Buying Advice on 2009 E-350 4Matic
 

I am currently driving an 09 Honda Accord EX-L and have started to look for a higher quality, "cruise" car, and the E-350 seems to fit the bill. I have found a 2009 E-350 4Matic with the AMG sports package (wheels & body kit) for $39k. This particular car is very clean, however it has 39k miles on it. Seems like a lot of miles on a vehicle priced at $39k, but that is coming from the prospective of one who typically buys new. Spending $60k for a new E-350 is off the table for now.

The car is certified pre-owned with approximately 2-years remaining on warranty. I can extend this warranty to 3-years for 1500 and 4-years for 2500. What are your thoughts on extended warranties from MB? Worth the investment?

Also, there appears to be a lot of talk about a "lurching" problem on the 08s... that seem involve a replacement of the transfer case, and in some cases the entire transmission. What known issues exist in this particular car (2009 E-350 4Matic)? Anyone report the "lurching" problem in the 2009?

And lastly... a car with 39k miles for $39k. What is a reasonable price for a vehicle that has been driven somewhat heavy, given how easy it is to find a car with half the miles near the same price point (maybe a 2008, rather than 2009)? I am about to come to the table with an offer of $36k, even though KBB tells me the car is worth more... simply because of the miles. An alternative, I thought, was to ask for the inclusion of an extended warranty service for 2 additional years. This also gives rise to another question... on average, how many miles can I expect the car to last for? Anyone have a 2003-2009 with more than 150k miles? Perhaps over 200k?

To get help, give us more details on that car.

Does the car have P1 package or P2 (keyless go, xenon lights), Panorama roof? What color is it? Expect to pay more for black, silver and white cars (above is in no particular order).

In general (there can always be exceptions), 2009 cars are the most reliable of W211 series.

Here is more info on the car: http://www.newcountrymercedes.com/ce...e4be02eef8.htm

It's black and appears to have the P1 package.

Yes P1 and no Pano roof. Basically a "base" and not very desirably equiped car. Well your game plan appears good - start at $36K (point to them its a "base" car), and see what happens. Based on options, original MSRP was around $57K. As a comparison, I bought a brand new "leftover" 2010 W212 model last December for $45K. Similarly equiped as this one, so if they insist on their price, for about 11% more, you can have a brand new 2011 car.

Yes, a base model. It has the AMG wheels and body kit... What do you get with the P2? How many different packages are there? Wow, you got a great deal on that 2010. What type of incentives got you down to that price? Is there a better time of year to purchase?

P2 = Xenon headlights, you know, the blue ones... (with lights that turn when you do) and Keyless go (you put the key in your pocket and the doors unlock automatically when you open the door and has a start button on the shifter)

A P2 package is a MUST for a 35K+ E class imo! :y
It will be beneficial and more desirable if you want to unload it later on.

You might want to expand your search. Your area might have a limited inventory of these cars which would drive the price up. Look in the Boston area. You can find better priced cars with less mileage too. I use cars.com to search for cars.