intrinsico

Hello hello

Still looking for a 2003 E320 (had my eyes on one that sold before I could put a deposit on it) and I found this deal on an E500. Let me know what you guys think:
- 2003 E500, peweter metallic (any strong feelings about this? I am more of a black/gray kinda person but at least it's not gold)
- 50K miles (ouch) but has a one year (might be able to negotiate two) certified pre-owned MB warranty up to 100K miles (how do folks feel about such high mileage?)
- CD changer
- dynamic drive seats
- sunroof
- they are asking $37,900 but maybe I can get it for $37K

I realize this is not my ideal car (I want a lower mileage E320 in the same price range) but I am not totally rejecting it. Should I be VERY concerned with the mileage, how good is the MB pre-owned warranty? Also, is it a good deal overall?

Looking to drive down there in a few days, any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks guys,
Sergiu

DWP

Where are you located?

intrinsico

Not too many W211s (for reasonable amounts) around here....

ATS

50,000 for one model year is alot.

intrinsico

With the mileage comment. However, would you completely stay away from it?

moa4r

imo the most important thing is the cars condition; a well kept 50K car can look and drive better than a 15K mile car that was abused; warranty is a big thing; honestly, if its clean and you dont mind the mileage, by all means go for it; 37K for an e500 is great!!

moa4r

look @ this one:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...492988733&rd=1

paulhu

50,000 is really high miles. Offer $36k to start, it never hurts. Then get extended warranty.

Brian_I.

This is exactly what I would do:

Negotiate them into giving me two years of coverage (up to 100K of course).
Lighting package a must (not sure if this is standard on the 500)
Pewter isn't my color of choice but since the price is right and then with everything else in place I wouldn't turn it down.

I'm not scared of getting into a high mileage car if it's a good price and there's a warranty. I would prefer a minimum of 3 years but that's something you could always buy later (I think).

Make sure that you aren't compromising on too many things though. You mentioned pewter isn't your first color of choice and the mileage is higher than you were hoping to find but if everything else fits then go for it.

BudC

Pay $20 and do a Car Fax on it. You may be surprised to find out it's history.

Personally, I wouldn't touch that car. Way too many miles. Pay more up front and drive the car longer.

I'd rather have a car that's been treated with TLC w/o a warranty than one that's been abused and had an extended warranty.

Most of all...be patient!

intrinsico

First of all, thanks for all the replies - very helpful.

Now, the dealer selling the car (Viti Mercedes) is a licensed MB dealer so they would have a CarFax on the car, they certified it etc - I don't think they would try to pull a fast one but you never know.

It seems like there are a lot more W211s in Texas and on the west coast, any idea why? And there are more and more available on cars.com and autotrader.com - is this because two-year leases are up right about now?

I think I'm going to offer $36k and ask for two years of extended warranty. Any ideas if licensed MB dealerships can just give away warranties or does it cost them too? If so, what is the wholesale rate - anyone know? I know that "retail" is $1850 for a year and $2600 for 2 years (on top of the year they already gave the car), at least at this dealership.

Thanks again,
Sergiu

BMcD-E500

Just remember - your best bargaining chip is to get up and head for the door. They know that once you leave the deal is likely over. If you want a pewter/charcoal E500 maintained by a fanatic, PM me.


Good luck!!

Bruce

moa4r

of course the warranty is going to cost them, but nowhere near retail or whatever they tell you it costs (and btw, I would expect any and all dealers to "try to pull a fast one", especially on a used car, so definately do your hw on that car before even making them an offer) GL

BudC

I just did what you could have done. I went to Viti's web site and looked at the CarFax for that car. It was originally sold for Personal Use (good) on 11/8/2002. That's an early E211 which were troublesome. However, the dealer could have fixed most of the problems.

There have been no accidents and it shows the car has been serviced by Viti. I'd guess that the car was owned by a salesman.

In any case, the history of the car is much better than most cars that are being sold by Mercedes dealers. The only negative is the high mileage.

The price is VERY low even for that mileage.

Good Luck

intrinsico

BudC, thanks so much man. Is it possible to email me the CarFax at svlad@intrinsico.com?

Will bring the girlfriend to the dealer as well, she's the master of looking pretty and asking innocent questions, then "advising" on a low low price and making sure it's clear that if she doesn't agree I won't do it either. Of course, all you machos out there know what the realty is... Just kidding, I am so whipped...

S

BudC

I just e-mailed you. If you have any questions, e-mail me back.

Bud

Barry45RPM

Generally speaking, the 1st price a dealer asks for the extended warranty is twice what he pays for it to MBUSA, so it is negotiable.