You've accumulated enough cash to get a new set of wheels. However, this time, you want to dip your feet in the market of luxurious German cars. You have driven your Ford or the ever-economic Honda for years, and want to switch to a more powerful machine. After checking out all the top German automobile brands, your heart finally settles on the BMW. But as soon as you see the hefty price tag, your heart aches. The BMW (Bavarian Motor Works) is one of the most popular automobile manufacturers in the world. Its cars are known for their design, fine performance, torque, and the luxury they provide. But, all the great things that this iconic German brand offers come at a price, that not everyone can afford. However, if you really do desire the Bimmer, there is always the option of going for a used model. Just remember these tips before purchasing a used BMW. Prior to buying the car, it is important to check the car's history. Have a detailed talk with the seller, and ask him/her everything you want to know. This will include knowing how long did the seller own the car, were there any previous owners other than him/her, has the Bimmer ever been in an accident or damaged, when was the last service done, are there any unpaid parking tickets, and most importantly, why is he/she selling the car. The seller would probably clear all your doubts, but don't just rely on his/her word. Do a personal inspection of the car. Don't just buy the car looking at the picture or the advertisement. Do a thorough inspection of the car, and check the interiors and exteriors properly. BMW is known for all its fancy accessories and electronics. Check to see if they are working properly. Also, check the condition of the tires, and ask the seller if they need to be replaced. Another important step in this process is to check all car records, to ensure that the car has been bought from a certified dealer and whether it has been regularly maintained and serviced. Maintaining a BMW can get expensive; hence, it is advised to do some research, and consult a local garage that specializes in maintaining a BMW. As the car contains an enormous amount of specifics, not every garage is capable enough to maintain a Bimmer. Also, servicing at the dealership can turn out to be a pretty expensive affair; hence, try searching for a local trustworthy garage. Make a round to the local BMW dealership to inquire the rates of certified pre-owned cars. The rates of these models might be a little more, but the excess payment does give you extra warranty and peace of mind. Even if the car does give problems later, the dealership fixes it in no time. Check out the BMW website for more information on financing and the list of pre-owned cars they offer. Its maintenance, repair, and insurance costs are higher than an average Toyota and Honda. Also, be ready to shell out almost more than USD 1000 for its spare parts, oil changing, and high-end tires. Just because the car works fine, doesn't mean your job is done. You need to thoroughly check the paperwork to avoid problems in the future. A quick trip to the Vehicle Registration Authorities can solve all your doubts. If you are buying the car from a BMW dealership, make a strict check of all the documents and warranty policy. It is a used car, and hence, the price factor is negotiable. Also, be sure that the seller would obviously quote a higher price than he/she really expects to get. Try negotiating the price; you might get what you are looking for. Also, before signing on the dotted line, take out the Bimmer for a test drive to see how well it works. These are the main factors to consider while buying a used BMW. Enjoy the experience.