Seekers of used BMWs will likely appreciate the new vehicle search system the German firm's Canadian distributor has put on its Canadian website ( www.bmw.ca ).
"The new Pre-Owned and Certified Series section of the website allows customers to search for pre-owned BMWs located at any of the 32 BMW retailers across the country," says Mike Brennan, BMW's National Pre-Owned manager. When visitors enter this new section of the website, Brennan explains, they have the opportunity to choose specific criteria?such as series (3, 5, etc), body style, transmission and price in an effort to narrow the search.
"Visitors can also narrow the search geographically (kilometers from a postal code or by province)," Brennan says, "or according to a specific retailer." If a customer does find exactly what she wants but it's a considerable distance away, it will be to her to make a deal with the dealer on how she'll take delivery. She might have to go to it, or it might be sent to her, but she'll likely end up paying for transportation of some kind.
When a prospective buyer does find something within her general search criteria, the information provided by the system includes year of production, transmission type, kilometer reading, color, price, and the location of the retailer. From here, Brennan explains, the visitor can select a vehicle for more in-depth information such as the VIN number, standard and optional equipment on the car of choice, and a link to the retailer's e-mail.