C36 AMG, C43 AMG (W202) 1995 - 2000

buying a car without seeing it in person...

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old May 18, 2005 | 06:10 PM
  #1  
west86's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
buying a car without seeing it in person...

OK, I am buying a car located in Virginia. It is hard for me to plan a trip out there with my schedule and everything. So I would like to have it shipped to me. Besides having the owner send pictures, and running it through carfax, is there any other ways to go about making sure I get what I expect?
Reply
Old May 18, 2005 | 06:30 PM
  #2  
linuxfoo's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 345
Likes: 1
well, create a list of expectations that you would find acceptable. meaning, that even if ____ is not properly working that you would still be happy to live with because that you know it could be a minor fix.

try to have the seller bring the car in for an inspection to their local dealer whom you should contact first, so that the seller just doesn't bring it to a buddy at a local gas station to say that the car is in fine condition.

lastly, see if anyone on this board might be able to help you out, i'm sure if you offer a little kickback and they happen to live in that area, they might help you go and check out the car or go with the seller to the dealer to have the car inspected.

but you should really consider what your expectations would be for the price you are paying for the car. hope that helps you out. other than that, it would ultimately be best that you somehow find a way to personally see the car before purchase to be 100% satisfied.
Reply
Old May 19, 2005 | 01:16 AM
  #3  
benzman's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: Cali
1995 C36 AMG
Originally Posted by linuxfoo
well, create a list of expectations that you would find acceptable. meaning, that even if ____ is not properly working that you would still be happy to live with because that you know it could be a minor fix.

try to have the seller bring the car in for an inspection to their local dealer whom you should contact first, so that the seller just doesn't bring it to a buddy at a local gas station to say that the car is in fine condition.

lastly, see if anyone on this board might be able to help you out, i'm sure if you offer a little kickback and they happen to live in that area, they might help you go and check out the car or go with the seller to the dealer to have the car inspected.

but you should really consider what your expectations would be for the price you are paying for the car. hope that helps you out. other than that, it would ultimately be best that you somehow find a way to personally see the car before purchase to be 100% satisfied.

http://www.dasautoshippers.com/?refe...ar+shipping-ph

ive used DAS many times in the past. - lil expensive but your baby gets here in good condition
Reply
Old May 21, 2005 | 11:08 PM
  #4  
cthirtysizzle's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 77
Likes: 0
From: beautiful los angeles, california
c43
I had my 97' C36 shipped through this company last year and I just bought a 98' C43 that I'm using the same company for shipping next week. They're called:
A AAAdvantage Auto Transport, Inc.
(800)233-4875 "TJ" at extension. 119
Tell him that Sam w/ the AMG referred you. He even hooked me up with a discount because I used them before. They'll give you free quotes, they're professional, everything's insured, and they're the least expensive. TJ also has an E320 so I think that's why he's cool with me. Anyways, hope this helps.
Reply
Old May 26, 2005 | 06:23 PM
  #5  
99SlvrC43's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 367
Likes: 0
From: car in front of you
1998 Silver C43
I got my C43 sight unseen from FL. I live in CA. I bought it with peace of mind b/c it was under starmark warranty, from a dealer, and only have 29k miles on it (bought Mar '03). Also the dealer was very friendly, I think we spoke almost everyday for about 20 days until I purchased it. I had it shipped in an enclosed carrier for $1250. Once here the driver handed me the copy of the shipping receipt. Apparently they charged the broker only $695. If I can only find the trucking companies receipt I'd give you the name and number.
Reply
Old May 31, 2005 | 06:02 PM
  #6  
cthirtysizzle's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 77
Likes: 0
From: beautiful los angeles, california
c43
$700.00 is a good deal. I just paid $890.00 for FL to CA, but it's still better than anything else I could find...
Reply
Old Jun 8, 2006 | 01:27 PM
  #7  
mattie's Avatar
Newbie
 
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
I used www.haulingdepot.com when shipping my car across country and would use them again. my car was delivered on time and in perfect condition!
Reply
Old Jun 8, 2006 | 01:38 PM
  #8  
Vardar's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 674
Likes: 0
From: USA
1999 C43
My 2 cents: It's a gamble! I would go see and drive it, or wouldn't buy it. There can be very unexpected hidden problems, or car would be just fine. It's your money you are gambling with.
Very best luck to you!

Originally Posted by west86
OK, I am buying a car located in Virginia. It is hard for me to plan a trip out there with my schedule and everything. So I would like to have it shipped to me. Besides having the owner send pictures, and running it through carfax, is there any other ways to go about making sure I get what I expect?
Reply
MB World Stories

The Best of Mercedes & AMG

story-0

6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Jun 9, 2006 | 11:13 AM
  #9  
azimibaha1's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 37
Likes: 1
From: Washington, DC
03 E55
i would try these guys...heard good things

www.carchex.com
Reply
Old Jun 9, 2006 | 01:36 PM
  #10  
c55m8o's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 816
Likes: 3
From: 40*-55'-44" N / 73*-24'-07" W
'98 C43/55 AMG Speedybenz Susp. & MBenzNL On Board -- '88 560SL -- '09 JCW MINI -- '97 Jeep TJ Sport
Originally Posted by swank
http://www.dasautoshippers.com/?refe...ar+shipping-ph
ive used DAS many times in the past. - lil expensive but your baby gets here in good condition
I'd probably not use them again ; or would ask more questions and get add'l services. For my '88 560SL I just bought ... First, it took almost 2 weeks to get the car onto a truck. Then it drove near Atl GA, where it sat for almost another week before it came up to me. They quoted a 20 day shippment -- I figured that was on the outside and it would definnitely be sooner -- it took 3 weeks. And it was in sitting in the elements most that time. Had I known, I would have paid for a closed carrier, and garanteed delivery time. Interior leather on the door panels were totally greased up from their hands. Oil from cars above it was dripped on my car. I better stop now 'cus I'm getting myself worked up...
Reply

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 01:56 AM.

story-0
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-1
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-2
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-4
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-5
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-6
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-7
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

Slideshow: From bulletproof sedans to surprisingly tough SUVs, these Mercedes models proved that the three-pointed star can go the distance.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-08 09:55:49


VIEW MORE