Advice on buying a nice used luxury sedan

[Via]

I think it might be the fact that my dad and so many of his friends owned BMWs at one time or another, but something like this looks nice to me:

http://www.cars.com/go/search/detai...ingId=112034398&aff=buysight&BAC=BYSpdB300dyb

Edmunds gives it a decent rating, as long as that suspension issue has been dealt with:

http://www.edmunds.com/bmw/7-series/2002/reliability.html?style=&sub=

At 95,000 miles I'd probably barely take it up to 115,000 in the time I own it.

 

[Via]

Well to be fair, it is a lux edition Corvette 😛

OP, would you consider the Lincoln LS? An 06 with low miles can be purchased pretty inexpensively and you can get a Ford CSP should you decide to (12y/120k miles).

I checked on this car and there are some nice, low mileage ones to be had. I'd have to drive it to be sure; the body style strikes me as a little unremarkable.

 

[bamx2]

Generally, German cars are less reliable will cost more to maintain and repair . Be prepared for that .

 

[Midwayman]

Are you going for RWD? You can get a pretty decent TL for the price. They've grown on me.

edit: you can get a lot of Honda for your money in a TL. If you can live with FWD, I think it trounces the LS. Won't corner with the IS or the G's, but still competent, and rides quite smooth.

I'd beg to differ on the cornering- It corners extremely well, especially in S trim. I have one riding on HR sports and Koni yellows and it feels like a regular sports car.

Have you driven a TL or similar? I know it seems mundane and small...it is kind of a Honda Accord and all...but they are quite a bit nicer than the Accords. Probably the nicest car in your budget, since you could get a fairly late model one. Maybe 05-07 range.

Pick up a aspec lip for it. Really transforms the look of the car. Can get one for under $300 shipped.

I don't really have anything against Acura, but my Accord is the top trim and probably pretty similar to an entry level Acura.

Ehhhhh. Not in terms of luxury. It apparent they are a similar platform, but the trim is another level. They aren't really a 'cloud' car though. Acura tends towards 'sporty' in suspension tuning.

 

[Via]

I'm gong to start testing in May, maybe not until mid-May. I'm pretty busy right now, and my whole "shopping" experience is limited to surfing the net occasionally after work.

Is it better to focus on dealer or private seller?

And what's the best way to get a car checked out if its some distance away from you? Is it best to make an appointment at a dealer in the town where the car is being sold? I'm sure private sellers aren't too keen on letting you take the car out of town for an examination (I've never bought a car from a private seller).

 

[Midwayman]

I'm gong to start testing in May, maybe not until mid-May. I'm pretty busy right now, and my whole "shopping" experience is limited to surfing the net occasionally after work.

Is it better to focus on dealer or private seller?

And what's the best way to get a car checked out if its some distance away from you? Is it best to make an appointment at a dealer in the town where the car is being sold? I'm sure private sellers aren't too keen on letting you take the car out of town for an examination (I've never bought a car from a private seller).

I'd focus on a private party. Your price range I don't think you'll find at regular dealers often- more likely those shady used car lots due to mileage or age. Try and find a PP that looks like they bought the car new- nice area and money to maintain. Carfax should be able to confirm number of owners. You should be able to schedule a checkout at a local mechanic ahead of time. I'm not sure about a dealer, but a local independant should be able to do so.