I have decided to try and find a 2018 or 2019 GT C roadster and have been searching all of the usual places (CarFax, Autotrader, FB marketplace, Ebay, Edmunds). In one of my searches, I came across a website, SSLClassifieds.com, which has a number of cars for sale.
HOWEVER, the cars have suspiciously low miles and low process. E.g., there is a 2018 base GT roadster with only 10,000 miles and an asking price of $32k. I also saw a 2018 GT C roadster with < 1,000 miles and an asking prices $10k+ under market (which seems to be ~ $90-100k for most of the dealer-listed cars with 10-30k miles, and $2-5K less for a few with 30k miles and $10-20k more for cars with <10k miles. Just based on my searches over the past week).

With regards to the 2018 with < 1,000 miles, my first thought was "this is too good to be true. It must be a scam." However, I contacted the seller and asked for some additional photos, one of which had the VIN and a ran a Carfax report which CONFIRMS that the car's most recent registration was earlier this year and that the mileage was "645". It shows that the first owner only put 530 miles on it (3 1/2 year lease), 2nd owner only 5 miles, and current owner < 60 miles. That seems inconceivable but it's "CarFax". Of course, he could have gotten those photos from anywhere and it could still be a scam.

Obviously, before sending any money I would have someone go see it in person to make sure it actually exists (it is located far from me but I have friends in the area). I have been back and forth with the seller by email a few times and today he told me he has turned to car over to a broker because he is constantly traveling for work and too busy to deal with the sale. I think that adds some legitimacy, since there is a 3rd party involved and the business records of a broker can be verified. (though not sure why he would have it shipped from LA, where the car was, to Spokane? There must a TON of car brokers in LA?)

Does anyone have any prior experience with SSL Classifieds? Is it really even possible to have a 2018 with < 700 miles after 3 owners? I can't imagine buying that car and not wanting to at least take it out for a test drive? As a friend said, "Those are barely "delivery miles."
On the other hand, I am a "very good person" (we run an exotic animal sanctuary) so perhaps I have earned some "good karma" and this is a Once in a lifetime opportunity? (though I still haven't been able to convince my wife of that!!)

Anyone out there looking to sell your 2018 or 2019 GT C roadster? I also see that the prices of the base GT's and the GTC's are nearly the same ($5-10k difference depending on seller and options) and the base GT's all tend to have MANY more miles (many in the 40-60k range), so it seems that holding out for a < 30k mile GT C makes a lot of sense.

 

Some ads you'll see for a GTC are not actually GTC's, so be aware of that. As to the low mileage, it is not necessarily uncommon. I bought my '19 GTC last year with 1700 miles and I've seen others who have less miles.
Overall, if it seems TOO good to be true, it definitely may be. I do know there is an '18 GTR on the AMG FB group for $115k. Seems to be legit and that is a steal. So good deals are out there. To protect yourself 100% before you pull the trigger, get a PPI. If the owner won't allow it, move on.
Even just mentioning you want one and seeing what the response is may be enough to flush out the bad ones.
Good luck! They're amazing cars!

 

Definitely a scam. The prices are too unrealistic to think anything differently. There’s been plenty of sites like these that are amazingly real looking. This site you mention is new as of 2024. How many people would be listing their rare cars for abnormally low prices in an unproven site? Usually owners of these cars are savvy with their money and are not going to forego 20-40-100 (the sls is at least 100 below market) grand just for a sale. Remember if it sounds too good to be true, it is. Plenty of reliable resources to buy the right car at the right price. If you’re looking for a deal due to price constraints, these cars are not for you. I’m not assuming that’s the case but merely stating the obvious.

good luck in your search.

 

THANKS
yes. searching for cars is definitely a challenge because of that. I've seen many cars listed as " GTR's" which were base GT's. One of the first things I do is look for a photo of the back end. Easiest way to confirm GTC (w/o even looking at the badge). Many sites also don't distinguish between base and C models in their search choices, making it that much harder. Same for some dealers who just list them all as "AMG GT's".

absolutely. asked how close the nearest MB dealership was so I could get a PPI. Also, I would have a "car guy" friend check the car out in person prior to any sale. So far, that has not deterred him. Fingers-crossed. Now that he has turned the car over to a broker, that should be easier, too.

I was super surprised to see TWO cars on SSLCLassifieds.com with both "low miles" and "low price". Again... seems a bit too good to be true (which means it probably is).

I'll certainly report back on my findings.

There are really not that many cars for sale nationwide (compared to 911's, say- which many others have commented on in these fora). My criteria though are narrow (2018/19, GTC. < 30k miles. Ideally, West Coast or SW). I was also surprised by just how many have fairly "awful" interior color combinations there are that rule them right out (for me). Perhaps that's why they are being sold? (I won't risk offending anyone by listing the interior color choices which are a "no go" for me). I will say that I was totally against a "triple black" but am trying to remain open-minded (to me, you lose the contrast of all the counters, as well as any carbon fiber bits). I've seen a few Magnetite cars that are quite stunning, though. One thing I have done, is at least consider ALL exterior colors. I figure that if I can find the "perfect" car in all aspects (interior colors, desired options) except exterior color, it can always get wrapped. (assuming a "good deal" will offset the cost of the wrap). I really love the magno colors, but the consensus here seems to be they really need a somewhat costly Xpel wrap. (which is a whole different discussion)

 

I'd you're open to it, join the AMG GT owners group on FB. People are always posting cars for sale there. The scammers are called out pretty quickly.

As to the magno paint, it is beautiful, but very tricky to own. Can't polish out scratches and hard to match should it need any future paint work. As a hobbyist detailer with more skills than average, I will appreciate them from afar. PPF is your best bet with that paint, that is true.

 

Thanks for the tip. Done. You were right- lots of great posts and info in that FB group.
I also want to say that this MB forum is every bit as good as the Miata.net and SubyMods, which have been great resources to me over the years. New marque, new car but it all feels very familiar, as the discussions are all about such similar issues.

What is really blowing my mind is that I recently sold my 2005 WRX wagon (original owner) that I had highly modified into, basically, an STi wagon. Coilovers, all new suspension bits, up/down pipes and turbo back exhaust, Volks, etc. Plus a custom dyno tune from well-known tuner (Vishnu. Dyno'd on a 100 deg day and still pulled 206HP at wheels, which is not bad for 2.0 L H4 motor and stock turbo/fuel pump).
I still have my very similarly modified Miata (minus forced induction). 2001, original owner (I tend to keep my cars awhile). The GT C will be my "step up" from it.

Really, the idea of moving up to a GTC was so that I had a car that had all the things I was "trying" to achieve with those previous cars but wasn't some Frankenstein of aftermarket parts cobbled together by "me", but a cohesive, high-end package. Now, I see you guys doing all the same mods to your MUCH higher-end (both performance and price point) cars (downpipes, exhaust, lowering springs, etc.) and I'm kinda blown away by it. I mean, how much performance DO you need for a street car? (rhetorical!!! don't answer that)
To be fair, I did track the Suby and AutoX'd the Miata, though don't intend to do either with the GTC. No longer have access to a track and AutoX is too far away. (It's also aweful pavement where they have it and course is too short/small to be any real fun).

Of course, it also makes me appreciate JUST how well the AMG GT's are designed and built. Having modified numerous suspensions and motors, I can see that very little was spared and in the GT base and the GTC is just brilliant. (and GTR, of course).
I really appreciate finding this forum and how great the members are.

Men and boys... the price of their toys, I guess. Well, it's time to be a man (though that Miata is still really fun... but it's one or the other and the GTC is pretty great).

 

Hahahah! I can't think of a "fun" car we haven't modified, even the Porsche's. Gotta make them your own right? I haven't done anything engine--wise to the GTC because I have a Fidelity warranty but I have added springs, wheels, cf aero bits, changed the seatbelt color. It's my favorite car I've ever had (yet!).

AutoX'ing it would be tough, for me at least, given the seating position and visibility. We use MINI's for that. But I do hear they make amazing track cars.

**PS don't forget about us girl's and their toys too 😉

 

PM sent.

 

Ive got a 2018 GTC roadster with approx. 9400 miles. Car is amazing but i like to swap to something different every 2 to 3 years. Would be willing to part with it if the price is right. Let me know if interested.

 

Def request the Technician performing the PPI to check the VIN readout via the OBD/ECU to ensure the ECU VIN readout matches the physical VIN label plates on the car Body, (there may also be a VIN stamped on ?Engine/Trans).
Also request the VMI (Vehicle Master Inquiry) from actual Mercedes Dealership or online resource to determine the unique Engine and Trans Numbers, and ensure these Numbers that I believe may be stamped (instead of the VIN) on the respective components also match the OBD/ECU readout.

Reason: there are VIN-Swapped Stolen vehicles for sale on the market

 

well, the original seller has now stopped responding to emails- even after I said I had "cash in hand and was ready to wire the money" just as soon as someone to see the car at the "broker". I have also called the broker at the number on their website multiple times (during biz hours) and not only have these calls never been answer but the voice mail message is the generic "the person you are calling is unavailable" and not even an outgoing message stating the name of the business you are calling. I called using the spoofed # of the Seattle M-B dealership. (I wanted to see what they would say when I told them I had someone "in Spokane" who wanted to come right over and see the car. I was just ****ing with them and was curious to see how they would handle that as part of their con). They wasted my time.... only fair I waste some of theirs.

 

That you know it’s a scam, you may not want to advertise you have cash in hand. They may have broken into your computer and now will wait for your bank info to be typed in. Don’t leave any messages either because then they have your voice. Scams are very sophisticated and will attack from all available angles. Consider them as Dracula, don’t invite them in and you’ll be fine but if you want to have a conversation and tease them, you may get bit.

 

Just did a cursory visit of SSLClassifieds.com = Total BS Scam

Their BS listing of GT R: https://sslclassifieds.com/listing/2...es-amg-gt-r-3/ for a laughable $46K with 12K Miles,
has photos pilfered directly off this BAT Auction from 1/13/23:
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/20...nz-amg-gtr-28/

Another super sus aspect: no VINs are provided for the vehicles

 

good points. the ONLY info the original guy has from me is my name and contact info (from before I realized what was up and I was trying to reach him).... which is basically "public" these days, anyway. (all he would have to do is Google my name to find that out; whether from my business or my medical practice). I have had zero interactions via the computer (o/t email) so no way to be hacked and have not left any messages for the "broker". Your Dracula comment is well taken, though.
thanks.

I think we are ALL now in agreement that this was clearly a scam (but the car in the photos has to exist SOMEWHERE! I want THAT car!)

 

Yes, indeed. AMG GT x were actually built/assembled 99% by Hand, not just the AMG touted "One Man/Woman, One Engine"






Another lesser known tidbit:

https://mbworld.org/forums/coupe-roa...ml#post8807770




Best of luck on your search for the 'perfect' AMG GT x for you!

 

Error

 

I have the Grey magno paint. I get a ton of compliments on it. I've probably owned 50 plus cars in my life. This was my first matte paint. And it's probably been my favorite paint. What I didn't realize about it, until I had it, was how it actually shows no swirl marks and hides dirt much better. I clean it with matte paint cleaner that gives it a bit of gloss look. Makes it really pop. The only downside I have experience, after 3 years of ownership, is the repaint aspect. I did hit something on the freeway that scratched my front lower grille. I haven't got a quote to repaint it yet but been told it's a pretty penny. And some body shops I called won't do it.

 

Not sure if someone already mentioned this but a lot of low vehicle prices are because they are salvaged titles. Sellers don't disclose it or are very sketchy about mentioning it in their listings.