Damaged M3?

[Marquis]

Hey all,

I have a really big decision coming up and I could use some expert advice. I'm looking to buy a 3-series convertible, M3 preferred. I want to try and spend around $25K, so obviously I'm going used. I found a 2001 M3 with low mileage that was in a pretty serious accident that is being sold for $25K.

2001 M3 on Autotrader


I think I can bargain my way down to $20K for this car, then spend the rest (or a little more) on repairs. Does this seem like a good deal to you guys? The engine seems to work fine, but am I putting myself at risk for future problems with this car? I trust my mechanic, and I told him if I buy this car I want it restored like new, but can a car thats been through an accident ever be "like new"?

 

[Bmw 325i 7803]

Don't buy it, it will never be like new. You can lease a Z4 at a good price if you check out BMW's website, or look for a well maintained M roadster...

 

[sameermd1]

used m3

well, is it still under warranty? Most M3's are under warranty till 50K miles or 4 yrs, so perhaps you can use that to get repairs. However, in general i think its a bad idea. You will always wonder if every time something goes wrong, its related to the accident.

 

[Marquis]

It does seem like a risk, but it almost seems worth it to try and get an M3.

 

[Marquis]

And let me add, I might've overstated the accident, the damage seems to be mostly cosmetic. Although the front windshield is cracked and one tire needs to be replaced.

 

[Bmw 325i 7803]

A busted wheel and a cracked windshield and that's a minor accident??? How hard did that car get hit, and what did he secretly fix. Also any accident voids the BMW warranty.

 

[epj3]

A busted wheel and a cracked windshield and that's a minor accident??? How hard did that car get hit, and what did he secretly fix. Also any accident voids the BMW warranty.

My mom busted a wheel when she was driving through a construction site when a truck in front (carrying pieces of old broken up roadway) happend to spill a few large pieces out. It damaged the wheel (when she swerved and hit the curb) and the pieces bounching damaged the hood, fenders, and windshield.

That was a minor accident.

 

[Marquis]

Do I detect a hint of encouragement epj3?

 

[Bmw 325i 7803]

My mom busted a wheel when she was driving through a construction site when a truck in front (carrying pieces of old broken up roadway) happend to spill a few large pieces out. It damaged the wheel (when she swerved and hit the curb) and the pieces bounching damaged the hood, fenders, and windshield.

That was a minor accident.

Ok then let him buy the Salvaged M3 for 25k and then lets all tech his problems...

BTW, glad your mother's ok and the damage was only minor.

 

[JGM3E3632]

Sameermd1. The vehicle will not be under warranty, because once it is brought to the dealer. It will have a "warranty block" ran on the VIN number, if the wreck was reported then the dealer will see that it has a salvaged Title. The dealer will not work on it under warranty. Do not buy that car, you will have nothing but trouble. Good Luck

 

[Marquis]

I know the vehicle will not be under warranty, but with the amount of money I'm saving, I can afford to do mundane repairs. It only becomes a problem if the vehicle continues to have serious problems because of the accident after I have everything fixed.

Why are you all so sure I'm going to have lots of problems? I don't know much about auto repair, but why would I continue to have problems if I have all the broken parts replaced? I'm sorry to ask for advice, then be the devil's advocate, but this just seems like a great opportunity and you know what they say about opportunity knocking.