how much would you say ££ ?

[toplad]

Same here... when I started my search for a SG CSL, I thought I'd start at the top (Main Stealer) not because of finance deals but I thought they would have " The Best" specimen CSL about. I couldn't have been more WRONG ! ... despite it's relatively low mileage of 43K and three previous owners, the dealer CSL has poor history with missing services, hardly any paperwork to go with it, the sales staff knew nothing about it and it was the most expensive + the so called BMW warranty wasn't the proper "Mondial" BMW warranty but some shitty, in house, waste of time warranty not worth the paper it was written on.
NO sale :birdman: ...

The second SG CSL was being sold by a non franchise dealer who knew a little more about the CSLs, the car itself had higher mileage, more owners the the previous CSL, a bit more history and it was better priced but the car itself looked very much neglected with a thick layer of poorly applied Wax and a long list of "To do" things. Some BMW warranty soon to expire, so more expense. He wouldn't move on the price either nor wasn't willing address the "To do" list .
No sale but thank U for your time :whistle:

Car number three was an enthusiast owned, private sale by a pleasant CSL owner who clearly LOVED his toy. This was the highest mileage SG CSL, with the highest owner count, however the history file was BIG & complete, no issues with the car itself (none), just had the BIG Inspection 2, just had the proper BMW Warranty renewed (11 months), longish MOT + enough tax to get me on the road there & then, recent tyres & as NEW CUP wheels, NEW windscreen, the body work of a 10 000 mile car (glistening) despite poor weather. It drove like a NEW car, no creaks or rattles. If the odometer said 30K miles I would have believed it (68K was the actual reading) :smt055 :smt055 :smt055 at first sight. SOLD to me :thumbs: the following day and NO regrets about buying it Privately. Best car I've ever owned... by far. THANX to Jeff :beer:

That's all great, but it doesn't change the fact that most cars go through dealers when it's the higher end stuff.

People paying large amounts of money in private sales are in the minority, so there is a pricing structure and it does matter to the majority.

Not that I think dealer stock is better, by any means, in my experience (apart from Porsche) its worse.

[anissut]

That's all great, but it doesn't change the fact that most cars go through dealers when it's the higher end stuff.

People paying large amounts of money in private sales are in the minority, so there is a pricing structure and it does matter to the majority.

Not that I think dealer stock is better, by any means, in my experience (apart from Porsche) its worse.

Are you sure about that? Ask the majority on here how they bought their cars, private or a dealer? Think you may be surprised.

[toplad]

I'm sure you'll get the odd person on here to back you up, but I disgree

Last post from me on this subject

Regards

[shimmy]

I'm sure you'll get the odd person on here to back you up, but I disgree

Last post from me on this subject

Regards

i do agree with you for most cars but i have been really surprised att he amount of CSLs that dotn go back thru the dealer network. It is a small community and with sites like this you do get a few that seem to sell privately where most cars wouldnt.

I think partly because tradiutionally the CSL doesnt seem to obtain the full value thru dealers and traders so private sales makes you more money for sure

[mattCSLnut]

Are you sure about that? Ask the majority on here how they bought their cars, private or a dealer? Think you may be surprised.

Yep... I ditto that. Majority of CSL on here have been purchased Privately, including the latest SG CSL addition to the "Nut House" bought from Cambridge (no I haven't SOLD mine ) Wayne's (wazadaza) NEW Toy

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1417958.htm

... + DuncanR bought his `Privately as did I + SIEN too, who then SOLD it on Privately to another Private buyer.

I think there's a pattern developing here :whistle:

[cslgirl]

I bought from a main dealer in 04 but only because there were less private ones available. Would only buy private now.

[mattCSLnut]

I bought from a main dealer in 04 but only because there were less private ones available. Would only buy private now.

I bet that in 2004 there were hardly any Private sellers of the CSL, mainly because the BMW Main Dealers were still selling the CSL as a NEW car, on the 04 / 54 plates.