hope that helps. That's what the forum is here for.

Good luck!!

 

[MrGringo]

What sort of 3 series have you got? And what sort of Z are you after?

 

[mmm-five]

I flew from Liverpool to Inverness to pick up an e34 M5 from a private seller a few years back. The 6 hour drive back was a good opportunity for me check everything out.

 

[Marky Mark]

Wise words from the Wiseman

 

[andysat]

MrGringo i have a 2000 318i,and am looking for a 55 plate 2.0

 

[Lucy]

For a car like a Z4 i would go as far as neccessary to get the right one. Just get as much info as you can before you go so you have all but bought it.

I have to agree with this. I would travel from one end of the country to the other for the right one. Luckily though, my perfect partner was only an hour away at Lincoln.

 

[chopper]

I bought mine in Scotland and live in Leeds... It's all about the right car and right deal..
Was new from a dealer pre-reg so full BMW cover if anything goes wrong

 

[BobZ4]

I travelled 200 miles for my Z4. Best prepared to call it a wasted trip if the car is no good though, most garages put a 3rd party warranty on their cars so you dont have to return to them if you have any troubles.

You could maybe line up more than one in the area you are going to so you have a better chance of success.