Eight months ago I puchased a pre-owned BMW 528i from the Lexus Pre-owned Dealership. The salesperson stated that the car was a local trade and the gentleman was meticulous in taking care of the car. The carfax was clean. I asked the salesperson specifically about the brakes and transmission and she assurred me that everything was fine, and that a 100+ point inspection had been conducted on the car.
I will admit I was naive to think that a upscale dealership could not misrepresent a vehicle in order to sell it. This was not a, "buy here, pay here" dealership, so I expected a little more in the way of integrity. The day after I drove the car off the dealership I noticed a yellow light appear on the dashboard, so within the week I returned it to the dealership complaining that the brakes seemed bad. While I waited they put the car on the rack and said that the pads had about 10-15K still on them; supposedly about an eighth of an inch or so. The car was returned to me and the issues with the brakes continued. A few days later I then took the car to a foreign auto mechanic with certified BMW mechanics who told me that the car needed brake pads and a brake sensor. So, I had pads and sensors put on. Following the brake pads being replaced, I noticed yet again the yellow warning light in the middle of the dash signaling something yet was wrong. I took the car back to the mechanic and he said that the onboard computer was shot. To replace it, it would cost $1, 400. So, I had the onboard computer module replaced. After having the car for about six months I drove it across town to pick up my son and it quit running altogether.
In my experience, one should take caution in dealing with anyone at this dealership; ensuring that your not as naive as I was in believing that an upscale dealership would behave with integrity. You may want to steer clear of this dealership when considering a pre-owned purchase.