GrandPrix

Looking for advice.
2013 C63 coupe. Normal mileage. Good price.
The dealer says the car was a buyback for issues with the Nav system and multiple messages on the display.
So the seller gets the car from auction and I was wondering if it was fixed by the dealer after the buyback. He doesn't know. He said he tried the electronics and that they seemed fine.
My concern is that everything being integrated through the command system. I have zero experience with command or any advanced car electronic controls.
The car is still under factory warranty. So if it is messed up, I could send it back to MB to fix it.
I am distrustful of electronics, so I am asking anyone here with experience on the C63 what they would do or have had glitches.
Thanks.

abcut973

You need to make sure this car is not a mechanical lemon!
What kind of messages were displayed? I would say if it was just a Nav problem just changing the unit would probably fix it. So it sounds strange the car is a buy back.
Drive test it and check if the basic functionality are working. Cruise control, on board computer, radio, Nav, tire pressure monitor, etc... Check if the car drives as expected. No jerkiness, no strange noises, issue with transmission etc...

JeffDL

run away. the car was probably underwater. a german car with electrical issues sounds like something that will never be fixed.

PeterUbers

Run away fast

It takes A LOT for Mercedes Benz to buy back a car... I had two Buybacks and I fought hard

There is a reason a simple comand swap didn't fix this, beware!

Sidv22

Like others have mentioned, I would run away too. It would cost you lot less right now, but potentially it can cost you much more plus headaches.
Some of us are worried about keeping the car beyond warranty period and you are talking about buying a buy back!!

GrandPrix

Thanks. These are helpful. I figured the manufacturer would have to correct the problems or disclose exactly what is wrong. So far, I can't confirm. Right now leaning towards not being the sucker.

jvanbrecht

As previously stated, run like hell. Buy backs only occur after multiple attempts (typically 3 or 4, varies by state, and country) to fix the same problem failed, and the warranty repairs were unable to repair it. There is no way this is just the Comand. FYI, you can operate the vehicle without it. The only real tie in, is some of the display data for the Comand is shown on the Center Console.

Also, what were the other messages you mentioned. Are you talking about engine codes?

Again, this is a lemon, avoid.

QWKSNKE

Run a carfax to see where the car came from, then read the laws for that state.

While not a mercedes, my wife's cobra was a buy back due to complaints about the a/c. Car was originally sold and bought back in California. At that time, it only took 3 complaints for the same reason in that state for the mfr to buy it back. Ford could never duplicate the issue therefore no work was performed.
That was 152k miles ago. We have never had a problem with it.

jvanbrecht

Based on his listed car selection in his profile, he lists a Hilux, not something that is available in the US, so he might not be either. Not sure if carfax works on non US and Canadian vehicles (was the Hilux available in CA?)..

Also, Carfax relies on voluntary disclosure from the repair shops and dealerships, in many cases when a dealer suspects a vehicle may result in a buyback or lemon law issue, they won't report it. There is no legal requirement to report to Carfax, which is why I do not trust them.

GrandPrix

I am in Florida. The cars was sold here and then the title was 'washed' through NJ probably because that is where MBUSA is. Pretty sure it never left the state. The car fax only mentioned sat Nav issues and there were error message on the display. That is it. The seller played dumb and said he had no further info. I pulled the rip chord and walked.
I like the name Hilux for the Toyota pick up because that is what they call it on Top Gear. Built a memorial to one on the show. Now that car is bullet proof. Wish my 230 was as well built. Let me clarify. Engineering and mechanicals are top notch. The materials in the 02 230 are absolute garbage. Falling apart rubber, headliner, cup holder cover disintegrated, plastic head rest backing turning into sand, front seat rear panel fabric separating. 60k in the garage under a cover. Not what I expected from Benz but was intrigued with the awesome power of the AMGs.
Thanks to all that helped with the decision.

KillaC63

Electrical gremlins can take months to figure out if ever, I would pass, my 2 cents.

AMG6.3

Find another car

HBC350

If the price is right, I'd buy it.