Help needed. Some of you may recall my previous thread on whether to purchase a 2003 or 2004 model. After taking the advice of people on this forum, I opted for the 2004. Well, I've found a 2004 E320 with the following options:

322 appearance package
320 entertainment package
solar panel
navigation
panorama roof
19,000 miles

The price I've negotiated is $42,500 (certified pre-owned). Any thoughts on the price? It seems fair based on my research. Thank you very much in advance.

 

I actually posted on your previous thread. The options and packages that you are listing sounds like the car is pretty loaded. Just remember that this 2004 will soon be a two year old car. Have you considered waiting just a couple of more months and purchase a 2005, when the 2006 are being mass sold. I wouldnt doubt that you could find a 2005 for in and around the same price as your current find by the next 2 or 3 months.

 

Thank you. I hadn't really thought of doing that. My thought is that if I find a 2005 with similar options and miles, I'll still pay 3-4K more than this.

 

I picked up an '05 E320 4matic w/ entertainment and sunroof package for $45K.

 

Really? That's great. How many miles did it have? I imagine with the appearance package, the price would have been at least $2K more. What color also? I'm looking at a Tectite Gray exterior with Charcoal interior.

 

Your price is good from what I can tell... it's quite loaded.

 

I think that's pretty optimistic on a used car. Take a look at Kelley's BB or NADA. I don't think this qualifies for any additional money.

A lot of options, like custom wheels, are a matter of personal taste and probably don't contribute to resale value.

 

Wrong. Aftermarket modifications fall into the category of personal taste and do not usually affect resale value. The appearance package, however, is an option that will affect resale. Kelley Blue Book and a look at the pre owned inventory on mbusa.com confirm that it increases the price by at least 2K over a car without it (assuming the car without it doesn't have any of the stand alone options that comprise it).

 

Having sold cars before, I can concur that after market anything (if it's OEM) can add value... it's the non-OEM stuff (rims, tint, stereo, etc..) that is actually a big minus in the real world of trade-ins.

 

It was a demo with 500 miles (never titled). It's Brilliant Silver with Black interior.

 

Sounds nice. From what I've seen, that seems like a very good price.

 

Phew. Thanks.