They say there is a car out there for everyone, but let’s be honest – the car you really want is not exactly just a car. There is a reason BMWs are so highly sought after and desired; after all, the beautiful, sleek exterior designs and the handsome, elegant interior style is enough to make anyone fall in lust. Of course, a big part of the appeal of the BMW family of cars is their element of exclusivity. Priced just right, BMW offers models that range from attainable status symbol (think the BMW 3 series, with its starting MSRP of $34,900) to the dream-car, ultra-luxe, uber-expensive (here’s looking at you and your $111,900 starting MSRP, BMW 8 Series). However, before you start to think that even the most modestly priced BMW is far out of your financial reach, don’t stop looking for a BMW for sale. Simply recalibrate your search and begin focusing on finding a spectacular used BMW for sale. You might be surprised at how far your dollar can stretch when you’re willing to buy a car that’s only a few years old and gently pre-loved.
If the idea of buying pre-owned gives you the jitters or has you feeling less than confident in your shopping abilities, then read on for our helpful tips and advice on how to best shop for a pre-owned BMW.
Know the Market
So first things first, you want to find a reputable dealership to work with. Don’t go trying to buy a luxury used vehicle from some questionable roadside dealership – remember, you want to save money, not spend it all repairing a lemon of a used car. At BMW Cincinnati, we offer a large selection of both pre-owned and Certified Pre-Owned BMWs, and we take tremendous pride in the quality and the pricing of our inventory. In fact, we even offer financing specials on our pre-owned vehicles to help more of our customers afford the car of their dreams.
Additionally, no matter which dealership you ultimately decide to shop, you want to be sure that you are dealing with a highly reputable sales team. Buying a car is a big decision and buying a pre-owned vehicle requires an even higher degree of skepticism and nuance. Be sure that you are confident in your sales team’s integrity; should you start to doubt their honesty, simply leave the dealership and head to a different one. There is no reason to do business or make such an expensive person from people you don’t trust. Head to a dealership that’s officially licensed by BMW and rest assured you receive the best service that money can buy.
Know Your Needs
Of course, prior to just showing up at the dealership, you’re going to want to consider what type of BMW you’re hoping to buy. Try not to get too wrapped up in the “coolness” factor and instead consider which car you need to buy to make your life easier. Sure, we’d all love to cruise around in a spicy little convertible Z4 Roadster, but if your life is currently more soccer practice and school drop-offs than it is two-person romantic getaway, well, maybe the Z4 isn’t the most practical purchase right now.
Don’t just think about the model BMW you need either – after all, while there is a vast selection of sedans and SAVs to choose from, there is also an extensive selection of trims and packages that you can find added to your pre-owned vehicle. It’s beneficial to make a list of high-priority features to help you narrow down your choices. Some frequently overlooked, yet critically important, features to consider are things like:
Cargo hold – do you need a lot of room for your belongings, be it golf clubs, luggage, beach chairs or the aforementioned soccer practice gear? Be sure to check out the different size cargo spaces in the sedans and the SAVs before settling on your final choice.
Technology – Can you live without features like Bluetooth, multiple USB ports, Onstar and WiFi? If so, you may be able to save yourself a bundle. However, if you’re planning on using your BMW for long-distance driving or communing, don’t underestimate the importance of having ample technology features to keep you connected while you’re on the road.
Luxury Amenities – One of the biggest perks of shopping for a used BMW is actually impressive buying power it gives you. Rather than paying MSRP for a new vehicle that is only going to depreciate as soon as you drive it off the lot (and be considered used henceforth), by shopping for a used BMW you have opened yourself and your wallet up to letting someone else take on the cost of buying brand new. This means that you may actually be able to afford a much nicer BMW than you ever could if you bought brand new – and that means higher-end trims that would have previously been out of your budget are now viable options for you to consider. So if you’ve always wanted a sunroof and leather upholstery, why not treat yourself to a pre-owned BMW that offers both? Make a list of a few of your dream-car amenities and then work with your trusted salesperson to help locate a vehicle that offers those amenities for a fraction of the price of when they were first purchased.
No matter if your wants and needs run from the basic to the ultra-luxe, there is a pre-owned BMW that’s just right for you. All you need to do is ascertain what exactly you need in a vehicle to get the most joy of your new-to-you BMW.l
Know Your Dealership
As we mentioned before, don’t waste your time (or your money) shopping at questionable dealerships that are simply eager to make a quick sale. Come down and visit BMW of Cincinnati North and let our team help you find the gently used car of your dreams. We are conveniently located at 105 West Kemper Road in Cincinnati and are open Monday through Thursday from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Fridays and Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 6 PM. We can’t wait to see you drive off our lot in your new-to-you BMW!