Buying Used Car - Pre-Purchase Inspection
 

Hey, I'm new here on the forum, and I could use your advice

I'm flying up to Kelowna to check out a Bimmer convertible. The seller and I have already agreed to a price based on a satisfactory test drive and possible pre-purchase inspection, with a signed document.

The seller has been up front about everything, and mentioned that a prospective buyer last weekend had a PPI done on the car, and found the following problems:

IMMEDIATE REPAIR: right rear wheel bearing
NEAR FUTURE REPAIR: front shocks are leaking, ball joints will need to be replaced, wipers need new blades

My question is: Upon being satisfied with the test drive, should I get another pre-purchase inspection, even though one was previously done a week prior? Do you think it would be worth the extra $100-150?

Thanks!

On another note, any recommendations on shock/spring replacements? I'll be doing mostly highway driving, and I'd like to improve the handling, without having to slow to 2kmph to go over a speed bump. Model is a '98 BMW 328i

Do you trust the inspection done by some guy who didn't end up buying it... ? If it was MY money, NO. Spend the $ to get a full inspection and at very least they may give you a deal on that wheel bearing that needs immediate replacement.

Thanks for your response.

The seller is fixing the wheel bearing. Our agreed upon price was based on the repair of the wheel bearing so that I could test drive it.

Anyone from Kelowna, have a recommended shop that I could get the PPI done at? And if you know the price, that's even better!

Kelowna has a BMW dealership. Go to BCBimmers.com there are plenty of people from the interior that might be able to recommend a non dealership place.

If you want to change ride, the shock leaks / ball joints will need to be changed anyways.. order it from Turner Motorsports etc..

Wheel bearings are easy on e36s... however the bearing part is about 250 already.

Get it checked out by yourself at the BMW dealership or certified shop. This isn't a cheap investment, so an extra $200 that could possibly save you a massive headache is worth it.

Pay for the background, icbc check. Is it US imported? How many KM? Next major service? How much will that cost.

I did the same thing as you when I bought a car from kelowna. It probably cost me around $250 for background, icbc check, compression check at the dealership..etc...etc. I did everything I could and I was satisfied with the results.

edit: that's an 11-year car so buyer beware...
editx2: I assume you are from vancouver area so if everything looks good and you are satisfied, try to negotiate your airfare to kelowna so you can drive it down...instead of getting a buddy to tag?

Good luck!
Remember this is a huge investment on your behalf.