whatisreal7

Guys,
I'm about to pick up a 2002 C32 AMG w/ 50K miles. I am also going to buy a 3 year/36K warranty from a local bay area dealer for $3K. I am a little concerned about the maintenance costs on this car. I guess the warranty doesn't cover service A or B, but only things outside of basic maintenance? Aside from service A and B, are there other upcoming major services that will be a money drain? Looking through the service record, the electricals are notorious! Any advice for a potential buyer?

thanks.

greasybenz

Thats WAYYYYYY to much for a 3yr/36K warranty. I work at a dealership, at cost the warranty should run you about $1500 for a 10yr/100K warranty. I bought it at that price for my C32.

If you like getting screwed hard by dealers dont go in for service A or B. Do it yourself or find an independent. Depending on where in the Bay Area you are i can refer you to my mechanic in San Carlos. As far as electricals go dont worry about them, these cars are fairly reliable. Just take care of what needs to be taken care of.

Also if you need any work done on that NSX i can hook you up on dealer service at the honda dealership i work at.


Ruben

Gramma_Benz

My advice.....DO IT!!

Repair bills are highly likely to go over the $3k you'll have to initially spend. Do find out who the insurer is as some aftermarket insurers have lots of fine print exceptions.

Gramma_Benz

What company is that warranty from? I'd possibly like to invest in a plan myself.

TIA!

greasybenz

GE warranty services.

whatisreal7

The dealership closest to me is Smythe European, on Steven's Creek in San Jose. Anybody have any experiences with them? I forget the name of the insurer, but it is someone who they primarily go with. Will GE Warranty work at Smythe? I guess I have to call.

whatisreal7

Called GE Warranty, but they only sell dealerships, and to people who buy the car at this particular dealership. Doesn't work for private parties.

Anybody else in the bay area that can help?

thanks.

hammertime21

Aftermarket warrenties are a joke, and that is way to much money for it! They find ways to not pay for repairs all day long. The customer reps there get paid more to talk their way out of paying for repairs. I work on mercedes benz everyday, that is all I do. And when I have to deal with aftermarket warrenties, they are the BIGGEST hassle and end up paying for very little. My opinion is Dont do it.

hkycoldrct

Your in CA and have no choice but to buy the warranty through the dealer you purchase the car from -- trust me on this. 3K is worth the warranty especially if your looking at early model C32's with the issues that are well documented (do a search).

Yes there are companies that will sell you a warranty that are out of state and all they are doing is collecting your money. Once you have a big claim they will deny you and refund you a pro-rated amount and your left with absolutely no recourse.

bud4ya

The car looks in great shape. I do like the de badge of the C32 and v6 on the side.

Extended warranty are a crap shot if you will use them or not. The other issue is getting one from a good co. These are far and few between. I have had extended factory warranties that worked well but the 3rd party ones seem to deny every claim.

Would you mind PMing me and let me know the price range you paid? I have had little interest in my 2003 in exc cond that has 35K on it and another year MB extended warranty & $21,900. I am just curious to see if my price is in the ballpark of what they are selling for.

Thanks

m444

Smythe European, on Steven's Creek in San Jose is where I did all my warranty work, when I had a warranty. The service advisors are not too trustworthy. The mechanics are fine, though.

Smythe European in San Jose and Park Motors in Palo Alto are owned by AutoNation.

Another local dealer is Beshoff MotorCars in San Jose. They have a huge property and lots of room in the service bays. I do not know how good they are for service, since I don't like to go to that side of town.

Personally I would buy a 2003 or 2004 C32, rather than a 2002.

greasybenz

I never had a problem with Autobahn motors or SF Benz honor my GE warranty.

genechien

well i highly recommend an extended warranty whatever you do. i have a 05 C55 with 68K miles. i've just had to replace cracked control arm bushings for $450 and i have heated seats where the bottoms don't heat up. the cost of replaces those would easily be over $1K.

bobby02c32AMG

how many miles are people getting out of there C32's? Are these cars high-mileage cars, how many miles does everyone have or planning on having?
Thanks,
lata

greasybenz

115K miles and counting, Just like every other benz ive had i expect them to last very long.