How would you smart guys interpret this Carfax

[aigel]

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

The fact that people make major purchase decisions on this service simply staggers me. ...
Get a good impartial PPI, and if you like it, buy it. Carfax should be a tiny factor in your purchase decision.

The point is, as you state, that people use the Carfax to a fault. If you have a car with a funny Carfax it will be less marketable than one with a spotless Carfax. If you buy the car to re-sell, driving investment etc. like our OP here, this is very important. You don't want to pay top price for a car that is not in the top marketable range ... the fact that we are having this discussion shows that this car is not a nobrainer.

G

[rammstein]

You guys both make sense.

[aigel]

OWP makes sense in saying that this likely is a good car. If you would just buy it and drive it into the ground like a regular daily driver, this would not be a biggie.

I read a little on the 1M - looks like fun, but for Porsche Turbo money?

Can't you find one out of a nicer climate? I see one on SF craigs list. Over $60k

Good luck in your search!

G

[rammstein]

The one I'm looking at is in South Florida now, but spent it's life in PA up to now. Another one just came up to tonight, one owner for sale by owner, and has always been in Miami. Orange. 13k miles. BUT- has CF hood and trunk (painted) and owner wants 62.5k. And not nearly as much warranty (only till May 16 versus Nov 17).

I've considered 996tt as well, but then we're talking about a 12 year old car and for a few years I want something that needs very little fixed. Plus the back seat of the 1M is a lot bigger for the kiddie seats.

Here's the orange one:FS: Valencia Orange 1M | 13,000 Miles | Fully Loaded | 1yr Warranty Left

[aigel]

Why are you worried about the warranty on a 20k mile car? Do you expect large things to go south? If yes, then why buy such a car?

If it has that little miles a rust belt background may be ok, but I'd still rather have a car from a better climate.

Here is the SF one I found on CL. Also orange. So 60k really is the going rate? You really must like these. I am not following. 60k will buy a hell of a lot of other performance cars.

2011 BMW 1M Coupe *Must See color! 6 Speed*

G

[onewhippedpuppy]

I'm just saying that it you look for a Carfax that is spot on perfect that you might be looking forever. That car shows no accidents, which is about all the value a Carfax provides.

2011 1M average wholesale is $49,500, and there's normally several per week at auction. Just sayin'......

[afterburn 549]

I would not depend too much on carfax.
IF I had a very expensive sought after car ,If It got bobooed.......would I hide it, and fix it in a dark place so no one would ever know on carfax?

[dennis in se pa]

It was sold 3 times. It is not a one owner car. CARFAX is, as mentioned above, worth the paper it is printed on or pixels you are looking at. A test drive is the only way I ever feel comfortable about a car. If it goes down the road at 80 with no surprises and does not leak or smoke I feel ok about them.

[KNS]

Originally Posted by aigel

I read a little on the 1M - looks like fun, but for Porsche Turbo money?
G

The nice thing about a 1M vs a Porsche Turbo is the BMW blends in a bit better to the background, you're making a "quieter" statement (though I would love a 996TT myself).

[rammstein]

Didn't even drive it.

[onewhippedpuppy]

Carfax said no accidents, right? Exhibit A how worthless they are.

[aigel]

What is it we see on the last picture?

I don't know OWP. If the car has been handed off 8 times between people and dealers it likely is not a good sign. A single owner, even if he had a fender bender, would probably have it repaired to standards that will take a lot more to detect it. This is shoddy crap work, showing no love whatsoever by the owners.

340hp? That's not even close to a 911 TT, if you don't include the 993. I have to say though, it is neat to have a little muscular stubby car like that with high performance. Just not 60k cool in my book.

I may have a E46 M3 in my future. I still am jonesing a convertible. The convertible Porsches I like are all outside of price range now. (Would have loved a "his and hers" 993 coupe + convertible). The E46 is in the 15k range now - would be more car than a Boxster.

G

[john70t]

Originally Posted by aigel

What is it we see on the last picture?

Over spray on the tail light, and maybe a tape edge line on the bumper underneath, I think.
Respray=accident or at least some parking lot bumpercar.

[aigel]

Originally Posted by john70t

Over spray on the tail light, and maybe a tape edge line on the bumper underneath, I think.
Respray=accident or at least some parking lot bumpercar.

Oh - primer - got it! I thought it was wax residue, but it is sprayed on, indeed. Insurance qualified collision shop work!

G

[onewhippedpuppy]

The pictures are worth far more than the Carfax. I would never buy sight unseen based on Carfax results, that is why. You simply cannot beat a good in-person inspection.

George, I fully agree regarding the 1M. Seems like a ton of money for a cool car, but not an incredible car. If much rather have a 996TT and a spare $15k. The TT would be a better long term investment, and probably be more reliable as well.

[rammstein]

The pictures I took don't even do justice to how bad the work was. There were runs in the paint. The bumper did not align properly on the right side. The paint near that same tail light with over spray also seems to have been wet sanded as you can see in the white section.

[rammstein]

The 1M has gone up in value and will likely at a minimum hold close for some time. Read up on it.

That said, I am not closed to a 996TT. But it would have to be minty fresh with lots of records and sport seats. Ideally speed yellow.

[MRM]

The price of that car will buy you a 997 TT. A 996 is close to half that cost.

[rammstein]

Originally Posted by MRM

The price of that car will buy you a 997 TT. A 996 is close to half that cost.

Shenanigans on the 997tt. Really?

[scottmandue]

Originally Posted by rammstein

That said, I am not closed to a 996TT. But it would have to be minty fresh with lots of records and sport seats. Ideally speed yellow.

Yellow!?!

I know nothing about BMW's but looking at the pics on the M1 board gave me wood.