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| - After searching the east coast for a few weeks for a very specific model, specific year import, I found fairly close to what I was looking for GodSpeed's website. I can't recall if my initial contact was with Keith (sales) or Matt(Owner), but they took their time in patiently answering all of my questions, and even going out to the car while on the phone and answering my specific questions about the condition of paint, interior, body panels, wheels, etc. I specifically asked if the car was leaking any fluids (common at this age/mileage), if All pixels were intact/working on the cluster and radio and was assured all was fine and that there were no leaks and 'only 1 or 2 pixels on the radio were missing'. As I was about 5 hours away, and considering the car was 11 years old, I really had to rely on their honesty in reporting condition of the car before I committed to taking off of work and making the drive down. Matt (or Keith, I cant recall) stated on the phone that in their opinion, the car was an "8.5" overall. They promoted the fact that they have their own on-site mechanic who checks all cars, and that they check/change all fluids and filters and essentially make sure all cars are road ready to go and need "nothing". When I arrived to visit, they had the car out front, clean, and ready to go for a test drive. After the drive and Keith allowing me to take my time to walk around their facility and just relax with no pressure to buy, we sat down and agreed on what was a relatively fair market price for the car, with no additional surprises or the usual dealership tricks. Just a very straightforward transaction. Keith handled all paperwork and aspects of the transaction in an efficient manner. Later I found that Foregoing a pre purchase inspection by an independent shop or dealer was a mistake of mine.
All that said, During the test drive I did notice a slight oil burning smell and figured it was the usual valve cover gasket replacement time. I also noticed that the radio LCD had many pixels missing, contrary to what Keith stated over the phone. Rest of the test drive was uneventful and and despite those two non major issues, a purchase was made.
Not wanting to do the oil leak repair myself, I took the car to a reputable BMW specialist in the Richmond area a couple weeks after the purchase. (I also sent the radio out for pixel repair). Turns out while the 540 looked great and drove well, it was in need of significant work that any mechanic worth his salt would have detected. All 4 brake lines are cracked to the point where the car could not pass VIrginia's safety inspection. These lines require immediate replacement to the tune of several hundred dollars. The front suspension is significantly worn (needs new control arms and struts. One strut was in such bad shape it was leaking it's fluid). Cost to replace struts and worn thrust arm bushings? Over $1500.) The brake fluid itself had absorbed significant moisture and the coolant was discolored and required replacement. ($160 for coolant replacement). There were also multiple vacuum leaks from the intake manifold which impacted engine performance. ($350). And the oil filter housing had broken mounts. ($75). The drivers side headlight had a broken aiming adjuster and as such, would not pass inspection as the ability to aim headlights is mandatory in Virginia. (Headlight repair $200). And not just the valve cover gaskets were leaking oil but also the timing cover gaskets. ($950 to fix both) . The main drive belt had significant cracking and requires replacement ASAP. ($200)
Is the above partially my fault for not obtaining a pre-purchase inspection? Yes. But I also do not think it's too much to ask for a business positioning itself as a reputable enthusiast to sell cars that are not in need of critical repairs needed to pass state mandated safety inspections especially when they claim to have a qualified mechanic onsite that inspects and corrects issues before the cars are sold by Godspeed. I also dont think I'd consider a car in need of several thousand dollars of needed work (critical front suspension components, brake work, headlight work, etc) to be "an 8.5". Considering that the owner builds and races cars, one wonders if he would personally drive cars in need of such critical safety related repairs. I'm not saying that the car was misrepresented but based on my experience, if you plan to purchase a car from this business? An independent pre-purchase inspection of the vehicle BEFORE purchasing is a MUST before purchasing from Godspeed.
I also wonder if the five star reviews that are listed for this vendor are legitimate and true, honest reviews or were motivated by the sheet of paper Godspeed provides you as a buyer offering $100 in return for five star Yelp reviews.
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