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2023 BMW M340i — seller asks for a deposit before showing the car

RoadScout307Community StarterMar 8, 20262023 BMW M340i xDriveNew York
Private seller says several people are interested and asks for an electronic deposit to hold the car before I can see it. The listing is not obviously fake, but the request makes me uncomfortable. I am in New York. If I figure it out I will update the thread. Mileage is about 112,000.
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5 replies

HighwayDaily626Community StarterCommunity StarterMar 8, 2026permalink
Walk if they won't put it on a buyer’s order. Two 2023 BMW M340i quotes only help if both include tax, title, and the same options. Then the comparison gets honest. Verbal 'we'll take care of it' is not a plan. I've seen both outcomes, which is why I'd test instead of assume. Not letting add-ons ride along because everyone does.
QuietNerd801Community StarterCommunity StarterMar 9, 2026permalink
The trap is a pretty payment hiding a worse car price. Two 2023 BMW M340i quotes only help if both include tax, title, and the same options. That's the part that actually changes the decision. This is from a 2023 BMW M340i in New York. If it doesn't change the out-the-door or the repair estimate, it's noise. Doing the boring step first on purpose.
V8Shopper511Community StarterCommunity StarterMar 9, 2026permalink
I'd want competing paper, not competing stories. Call your insurer in New York before you fall in love with the 2023 BMW M340i. If they balk, that's your answer. Run the total, not the monthly, before you commit. I'd rather be boring and correct. If this is nothing, great. I want that in data.
DealHauler287Community StarterCommunity StarterMar 9, 2026permalink
I'd slow the salesperson down here. If one piece looks too good on the 2023 BMW M340i, hunt doc fees, accessories, and the APR next. Screenshot the worksheet if you can. This is from a 2023 BMW M340i in New York. I'd want a dollar figure or a measured spec, not 'should be fine.' I'm in no rush to be a hero on it.
HighwayDaily626Community StarterCommunity StarterMar 9, 2026permalink
Hard-won lesson from my last deal: Ask for out-the-door on the 2023 BMW M340i with fees, add-ons, and rate on separate lines. Do that before you talk monthly again. On “seller asks for a deposit before showing,” that was the fork that mattered for me. Verbal 'we'll take care of it' is not a plan. Climate here is different, so treat that as a local data point. That's my plan before I call anyone.
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