Purchasing from a private seller?

shaun_from_Africa

Only a couple of things I could think of adding to the very comprehensive list above.
When you check the MOT of the vehicle, ask the seller if if any advisories were given at the time of the previous test and ask to see the advisory sheet.
If this isn't available, you can check the MOT history online and this history will show any failures and any advisory work recommended.

https://www.gov.uk/check-mot-history-vehicle

Also check to make sure that the correct key for the locking wheel nuts (if fitted) is being supplied and if there is a certificate or key number to enable you to order a spare or replacment if needed.

SteveJW

Bluesnake

Very comprehensive list
Only thing I would add is ensure car has a full set of keys. Most cars originally come with three keys, at least the ones I have purchased have. Plenty of threads on here regarding the cost of replacement keys

neilmcl

AllRounderWes wrote: »

I'm not completely clueless, I have a rough idea of what I should be looking out for but I wanted to get some external informed opinions in case there's something useful that I might have missed..

Thanks.

It might be worth posting here: http://www.babybmw.net

What's the age and model varient of the 120D?

bluesnake

SteveJW wrote: »

Bluesnake

Very comprehensive list
Only thing I would add is ensure car has a full set of keys. Most cars originally come with three keys, at least the ones I have purchased have. Plenty of threads on here regarding the cost of replacement keys

You brought back memories. Years ago one of the blokes in a shared house, he bought a vw polo on a rainy evening. It had 3 keys that turned out to be all different - one for the drivers door, another for the hatch and one for the petrol, and the passenger door would not open from the inside or outside. Also one of the seats would not fold forward. He did not find out till he paid for it and got it home. It was aptly Lemon yellow.

AllRounderWes

Some great responses on here; many thanks to all of you!

Special thanks to bluesnake, I'm going to make a checklist on my phone based on your list to evaluate the car when I see it.

neilmcl - its a 2005 (55 plate) SE, thanks for that link to the other forum.