Alternatives to the E39.

Andrew,

There was a black e39 M5 in a garage close to me, I think 51plate (don't quote me). From memory, it was only about 19K (dunno if thats good or not)  I'm just about to leave and go and see if its still there for you., will post back here details.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/2002-BMW-530I-SPORT-AUTO-BLACK_W0QQite mZ150111657021QQihZ005QQcategoryZ9837QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1 QQcmdZViewItem

I don’t think there’s much difference between buying a car on ebay or through a newspaper advert.

If the car doesn’t measure up to the advert; oft you jolly well go!

In either case there’s always the problem of cash transfer, if the car exists!!  Hidden faults, falsified documents and the like.  In some ways ebay I would say is better as you can have a look and their history – both buying and selling.

Either way it pays to be wary and expect the unexpected.

And if the car breaks down after a couple of hours/days/weeks/months I don’t think it really matters where you acquired it from >>>> you're goosed!!

grahame34m5 wrote: Just noticed this thread. If you are thinking of an e38 then buy mine! - I'm moving aboard and don't really need it anymore, plus it can't be too far away from you (its on Piston heads at the moment).

It would have two too few cylinders!  But thanks for the info.

Andrew

Mick525i wrote: 523 iAN wrote: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/2002-BMW-530I-SPORT-AUTO-BLACK_W0QQite mZ150111657021QQihZ005QQcategoryZ9837QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1 QQcmdZViewItem Why stick an M badge in the front grill. It looks like a zit. The steering wheel is not 2002 spec. Mick

S'not as bad as this seller , got my hopes up yesterday on fleabay when I searched Scotland for a BMW 540i.  The mind boggles as to WHY?

Andrew

523 iAN wrote: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/2002-BMW-530I-SPORT-AUTO-BLACK_W0QQite mZ150111657021QQihZ005QQcategoryZ9837QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1 QQcmdZViewItem

Hasnae sold!

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=150 111657021&ssPageName=ADME:B:WNA:UK:12

Bit suprised.

Hmm I think the bottom really has fallen out the second hand car market.

Andrew

Peter Fenwick wrote: Mind you Ebay is not the best place to sell your car either.

? why ?

ive bought and sold car's via ebay on and off for over 3yrs (about 8) and never once have i had a bad deal (either way) and ive had better response via ebay than i ever got from autotrader

ebay is just a way of advertising if your keen enough then you'll veiw first, just like on autotrader  

if folk spend there "hard earned" before looking then there asking to be ripped off .. i think

523 iAN wrote: ? why ?  and ive had better response via ebay than i ever got from autotrader

Because a significant number of cars never reach their reserve. Unless you have a very desirable car that's in at the moment or you are willing to let your car go for a bit less then I don't think it's that good. However it is an excellent place to buy a car especailly if anyone is daft enough to list without a reserve. Ebay is full of people after a bargain, not people wanting to pay top dollar.

Mind you a lot of problems people have with selling is due to stupid mistakes with listings.

IMO Autotrader is the biggest waste of money in the world. The only thing that you get from advertising with them is lots of calls from companies wanting to help you sell your car.

Andrew Rolland wrote: Yeah I thought ebay was 'the place to buy second hand cars from' supposidly they sell more that Autotrader. My dad got loads of grief when he sold my sisters car thru Autotrader.  He got calls from companies trying to sell him cars, help him sell the car and copmanies offering loans.  Not great which puts me off selling thru Autotrader even if I get a few more ££'s for the car rather than trade value esp from a main $tealer! Andrew

I got that the last time when I sold my 518 through the local paper.  I think these leaches scan all the papers.  Although I've never tried Autotrader I don't think it's their fault or that they can be held responsible.