Tips on finding used 3-series in Boston area?

[Chemguy]

I am new to this forum, but was hoping you guys could help me out.

Background on me: My car was totaled in January, leaving me with a car search. I test drove a few new cars (Mazda 6s, VW Jetta sport package, etc.). I recently decided to go to grad school full time instead of part time, leaving me with much less cash than before, but I still need a car! I want something that handles well, accelerates decently, looks good, will last me 5-6 years of <10k miles/yr... and it MUST have a 5spd.

Sounds like I need a used 3-series!

I live in the Boston/southern NH area. Do you have any suggestions on how to bargain hunt? Where to look? I've been looking at autotrader.com, cars.com, and craiglist. I'd like to buy from a private seller.

Thanks for your help!

[Max Rockatansky]

I'm new to the forum also and I'm looking for a used 328 or 330 here in Los Angeles.

I've already looked at many cars, but haven't found just the right one. I've looked through many Internet sites and have found some nice cars but the only real bargains appear to be salvage title cars.
I think my next step is to start to call some of the independent automotive shops that specialize in BMW repairs.
My dad used to sell new cars and many times, he would try to pair up a person that was trading in a clean used car with someone that wanted to get a good deal. Both parties were happy since the person trading in the car got more than what the dealer would offer and the buyer got a good deal on a used car.
I wish I could sit near a BMW or maybe a Lexus dealer and see someone coming in to buy a new car and has a clean BMW that I could buy.
I guess I just keep searching.
The 2004's are just coming out and one guy told me to be patient since many people will turn in their cars to upgrade to a 2004.

[rsjet]

http://www.carbankboston.com

try us...we are wholesalers so CHEAP! and we can sometimes take orders...look us up

[TopShop]

Patient searching of Auto Trader works very well. Here are some tips which we used in purchasing 2 3-series sedans a couple of weeks ago:

#1: Check out the ads with NO pictures (or crummy pictures)....most shoppers skip these.

#2: Check out the cars that have "poor" descriptions. Again, most shoppers skip these.

#3: Call on EVERY ad that is remotely close to what you are looking for. The 1994 we bought has a darn near perfect interior and exterior, and is ONE OWNER. This info was NOT mentioned in the ad...I found out when I called and viewed the car in person.

HTH