Possible first fly & drive questions

02Pilot wrote: You're the second person in the last eight hours to suggest that BMW of SA is not exactly the best place to go. They were not exactly helpful on the phone and wanted three shop hours for a PPI, to the tune of over $500. I found an indy shop that has good reviews and will do it for a third of the price. It is a Texas car. BMW confirms sale through BMW South Houston, and all service through BMW of SA. Now the problem is that the selling dealership is being non-communicative and seeming a little sketchy. After much back-and-forth on the phone, I was told that they had the FRM (an electric module that controls a bunch of lights and switches) replaced today. I said I hope they didn't pay to do so, as it's under BMW extended warranty (again, confirmed on my service history from BMW). A quick "I'll call you back" and now nothing. Not answering the phone either. I like the car but the salesman is not winning me over.

Can you find a local trusted person to look at it who really knows and cares about those cars? Bimmerforums respected member or something?

I wouldn't pay $500 for a PPI unless the car was over $50k and had a prancing horse on the hood.

There's no rush, but my flexibility to go chasing around to pick up a car is much higher in the summer than it is the rest of the year. There aren't a lot of manual 128i cars out there, so anything that seems reasonable warrants a look. This one was a nice color combo (white/light tan) and had quite low mileage for its age. I'm still looking, so any leads, let me know.

This one has my eye at the moment:

https://cnj.craigslist.org/cto/d/bmw-coupe/6189742959.html

I'm currently stuck debating between a fun sedan or a pick-up truck. A 128i is on my list of candidates

That is a nice looking car. I'm currently tracking another possible lead, but if it doesn't pan out that one would be in the running. Assuming, of course, that you don't buy it first ;) .

Go for it, I'm so on the fence I can wait until another pops up.