I've recently decided to get rid of my Infiniti M45 and made up my mind to purchase an 09 C63 AMG. That was until I found this forum and read about the head bolt problems. There are 3 C63's for sale locally. I have yet to check them out in person but they all claim their cars do not burn/loose coolant.
-$30,000 80k miles http://honolulu.craigslist.org/oah/cto/4675022526.html
-$40,000 58k miles http://honolulu.craigslist.org/oah/cto/4713657955.html
-$45,000 31k miles http://honolulu.craigslist.org/oah/cto/4700822002.html

The $30k car is priced awfully low and a cause of concern. The $45k car is priced high but it does have volks and is probably the most well kept. I'm just worried about the time bomb because of this head bolt issue. I've also made a request to the local MB dealer to give me a price on changing the head bolts.

Since reading about the head bolt problem I've searched other cars locally that are priced similar (mostly cheaper) but not necessarily in the same class (2010 E550, 2008 M3/M5, 2011 XJL or XF, 2011/2012 S4).Now I am on the fence on purchasing a C63 but I keep coming back. Any thoughts or advice to help me with my decision.

your inventory may be limited being that you are on HI but i sold my 09 c63 with 60k miles for $33k. i wouldnt pay more than ~$33k for a clean 09 imo...

Ok so first do not paranoid on the headbolt issue. It exists but probability is low. Just play it safe with an extended warranty or money aside for repairs.
Out of the 3 cars you listed difficult to say which one I would go without seeing physically.
1st link ==> nothing's wrong with mileage if the car is properly maintained. It is priced as it should. Nothing wrong there either. But that color is so ugly. I guess it is a wrap? It cannot be paint .
2nd link ==> car seems to be in stock form. But the interior pic is not the actual car for sale. They put a pic of a black car. Suspicious.
3rd link ==> no lighting package (no xenon) is a deal breaker.

Whatever one you decide to go for do your homework and inspection as it should in order not to have surprises.

GL

No lighting package would be a deal breaker for me also but it may not be an issue with your shorter drives in HI. I agree with intence that thasking is high...if the 31k miles car checks out and looks to be clean and well cared for I'd leave a standing offer on the table, factoring in where you are and availability, no higher than $38-39,000. If it sells reasonably soon for higher than your offer, great for the seller. Otherwise he/she will circle back to you to talk.

I feel like you could get a newer one for around 40K.

My 2011 P31 fully loaded with 30,000KM (when I bought it) was 54,9 Canadian, which is like what, 50K USD?

Wow I didn't even noticed the 2nd ad had 2 different pictures. I didn't look at the ad that well.
1st link - According to the owner, the car is wrapped. The original paint is still in good condition and has pictures. But I still have to be cautious cause you never know whats under there.
3rd link - What's included in the lighting package? The ad does say HID. The warranty is expired. I'm hoping the local dealer gets back to me on a price to change the head bolts. I'd like to know how much they will charge because it will def. factor into my decision.

Yes I feel that his price is on the high side. Kbb is around $38k IIRC. Maybe it's because of the cost of the volks/tires.

Yes, supply and demand. FYI I purchased my 2010 C63 back January with 8,000 miles for $45K then added a Fidelity Platinum Warranty 4 year or 110,000 miles for $3200 from MB dealership I live on East coast so inventory was next to nothing.

You will love AMG, I previously had 2011 G37xS and 2004 Vette. If mid $40s are in your budget I would be looking to buy a 2011.

Goodluck

If the OP gets to looking at 2011s, he needs to verfiy engine serial number (post the VIN and I will get info) to make sure it's past the head bolt switchover.


Regards.

If there happens to be a 2011 for sale I would but I think the price would be near $50k.

Hi,

I don't mean to jack the OPs thread but I too am in a similar situation. I have found a 09 C63 with 54k miles 300 miles away from me. It is modded and has MHP headers, tune and an Wavetrac LSD. The car has had the intake gasket leak issue addressed but not the headbolt issue. According to OP it is pushing 600HP.

What do you suggest is a fair price for it? It looks well maintained and supposedly has new tires/brakes.

Also how can I check what factory options it has?

Thanks for any input!