Considering accident damaged E320 coupe...
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Joined: Nov 2002
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Considering accident damaged E320 coupe...
I've been looking for a W124 coupe, and I recently drove one that was low mileage, drove well, looked well taken care of, and is being sold by a well-known and reputable independent dealer specializing in high-end European cars.
Turns out that its passed into the hands of at least one not very good driver, because in the span of a year (1999-2000) CARFAX pulled up two accidents, one that from the infor CARFAX gave looks like a failure to yield turning left and the other a following too closely. Damage on the former was reported as "extensive", the latter "moderate".
However, the asking price is in line with what Edmunds says an unmolested coupe at a dealer should cost.
Against my better judgment, I'm still interested in the car. What's a fair amount to offer for well-repaired but tarnished 1995 E320 coupe with 75k miles?
Turns out that its passed into the hands of at least one not very good driver, because in the span of a year (1999-2000) CARFAX pulled up two accidents, one that from the infor CARFAX gave looks like a failure to yield turning left and the other a following too closely. Damage on the former was reported as "extensive", the latter "moderate".
However, the asking price is in line with what Edmunds says an unmolested coupe at a dealer should cost.
Against my better judgment, I'm still interested in the car. What's a fair amount to offer for well-repaired but tarnished 1995 E320 coupe with 75k miles?
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 977
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From: San Jose
300TE / 300E / 300CE
There's a '95 Coupe listed for $15.5k in SF Bay Area. http://www.craigslist.org/sfc/car/24136694.html I've seen 4 doors go for that much so it's probably a good deal.
If the car had major damage make sure it was properly repaired by a reputable shop and it should also have a thorough warranty in case you later find chassis alignment problems, rust, or the paint deteriorating. If you're buying the car for the long term and want to save money, the damage shouldn't matter. If you plan to sell the car later, many buyers usually stay away from damaged cars.
You may want to find out any other negligence from the prevous owners like little maintanence or driving habits that stressed the suspension or brakes.
If the car had major damage make sure it was properly repaired by a reputable shop and it should also have a thorough warranty in case you later find chassis alignment problems, rust, or the paint deteriorating. If you're buying the car for the long term and want to save money, the damage shouldn't matter. If you plan to sell the car later, many buyers usually stay away from damaged cars.
You may want to find out any other negligence from the prevous owners like little maintanence or driving habits that stressed the suspension or brakes.
Member
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 182
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From: nyc
2004 e320
put it like this. carfax is kind of hinkey to begin with, not much history makes it on the report. if the car has had two accidents involving police reports that indicate moderate and extensive damage i would run like hell from that car!! get away as far as possible and forget it.
