As i was browsing through autotrader, looking at BMW's. I noticed that alot of off lease cars are being sold on other car dealers (not a BMW dealer) like Lee's fine auto, etc, etc. My question is are those cars any good at the thrid party dealer or is it safer to get it at the BMW dealership?
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Another used car question.
- Thread starter incognito
- Start date
If the car seems to meet the age and odometer requirements for being sold at the dealership, you have to wonder WHY would they liquidate it to a wholesaler. They must have a reason to suspect that selling this car directly might backfire on them. OF course that's assuming that it really is an off-lease car.
Alot of the time these guys have abused cars, lemon buybacks, out-of -province cars with odometer tampering or accident rebuilds.
But there are times when prestige used car dealers get legitimately good cars. They may have gotten the previous owner out of his lease in order to sell him something else.
I think in some cases they buy new cars in order to re-sell them. I've seen brand new models with only a few thousand Kms being flipped for MORE than the new sticker price. These are sold to people who need "independent" financing options to avoid going on record about their income sources.
It really helps to have referrals in order to know the good guys form the crooks.
Alot of the time these guys have abused cars, lemon buybacks, out-of -province cars with odometer tampering or accident rebuilds.
But there are times when prestige used car dealers get legitimately good cars. They may have gotten the previous owner out of his lease in order to sell him something else.
I think in some cases they buy new cars in order to re-sell them. I've seen brand new models with only a few thousand Kms being flipped for MORE than the new sticker price. These are sold to people who need "independent" financing options to avoid going on record about their income sources.
It really helps to have referrals in order to know the good guys form the crooks.
incognito said:... I noticed that alot of off lease cars are being sold on other car dealers (not a BMW dealer) like Lee's fine auto, etc, etc. ..
A lot of leasing is done via brokers (ie. non car dealers). When these vehicles come off-lease, they go straight to the auction as these guys don't have used car operations.
What he said ^^^^ in addition, many do not know that you can lease any make of vehicle at any dealership or leasing company. That means you can go to a ford dealer and rent a BMW etc.
Yes, many of these resellers simply purchase the vehicles at auction. Most dealerships do not have the space to carry all off lease vehicles and many only have a certain number of models on hand. This means that say this month, 4 533i's come off lease, they already have 4 on their used lot so they put the least desireable 4 into auction.
All dealers do this but I'd still prefer to buy a used vehicle from a reputable dealer. I've known people who have bought decent vehicles from these small resellers and also known people who have bought lemons from them. I'd rather be guaranteed a good used vehicle than risk a lemon frankly.
Yes, many of these resellers simply purchase the vehicles at auction. Most dealerships do not have the space to carry all off lease vehicles and many only have a certain number of models on hand. This means that say this month, 4 533i's come off lease, they already have 4 on their used lot so they put the least desireable 4 into auction.
All dealers do this but I'd still prefer to buy a used vehicle from a reputable dealer. I've known people who have bought decent vehicles from these small resellers and also known people who have bought lemons from them. I'd rather be guaranteed a good used vehicle than risk a lemon frankly.
tboy said:What he said ^^^^ in addition, many do not know that you can lease any make of vehicle at any dealership or leasing company. That means you can go to a ford dealer and rent a BMW etc.
Yes, many of these resellers simply purchase the vehicles at auction. Most dealerships do not have the space to carry all off lease vehicles and many only have a certain number of models on hand. This means that say this month, 4 533i's come off lease, they already have 4 on their used lot so they put the least desireable 4 into auction.
All dealers do this but I'd still prefer to buy a used vehicle from a reputable dealer. I've known people who have bought decent vehicles from these small resellers and also known people who have bought lemons from them. I'd rather be guaranteed a good used vehicle than risk a lemon frankly.
Agreed with I69norm and tboy.
I think most people who buys used cars know that there's a bit of "leap of faith" involved. My last 5 cars had been used ones (2 from dealers and 3 from 3rd party dealers) and had no problems with them besides the normal wear and tear. Buying from dealers always means a 10-20% upcharge (for the peace of mind I guess), so it really depends on how much you want to pay for that particular car.
I find cars nowadays (less than 5 years old) are very reliable if you stick with the Japanese and German variety. In terms of collision - there are some body shops that specialize in structural evaluation if that's your concern.
So at the end of the day...$ and a leap of faith.
Watch W5. You will never buy used again.incognito said:As i was browsing through autotrader, looking at BMW's. I noticed that alot of off lease cars are being sold on other car dealers (not a BMW dealer) like Lee's fine auto, etc, etc. My question is are those cars any good at the thrid party dealer or is it safer to get it at the BMW dealership?
If you are buying used do major homework. Run a check on the VIN# and ask to see ownership history of vehicle.
An independent inspection is something to consider.
If driving the car to the Woodbridge area is not a big inconvenience, take a look at this.
http://www.safecar.ca
I don't know what the costs are, but if the dealer is reputable, he may even pay for the inspection before you sign the sales agreement.
If driving the car to the Woodbridge area is not a big inconvenience, take a look at this.
http://www.safecar.ca
I don't know what the costs are, but if the dealer is reputable, he may even pay for the inspection before you sign the sales agreement.
I love the US where they have Carfax. I was looking at some used trucks down south and you find out everything about the vehicle. I seriously think they should move up here.....
I know if you buy volvos, hondas and I think mercedes from a mercedes dealer you do get a used car warranty. Not sure of the details but at least it's something.
I know when I bought a used truck I negoiated in a 2 yr power train warranty. Least that would cover any major work that may pop up for at least the first couple of years...
I know if you buy volvos, hondas and I think mercedes from a mercedes dealer you do get a used car warranty. Not sure of the details but at least it's something.
I know when I bought a used truck I negoiated in a 2 yr power train warranty. Least that would cover any major work that may pop up for at least the first couple of years...
You can buy or lease a used BMW from the dealer that is certifed and comes with an additionall 2 year powertrain warranty in addition to the remaining warranty. I don't see that offer from third party dealers, or at least it's not advertised. I think it's a good selling point but makes the car a bit more pricey.
