Pilk

Hey Guys...my brother in law is the controller at the local Benz dealer. Son is looking for a car. They have a 2002 E320 with 136K...local buy and trade-in. Mostly hiway but who really knows. $6500 otd.

Runs like a top and is in great looking condition w/new tires. Noticed a few quirks like radio volume issues...a few other little interior things. Rock chips on the hood, fogged headlight housings. No leaks, etc.

Question...is there anything I should look for before he buys? Is this a decent price with those miles? Hopefully the board is active enough for a response...looking to buy tomorrow. Thanks guys.

RichardM98

Dealers generally inspect the cars they put on the lot pretty carefully. But...

1) Is there any warranty?

2) Mileage is a little high for that MY. But if the car was well cared for to the factory service schedule it's not a cause for concern. However, you will usually pay a premium at the dealer as opposed to a private party sale.

3) Headlights can be polished out for near new look.

Don't forget after sale maintenance costs. An 9 year old MB costs considerably less than it did new but maintenance and repairs will actually be a little higher than when new. If the work is done by a dealer then operating costs will be high as on any luxury car. A good independent MB mechanic can save you money and being a DIY can make it very reasonable.

frlac40

buy buy you have a good deal. I will pay that much for it. Good car and ride

Hirnbeiss

Haggle. nitpick and complain about the miles to knock another $1 k off.

Pilk

Its already an inside deal. I get the employee deal...$300 over cost + docking fee. I get to see the buy sheet and cost sheet so I don't hassle them about price. I'm either in or out. Wish the miles were lower but I've been fooled by low mile cars before...like the 80K Subaru that we just sold that was one thing after another. Hoping to find a hassle free car without breaking the boys bank account. Going to do a final look today. THanks for the replies.

ohlord

he is not going to swing a wrench take a pass on the E320
They are great cars and easy to work on,however if you don't know or don't care to learn diy items and repairs it will break his piggy bank.
Simple maintenance items and repairs that we do for 300 bucks a year can run you thousands of dollars at a shop.
Caveat Emptor
The dealer won't sell that car with those miles on their lot.
So it will go to auction and some used car dealer will get it for less than $6500
offer $5500. They would be wise to take it...

GRINGO Z

Ive worked in dealer wholesale before, Like OHLORD said, offer less, just cause they gave 6500 in trade doesnt mean they wont take less...

Pilk

Hmmm...never thought about that...I know they're holding off on a wholesaler that wants it if we pass on it. Maybe they can sweeten the pot some. He's got the car for a couple days to see if he really likes it. I guess the original owner maintained the hell out of the car...every suggestion Benz made...she did. We're looking at all the records on the car and she was a fanatic so maybe its got some legs left.

ejsheltra

I had an e class that went to 242K miles with good maintenance before being rear ended at a stop light and totaled. It was 17 years old at that point. They are good value cars and safe to drive if safety is an important issue. Learning DIY things is very cost effective as has been said here and it also builds good self esteem and teaches the value of things to someone younger. As others have said offer what you believe to be a fair price that you are willing to pay not what the dealer tells you he needs. Cash does talk and be prepared with a cash in hand offer when you go to present your offer. Don't do it over the phone. Go cash in hand at 5500 to the dealer and propose the deal right then and there. The head light issue can be cleaned up by you for under 30$ with a variable speed power drill and a plastic headlight cleaning kit from your auto parts store. It is very easy to do and your son will take pride in fixing something on his new ride in the process. All positives here. Stay in touch with this forum for issues that may arise. Ask here first and we will all help you. Best wishes.
Eric

Pilk

Thanks for all the comments guys. Looks like he's going to pull the trigger. Dealer gave us the car for the weekend and he is 'in'.

01BlackE320

Most times I've purchased a new car and gave in a trade, the dealer would do the paper work at a higher purchase price and higher trade in price. My net price was the same but they apparently wanted it to look like they paid more on the trade in. I doubt they really gave a buyer 6500 on that trade in. I'd still offer 5500, you have nothing to lose.