desi_style

So I have been a lurker on these forums for a long time; I literally spend hours a week going through all the posts and seeing what people do to their cars and what new exciting mods are there; where to mount radar detectors. Speaking of detectors I have seen at least 3 flame wars and all of them start based on the topic of which radar detector is best :P . I have been reading about the CLS class from before it came out and looking at spy photos and was anticipating its release before it even came out. I currently have an SLK and I was casually surfing ads when I thought I ran into what is my dream car. A almost midnight blue CLS 55; I contacted the seller and we hit it off. He originally wanted 62,000; I wanted it to be 55,000 (that was my budget not because I wanted to screw him). Anyway I figured I could stretch my offer to 58k and he was accept but he did not. So long story short to buy this car I will have to plunk down 60,800 and pay for shipping (which I have factored in for 800 dollars and will naturally add to the final cost of the car from acc 101). So is this car worth 61,800 dollars and stretching my budget? I can wait until March but the exact color combination I want is here. I need someone to advise me if this is a good buy or if prices are going to dramatically fall to the point where it would be prudent to wait. I really cannot take a huge depreciation hit and I learned the hard way with my SLK to not buy new. I have a 2002 slk with less than 50k miles on it and I paid 55k for it and the same dealer is now offering me 16-17k. I just need some good old advise here from friendly forum members willing to help out a well intentioned newbie. Here is the information about the car: It is a 1 owner; never involed in a collision and no body work car that was sold in March of 2005. It has a little under 30,000 miles on it and it comes with chromed 20' rims. The interior is perfect and there isn't a single scratch on it. The car is blue with a tan interior. EDIT: I forgot to add an important feature; the car has the second comfort package so it has the navigation; the xenons; the phone; the massage seats; the keyless go; and whatever else I am missing from that awesome package which should be a requirement for everyone =) Please any opinions at all; they all matter to me! Thanks a lot and please respond fast I need to get the (potential) ball rolling by tomorrow.

rbtronnie5

this is what i see all the time...so don't think i am knocking you. dark blue cars have a horrible time with resale. you are getting the car for a great deal...but part of that is because finding someone who wants that color is hard. if it is what u want then get it...but if you are worried about depreciation and being able to sell the car when the time comes...you are looking at the wrong color. just my 2 cents. but do keep in mind you are getting an amazing price for that car...so everything has its price. just will mean that it translates later on...while most would be selling for more (prime colors)...you will have to hand back the money you saved on the front end.

TREZ63

Buy it NOW!

Big Carrot

That is a pretty good deal. I love the blue, but it IS harder to sell, which makes it worth a bit less. I went with black on black for that reason.

clos

If you squint your eyes enough it looks black...buy it if you like it and stop thinking about its depreciation. A car is going to depreciate every day more and more. I don't think about depreciation I think about all the other people sitting in their car staring at mine

blazinginder

seems like a good price...but do realize you only have 20k miles/17months of warranty left on car which is something else to consider...I'd try getting the price down to something you're comfortable with, either haggle (what we desi's do best ) or just wait it out as I'm sure either he'll come around or you'll find a better deal etc...I wouldn't rush into it...but hey that's just me

AZBENZ-CTSV

Ebay pricing for lo mile CLS-55 re going 60-68k. My very good friend who buys hi end vehicle says the market is HORRIBLE at the moment and he can pick up very nice CLS55'S at auctions for $56-58k and then you have dealer mark up.

rbtronnie5

for a high mileage cls

m_berman

If you are waiting for the rock bottom price point, you'll never buy the car. In about a couple of months, it will be probably into the hi $50Ks.

30K miles seems kind of hi mileage and the price should relect even more than it is.

It's not a dealer CPO and getting a MB extended warranty is out of the question. Most likely you will need to get an after market warrranty.

Just becasue the appearance is acceptable don't overlook the mechanics. Even though its under factory warranty check it out with a dealer or service inlcuding a compression check. Do you want a car which was a racer?

Things to consider which will require dollars are brakes and tires.

Just relating to my car hunting experience, I almost bought the first one I was serious about from a hi end re-seller. Glad I walk out of the deal (even though I was devistated in not getting my true love). It all worked out in the end. I really really found the best deal and exactly want I was looking for and a great price. Just be patient. You can get these cars all day long.

Good Luck.

AZBENZ-CTSV

You can buy them all day with 15k miles for under 65,000
you have three choices or more on ebay now or check autotrader.com
i looked at completed ebay auctions and talked to guys who sold their 55's for under 65.

You should pay no more than 57-60 for a car with 30k miles.

Mathmik

Guys He Is right!!! When I was Looking for my CLS63 I had a Broker buddy of mine shop around for used ones. I remember logging onto Manhiem auctions and seeing them going for the mid 50k all day with LOW miles. Even tell this day I still ask myself did I make a mistake buying the 63 over the 55! I love the 63 but seeing the price drop the 55 had made me wonder plus there are more things you can do to the 55. anyways I just thought I let you guys know. And if your still looking for the CLS55 ... PM me and I can give you my friends info and I Bet you he can get you it for in the 50K range! I even saw some White/tan CLS63's go for 77K and 80K. The Blk on Blk was saleing slightly higher @ 82K just anouther heads up. Now all these cars were at Dealer Auctions in Pa. Called Manhiem.

rbtronnie5

i was referring to you 56-58k comment...i go to the auctions...i know the pricing there.

rbtronnie5

11/15/07 MANHEIM Regular $57,000 24,841 Avg SILVER 8G A Yes
11/15/07 HOBBY Regular $57,250 27,990 Avg WHITE 8G A Yes
11/15/07 GTR TMPA Lease $61,000 19,714 Avg BLACK 8G A Yes
11/14/07 ATLANTA Lease $55,250 41,521 Below ALB WHT 8G A No
11/08/07 W PALM Regular $66,600 9,639 Above Black 8G Yes
11/08/07 RIVRSIDE Lease $57,500 25,934 Avg BLACK 8G A Yes
11/08/07 RIVRSIDE Lease $46,250 54,921 Below ALB WHT 8G A No
11/07/07 W PALM Lease $63,600 9,639 Avg OBS BLK 8G A Yes
11/07/07 W PALM Lease $52,600 23,770 Below BLACK 8G A Yes
10/25/07 RIVRSIDE Lease $60,000 28,614 Avg BLACK 8G A Yes
10/24/07 W PALM Regular $66,400 20,721 Above BLACK 8G A Yes
10/24/07 W PALM Lease $63,600 26,060 Avg ALB WHT 8G A Yes
10/24/07 W PALM Regular $61,500 14,947 Avg GRAY 8G A Yes
10/24/07 SEATTLE Lease $60,750 21,861 Avg GREY 8G A Yes
10/23/07 FAAO Regular $65,800 12,490 Above BLACK 8G A Yes

where do you see mid 50's all day? the ones in the 50's are either high mileage or have had some issues....like paint work...etc...

also people don't even take into account that you have to pay fees at the auction...on these cars will be an extra 500+....also you have to be a wholesaler or a dealer to get it for that much. then usually you have to pay for some sort of reconditioning....at least in my experience....unless it is very low miles or an exotic...so these prices can be misleading...

m_berman

Question: When cars are at auctions, are they sold 'As Is" meaning if repairs are required, are they on the buyer?

rbtronnie5

bingo!

Mathmik

Yes you are on your own! I see you posted last months inventory. I seen them go for lower then those prices. And most of the ones I seen need bumpers painted no Major work like dings and dents or new Motors. Bottom line is YOU get what you paid for!! Buying use that a chance you take.

j_belll

looks good to me