Potential M3 Purchase - Input requested

[Canuckistanian]

Hey all,

First 'real' post on the Forum.

Looking to pick up an M3, and happened across this one online. Called the owner, and it's priced lower because it was in an accident.

2011, 38,000 KM - $47,000.

http://www.autotrader.ca/a/BMW/M/SCH...&orup=37_15_72

No structural damage apparently, but the following work done:

- Hood replaced
- Rebar replaced
- Radiator support
- New front headlight
- Airbags replaced

He bought it at 20,000, repaired the damage (at a high end local body shop apparently), and has driven it since.

Thoughts? Would you touch it? Only 'cosmetic' damage doesn't frighten me too much, but you are the experts.

Thanks in advance!!
M

[Longboarder]

If the airbags deployed that's not a great sign. And $47,000 is that USD or CAD? If CAD that's $42,750 which makes more sense...but still pricey for the US...not sure about the market in Canada.

[SenorFunkyPants]

The problem with an accident damaged car is that you will have the same problem selling the car in future as the present owner is now...you are asking questions because you are unsure about the car and future buyers will have the same feeling.
It would have to be massively cheaper than an equivalent unrepaired car to make sense.

[Canuckistanian]

Originally Posted by Longboarder

If the airbags deployed that's not a great sign. And $47,000 is that USD or CAD? If CAD that's $42,750 which makes more sense...but still pricey for the US...not sure about the market in Canada.

That's CAD. Market seems a little higher up here than you have in the U.S.

For reference, there is an equivalent mileage M3 nearby to that guy going for $54,000 CAD.

The $7,000 price difference is substantial, but I agree that I'd be dealing with the same issues when it comes to sales time.

Was so excited when I saw the ad, but knew that there had to be a catch.

Not sure how big of an impact the accident/damage is to the driveability (if any) but the resale is always a factor.

That said, the depreciation based on the accident is factored in already, so the hit to me should be less when I go to sell it, all things considered.

Sad that it wasn't a magical opportunity that might have fallen into my lap. lol

[GTMOT]

I'd regret buying it if it were me.

[Flying Ace]

to be honest, if you'll pay a little more than $2k and you can get one without accident damage.

[maloo]

I would not take the risk, but if I did, I would want to see the final itemized receipt from the body shop or insurance company that shows how "cosmetic" the damage was.

[Sinful]

Dont buy it.
I bought a car once below market and the stealership did not tell me that it had been in an accident. Perhaps they did not know it, but maybe they did. Carfax showed zero accidents. I took it to get the front aligned, and the guy at the shop told me that it had been in an accident and the core had been compromised. Took it to two body shops that confirmed it. Thank god it was a cheap car 15k. Nonetheless, tons of little things kept popping up to the point I just got rid of it.
The M3 has a sensitive S65 engine with bearing issues, I would hate to have had a M3 with impact to the engine.
He should be 10k below market with damage at least. Pay more for better and you will also have resale value. My .02 cents.

[D@AP]

I agree, it is not worth it to pay a little bit less when you can just get a clean title no accident one. Unless it is a ridiculously good deal, I believe that is the only exception to getting one involved in an accident.

[Canuckistanian]

Thanks all for your input. I am disappointed, but it's the correct approach. Will pass.

Beauty ride tho. :P

[M3er]

Don't even think about it.Pay up a little more and get a intact car.

[X5-User]

Originally Posted by SenorFunkyPants

The problem with an accident damaged car is that you will have the same problem selling the car in future as the present owner is now...you are asking questions because you are unsure about the car and future buyers will have the same feeling.
It would have to be massively cheaper than an equivalent unrepaired car to make sense.

This! Happened to me before.

I am sure you will find better ones..just be patient