I am in the market for a vehicle, I now own a 2004 6spd Acura TL, Love the car but just simply got bored of it, Never had anything done to it besides oil changes. I found a 2003 E500 with 73,500 Miles on the car, the carfax looks clean on the car, this is a private sale, the maintenance only shows up till 44k, then just the emissions testing. The guy said he never had issues with the car, that he only changed the brakes, new tires and earlier on ball joint. Below is what shows on the carfax untill 44,000K. I am just wondering what I should inspect and watch for when test driving the vehicle. I just don't want to buy something that will be in the shop 24/7.
If you guys would stay away from this deal let me know. The body and the interior are mint. But at that millage is there a huge service that has to be done soon? And how is the air suspension on this car.

Thanks Allot. Any Feedback would be appreciated.




09/06/2002 US Customs Vehicle imported to
Baltimore, MD


37,420


Power steering fluid leak checked
Power steering pump replaced
Power steering checked
Rear shock absorbers replaced
Maintenance inspection completed
One wheel replaced
Wheel lug studs replaced
Fuel injection system checked
Engine/powertrain computer/module checked
Fuel system checked
Air flow meter replaced
Engine checked
Front license plate bracket replaced
Ball joint replaced
Lower ball joints replaced
Idler pulley replaced
Computer checked
Electrical system checked 38,500


A/C compressor replaced
A/C compressor repaired
A/C refrigerant recharged 42,062
Transmission checked
Engine/powertrain computer/module reprogrammed
Engine/powertrain computer/module checked
Front turn signal/parking bulb replaced
Electrical system checked
Turn signal(s) repaired
Computer reprogrammed 12/31/2005 43,790 Stabilizer bar links replaced
Maintenance inspection completed
Body electrical system checked
Brake fluid flushed/changed
Manufacturer's recommended maintenance performed
Wheel lug studs replaced

 

Search the forum for SBC failure, Transmission Glycol contamination and front airmatic failure, those are probably the major components that will cost big $$ to replace and 03's are very prone to all of the above, you did not mention the price.

 

13,900

 

As a former '03 owner - *do not* buy any '03 W211.

Newer is definitely better when it comes to W211s. Yes - on paper it's a lot of car for $14K but to be brutally honest if that is your price range IMO you won't be able to afford to keep it running.

 

Keep on walking. Find a newer CPO car with lower mileage and buy an extended Starmark warranty.

 

+1 i've been reading that alot lately here on the forums...

 

Not sure about this one. I have an '03 with 70K miles and the only part that has been replaced is the front right strut assembly. The car you are looking at has a lot of replaced stuff which can be good in a way. Be cautious if it doesn't come with an extended warranty. Of course you can always buy a plan at additional cost.

 

There's been good and there's been bad 03 E500's. Mines is a bad one. I agree with most when you should get one '05+ and spend the extra money on sanity. You'll probably be spending a lot more on keeping it running than you would spend on the extra $$ to get an '05+. He already lied to you that all he did was ball joints. There already looks like there was transmission and suspension problems with the car. I would stay away.

 

WHATEVER you do... buy a car with an extended warrenty! Unless of course you have another $10K laying around for repairs... Starmarked ! it's the only way....

 

fwiw, I'd personally stay away from a 2003 with that kind of miles. Or any miles actually.

What about any service/repair records from the 44k to the current mileage. Does the PO have them?

Whatever car you end up choosing, be certain to spend the money to do a full ppi including paint meter and body check. No matter what Carfax says and where the car comes from.

There are lots of cars to pick from out there and as a buyer you have the upper hand. Try to be patient.