T.K.O.

Hey SCers! I realize my initial post was a handful to read so I simplified it a little. I'm new to this forum but not new to the forum. I was the proud owner of a 2002 black on black GS300. It was my baby!


There aren't many listings for SC430s in Seattle and the surrounding area.. but I took a look at two of them today after reading the "Buyer's Guide" post (thanks!)

I'm hoping I could get some of the following questions answered:

• What is too many miles for a pre-owned SC?
• What would be a realistic deal to jump on?
• Should I be scared to buy from eBay motors? I do a lot of online shopping but the cost and risks of buying a car make me nervous.

Thanks so much in advance for all the help! Can't wait to be a part of the family.

barncat

I used Cars.com to see what was out there. I chose a car from a BMW dealer who took a one-owner as a trade. The dealership seemed pretty fair with their clients and had good reviews. I reviewed the Carfax report and spoke to the owner after the sale by looking him up on the internet as the dealership protects their clients. I came through Atlanta from a trip and drove the car home 700 miles. My first time going over the car was 5 minutes at the airport. You know how they chase you out after pick-up. (The dealership was good enough to have it waiting for me.) I crossed my fingers and drove home. No problems except I realized everything everyone said about run-flats was true and switched them out immediately. Two of the wheels had interior cracks and the dealership agreed to pay for replacements. It's United BMW of Roswell. They deserve a thumbs-up here! The car was an 03 with 38k miles. $24k last year. If you're serious about getting a good car, be willing to travel to get it. A lot of old geezers in Florida sell their garage queens!

T.K.O.

Appreciate it! Seattle would be quite the trek from Florida!

FLYCT

I'm an old geezer from Florida. I bought both my SC430 long distance and had them trucked in. I looked at several in Florida but they were either over priced or not in immaculate condition.

I wanted an immaculate 2006+ car that either was still under factory warranty or Cerified Pre Owed while cars.com had about 500 total listings only about a dozen met my requirements.

I bought a Red 2008 from an Atlanta private dealer and a Silver 2007 from a Lexus Dealer in Chicago. Shipping was $350 and $700.

Both of these cars look brand new, inside and out, just like they came off assembly line yesterday. They both drive like new after ditching the run flats.

JR

barncat

Well there you go! Maybe TKO can buy one of yours FLYCT. I'm an old geezer too!

FLYCT

Maybe in about 10-15 years when I'm a really really old geezer.

JR

tromly

Well you could get a nice 2002 with around 80,000 miles for $16k, just be patient, they are on eBay.

KBALL

When deciding, remember that ditching run flats will probably be another grand or so. Timing belt and serp belt also expensive to replace and may need to be done on high mileage vehicle.

I just had to replace bushings and that was expensive at dealer. But my car also has a ton of miles, 192K. But it runs great now. Very few people are unhappy with theirs on this forum. Some get good deals, some great, some fantastic.