Vehicle Overview
Vehicle Details
- Year/Make/Model: 2013 BMW X3 35
- VIN: 5UXWX7C50DL982802
- Color: Black
- Purchase Date: May 11, 2023
- Location: IAA Atlanta East
Cost Breakdown
- Winning Bid: $3,325
- Buyer Fee: $650
- Internet Fee: $89
- Service Fee: $79
- Transportation: $543.89
- Other Fees: $553.89
- Total Investment: $4,763.39
The Experience
What Worked Well
- Vehicle was exactly as advertised
- Fast and comfortable ride
- Excellent interior condition for the mileage
- Successfully repaired adaptive headlight at reduced cost
- Damage appeared to be from a parked collision, limiting mechanical issues
Challenges Faced
- Adaptive headlight replacement (solved with eBay components)
- Hood replacement required (solved with 2012 BMW X3 donor)
- Shredded wiring harness in front fender area needed manual reconnection
Key Repairs & Solutions
- Adaptive headlight: Assembled from eBay components ($600 vs $1,200 new)
- Hood: Replaced with donor from 2012 BMW X3
- Wiring: Manual reconnection of front fender harness
Financial Outcome
- Total Investment: $4,763.39
- Sale Price: $6,000 (via Craigslist)
- Profit: ~$1,200 (before repair costs)
Lessons Learned
- Luxury SUVs can be good teen vehicle projects when properly repaired
- Creative sourcing of parts (eBay components) can significantly reduce repair costs
- Parked collision damage often means limited mechanical issues
- Manual wiring repairs can be viable solutions when done carefully
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