Traction143

New to the Mercedes brand I have been in the hunt for a C55 for several months. It has been difficult to find a good one for reasonable money. I have found a black 2005 model with 79,000 miles, no accident history, and good maintenance records. The current owner addressed the typical items (valve cover gaskets, crank and cam sensors, belt, battery, tires, etc.) and it shows well on the hi res photos. Carfax and Autocheck are clean.

I will not be able to inspect the car personally as it is several states away but the seller has been honest about cosmetic defects and answers all questions completely.

The deal has been negotiated to $12K and I cover the freight to my door. Although black is my least desired color I can live with it for a good car at a good price. Should I roll the dice and purchase or keep looking?

RenC55AMG

That's a great price and I'd recommend going to get it yourself, it'd be a lot more fun that way.

Comparatively, I found a friend an 06 with 114k miles in bronze for $12k.

joc

That is a good price for the miles, I will be selling mine in a few weeks and it has 107,000 miles , with all service work completely done , new brakes, new suspension, new wheels, new tires and I will be asking $12.800.
I would go and drive it, John

blacksage

If it is a couple of states over wouldn't it be worth it to drop $500 or so on a plane ticket and look at the car yourself and have it shipped? 12K is a decent price, but still a lot of cash to drop without seeing it in person.

I would fly out, set up a PPI, fly back and have the car shipped if the PPI goes well and you are good after the test drive. Another $800 or so on top of the 12K is worth it for me to have that piece of mind.

Cloin

I will weigh in on this one. I bought a 2005 with 64000 on it a few years ago and paid $17k for it. I live in Pittsburgh and the car was in Connecticut. I had the owner take the car to a local Highline repair shop that on google maps had BMW, Maserati, a Ferrari and so on in the parking lot. The guys checked it over and were able to give me a non-biased vote on the sellers description. It was cheaper for me to fly out and drive it home than it was to ship it so I met the guy in NYC and drove it home. Great experience!!! That would be what I would do again.


Good Luck!!!

Traction143

Thanks to all for the solid advice, price comparisons, etc. The car is 1400 miles away so I will have a PPI done by an independent shop. If the car checks out I will pursue purchase. I will keep the group posted on the progess and thanks again for all of the advice!

rrich49132

Traction143 did you buy the car? I think I am looking at the same one on cars.com. Is this car in Minneapolis, MN? I just sent him and email and called him and have not heard back. It seems the guy has maintained the car very well and is in great shape.

Traction143

I was very close to purchasing the car but found a low mileage model closer to home. The Minneappolis car is very nice and well maintained. I would recommend pursuing as its a good car at a good price. Pm me if you want more detail...

Brent_amg

I am considering selling my white 05 c55 if you are interested. Really nice shape outside, interior is basically perfect, primary cat removed, nice black wheels 18x8 and 18x9(not sure what brand), Michelin pilot super sport tires, 2 owner, clean car fax, 77k miles. Im very closes to cincinnati ohio. Pm me if you want to see some pics.

Also carfax shows the service done at mercedes dealer since it was new. I just had the problematic crank position sensor changed at mb dealer. I have the receipt as well.