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Mara.takiwa

Kia Ora,

I am planing on buying a 2007 BMW 320i from "2cheap cars".
I test drove it and it runs well, no visable damage or rust, apparently freshly serviced and has only 59,594km.
Price is at $6.974. So now I am wondering if this is a little to good to be true. Could this maybe be a damaged import? What hidden costs might arise with this model and the current km?
Unfortunately our AA here in Tauranga is very busy and not offering pre purchase inspections. But I am going to take it to another mechanic to have a look at it tomorrow before I sign the papers.
If I buy it I would also purchase mechanical breakdown insurance with the dealers suggested insurance company named "Quest insurance". I haven't heard of them prior, are they reliable? I haven't been suggested another insurance provider by the dealer.
Thank you so much!

Mara

Anon

Hi there,
If it seems to good to be true, it often is. If the car was imported as damaged- there should be a box ticked on the CIN window card and you can also ask the seller if the vehicle was imported or flagged as damaged as part of compliance- and document the question and answer received. I would recommend having the vehicle checked over before purchase and also make sure the wof is less than 4 weeks old at purchase. As the vehicle is 14 years old, you may experience extra repairs and maintenance required with every service/wof as the vehicle has had its most potentially trouble free life. I've not heard of Quest and so can't offer a comment. The AA has an MBI product you can find more information here: https://www.aa.co.nz/insurance/car-and-vehicle-insurance/mechanical-breakdown-insurance/

Mara.takiwa

Awesome, thank you! I'm getting it preinspected right now and I'll ask if I can also sign up with AA.