Car Buying in the US

[gaffer]

So I know there are a few guys here that have bought cars in the states and brought them here. I am aware of the RIV, and am pretty well informed as to what I have to do to clear the car through customs.

What I am concerned about is insepctions, and making sure the car is as it is represented from the seller. Do you guys get inspections from a mechanic in the states before making the purchase, or just go by Carfax reports?

Also, I would be looking having to have the car shipped here or into Montana. Any suggestions for that?

Finally, what is the best way to transfer funds for the transaction?

Thanks,

Andrew

[Canadian Turbo]

Re: Car Buying in the US

What are you looking at??

[gaffer]

Re: Car Buying in the US

I have been liking the BMW 5 series wagons but I am not sure yet. I have to look around & see how they are interms of dependebility. My brain is saying 525IT/528IT, but my right foot is saying 540IT.

I was also thinking about an A4 Avant, but wanting something a little bigger. I may consider an A6 Avant too.

Just in the thinking hard stages. Basically I am looking to replace one of my current cars with a Euro wagon.

Any thoughts on these cars?

Andrew

[Smarty39]

Re: Car Buying in the US

The paperwork is the biggest pain IMO. First off, MAKE DAMN SURE the seller already has the title in their hand! I had to back out on one deal because it was going to take upwards of two weeks to get the title from the lien holder (and they wanted me to pay off the loan for them...not too safe). Secondly, a clean carfax can go a long way, but I would get it inspected as piece of mind. If the seller is honest, they'll have no issues taking it in for you. I just phoned and set up the inspection, and the seller took it in for me. The inspection facility didn't even tell the owner how it went, they phoned me and then e-mail me a copy of the sheet...made me feel a lot better.

As far as your choices...I thought long and hard about a 540, they are the best looking 5-series to date IMO. But, they don't come without their share of issues. Off the top of my head, clusters, auto-tranny, brake lines (not sure how?), and memory seats (they seem to go bad) are the biggest issues. I'd say just do yourself a favor and sign up to a BMW forum for a couple weeks But of course, an Audi Avant (or Allroad wink, wink) would be your best choice

[Coker Rat]

Re: Car Buying in the US

To add fuel to your fire, a guy i know bought a viper not too long ago.

[gaffer]

Re: Car Buying in the US

To add fuel to your fire, a guy i know bought a viper not too long ago.

Viper No place to put a car seat, stroller, boat load of stuff from Costco or a couple of hundred picture frames.

Fun car though.

The car that I am looking at right now is in Texas and a a manual 528it with the sport package. Price looks not too bad, but I am wondering about the long term cost of ownership should stuff go.

Andrew