Alright, so I'm gonna be trading in my 325ci pretty soon, but I ran a free carfax and 4 records came up. Does the dealer run these and if so how much is it gonna hurt the $$ I can get for it?

Here are the records they have on file:

-Rear ended and had to get rear bumper replaced

-Ignition coil needed to be replaced

-Window regulator needed to be replaced

-Wiring malfunction caused car to die on off-ramp. Harness needed to be installed.


I'm really worried about the last one causing the dealership to think its a lemon. On a positive note, I've gotten my oil changed every 3K and kept teh exterior/interior in excellent condition. WHat do you guys think?

 

looks pretty normal for a BMW... hehe, just kidding

They may say their low-ball offer is a result of the problems you listed, but they're full of ****. We know this because no car salesman will ever say to the potential buyer "by the way, we had to replace the window regulator, ignition coil, and harness in this car -- it's a real gem!" At the very best, the next buyer would only be informed about the rear-end, and I stress - if it's an honest salesman, and thats only because they're required by law to disclose accidents.

Bottom line, they're not going to sell it as a lemon, don't let them offer you lemon prices.

 

ya, i too would worry about the accident more then anything. cars have issues, everyone knows that....

still tho, used bmw's still sell real well. do it before the redesign for the next model year tho? im not sure how much that will hurt the value....

 

I wouldn't mention any of that stuff. They are going to do their own checks with their own mechanics. I've never been asked the service history of any of my trade ins. Look up fair market value and don't let them low ball you. Good luck.

 

Ok, I didn't realize their mechanics had to do checks.....they aren't gonna find anything now.

I have a cold air intake ($500) installed, do you think they will want the receipt for that?

 

unlike houses, you rarely increase the value of your car when you add mods... they'll laugh at the idea of you wanting compensation for it. You'd have better luck removing it and trying to sell it on EBAY.

 

If you have the factory intake lying around, I would throw that back on there. You aren't going to recoup any of your costs for the intake and in fact you might lose a little value. They certainly will not ask you for a receipt.