06-23-2018, 06:44 PM | #1 |
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Advice Needed: Buying Used M235
Hi all,
Was originally considering getting into a M2, but decided that buying a used M235i would be a better fit for me. For those who have lived with the M235 for a while, what are some things I should look for when buying used? Any suggestions or advice on what to be aware of with the 2 series? Thanks!
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06-23-2018, 06:59 PM | #2 |
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Nothing to be aware of that I can remember. Maybe to check if it's ever been modified or flagged as such with BMW, and check into remaining warranty, if anything... These cars had a few minor recalls, check into those as well. Accident history etc etc etc.
I would just want to know that it's up to date with the maintenance plan, or have the previous owner prove that they did equal or better maintenance outside of the dealership, either is fine. You looking for MT or 8AT, RWD or X-Drive?
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06-23-2018, 07:24 PM | #3 |
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Like all BMWs the list of options is long. No two used cars are the same. Study the options available and figure out your must haves vs like to have vs don't cares. You will then be ready to start looking at cars.
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06-23-2018, 07:59 PM | #4 | |
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All scheduled maintenance has been followed as far as I'm aware of, but the owner didn't mention anything about fixing the recalls. Price is $26k CAD. Warranty expires this August. Should I consider getting the extended warranty? Is $26k a fair price?
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06-23-2018, 08:38 PM | #5 |
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It will probably be obvious, but one thing to look at is the left bolster of the driver's seat. It sticks out so far that if you're not careful, just getting in and out of the car will cause it to tear at the stitching. There are a couple threads with folks showing the wear. It may or may not be covered by warranty, I don't know.
The wear (or lack of wear) on the bolster may be an indicator of how well the car was taken care of in general.
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06-23-2018, 10:02 PM | #6 |
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Good place to check for how "fair" a price is for used car is www.canadianblackbook.com. Use the trade in value, and if the dealer price is within one to two thousand of that, it's probably a decent price (depending on what the dealer had to do)
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06-23-2018, 10:13 PM | #7 |
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Oh forgot to add, maintenance history and recall fix etc should be at available at your local BMW dealer, especially since it should have the free maintenance plan. As for extended warranty, generally first Canadian is pretty highly regarded. More expensive but you get what you pay for. It also covers more items, i.e. just like the OEM warranty, as long as your factory warranty hasn't expired.
I recently got global warranty on my previous car long story short the car was written off and they sent me the prorated value of the remaining warranty, and based on that number, the dealer profit was about 30% to 40% of the sale price of the warranty. I.e. there's no real value there... In summary, for most people, they will probably end up ahead if they save the money spent on the warranty and just paid for the repairs that come up. Also be aware that they typically have many clauses in their agreements that let them deny coverage...Any mods, low tolerance in not strictly following manufacturers maintenance schedule, oil changes needing to be performed at a shop (and at 6months as opposed to what BMW normal oil change interval) etc etc... |
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06-24-2018, 08:44 AM | #8 |
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I also need some advice... $21K/25K for a 2015 228i Msport with CPO 48K miles OR a 2015 M235i with NO warranty with about 58k miles for $25Kish.
Thoughts anyone? Biggest decision for me. Now I have always worked on cars growing up, me and my father never had warranty on cars so we did everything ourselves from oil changes, to engine removals, water pumps, etc... I read that the N20 isn't as reliable or strong as the N55...not as much fun either but I know if I get the 228i i might always be wishing for the M235i but a bit of peace of mind with the CPO with the 228i.. very confused guys I need some help |
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06-24-2018, 11:41 AM | #9 |
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I would go with the later year M235s as a lot more equipment because standard. There were also minor upgrades to the interior materials. The 2014s were the first model year. I wouldn't do it.
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06-24-2018, 03:42 PM | #10 | |
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Drives: 2015 BMW M235i
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06-24-2018, 05:19 PM | #11 |
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Thanks for all the advice everyone.
The price the dealer is asking for this car is $23k + tax (I'm in Ontario, so tax is 13%), which roughly comes to about $26k. Looking at Canadian Black Book, that is at the low end of the scale, which means this is a pretty fair price. No major issues with the car aside from a fuel pump recall. I'm planning on keeping the car for at least 4-5 years, and if I look at prices for 135 or 335 that are 8-9 years old, they are trading in at $14-15k. So, if my rationale is if I can buy this for $26k, drive it around for 4-5 years without any major issues other than maintenance, I'm really only out $12k over the 4 years. As a depreciating asset, thats not too bad no?
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06-24-2018, 05:21 PM | #12 | |
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06-24-2018, 05:49 PM | #13 |
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I'm also in Ontario and see really good deals on other 235s. Why are you particular on this one?
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06-24-2018, 06:55 PM | #14 |
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Mine is rock solid, nothing that I would look out for, just maintenance. I only have 30k miles though
Oh, maybe water in rear lights. Its common, mine are getting replaced under warranty |
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06-24-2018, 07:47 PM | #15 | |
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What would be considered a good deal?
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06-24-2018, 08:21 PM | #16 | ||
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06-25-2018, 07:34 AM | #17 |
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I would not buy a car with an accident history no matter how minor. Whatever you save buying you'll lose again when you sell, and it will take longer to move.
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06-25-2018, 08:18 AM | #18 | |
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If so, I recommend that you get a year or 2 extended warranty. I wouldn't get a several year old Bimmer without some level of warranty. You may want to get them to throw in a year or 2 extended warranty or at least give you a smoking hot deal on an extended warranty.
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06-25-2018, 11:34 AM | #19 | |
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Other key factors could be the demand for x-Drive, this car being RWD and automatic will also have an edge on the used car world. If it were the same car, and 6MT, it would be over 30K, lol I'd say go with what makes you happy, if saving money if in mind, this is a steal.
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06-25-2018, 12:32 PM | #20 |
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What's your thinking in this regard if the OP holds onto the car for, say, the 4-5 years he says he intends to? Is it the case that once enough time has passed, a relatively inconsequential accident no longer has the significance that it did when it was still fairly recent?
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06-25-2018, 12:41 PM | #21 | |
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My point is take two cars that are identical except one has an accident and is $3k cheaper for example. That $3k is a phantom $3k in savings and isn't realized until you hold the car long enough to sell it for the same as a pristine car.
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06-25-2018, 01:17 PM | #22 | ||
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Instead, we choose to think that (most any) accident = significantly lower value, and for a significant number of years to come. There's nothing really wrong with that, especially as it represents an opportunity for an informed buyer to save a few grand on a car he or she intends to hold past the point where it matters in the marketplace. |
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