Looking to buy a 2005 c55 amg....need help
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 54
Likes: 1
From: Moorestown, NJ
Capri Blue 2005 c55 AMG
Looking to buy a 2005 c55 amg....need help
Well here goes
Lookign at a 2005 c55 AMG that's that dark blue/black.
The car has 19,800 miles on it. Now reason I'm afraid is it's for sale at a Pontiac dealer, and was bought at the auction. Now the carfax doesn't come back negative, but in 4 years the car doesn't have any maintence history or anything so that's what makes me a little leary about it
Now what should I look for. What should I intend to haggle with them about. Should I purchase their extended warranty too?
Or should I look for a diff car
Lookign at a 2005 c55 AMG that's that dark blue/black.
The car has 19,800 miles on it. Now reason I'm afraid is it's for sale at a Pontiac dealer, and was bought at the auction. Now the carfax doesn't come back negative, but in 4 years the car doesn't have any maintence history or anything so that's what makes me a little leary about it
Now what should I look for. What should I intend to haggle with them about. Should I purchase their extended warranty too?
Or should I look for a diff car
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
From: Ohio
2005 C55 AMG
You may ask if you can have it inspected by a Mercedes shop before you commit. I did this once with a Corvette just to be sure there was nothing wrong.
I bought an '05 C55 (22k miles) last November (in Ohio) and paid around $29K before taxes and the extended warranty. I didn't get Mercedes' pre-owned warranty as the 3rd party warranty was actually cheaper, for a greater period of time, and covered the same things. I had about 8 months left on the factory warranty at the time, which I already had to use due to a leaky valve cover, which is a common issue according to the guys on the forum.
Gook luck with the purchase.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 54
Likes: 1
From: Moorestown, NJ
Capri Blue 2005 c55 AMG
Thanks for the heads up, I might stop up at a Mercedes dealer tomorrow. Your saying they can pull up a vin number, and see if it was ever maintained anywhere????
Also, I have to see the color in the day light. It's Capri Blue Metallic
Also, I have to see the color in the day light. It's Capri Blue Metallic
Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 229
Likes: 1
From: South of the Border
06 C55
Carfax isn't the godlike resource they would like you to believe. You should be able to get the MB dealership to tell you what has been done to the car at any MB dealership. Take them the VIN and see what you can find out.
A lot also depends on the options, condition, and price.
Extended warranties, unless they are by the manufacturer, may make you feel better but in my not so humble opinion are rarely worth the money or the paper that they are printed on. Extended warranties are a MAJOR profit item for dealers so they are happy to sell them to you. And they can 'discount' them a lot and are still taking you to the cleaners. Also, you never know if the warranty company will do the right thing on claims. My next door neighbor, among others I know, bought a used M5 and an extended warranty. Transmission failure (from a known weakness in the M5 tranny, i.e. not through abuse) and the warranty company refused to pay until he sued them. Again, my opinion, you're better off saving the money for a rainy day. That way you know that you have it for whatever repair that you need done.
A lot also depends on the options, condition, and price.
Extended warranties, unless they are by the manufacturer, may make you feel better but in my not so humble opinion are rarely worth the money or the paper that they are printed on. Extended warranties are a MAJOR profit item for dealers so they are happy to sell them to you. And they can 'discount' them a lot and are still taking you to the cleaners. Also, you never know if the warranty company will do the right thing on claims. My next door neighbor, among others I know, bought a used M5 and an extended warranty. Transmission failure (from a known weakness in the M5 tranny, i.e. not through abuse) and the warranty company refused to pay until he sued them. Again, my opinion, you're better off saving the money for a rainy day. That way you know that you have it for whatever repair that you need done.
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: Sacramento, CA
C55 AMG
So there is no record of it in the Mercedes-Benz maintenance history? I'd look up the VIN and take it to the dealer. CarFax isn't all you need and I wouldn't just solely rely on it.
Dealers buy "excellent" cars at auctions all the time. It's a strategy because sometimes people will either see it out front or look at it online--this car in particular probably is in excellent condition (no paint work or scratches plus the low millage). That means it's a great car to make a little profit off despite being off brand. Some people purposely look for non-brand cars in lots for deals, plus they stand out being of a different make.
I'd go over the car with a fine-tooth comb and check the VMI (Vehicle Master Inquiry) at Mercedes. I am not 100% sure if you will be able to do this.
I just bought an '05 with 12,500 on it. I did my homework and the car is a gem as listed. Edmunds.com.
This car will be leaps and bounds from a Dodge Ram...
Dealers buy "excellent" cars at auctions all the time. It's a strategy because sometimes people will either see it out front or look at it online--this car in particular probably is in excellent condition (no paint work or scratches plus the low millage). That means it's a great car to make a little profit off despite being off brand. Some people purposely look for non-brand cars in lots for deals, plus they stand out being of a different make.
I'd go over the car with a fine-tooth comb and check the VMI (Vehicle Master Inquiry) at Mercedes. I am not 100% sure if you will be able to do this.
I just bought an '05 with 12,500 on it. I did my homework and the car is a gem as listed. Edmunds.com.
This car will be leaps and bounds from a Dodge Ram...
Last edited by Nuori; Sep 20, 2009 at 08:48 PM.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 54
Likes: 1
From: Moorestown, NJ
Capri Blue 2005 c55 AMG
Agreed, I come from a family who owns currently 6 BMW's, so I will still be the blackball. But now just a luxury one. I think the car is a go. I think I will ask them to let me take it and bring it to a dealer tomorrow when I go to look at it. Will probably cost me $150 but well worth it in the long run.
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 38
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From: Ohio
2005 C55 AMG
I've used Fidelity Warranty Services on several vehicles without issue, although no repairs have ever been major. The only issue I have with them is that you do have to pay upfront and submit the receipts for reimbursement. Usually takes about 3 weeks.
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Fidelity is a great warranty company, my dad has it for his Nissan Titan.
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From: AL,IL, GA, CA
CLS, SLK, ETC
Mileage seems low for 05... I would get an 05 with higher mileage.... Why?? Most common problems are prolly fixed n u won't have to worry about it.
Oh, don't judge a car by carfaux report.... Exam the car throughly.. See if theres any doors, windows, or anthing is replaced with new parts or repainted..
Good luck
Oh, don't judge a car by carfaux report.... Exam the car throughly.. See if theres any doors, windows, or anthing is replaced with new parts or repainted..
Good luck
Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 115
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'00 E55, 05 C55, '99 328i
Well here goes
Lookign at a 2005 c55 AMG that's that dark blue/black.
The car has 19,800 miles on it. Now reason I'm afraid is it's for sale at a Pontiac dealer, and was bought at the auction. Now the carfax doesn't come back negative, but in 4 years the car doesn't have any maintence history or anything so that's what makes me a little leary about it
Now what should I look for. What should I intend to haggle with them about. Should I purchase their extended warranty too?
Or should I look for a diff car
Lookign at a 2005 c55 AMG that's that dark blue/black.
The car has 19,800 miles on it. Now reason I'm afraid is it's for sale at a Pontiac dealer, and was bought at the auction. Now the carfax doesn't come back negative, but in 4 years the car doesn't have any maintence history or anything so that's what makes me a little leary about it
Now what should I look for. What should I intend to haggle with them about. Should I purchase their extended warranty too?
Or should I look for a diff car
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,359
Likes: 2
From: California
06 C55, 09 E350
I got my car from a non-mb dealer that bought it at an auction. The car is in mint condition and running great, the only problem with buying from a non-mb dealer was that the extended warranty couldn't be transferred. 
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PLAID
Tough Decision
I am selling my 2006 C55.
It is a Mars Red with Ash interior and has 16,700 miles
At roughly 5,000 miles I had the Kleemann supercharger, headers and ECU upgrade done in Colorado Springs by Kleeman USA.
It has brand new Michelin PS2 tires, 225/40ZR/18 front and 255/35ZR/18 rear.
The car has been serviced by MB of Hoffman Estates and they are familiar with the car's modifications.
I'm asking $28,000.
The reason I am selling it is that for some time now I have been working on a Stage 3 Audi S4. It is done now and having two cars like this is not practical.
The C55 has been fun and relatively trouble-free and it is difficult to part with it.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 54
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From: Moorestown, NJ
Capri Blue 2005 c55 AMG
Yes, it was that one. I did end up purchasing that one yesterday. The car overall is in great condition, I've really fallen in love with it. Now also, I can purchase their extended warrant (masterguard, or mcguard or something). I'm really debating on which warranty to purchase. Anyone have any recommendations on what warranty to buy.
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I DON'T COME HERE ANYMORE
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From: Troy, IL (near St. Louis, MO)
2019 E63s AMG
na to other C55's 
prob high 20's realistically
Its @ 66k miles, CPO Warranty till 2010 (NOV) - note all they take care of is, electrical, windows, ...pretty much everything but Engine, Transmission, Diff, Emission System, Brakes, Shocks... (ROFL i know... but all thats changed)
But the warranty does work
just had a moonroof regreased no charge and a thermostat replaced no charge.
So i figure a 28-29k figure is a fair price for a 441RWHP monster
prob high 20's realisticallyIts @ 66k miles, CPO Warranty till 2010 (NOV) - note all they take care of is, electrical, windows, ...pretty much everything but Engine, Transmission, Diff, Emission System, Brakes, Shocks... (ROFL i know... but all thats changed)
But the warranty does work
just had a moonroof regreased no charge and a thermostat replaced no charge.So i figure a 28-29k figure is a fair price for a 441RWHP monster
