WTB: VO/AW Non-Nav 1M

[hammerhead87]

Hey folks, I"m in a similar position to the OP on this one. I'm a long time lurker here on the 1M board but just recently joined.

I'm interested in a driver car and am price sensitive. I'd prefer white but may be interested in black. Slight preference for non-nav but flexible on that. I'd even be ok it has been in an accident if fixed correctly and priced accordingly.
I recently missed out on the one for sale down in FL for less than 40K which had been repaired. Something like that in white would be ideal.

I do not feel comfortable importing from CA so that knocks some of the candidates out. I"m not a mechanic so closer to stock is better.

Located in NC, welcome replies or PMs.

Thanks!

[touringteg]

Good luck! They are fantastic drivers. I specifically wanted one with mileage so I could drive it without a worry. Maintenance records and condition are key.

[nachob]

Originally Posted by hammerhead87

Hey folks, I"m in a similar position to the OP on this one. I'm a long time lurker here on the 1M board but just recently joined.

I'm interested in a driver car and am price sensitive. I'd prefer white but may be interested in black. Slight preference for non-nav but flexible on that. I'd even be ok it has been in an accident if fixed correctly and priced accordingly.
I recently missed out on the one for sale down in FL for less than 40K which had been repaired. Something like that in white would be ideal.

I do not feel comfortable importing from CA so that knocks some of the candidates out. I"m not a mechanic so closer to stock is better.

Located in NC, welcome replies or PMs.

Thanks!

If the border is closed between US and Canada at the moment, that is a big issue but don't fear the Canadian cars or be uncomfortable with them. They are built to the same specs as US cars except for minor package differences and even have a US EPA and CA emissions decal under the hood. There is also a special car import law only between US and Canada that allows you to import it as personal vehicle. It's not super easy but not very difficult either and actually easier in states like Florida and probably NC. California adds another layer of complexity when importing here. You have to have physical inspection thought it's the same as any out of state car and free. You get a temporary plate for 60-90 days while they check with Canadian DMV on liens etc and finally, you get a smog test. I some states you turn in the import documents from customs and your other sales stuff and they give you plates.

So yes there is some work and the sales price has to recognize that. Some Canadian sellers started to list cars at US prices unaware or not caring of the additional duties and work but the car listed here seems worth the effort. Obviously I already imported one and a fixed car is fine also for a driver but between the fixed and Canadian stock and unfixed, I would prefer a Canadian one unless you know how and by who it was fixed by.

I think part of the discomfort is that people don't know that the 1M is a US EPA and DOT conforming car except for the marking on the speedo and oil gauge and they don't have TPMS sensors in the wheels. They use the older tire circumference flat warning method instead.

1Ms in Mexico on the other hand are built to European standards with white corner lights. But Canadian ones are built to US specs with amber corner lights.

Anyway, good luck with your search. I also prefer the no-nav units and I believe a larger percentage of Canadian ones were no-nav vs US cars which is one of the key reasons I found one in Canada. It's really nice to see others like me that get why the no-nav 1M, which was supposed to be the answer to the ever heavier, overly tech-laden M cars BMW was coming out until the 1M. So being that is the 1Ms claim, it's cool to get one of the less tech-laden, lighter versions. With that said, kudos to you for being open to both as that will help you in your search because most US 1Ms were ordered with NAV or premium package with power seats. The manual seats in the base models have a lower seating position than the power ones. Some poeple care and some don't but if you go back to spring 2011 and read many of the reviews there was a mention about the high seating position in the 1M which was due mostly to press cars with power seats.

So when you test drive one, try the seating height out. If it feels a little high and it bothers you try a manual seat version. It can go down over an inch lower than the motorized units.

[hammerhead87]

Wow, thanks for the thoughtful replies guys. I'll more research on the CA process.

[nachob]

Originally Posted by hammerhead87

Wow, thanks for the thoughtful replies guys. I'll more research on the CA process.

Yes If you want the whole thing, we can talk. I give you the good the 'bad'. I don't think there too much really bad but happy to answer questions. One thing I thought about you said you were not comfortable and I just assumed what were my own concerns at the time. My mom is a US Customs Broker with 38 years in the business and back in the day, grey market cars had to get converted to US specs. So my fear in 2015 was that I would buy a car and it wouldn't pass some federal rule and I would be stuck with a car I couldn't register. To make matters worse, California is one of the strictest in the country for their registration process so I would have that on top. I Have helped several by explaining the process and in some states in the South, they just hand you plates the same day! I'm jealous. Here we have a couple of more hoops to jump though.

Also, back in 2015 I didn't know anyone that had done it, so yeah I was scared. Now I know about 7 that have done it since.

Anyway, I'm curious what is it that makes you nervous, if you don't mind sharing.

[hammerhead87]

Hi folks, thanks for the thoughtful feedback. The biggest concerns are the unknowns of dealing with the import process and purchasing internationally. Agree there is good information about most of the process, but there is always some risk in purchasing a car site unseen and this is amplified with an international purchase.
To be transparent all of my vehicle purchases have been made locally so the even the idea of fly and buy is taking some getting use to. Add in exchange rates, differing title information, and the fact the DMV may or may not even been open and there is cause for pause.

[86Zed]

Lots of good knowledge (and leads here)! I have no qualms buying far from home or from our friends up north. Low volume specialty cars rarely fall into your lap...

I generally get a pre-purchase inspection from a knowledgeable specialist and chat with the owner. If a local friend can check it out, even better. If it all passes and my gut instinct says yes - hop on a cheap flight and road trip it back. Makes for a great experience in getting to know the car. We own three used cars at the moment, only one was local.

[E91WAG3N]

Fantastic knowledge and experience you've shared nachob!

[seis-speed]

OP, If shopping, I would not worry about the nav.

After shopping for a 1M, If I could do it over, I would find a car with a nice exhaust as they can be difficult to source and not worry about the nav, JMO.

Good luck!