Time to buy?

H

highbrowmark

New member
Love to solicit some thoughts of current owners. Most reviews I find are of fairly new cars. I’ve just relocated to the Midwest (small city, lots of rural areas around, but decent roads). If I’m going to continue to be locked away at home I’m inclined to say I might as well spend the weekends blasting away in something fun. Came across a 2011 Z4 sDrive35i. Carvana is selling it. Just under 50,000 miles. Was able to find regular service records via Carfax. Originally a southern car. With it being 9 years old I’m concerned about longevity and getting nickeled and dimed. (Or worse since the German cars don’t really seem to stick to nickels and dimes). Anything you think I should consider? Am I overthinking this? Other option would be a SLK/SLC. I’ve driven the SLC in Palm Springs before. However, where I live there is a local BMW dealership for service. Mercedes is about 80 miles away. Also, I’m a big guy and want to be comfortable in whatever I get. (Slightly above average height, but large stature - wide shoulders and carry weight in mid section). I can’t find a comparable to go sit in locally so I wouldn’t know until it showed up at the car vending machine.
 
I am assuming when you say ""relocated to Midwest" you are referring to the US? Anyway look online and see if there is a local BMW club in the area. If so go to a meet if they are having them due to virus and maybe one of the folks will let you sit in or possible drive their car to get a feel prior to your purchase.
 
These cars are good for 200,000+ miles if maintained properly and so I wouldn't be concerned about buying a 9 year old BMW with 50,000 on the clock.

The key is ensuring the car has been looked after. Check the service history (and I don't just mean stamps in the book) - check for how often oil changes were made, how long ago tyres and brakes were changed and whether there were any significant repairs etc.

Then check the bodywork and underside to ensure there are no signs of accident damage or rust.

If a private sale, it's also worth 'sussing out' the owner to get a feel for how they looked after the car during their ownership. No1 sign is to check the tyres, if cheap/unmatching tyres have been fitted then there is a probable chance that the car hasn't been looked after.

In regards to comfort that's more a subjective thing and you will most probably have to sit in one and take it for a test drive to truly know.

If after doing all of the above you find yourself set on the car, you could always arrange for a pre-purchase inspection before you buy it so that know whether it will need any work going forward, and is also useful for peace of mind.

Good luck with your search.
 
R60BBA said:
If a private sale, it's also worth 'sussing out' the owner to get a feel for how they looked after the car during their ownership. No1 sign is to check the tyres, if cheap/unmatching tyres have been fitted then there is a probable chance that the car hasn't been looked after.
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I couldn’t agree with this statement more. It is the first thing I look at when viewing a car. Budget tyres or mixed and matched screams out and owner that doesn’t really care.

If they skimp on tyres, they will skimp on other maintenance. Late services with poor quality’s oil and filters, cheap brakes, and most probably fuelled on the lowest quality supermarket fuel.

If they care enough about putting decent tyres on the car, they probably care enough to maintain the machine properly.
 
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