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Buying high mileage: deal or worry? | BMW 3-Series News & FAQs

Q&A

Added: 22 Feb 2009
Last update: 05 Mar 2009

Question

Hi,

Knowing nothing about cars, I'm interested in a used BMW.

The dealer in question is selling, in my opinion, a very cheap 2005 320D SE, with 79,000 miles @ £5995.

I know you advise that too good to be true usually is. But what year did the actual style of the 3 series change from the "standard" to the more agressive styling?

Also, why do dealers insist on putting their own named number plates on vehicles? It's not for advertising, that's for sure. Is it to stop people looking at the pics and doing an online vehicle check?Isn't that a sneeky practice, which could be construed as trying to lead astray/ hiding something? Would it be advisable to avoid?

Considering the world economy at present, is this actually too good to be true?

Sorry for so many questions but I'm so stupid where cars are concerned.

Regards,

Mike

Answer

Hi Mike,

We only exist to answer the questions - and here are the answers:

  • The shape change was in 2006, so you have the previous, softer shape
  • The average mileage for that car is in the 30s and 40s rather than nearly 80,000, so the dealer is probably struggling to shift it at normal price (which even mileage adjusted would be £9,200) and is offering it at a bargain price
  • If you data check its history, check it for common faults, get a year's MOT then you may well bag yourself a bargain - these cars usually go well past 100,000 miles without problems

Enjoy your new wheels

Matt

Keywords: bmw-3-series-deal, bmw-scam, bmw-new-shape, bmw-shape-change, bmw-angular-design, bmw-average-mileage

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