Selling an ML to Carmax - how can you remove rust from the black side steps?
08-21-2004, 06:05 PM
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Mercedes E320
Selling an ML to Carmax - how can you remove rust from the black side steps?
Hi,
I have a 1999 ML320 with the black side steps, and I am now starting to see orange rust in a few sections.
I kind of have a multi-part question because I am planning to sell the ML - possibly to my local CarMax (the local ML dealership quoted by $12K for it).
1. Is the best way of "fixing" the problem to use some fine sandpaper on the problem areas, and then spray painting it? If so, can someone recommend the proper spray paint to use?
2. If I want the "cheapest" route, can I just spray paint the orange areas, wait for it to dry, and take it to CarMax? Are those guys well-trained enough to notice something like that (I have 1-2 problem areas on the back portion of the sidesteps - maybe about the size of a dollar bill).
3. I am assuming the worst thing to do would be for me to have the rust professionally removed because I won't recoup the cost, right?
4. If this is a 1999 ML320 with about 70K in miles, with a mild dent on the front fender (and the aforementioned rust), is $12K a fair offer? I am assuming I can get more from CarMax.
Thanks. And I am a bit pressed for time, so I don't have the luxury of going the private sale route.
I have a 1999 ML320 with the black side steps, and I am now starting to see orange rust in a few sections.
I kind of have a multi-part question because I am planning to sell the ML - possibly to my local CarMax (the local ML dealership quoted by $12K for it).
1. Is the best way of "fixing" the problem to use some fine sandpaper on the problem areas, and then spray painting it? If so, can someone recommend the proper spray paint to use?
2. If I want the "cheapest" route, can I just spray paint the orange areas, wait for it to dry, and take it to CarMax? Are those guys well-trained enough to notice something like that (I have 1-2 problem areas on the back portion of the sidesteps - maybe about the size of a dollar bill).
3. I am assuming the worst thing to do would be for me to have the rust professionally removed because I won't recoup the cost, right?
4. If this is a 1999 ML320 with about 70K in miles, with a mild dent on the front fender (and the aforementioned rust), is $12K a fair offer? I am assuming I can get more from CarMax.
Thanks. And I am a bit pressed for time, so I don't have the luxury of going the private sale route.
08-21-2004, 08:15 PM
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a car that can't do the throttle reset.
12k!!! you should grab the money and run... thats a great deal.
post a pic of the rust... i can get a better idea of how bad it is... DONT SPRAY IT.
what or who is carmax?
post a pic of the rust... i can get a better idea of how bad it is... DONT SPRAY IT.
what or who is carmax?
08-22-2004, 09:39 AM
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Carmax is a chain that buys/sells used cars. I guess they're not in every state, but they offer a hassle-free alternative to going to a dealer/individual.
I sold a car to them once and got a great price. I don't think their estimators are that shrewd, which is what's appealing about them.
Any other thoughts?
I sold a car to them once and got a great price. I don't think their estimators are that shrewd, which is what's appealing about them.
Any other thoughts?
08-22-2004, 09:46 AM
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2014 RX 350 F Sport, 2007 Scion tC, 2000 ML 430 Money Pit Finally Gone! Oh Happy Day!
Originally Posted by ahopeter
12k!!! you should grab the money and run... thats a great deal.
post a pic of the rust... i can get a better idea of how bad it is... DONT SPRAY IT.
what or who is carmax?
post a pic of the rust... i can get a better idea of how bad it is... DONT SPRAY IT.
what or who is carmax?
08-22-2004, 12:09 PM
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a car that can't do the throttle reset.
Originally Posted by azinn
FYI - http://www.carmax.com/
08-22-2004, 02:11 PM
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Sure. My advice is to take that junk off and throw it away. It won't get you a dime for resale. It can only hurt value by looking bad, accessories rarely ever add value to a used car.
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08-22-2004, 02:40 PM
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Really? These were the factory installed side steps that originally came with the ML.
I realize that the rust looks bad. But do you really think I'd get more if I removed the steps myself?
Hmm.
I realize that the rust looks bad. But do you really think I'd get more if I removed the steps myself?
Hmm.
