almost there, a few more ?s
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almost there, a few more ?s
Well this morning I had the mechanic look at the 96 C220. I asked about the ride, which was rough... he said, well let's go for a ride! So we went on about a 15 min ride. He said (after putting the car on the lift) there was nothing wrong with the shocks or suspension, that when the used car dealer slapped on the 4 new tires (Dunlops of some kind, which I may replace) they weren't balanced at all. And/Or maybe one or more of the tires is no good.
He said there were 2 error codes on the computer: one for the windshield washer (which worked fine), and one for ABS voltage (and the ABS seems to work). Any insights on these?? Everything else was in good shape, he said.
So, at the end of the day I faxed the dealer an offer of $11,800 (which is the Edmunds' TMV for a "clean" car. Then I went to the movies! Have any of you had experience with using the Edmunds' #s and how close are they to reality. All I know is, I found two 97s for sale at a dealer about 75 miles from here, for $12k. Same mileage and options. So I can't be far from the mark, maybe even generous for a car with no maintenance record.
I then called the local M-B dealer to see what they'd charge for a 60k maintenance: $600! That seems like an awful lot to flush and fill fluids and replace a bunch of filters. Is it realistic to think I could do some of this myself if I'm reasonably handy?!
Also I found the name and phone # of the former owner (there's only been one owner). What are the ethics of calling? Has anybody done this?
Thanks again all,
Jim
He said there were 2 error codes on the computer: one for the windshield washer (which worked fine), and one for ABS voltage (and the ABS seems to work). Any insights on these?? Everything else was in good shape, he said.
So, at the end of the day I faxed the dealer an offer of $11,800 (which is the Edmunds' TMV for a "clean" car. Then I went to the movies! Have any of you had experience with using the Edmunds' #s and how close are they to reality. All I know is, I found two 97s for sale at a dealer about 75 miles from here, for $12k. Same mileage and options. So I can't be far from the mark, maybe even generous for a car with no maintenance record.
I then called the local M-B dealer to see what they'd charge for a 60k maintenance: $600! That seems like an awful lot to flush and fill fluids and replace a bunch of filters. Is it realistic to think I could do some of this myself if I'm reasonably handy?!
Also I found the name and phone # of the former owner (there's only been one owner). What are the ethics of calling? Has anybody done this?
Thanks again all,
Jim
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Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,681
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From: Birmingham, Alabama
2008 SLK-280
First of all, I've done some binge drinking. So anything I say can't be used anaigst me. I don't know about those error codes. Maybe the wiper relay??? It's in the fuse compartment. It says "wiper relay" on it. Second of all, I think that's a fair price, if not a little high. The economy is down right now so people aren't paying as much for cars. I would shoot for a little lower if it's not too late. As far as asking the previous owner stuff, unless he's some kind of ***, he should be able to give a couple minutes of his time for you. Just ask if he has previous records and if he serviced it at a dealer. If it was serviced at a dealer, any dealer can put in the vin # and find all service records from that dealer. The sixty thousand mile service can be done by yourself since it's one of the easiest. (unlike the 90,000) All you need is some time and patience. If you remind me what all the 60,000 mile service consists of, I can give you an exact price of what it takes to do it. Are you sure it hasn't had it if it has 75,000 miles on it? Hopefully it has, otherwise I'd be wondering about the 30,000 mile service as well. Anyways, let us know if anything else comes up. good bye.
