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On a side note, what percentage of test drives has everyone been able to take on their own? Me? 25% if that. Can you ask to go alone? ha
When I was shopping, I drove seven different makes. The only one that allowed me to drive alone was for a $75,000 Lexus LS. I think mostly it is the sales person wants to be there to convince you to buy the car and "explain" any questions you may have.
When I was shopping, I drove seven different makes. The only one that allowed me to drive alone was for a $75,000 Lexus LS. I think mostly it is the sales person wants to be there to convince you to buy the car and "explain" any questions you may have.
Interesting. I think you're right about the salesperson angle. When my wife is with me, she occupies the salesperson in conversation so I can concentrate. We drove two Honda Accords recently and the guy was with us both times. I thought for sure he'd bail after the first drive and try to work another deal in the interim. He was nice and all but I prefer going it alone.
Hi folks.
I'm close to buying my first MB and I was set on the E350 but it would have to be a 2013 to fit my budget. However, the new C300s are close enough that I might be able to stretch and afford one.
I'd love to hear general reactions as to which car you'd prefer.
If you take some time to read the W205 forum, you would quickly learn about the numerous QC problems that have plagued the Alabama built W205 (C300 & C400). My advice for you would be to steer well clear of a MY2015 C Class.
The W212 has enjoyed a very strong reputation for reliability and QC, especially for 2012+ model years.
If you take some time to read the W205 forum, you would quickly learn about the numerous QC problems that have plagued the Alabama built W205 (C300 & C400). My advice for you would be to steer well clear of a MY2015 C Class.
The W212 has enjoyed a very strong reputation for reliability and QC, especially for 2012+ model years.
Thank you! A lot of times the first year of a redesign has issues so I'm not completely shocked.
The other factor you haven't talked about is size.
How big are you?
How often will you have passengers in the rear seat.
more than anything that may be the differentiator.
I've logged some seat time in the current C while my GL was in service.
It was ok but after an hour i just felt a little cramped.
The E just has that little bit more room.
I'm average in size and build, but I'm leaning heavily to the E350. I've never had a V6 or a car that's as substantial as it. I've had a dozen 4 cylinders and really want the V6 experience. not to mention the C400 is way above my range. Even the 300 is more than I want to spend when I spec it out the way I'd want it.
Another question for the group: If buying a CPO, would/should we still take it to an independent shop for a thorough once-over before buying? For example, I was on a MB lot and looking at several CPOs. While the salesperson was getting the keys, I noticed the front brake rotors and for some reason felt for smoothness. They were wavy and slightly ridged and the ensuing test drive confirmed they needed servicing. Now that one was easy because I saw it and felt it in the ride, but not everything is noticeable like that and maybe getting the car on the lift would be a good idea.
^^^When I bought my E550 CPO they went over rotor/pad thickness on each of the corners. This is part of the CPO inspection/certification.
HOWEVER - Keep in mind that for all Mercedes Benz brakes are a wear and tear item (like tires) not covered by warranty or pre-paid maintenance. You are responsible for them as soon as you buy the car regardless if it's new or CPO. If there is any brake issue get them changed before you buy.
^^^When I bought my E550 CPO they went over rotor/pad thickness on each of the corners. This is part of the CPO inspection/certification.
HOWEVER - Keep in mind that for all Mercedes Benz brakes are a wear and tear item (like tires) not covered by warranty or pre-paid maintenance. You are responsible for them as soon as you buy the car regardless if it's new or CPO. If there is any brake issue get them changed before you buy.
I agree about the wear and tear items. I was thinking in terms of someone finding something wrong before I bought it. I know MB has a great CPO inspection, but just to cover myself, you know?
Yet another question...I'm not against traveling 100+ miles for the right car. Will all the CPO benefits transfer to my local MB dealer?
Not to burst your bubble but the actual inspections usually don't match what is on paper. There's laws that dictate acceptable tire and brake wear but all those "other" points that are supposed to be looked at rarely are. Why should they fix something questionable if there's a good chance it won't cause a problem and if it does within the CPO warranty limits they'll fix it anyway? Yes I'm cynical but I've read numerous posts about problems that "should" have been corrected by a CPO inspection but clearly were not.
That doesn't burst my bubble at all. It sort of confirms my hunch of getting an independent guy who has nothing to gain from me to dig a little deeper.
Yup, the original warranty, CPO warranty, and any pre-paid maintainance (they were giving away 2 years free when I got mine) are good at any US dealer.
There are some minor items (like faded wood trim) that are only covered by the original, but not the CPO.
Looks like the current CPO special on MY12-14 is 2.99% APR and a free 1st months payment. I might wait until August to see if they add any other incentives (free maintenance). Back in November I got 2 years free maintenance and I think there was a month or 2 free payments, but I didn't finance.
Just when I thought I knew I wanted a 350, I saw a gorgeous 2012 E550 fully loaded and started to question the 350. I have not yet driven it, but man is it nice. But I'm wondering if it's too much car for my wife and I and our small Westie. But my God....those specs! Anyone feel like chiming in on this one? haha! Again, thanks for everything. I'm a teacher so I have lots of time lately to play around on message boards!
Yeah 2012 E550 is what I drive and recommend. The twin turbo V8 (M278) engine is a thing of joy - peaceful and serene when you want with the capability to out-run most cars on the road. It's not intimidating at all so your wife would be fine (my senior citizen mother would be fine). Even when flogged the car is very composed and doesn't make a spectacle of it's speed/acceleration. 550s are better equipped and most have options that are quite rare on a 350 like distronic/lighting/leather/ventilated seats/active seat. Only downside is price (although considering a base E350 new was $52000 and a loaded E550 could be over $75000 they are a deal used) and gas consumption although the 2012 E550 4matic is EPA listed at 16/26 compared to a 2010 E350 4matic (pre direct injection) of 17/24 vs. a 2012 E350 4m is 19/29.
And a dyno of a stock M278 (from a CL550 4M, but it's the same) vs a GTR. These engines can be tuned to crazy #s ~540hp/600lb/ft, but I'm not risking my warranty. . .yet.
Just when I thought I knew I wanted a 350, I saw a gorgeous 2012 E550 fully loaded and started to question the 350. I have not yet driven it, but man is it nice. But I'm wondering if it's too much car for my wife and I and our small Westie. But my God....those specs! Anyone feel like chiming in on this one? haha! Again, thanks for everything. I'm a teacher so I have lots of time lately to play around on message boards!
You want the E550 over E350, period! You will save pennies with the E350 as you are buying used. Hands down the E550 is a far better car. Unless you worry about the 2-3 mpg difference between them. But in that case you should not be thinking of either one...
You want the E550 over E350, period! You will save pennies with the E350 as you are buying used. Hands down the E550 is a far better car. Unless you worry about the 2-3 mpg difference between them. But in that case you should not be thinking of either one...
Get the E550 - the E350 is a fine car but the E550 is just divine. Plus on an E550 you are guaranteed to at least have leather (rather than Vinyl) and tons of nice features. You will find that the E550 is such a relaxed drive.
Not to burst your bubble but the actual inspections usually don't match what is on paper. There's laws that dictate acceptable tire and brake wear but all those "other" points that are supposed to be looked at rarely are. Why should they fix something questionable if there's a good chance it won't cause a problem and if it does within the CPO warranty limits they'll fix it anyway? Yes I'm cynical but I've read numerous posts about problems that "should" have been corrected by a CPO inspection but clearly were not.
I believe that is the norm in all "pre inspected cars" at most of the dealerships (MB or otherwise). They will only really look at the part whenever a problem originates. Otherwise everything is supposedly "inspected" on paper. That saves them a lot of labor time, and other goodies. For the dealership ... why waste time and money on something which will be covered anyway. Add me into the cynical camp, but that is the reality.
As long as everyone here promises not to buy this one (haha), this has caught my eye BIG TIME. I live in the Northeast and this car is about 7-8 grand cheaper. Is it because the economy in the South is so different? Any reason I wouldn't buy this one if it's within budget? http://www.jacksonautomotive.com/cer...958ed6b6b9.htm
I believe that is the norm in all "pre inspected cars" at most of the dealerships (MB or otherwise). They will only really look at the part whenever a problem originates. Otherwise everything is supposedly "inspected" on paper. That saves them a lot of labor time, and other goodies. For the dealership ... why waste time and money on something which will be covered anyway. Add me into the cynical camp, but that is the reality.
I agree. And even though they may check things like pad and rotor thickness, that says nothing of their condition as they may have grooves or waves and and independent shop should hopefully notice that. I certainly don't expect that stuff to be covered under warranty, but at the very least it would be a point to bring up during negotiations.
As long as everyone here promises not to buy this one (haha), this has caught my eye BIG TIME. I live in the Northeast and this car is about 7-8 grand cheaper. Is it because the economy in the South is so different? Any reason I wouldn't buy this one if it's within budget? http://www.jacksonautomotive.com/cer...958ed6b6b9.htm
one reason may be the body damage reported on the carfax. Aren't there some others on the mbusa site that are in the $35-40k range for the 2012?
I also was thinking the prior damage might be a factor. I'm not finding much on mbusa in the 35-40k range with sub 30k miles. I'll look again but this one has the P2 package which interests me. As a comparison, this next car located near me in the tri-state area has a few thousand more miles, only the P1 and costs over $5k more which caused me to conclude it was a geographic thing. http://www.mercedes-benz-fort-washin...ake_~Model_/64
As long as everyone here promises not to buy this one (haha), this has caught my eye BIG TIME. I live in the Northeast and this car is about 7-8 grand cheaper. Is it because the economy in the South is so different? Any reason I wouldn't buy this one if it's within budget? http://www.jacksonautomotive.com/cer...958ed6b6b9.htm
Your other example is WAY overpriced. Between the two the southern one is the one to go after. And you can probably get the price down some...
The price in Macon could be because the 350's sell easier than the 550's? Whichever makes you happier is the way to go. Might want to check with your insurance company to find out difference to insure 350 and 550, if it matters.
If you do go South to buy, be prepared for the heat and humidity.
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