On the hunt - finding lots of lemons & 3-4 owner cars...?
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2017
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Likes: 6
CLA, R8
On the hunt - finding lots of lemons & 3-4 owner cars...?
Hey gents,
I'm on the hunt for a GTS, probably a 2016, in the 100k range.
There's a ton of selection on the used market, but something that worries me is that nearly every second car I come across has either some some serious carfax history/activity, an outright lemon branding, or 3-4 owners in what is a ~10k mile car.
This is my first and only Mercedes, let alone an AMG, so I'm pretty excited to pull the trigger - yet, wary.
Can anyone explain why these cars seem to be switching owners so rapidly? I feel strange considering a car with 3 previous owners that only has 10k miles on the clock. How did these 3 owners treat the car?.. Why did all 3 get rid of such a phenomenal car within only 3-4k miles of driving them..? Why are so many titles lemons (at least 3 cars on the first page of cargurus/autotrader), and those that aren't lemons have carfax service histories such as "replaced steering wheel, replaced seat, replaced XXX". Is there a reliability issue to be concern of or look out for?
Thanks for your insights and sorry for the essay. I want to make sure I make the right decision with my first benz and not have a sour taste in my mouth due to poor buyer diligence.
PS: I am coming from a Nissan GTR and Audi R8, if one wishes to make a meaningful comparison from their experience. I have not encountered similar concerns shopping for those cars previously.
I'm on the hunt for a GTS, probably a 2016, in the 100k range.
There's a ton of selection on the used market, but something that worries me is that nearly every second car I come across has either some some serious carfax history/activity, an outright lemon branding, or 3-4 owners in what is a ~10k mile car.
This is my first and only Mercedes, let alone an AMG, so I'm pretty excited to pull the trigger - yet, wary.
Can anyone explain why these cars seem to be switching owners so rapidly? I feel strange considering a car with 3 previous owners that only has 10k miles on the clock. How did these 3 owners treat the car?.. Why did all 3 get rid of such a phenomenal car within only 3-4k miles of driving them..? Why are so many titles lemons (at least 3 cars on the first page of cargurus/autotrader), and those that aren't lemons have carfax service histories such as "replaced steering wheel, replaced seat, replaced XXX". Is there a reliability issue to be concern of or look out for?
Thanks for your insights and sorry for the essay. I want to make sure I make the right decision with my first benz and not have a sour taste in my mouth due to poor buyer diligence.
PS: I am coming from a Nissan GTR and Audi R8, if one wishes to make a meaningful comparison from their experience. I have not encountered similar concerns shopping for those cars previously.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2006
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From: ATLANTA
R Nine T
16s were a challenge as a first year car in US. A lot of first year buyers didn’t know what to expect and there were some initial production issues. That said, Benz has fixed most of it.
If your under warranty your good. Maybe a CPO.
If your under warranty your good. Maybe a CPO.
Member
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 151
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C63
I think the first owners of a lot of these cars were upset with the ride quality. They expected an SL instead of a real sports car.
Mine has had six or seven warranty repairs. I'd be scared of a GTs without 10k miles, as the car may not be sorted yet.
Getting one with a nice CPO would be best unless you want to roll the dice.
Mine has had six or seven warranty repairs. I'd be scared of a GTs without 10k miles, as the car may not be sorted yet.
Getting one with a nice CPO would be best unless you want to roll the dice.
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From: Santa Monica Mountains
2025 Lucid Air Grand Touring, 2022 F-150, 1926 Rolls-Royce SSG roadster
I have always been wary of buying used, even CPO. (My last used car was a 5,000 mile 1971 BMW Bavaria -- in 1971. My first Mercedes was a 1972 280SL bought in March 1972 from WI Simonson in Santa Monica.)
These are complicated cars and for me buying new, and in California with a strong lemon law, is a form of protection I want. In 55 years of car ownership and dozens of cars, I have lemoned a 1990 500SL, a 2006 BMW 650i convertible and my ex wife's 2010 BMW 535iGT. The newer they are the more complicated and prone to breaking.
These are complicated cars and for me buying new, and in California with a strong lemon law, is a form of protection I want. In 55 years of car ownership and dozens of cars, I have lemoned a 1990 500SL, a 2006 BMW 650i convertible and my ex wife's 2010 BMW 535iGT. The newer they are the more complicated and prone to breaking.
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2017
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2018 AMG GTS, 2015 911 GT3, 2017 E300, 2014 X3 35i
As with any brand new model, there are invariably teething issues within the first year.
There were complaints about the rough ride quality of the 2016 models which appears to have been sorted with 2018 models. I find my 2018 very supple in comfort mode perfectly suitable for daily driving.
Some owners complained about the long front hood and impaired visibility at the top of the windshield, by the side mirrors and with the thick C-pillars. These issues take some getting used to.
A lof of times in life you get what you pay for. If I were in your shoes, I would get the newest model with the most OEM warranty I can afford. I'm always wary buying used, even with a one owner car. Get a low mileage one owner car and get a PPI for peace of mind.
There were complaints about the rough ride quality of the 2016 models which appears to have been sorted with 2018 models. I find my 2018 very supple in comfort mode perfectly suitable for daily driving.
Some owners complained about the long front hood and impaired visibility at the top of the windshield, by the side mirrors and with the thick C-pillars. These issues take some getting used to.
A lof of times in life you get what you pay for. If I were in your shoes, I would get the newest model with the most OEM warranty I can afford. I'm always wary buying used, even with a one owner car. Get a low mileage one owner car and get a PPI for peace of mind.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2017
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CLA, R8
What does mercedes CPO offer that the 4 year warranty does not?
I was under the impression that buying a 2016 would be relatively "safe" given its still under its original bumper to bumper warranty for, what is likely to be 2 years, on 2016 model cars.
I was under the impression that buying a 2016 would be relatively "safe" given its still under its original bumper to bumper warranty for, what is likely to be 2 years, on 2016 model cars.
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Member
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C63
My 2016 was sold in August 2015, so the warranty is up in 13 months.
We are talking about risk tolerance here. I've never purchased a new car. Unless I'm getting a Black Series, I probably never will. But I have a higher risk tolerance than most. I'm not paying 15% of the cost of the vehicle for lemon law protection.
Let me reiterate that Mercedes has fixed every single issue I've brought to them and things I didn't know about. In a neighborhood crawling with Land Rovers, Cayenne's and 911s, I'm enjoyed having something a little more unique.
Now if we could just get Mercedes to match the 911's 10 year powertrain warranty.
We are talking about risk tolerance here. I've never purchased a new car. Unless I'm getting a Black Series, I probably never will. But I have a higher risk tolerance than most. I'm not paying 15% of the cost of the vehicle for lemon law protection.
Let me reiterate that Mercedes has fixed every single issue I've brought to them and things I didn't know about. In a neighborhood crawling with Land Rovers, Cayenne's and 911s, I'm enjoyed having something a little more unique.
Now if we could just get Mercedes to match the 911's 10 year powertrain warranty.
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Super Member
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 556
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2018 AMG GTS, 2015 911 GT3, 2017 E300, 2014 X3 35i
My 2016 was sold in August 2015, so the warranty is up in 13 months.
We are talking about risk tolerance here. I've never purchased a new car. Unless I'm getting a Black Series, I probably never will. But I have a higher risk tolerance than most. I'm not paying 15% of the cost of the vehicle for lemon law protection.
Let me reiterate that Mercedes has fixed every single issue I've brought to them and things I didn't know about. In a neighborhood crawling with Land Rovers, Cayenne's and 911s, I'm enjoyed having something a little more unique.
Now if we could just get Mercedes to match the 911's 10 year powertrain warranty.
We are talking about risk tolerance here. I've never purchased a new car. Unless I'm getting a Black Series, I probably never will. But I have a higher risk tolerance than most. I'm not paying 15% of the cost of the vehicle for lemon law protection.
Let me reiterate that Mercedes has fixed every single issue I've brought to them and things I didn't know about. In a neighborhood crawling with Land Rovers, Cayenne's and 911s, I'm enjoyed having something a little more unique.
Now if we could just get Mercedes to match the 911's 10 year powertrain warranty.
However, I would be bothered with 7 different warranty repair items within less than 3 years of ownership. I find it a hassle to take my car in to the dealership and get a loaner or take the complimentary shuttle to and from work. Even for the annual scheduled service. Last couple times at BMW, I waited around for 45 minutes in the morning which was a little stressful as I had to be at work before 8 AM. Obviously, this doesn't bother others as much. Porsche doesn't even have loaners on site, I had to walk a city block to the Enterprise dealership and fill out 15 minutes of paperwork on a weekday morning. Took the complimentary shuttle the next time.
So far with the AMG, I've only had the seat belt tensioner issue in 9 months of ownership knock on wood.
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From: Land of 10,000 lakes
AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
Or just get a GT instead of a GTS and tune it.
Think there is a solar beam yellow MY17 with 2700 miles but still untitled in Chicago for under $100k with a list of $130-140k (don’t recall).
We had a local one like that brand new for a similar price that I was tempted with even though it wasn’t what I was looking for...
Think there is a solar beam yellow MY17 with 2700 miles but still untitled in Chicago for under $100k with a list of $130-140k (don’t recall).
We had a local one like that brand new for a similar price that I was tempted with even though it wasn’t what I was looking for...
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,624
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From: SoCal
2018 AMG GTR, 2017 GLS63, 2019 C63s
Keep looking. This car has low production numbers. The good ones are snatched right away. Unless you know the seller personally check for engine and suspension mods. If you find a car that has not been modded or repaired, then pull trigger. Buy third party warranty extension to be safe. Some mods are too harsh for the engine. Once the dealer finds any issues as a result of mods, they document so finding dealer repair history is worth the effort.
Member
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 194
Likes: 27
From: Connecticut
AMG GT
Hey gents,
I'm on the hunt for a GTS, probably a 2016, in the 100k range.
There's a ton of selection on the used market, but something that worries me is that nearly every second car I come across has either some some serious carfax history/activity, an outright lemon branding, or 3-4 owners in what is a ~10k mile car.
This is my first and only Mercedes, let alone an AMG, so I'm pretty excited to pull the trigger - yet, wary.
Can anyone explain why these cars seem to be switching owners so rapidly? I feel strange considering a car with 3 previous owners that only has 10k miles on the clock. How did these 3 owners treat the car?.. Why did all 3 get rid of such a phenomenal car within only 3-4k miles of driving them..? Why are so many titles lemons (at least 3 cars on the first page of cargurus/autotrader), and those that aren't lemons have carfax service histories such as "replaced steering wheel, replaced seat, replaced XXX". Is there a reliability issue to be concern of or look out for?
Thanks for your insights and sorry for the essay. I want to make sure I make the right decision with my first benz and not have a sour taste in my mouth due to poor buyer diligence.
PS: I am coming from a Nissan GTR and Audi R8, if one wishes to make a meaningful comparison from their experience. I have not encountered similar concerns shopping for those cars previously.
I'm on the hunt for a GTS, probably a 2016, in the 100k range.
There's a ton of selection on the used market, but something that worries me is that nearly every second car I come across has either some some serious carfax history/activity, an outright lemon branding, or 3-4 owners in what is a ~10k mile car.
This is my first and only Mercedes, let alone an AMG, so I'm pretty excited to pull the trigger - yet, wary.
Can anyone explain why these cars seem to be switching owners so rapidly? I feel strange considering a car with 3 previous owners that only has 10k miles on the clock. How did these 3 owners treat the car?.. Why did all 3 get rid of such a phenomenal car within only 3-4k miles of driving them..? Why are so many titles lemons (at least 3 cars on the first page of cargurus/autotrader), and those that aren't lemons have carfax service histories such as "replaced steering wheel, replaced seat, replaced XXX". Is there a reliability issue to be concern of or look out for?
Thanks for your insights and sorry for the essay. I want to make sure I make the right decision with my first benz and not have a sour taste in my mouth due to poor buyer diligence.
PS: I am coming from a Nissan GTR and Audi R8, if one wishes to make a meaningful comparison from their experience. I have not encountered similar concerns shopping for those cars previously.
Like some others have stated find a car that is still under MB warranty(CPO) for piece of mind. For me I would def buy a used car from a MB dealer for the warranty protection. I don't know if warranties transfer to non MB dealers or not.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2017
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CLA, R8
Thanks for the insights gents.
I looked at 17 GT versus a 16 GTS, but the power difference, and especially the more aggressive factory tune which results in more pops and exhaust **** (race setting i believe) is definitely a swaying factor.
I looked at 17 GT versus a 16 GTS, but the power difference, and especially the more aggressive factory tune which results in more pops and exhaust **** (race setting i believe) is definitely a swaying factor.
.
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 963
Likes: 58
From: USA
CL63 AMG
'GT does not have race mode (Launch control), and has mechanical LSD instead of electronic so even with tune it's not the same in a lot of ways. Dynamic mounts not even an available option, and the guauges are white (not red or yellow if you care about that). But if you are not tracking then dynamic mounts and launch control may not be an issue
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 26
Likes: 4
From: Long Island,NY
Magno silver amg gt
'GT does not have race mode (Launch control), and has mechanical LSD instead of electronic so even with tune it's not the same in a lot of ways. Dynamic mounts not even an available option, and the guauges are white (not red or yellow if you care about that). But if you are not tracking then dynamic mounts and launch control may not be an issue
Member
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 218
Likes: 95
From: PA
2020 S63 Coupe, 911, BMW 760 2022 SL55 2024 Range Rover
I am looking for one right now as well. I am not worried about by backs, (then again I never care much about warranties), I agree that these cars were not made to be an SL with a fixed roof. I know what this car is (I already have a 430, 4C Evora 400 & a one of a kind 650hp 911), and I have heard a few stories about people who just bought the wrong car and made so much noise the MB did a buyback.
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 1,410
Likes: 233
From: Socal and Norcal
MY17 S63AMG - MBUSA Buyback. MY16 SL63 - Sold MY19 W213 E63s. 2020 W213 E63s Wagon
Remember OP, you tune it, you can pretty much kiss your warranty goodbye. Get a CPO and buy the ELW and check the service history is all you should care about. MBusa is pretty good at getting customers back. Good luck.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 544
Likes: 148
From: South Fl
EQE 350+, EQS 450+, AMG C63
I was in the same boat and after looking at over 20 cars in three months I just purchase a new one. many of the 16 show a lot of wear in the interior due to the fact that this is a hard vehicle to get in and out of. I saw CPO cars that started at $120K for a 16 that was ok but not what i would expect for that kind of money. So take your time. I also think that two factors that cause the multi owner thing are related to the ergos of the car, getting in and out is, lets face it a PIA, case in point at the dealer I purchase my GTS they had just taken in a Green GTR that had 800 plus miles on it on trade. The owner a 60 year old gentlemen could not deal with the in and out of the car, he trade for a AMG S class ... the second I think has to do money. Some folks pulled the trigger and then realized **** I have to pay more for this car than my home... LOL
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 1,410
Likes: 233
From: Socal and Norcal
MY17 S63AMG - MBUSA Buyback. MY16 SL63 - Sold MY19 W213 E63s. 2020 W213 E63s Wagon
Hey gents,
I'm on the hunt for a GTS, probably a 2016, in the 100k range.
There's a ton of selection on the used market, but something that worries me is that nearly every second car I come across has either some some serious carfax history/activity, an outright lemon branding, or 3-4 owners in what is a ~10k mile car.
This is my first and only Mercedes, let alone an AMG, so I'm pretty excited to pull the trigger - yet, wary.
Can anyone explain why these cars seem to be switching owners so rapidly? I feel strange considering a car with 3 previous owners that only has 10k miles on the clock. How did these 3 owners treat the car?.. Why did all 3 get rid of such a phenomenal car within only 3-4k miles of driving them..? Why are so many titles lemons (at least 3 cars on the first page of cargurus/autotrader), and those that aren't lemons have carfax service histories such as "replaced steering wheel, replaced seat, replaced XXX". Is there a reliability issue to be concern of or look out for?
Thanks for your insights and sorry for the essay. I want to make sure I make the right decision with my first benz and not have a sour taste in my mouth due to poor buyer diligence.
PS: I am coming from a Nissan GTR and Audi R8, if one wishes to make a meaningful comparison from their experience. I have not encountered similar concerns shopping for those cars previously.
I'm on the hunt for a GTS, probably a 2016, in the 100k range.
There's a ton of selection on the used market, but something that worries me is that nearly every second car I come across has either some some serious carfax history/activity, an outright lemon branding, or 3-4 owners in what is a ~10k mile car.
This is my first and only Mercedes, let alone an AMG, so I'm pretty excited to pull the trigger - yet, wary.
Can anyone explain why these cars seem to be switching owners so rapidly? I feel strange considering a car with 3 previous owners that only has 10k miles on the clock. How did these 3 owners treat the car?.. Why did all 3 get rid of such a phenomenal car within only 3-4k miles of driving them..? Why are so many titles lemons (at least 3 cars on the first page of cargurus/autotrader), and those that aren't lemons have carfax service histories such as "replaced steering wheel, replaced seat, replaced XXX". Is there a reliability issue to be concern of or look out for?
Thanks for your insights and sorry for the essay. I want to make sure I make the right decision with my first benz and not have a sour taste in my mouth due to poor buyer diligence.
PS: I am coming from a Nissan GTR and Audi R8, if one wishes to make a meaningful comparison from their experience. I have not encountered similar concerns shopping for those cars previously.
https://www.fjmercedes.com/inventory/certified-used-2017-mercedes-benz-amg®-gt-amg®-gt-s-rear-wheel-drive-coupe-wddyj7ja0ha010166
Member
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 194
Likes: 27
From: Connecticut
AMG GT
Not sure where your located, but here is one your might be interested in. Low miles, CCB and one owner car:
https://www.fjmercedes.com/inventory...yj7ja0ha010166
Member
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 218
Likes: 95
From: PA
2020 S63 Coupe, 911, BMW 760 2022 SL55 2024 Range Rover
I am looking at 3 different cars right now, a 17. and to 2016's, one of the 16's is a CPO car. I am close to a deal on the 2017 (I like the color combo and equipment) and I should know hopefully by the end of the day today.
