Should I buy it??

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Aug 31, 2008 | 08:50 AM

94E420

Thread Starter

Member

Joined: Apr 2003

Posts: 89

Likes: 1

From: California

2006 SL500

Should I buy it??

My local MB dealer has a 2004 E320 with 34,000 miles on it. It comes with a MB Certified used car program that lasts through August 2010. They are asking 21,000. Is it worth it? Is the certified program any good? The car is black on black. Was traded in for a 2008.

Any major issues with this year? Any and all comments/advise welcome.

Thanks!!

Aug 31, 2008 | 10:23 AM

enr1co

Junior Member

Joined: May 2008

Posts: 71

Likes: 0

From: Northern CA, SF East Bay

E320

Quote:

Originally Posted by 94E420

$21K for the CPO and mileage feature sounds like a reasonable starting point.

Do they highlight any major "options" or "packages" on it on it?
Request from the dealer the Vehicle Master Inquiry ("VMI") which would is the spec data sheet on the car and its history. If this dealer CPO'd it they should
have a copy and have no reservation on providing this.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 94E420

Any major issues with this year?

There are a number of threads regarding concerns with the various years
of production. Not to blow you off on this question but the "search the
forum" feature would be handy to start your info quest. You can likely
start with searches under "SBC braking" or "airmatic"

Dont feel rushed into any decision although Im sure a CPO black car with only 34K miles must still look extremely clean, attractive and sexy.

There are tons of deals on W211 E Series lease returns, CPO's, low finance rate incentives, etc., that are out there to be had.

Sep 1, 2008 | 03:27 AM

Polar Bear

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Joined: Nov 2004

Posts: 1,691

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W221 S600, W220 S55 AMG Kompressor, W124 300E, W140 S320, W210 E3204M W164 ML320 Bluetec

Quote:

Originally Posted by 94E420

That honestly sounds like a fair price assuming the car is not stripped with no options.

Sep 1, 2008 | 08:35 AM

a.brewer

Junior Member

Joined: Aug 2002

Posts: 59

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At a minimum you need to jot down the VIN and run a CARFAX (though the VMI is a better tool to assess the mechanics)

Frankly, as to price, there are cars two years younger out there at the 21K mark right now (though usually private sellers or non-MB lots, and no CPO/financing etc)

I am concerned about the warranty, as the CPO (in my understanding) doesn't extend beyond six years of age on the chassis and you are v. v. close with an '04; nor does the special 1.9 % percent financing extend earlier than '05 (and '06)

Be patient, take a good look at the (buyers') market out there, and don't get caught up in the emotions: after all, a car is simply a commodity to be bought and sold

Theoretically

Sep 1, 2008 | 08:43 AM

baxterdown

Senior Member

Joined: Jul 2007

Posts: 314

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From: Ft. Lauderdale, FL

1972 280SE 4.5

Auction price for a 2004 E320 right now is around $17,500 to $20,500 with an average 50k to 25K miles. I would venture to say the dealer paid somewhere around $18,000 for the car. So, like the others have said, $21,000 is definitely a reasonable asking price.

Don't forget you have room for negotiating!

Jose

Sep 1, 2008 | 11:25 AM

enr1co

Junior Member

Joined: May 2008

Posts: 71

Likes: 0

From: Northern CA, SF East Bay

E320

Quote:

Originally Posted by a.brewer

I am concerned about the warranty, as the CPO (in my understanding) doesn't extend beyond six years of age on the chassis and you are v. v. close with an '04; nor does the special 1.9 % percent financing extend earlier than '05 (and '06)

The CPO warranty that is sold with car from MBz dealer is a period of one year tacked on to date from where the std original 48 month warranty period of the car ends (or when sold by the current MBz dealer), with the milage warranty extended from 50k to 100K miles.

For example, with a 2004 E series having only 34K miles, its original 48 month
warranty would end, lets say DEC 2008. Subsequent to this date, the CPO warranty now kicks in to cover you through DEC 2009.

At time of purchase of the CPO vehicle, MBz will then offer you the option to "purchase" an extension of warranty time of 1 or 2 years to cover you beyond the DEC 2009 date, i.e through DEC 2011. Go figure-unless you drive extensively and plan on driving the car 50-60K miles to coincide with the DEC 2009 date, the logic would be to opt for that addtional two years to coincide with an yearly average milage accumulation of ~15-18K mi per year.

Quote:

Originally Posted by a.brewer

Be patient, take a good look at the (buyers') market out there, and don't get caught up in the emotions: after all, a car is simply a commodity to be bought and sold

Theoretically

+1 - Dont make the same mistake I made by getting seduced by the car and not fully understanding this or asking the right questions until AFTER the final sales price was negotiated

Have this negotiatied in to your price instead if it being a "post sale" item
that is presented at time when you are in the finance office with pricing contract already signed