Pweb

What do you think, is that a good deal or not?

I'm being offered:

2002 C230
Bordeaux color
Rain Sensor
Panorama Sunroof
Automatic

Excellent condition, but with 6,000 miles on it.

Price: 24.000

Mark08859

Best thing is to go Edmunds.com to and price it there. They have what they call "True Market Value" that is supposed to tell you the value in your area for which the car should actually sell.

galaxygrrl

That is not a good deal, $6K is a lot of miles to save what, $2,500. Just buy a new one, prices are comming down.

Beth

dmichael

Edmunds and similar valuation services will not yet have enough data to provide a quote. They generally need 12 months of data before they start publishing. There are exceptions, like Honda Accords that sell like 9 zillion units a month, but for relatively slow sellers and first year models like the c230k you won't see quotes for a while.

This is only my opinion;
As a General rule of thumb to value a newer used car where you can't get a quote - most cars lose 10% the day they drive off the lot. Then, each month of age after that take another 1.5% off unless mileage is much greater or less than 1200/month, then you adjust accordingly.

If you paid 28,000 for a car, its worth 25,200 the day you take it home. 5 months later that goes down to 23,100.

24,000 is not a bad price to pay if the car is still in "showroom" condition.

Having said all that there are so many factors that play into the true value of a used car like repaired accident damage that can have a profound effect on its value.

galaxygrrl

But you don't know a car's history, it's not worth the risk for 2,500. These cars are now going for invoice around the country. But of course, this is MHO.

Beth

Duffer

It does not seems like a bad deal if car is in mint condition and it is what you want. I don't think 6k is a lot of miles (about 4 months worth), but you need to look at the dealer's records (if a private sale find out which dealer does the work), have it in writing that there have been no accidents or full disclosure at least, and you might want to negotiate the price lower because, after all, there is a substantial change with a new engine for 2003. Check on all the autosites also for pricing to see if new 2002 pricing is going down in your area.

dmichael

MSRP of a new C230 with those options is $28,550. The offer is for $24,000 = savings of $4,550.
Where are you getting the $2500 figure. In my area, MSRP is the best you can do, are you saying you can get this car $2,000 below MSRP?!?!?

galaxygrrl

I got my car for $450 over invoice in January. It can be done, you just need to play dealers against each other -- unplesent, but it saved me $1,500. You just need to understand buying a car is a chess game. People have been talking about getting a c-coupe for invoice. The Sunday paper had two at invoice, MB is dumping the 2002. Cars Direct even had the coupes below invoice in some areas.

Beth

Buellwinkle

You don't want to get stuck with a trouble car like Galaxygrrl, pixmantion's or mine. I can't speak for them but I would jump on 24K if someone offered.

sdcaclint

i am assuming this isn't from a mb dealer, but if it is make sure it is starmarked, and if not do a carfax report. it is a small price to pay. was the car stick or auto?

Pweb

It's auto, and from a MB dealer in Minnesota (feldmanns.com)

viper

Its supply and demand. Considering how that strike has stopped production in Germany don't be surprised if used vehicles go up in price.