shanti33k

Hi All,

I am in the market for a new car. My 87' 300D turbo got totaled on the freeway, so i want another rarity that i can keep for a long time. I have come across a 2006 C55 AMG with 88,000 miles on it sold by a Mercedes dealer. I was wondering what i should look for when i go down there to negotiate for the car as far as the engine, warranty etc.... It is listed currently at $18,000. How much should i ask to get the car for? Also, how much should i look for maintenance costs per year with this car?

Any information would be much appreciated. Thank you!

MBfinatic

Check for the normal oil leak at the valve covers. It sounds like a good deal to me.

mgiannetto

Since its at a MB dealer, I would think you are within your rights to ask for a printout of the complete service history on the car. To the extent it was dealer serviced, this will tell you a lot.

There is lots of information on this forum about maintenance required in the C55 - try and look around and see what you find. I'm not being difficult, but you will get a much better, more accurate and detailed list of typical service issues others have had, then relying on others to post a detailed and comprehensive list off the top of their heads.

For the most part, the engine is pretty much bulletproof. Many instances of guys on this forums with well over 100K miles without any major maintenance expenses. The things which come to my mind immediately (again this is not as exhaustive of a list as you can pull together by scouring this board) include:

1. Seat heaters (bottoms specifically) - this is like a $1,000 repair per seat
2. Engine mounts
3. Main Engine Seal
4. Oil leaks at breather boxes (on top of valve covers) as well as valve covers - neither are big ticket items.

I wonder if you could arrange for a pre-purchase inspection. The dealer would be put in a tough spot - they clearly don't want to scare you with an exhaustive list, yet it will be interesting to see how they can justify charging you for repairs which come up shortly after purchase to the extent they should have identified they in the PPI.

Good luck - the car is awesome.

maverik259

18k for 88k is a bit steep imo, i bet you could talk em down to like $16-17 out the door! the trick is you just have to be firm and know what you want to spend and dont let them talk you out of it, just remember they want to sell you the car...you cant lose cuz you can always come back in a few days and just buy it if they wont budge, but in my experience, they will always work with you...ive even had salesguys chasing me out the door, even after "he went as low as the manager would let him"....just hold the faith and be confident....its a lot of miles...

shanti33k

I told him 15K out the door. If he can make it happen ill be there. Then inspect the car Is asking for 15K too much?

Sea55

15 is more reasonable for an 06 with 88 on the clock. One went through Manheim Auction in St. louis in feb for 15 with 89k... it was also blue..

I would also lift the car up and give it a good visual.. all seals, boots and the most important one the rear main seal... if the inspection plate is wet then it's leaking..

mgiannetto

Personally I would be surprised if the dealer is willing to let the car go for $15K. If they are, I would be a bit cautious - as that sounds like a wholesale price. Would cause me to wonder what they know that I don't.

From the CarFax, can you find out how long they have had the car. That might provide some insight and potentially an indicator on their willingness to deal.

Keep us posted and good luck with the inspection and negotiation.

shanti33k

So far the car has had 2 previous owners, and carfax didn't have any reported accidents or problems with the car. The dealer said they have all of the maintanance records.The car has been with the dealer since the beginning of the month.
A big part of me wants to get this car but that little part is saying be careful.
8/31/09 Dealer

Vehicle sold

Inventory



4/6/12DealerVehicle offered for sale

shanti33k

called the dealer this morning, and asked about the warranty. He said that the previous owner of the car had the extended warranty which i am happy to hear about. He said he wouldn't be able to do 15, but somewhere near 16 could work if I came in on the weekend.

Sea55

Here is a complete rundown of went through Manheim Auction This year.. Personally I think some of the prices are high although this is what Manheim is telling me. The First one is a steal... I picked up my 2005 in the low 20's w 35k which i thought was a great price..

11-16-11 34k miles @ 21K Black Nashville Above Condition
12-07011 74k miles @ 18k Black San Fran AVG Condition
1-18-12 98k miles @ 12k Red Pittsburg Below Condition
2-21-12 89k miles @ 15k Blue St Louis AVG Condition
2-22-12 76k miles @ 19k White San Fran AVG Condition
4-20-12 79k miles @ 19k White PA AVG Condition

Chedeng88

Just saw this one on eBay:

2006 C55 with Nav - 96K miles

$14K starting bid. Buy it now for $15K.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Merce...2688354d#v4-43


Looks clean, but has one reported accident though.

DuaneC63

A clean C55 with average miles for it's MY for $15k sounds fair. Not a steal, just fair.