A Buyers guide of do’s and don’ts when shopping for a pre-owned German Car
- The first step in buying a used vehicle is to have it checked out by a qualified independent facility or dealership. We charge $95 for our pre-purchase inspection which includes a visual inspection of all aspects of the vehicle, including collision damage/repairs. While no diagnosis is generally done during an inspection we do check for known issues, belt condition, tire condition, full vehicle systems memory interrogation and just an overall feel for the vehicles maintenance history and care. A Pre-Purchase Inspection should be at the top of your list once you’ve found a car you like. Be prepared to do this a couple of times, avoid falling in love with a car before you have it properly inspected so your emotions don’t take over logic if red flags arise.
- Purchase a subscription to Car Fax or Experian Auto Check Aprx. Cost $45 these services provide records recorded by VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), typically these records will include dealer performed services, liens, titles and reported accidents. It’s important to note however they don’t always tell the full story. As a vehicle gets older it’s easier to perform collision repairs without involving your insurance company, cars can also pass through auctions with extensive damage that’s not properly reported. A vehicle can also change ownership without a title change if the purchaser fails to transfer ownership to his/her name. Running the VIN# of the vehicle your interested in is a great additional step but may not tell the whole story.
- Buy the seller, not the car. If you don’t feel like you can trust the seller, walk away. Having grown up in the Pacific Northwest I don’t know if we have a higher capita of “wholesale” used car dealers than other markets but it certainly seems like we have more than our fair share. These “Dealers” (and I use the term as loosely as possible) are usually quite unscrupulous and not recognized as an actual dealer with the state either (Oregon or Washington). The vehicles they sell are usually the worst of the bunch; cobbled together after an accident, mismatched body panels, interior components, tires, the absolute worst of the bunch. These are the cars that make people say “I’ll never own another _____ again” This entire article could be written about wholesalers and our local market but let’s keep it simple and more focused on the cars themselves. Avoid wholesalers if possible, avoid 82nd avenue car dealerships if possible, and avoid buying a car from any individual who just seems shady.
- So what’s likely the best of the best? Certified Pre-Owned from a reputable dealer and private party Sales. The best of the best are usually held closely by the dealerships; they can pay the highest price at auction or may keep the best cars that come in on trade. Often times the car will qualify for what is known as a “Certified Pre-Owned” status, Audi, BMW, Volkswagen all offer certification of pre-owned vehicles. You’ll pay a little more for a CPO car but it’s usually worth it and will include a warranty to reflect the dealer’s and car manufacturer’s confidence in the vehicle’s condition.
- A savvy car owner may choose to sell their vehicle outright; it nets them more money than trading the car in. This will also allow you a one on one contact with the vehicles’ owner which can provide the best transfer of records and keys. With any used car it is also buyer beware as the vehicle approaches its major service point (75K-100K) we hear this line often “I’m just going to sell the car”, so instead of the owner choosing to properly maintain the car they opt to sell it. Which can stick the new owner with needing to perform costly major services and normal wear and tear replacement which occurs around the mileage mentioned above. If the used car you’re searching for is in the 75K- + mileage range service records are critical, unless you’re planning on doing the major services under your ownership and have negotiated the buying price accordingly. Again Step 1 in any purchase should be having the vehicle inspected by a qualified independent shop or dealership.
Audi, BMW and Volkswagen all make great german cars, they offer a feel, refinement and performance level few other manufacturers can match. Owning one of these vehicles can be a real treat but as with any used car purchase it can also be a nightmare. This article is written to help you get the best vehicle possible so you can enjoy your ownership to the fullest. Shop within your budget, have the vehicle inspected, purchase a good extended warranty and get AAA roadside assistance while you’re at it. Maintain the vehicle properly and it will provide you with years of service.
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