Question for R-Class Owners
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Question for R-Class Owners
Hi everyone, I'm in a bit of a unique situation and I'm wondering if you can help me with my decision. I have the opportunity to buy a 2006 R350 with 49k miles on it for $15,000 from a friend. It's got the airmatic suspension, the rear entertainment screens, panoramic sunroof and the dvd nav. He paid 60k for it, but apparently upon buying his new car that's all they offered him on the trade, so he kept it. Great price, but there's no warranty on it.
I checked on Consumer Reports and the R-Class made it to their "worst of the worst" list for used cars, saying that basically everything is going to fail and cost a fortune. To be honest I was not in the market for this car, I was actually looking at used A4 wagons when this deal came up, so I don't know really anything about them.
How are your experiences with reliability? Would you keep your car if it had no warranty?
I checked on Consumer Reports and the R-Class made it to their "worst of the worst" list for used cars, saying that basically everything is going to fail and cost a fortune. To be honest I was not in the market for this car, I was actually looking at used A4 wagons when this deal came up, so I don't know really anything about them.
How are your experiences with reliability? Would you keep your car if it had no warranty?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,265
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From: Nashua, NH
2008 VW GTI
Looks like you'd be getting a $5000-$10000 discount from what you'd pay on the open market. $5k-$10k buys a few repairs if case something major comes up. On that particular car, I'd be worried about the air suspension. Again, the discount you're getting would probably cover a complete failure.
If you like the car, and it is in good overall condition, I say go for it. If you don't end up liking the car, you can probably turn around and sell it for more than what you paid if it's in good shape and you can stand waiting a few weeks.
If you don't have the stomach for a little bit of risk, get something with a warranty. If you can't afford to fix the car you drive, drive something cheaper.
My wife has an '06 with no warranty. I "ain't scared".
If you like the car, and it is in good overall condition, I say go for it. If you don't end up liking the car, you can probably turn around and sell it for more than what you paid if it's in good shape and you can stand waiting a few weeks.
If you don't have the stomach for a little bit of risk, get something with a warranty. If you can't afford to fix the car you drive, drive something cheaper.
My wife has an '06 with no warranty. I "ain't scared".
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: Blasting off!
CLS63 Designo Edition, Hyundai Genesis 3.8 , Veloster Turbo, CLS500(Sold), E320 (SMOKED) R500 (Sold)
I have a 2006 R500, no issues except a Airmatic pump replaced under warranty. Otherwise, the car has been great.
Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 117
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From: North Scottsdale
2008 E63, 2010 SRX Turbo, 2010 Escalade EXT
Was the car problematic for your "friend"? If not, and if it's good shape cosmetically and was serviced properly, I'd say go for it, but know you might have to tap into your $10,000 market savings at some point in the future.
You can also invest $250 +/- in a "buyers inspection" at your local MB dealership. Not all dealers will perform it but keep trying other dealers or maybe even independents. That's real cheap insurance.
You can also invest $250 +/- in a "buyers inspection" at your local MB dealership. Not all dealers will perform it but keep trying other dealers or maybe even independents. That's real cheap insurance.
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Joined: Nov 2006
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From: california
X166, 997
Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 124
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From: Woodbridge, VA
2007 R-500
Got Extended Warranty on mine
I recently purchased an extended warranty for around $4k for my 07 R500. It is wearing ~60,000 miles since we bought it 3 years ago. I haven't had any major problems in that period of time.
If I were in your situation, I would make the purchase and get an extended warranty. You'll have a better sense of confidence knowing that any major repair will only cost you your deductible. I'm paying for my warranty on time with a very small "convenience fee" that I paid up front. The payments will be completed before the warranty expires. I got mine through carchex.com.
JR
If I were in your situation, I would make the purchase and get an extended warranty. You'll have a better sense of confidence knowing that any major repair will only cost you your deductible. I'm paying for my warranty on time with a very small "convenience fee" that I paid up front. The payments will be completed before the warranty expires. I got mine through carchex.com.
JR
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 556
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2011 C300 4matic, 2015 Porsche Macan S, 2006 R500 (sold)
Hi everyone, I'm in a bit of a unique situation and I'm wondering if you can help me with my decision. I have the opportunity to buy a 2006 R350 with 49k miles on it for $15,000 from a friend. It's got the airmatic suspension, the rear entertainment screens, panoramic sunroof and the dvd nav. He paid 60k for it, but apparently upon buying his new car that's all they offered him on the trade, so he kept it. Great price, but there's no warranty on it.
I checked on Consumer Reports and the R-Class made it to their "worst of the worst" list for used cars, saying that basically everything is going to fail and cost a fortune. To be honest I was not in the market for this car, I was actually looking at used A4 wagons when this deal came up, so I don't know really anything about them.
How are your experiences with reliability? Would you keep your car if it had no warranty?
I checked on Consumer Reports and the R-Class made it to their "worst of the worst" list for used cars, saying that basically everything is going to fail and cost a fortune. To be honest I was not in the market for this car, I was actually looking at used A4 wagons when this deal came up, so I don't know really anything about them.
How are your experiences with reliability? Would you keep your car if it had no warranty?
I own a fully loaded R500 for over 2 years now and it still has not given me any major problem (touch wood). I have a 5 years extended warranty (4 more years to go) and I would definitely not owned a R-class if I don't have warranty. R is pretty reliable but the problems can be $$$$ to fix.
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Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 279
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From: Western Canada
S320 GL350
Don't be scared of Consumer Reports - They're splitting hairs and don't understand the vehicle as well as we do. I would buy it in a heartbeat. The real question is what other junk can you buy for same money? No contest.
You won't regret this unique vehicle.
You won't regret this unique vehicle.
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Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 160
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2011 R350 BlueTec
I have 70,000 miles on mine and absolutely no issues.
$15,000 is a great price. If the car has been okay, I wouldn't be afraid.
These cars are awesome - you will not realize it until you drive it for a bit.
$15,000 is a great price. If the car has been okay, I wouldn't be afraid.
These cars are awesome - you will not realize it until you drive it for a bit.
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
2008 R350
Thanks for field report...I just purchased one for my wife with 28k miles and hope to keep it for many years to come.
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
R350
I just bought a 2007 R350 Certified Pre-owned with 47,000 miles on it from the dealer. It is still under warranty and they gave me another year of extended warranty. Reading this thread makes me feel confident on my new investment.
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 556
Likes: 4
2011 C300 4matic, 2015 Porsche Macan S, 2006 R500 (sold)
I am taking my R to the dealer tomorrow to fix the Air Conditioning and Side Mirror problem. It is going to be $$$$$$ but should be covered by my extended warranty policy. Let's see.
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 4
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R350
One year extended warranty is not enough. I would definitely get more while you can (before the original factory warranty expires).
I am taking my R to the dealer tomorrow to fix the Air Conditioning and Side Mirror problem. It is going to be $$$$$$ but should be covered by my extended warranty policy. Let's see.
I am taking my R to the dealer tomorrow to fix the Air Conditioning and Side Mirror problem. It is going to be $$$$$$ but should be covered by my extended warranty policy. Let's see.
I also found a chip on my windshield and will ask my sales guy if this is still covered.
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 556
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2011 C300 4matic, 2015 Porsche Macan S, 2006 R500 (sold)
Noted with thanks supernsx! I'm taking mine it for a detail (purchased appearance protection) and to fix the right marker lights. Since I bought the car as a certified pre-owned last week it should not cost me anything... right?
I also found a chip on my windshield and will ask my sales guy if this is still covered.
I also found a chip on my windshield and will ask my sales guy if this is still covered.
Btw, I just found out Chysler no longer sell Extended Warranty for Mercedes. I had filed one claim with Chrylser and the experience was great. Sad that I cannot buy another extended warranty from Chrysler for my C300.
Last edited by supernsx; Aug 2, 2010 at 11:44 PM.
Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 122
Likes: 3
From: Chicago
2006 R350
I have a 2006 R350. I have talked to MB and asked them if the wiring harness has the fog light wiring in place even if they weren't ordered on the car? Their answer was yes. But MB dealer said I could not add the MB fog lights myself because the computor would not recongize them being installed unless i brought it to them. Has anyone out there installed the fog lights themselves, and they work?
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
From: Chandler, AZ
06 R500 / 03 CLK430 Conv
I have a 2006 R350. I have talked to MB and asked them if the wiring harness has the fog light wiring in place even if they weren't ordered on the car? Their answer was yes. But MB dealer said I could not add the MB fog lights myself because the computor would not recongize them being installed unless i brought it to them. Has anyone out there installed the fog lights themselves, and they work?
So, you most likely need, fog lights, computer programming and new switch for best results.
I never bothered connecting them up as I've never used them on cars that already had them, but I thought the front bumper looked a bit sorry without them.
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
R350
Buy it! I just purchased an '06 - R350 and extremely happy after doing a lot of research of my own. I can tell you a lot about the reviews in CR mags. As an audiophile (as well) - they give high marks to makes and models that (in our world) - don't even show up on the radar! The same people that test washing machines - give you a report on a hi-fi product and a high end automobile?? Give me a break!
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 279
Likes: 13
From: Western Canada
S320 GL350
Shobbs666 - This is the wrong thread - but yes you have to take it to the dealer to tell teh computer it now has fog lights - I did mine and they work fine. Just that the headlite switch is expensive inside the car. Search for fog lights in this forum and you'll find more info. than you'll ever need.
Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 166
Likes: 5
2012 S550 4MATIC, 2007 R-350
I have a 2007 R-350 and decided not to get the extended warranty.
I bought it brand new and got problems fixed (tailgate, headlamps burning out, window regulator) while it still had the warranty.
I have 66K miles on it and my family love the car. We just got back from a 1,000 mile
vacation trip and the car performed flawlessly.
Get the car and get an extended warranty if you can because 2006 is their first model.
I bought it brand new and got problems fixed (tailgate, headlamps burning out, window regulator) while it still had the warranty.
I have 66K miles on it and my family love the car. We just got back from a 1,000 mile
vacation trip and the car performed flawlessly.
Get the car and get an extended warranty if you can because 2006 is their first model.
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
R500
I purchased a 2006 R-500 a little over a year ago. It retailed for 69,000 new and I purchased for $28,500 with 29000 miles on it. I love the car but it is the first Mercedes I have owned. I was given the option of purchasing an extended warranty to 100,000 miles for $2600 and since everything I had read said extended warranties aren't worth it, I turned them down. Well, guess what? I just found out I have to have my front differential replaced which is going to cost $2600! Now I'm frightened! Several mechanics with 17-40 years of experience said they have never seen this before. Just my luck--so don't be scared that you might be next! I don't do anything that would risk messing up the differential.
Last edited by califix; Sep 22, 2010 at 08:53 PM. Reason: I forgot the year.
Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 160
Likes: 0
2011 R350 BlueTec
Man, I'm sorry that you have to deal with that.
I don't know everything, but I've never heard of such a thing. I would ask MB to investigate and see if they'll meet you 1/2 way on repairs. Was your vehicle a CPO? - that might help too. I would also bring it to another dealership to rule out a dealer that's being less than honest.
I passed on my extended warranty and so far so good. The cost of mine would have been $3750.
I can't help but think yours is not a MB problem, but a previous owner issue.
I don't know everything, but I've never heard of such a thing. I would ask MB to investigate and see if they'll meet you 1/2 way on repairs. Was your vehicle a CPO? - that might help too. I would also bring it to another dealership to rule out a dealer that's being less than honest.
I passed on my extended warranty and so far so good. The cost of mine would have been $3750.
I can't help but think yours is not a MB problem, but a previous owner issue.
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 73
Likes: 0
R350
I purchased a 2006 R-500 a little over a year ago. It retailed for 69,000 new and I purchased for $28,500 with 29000 miles on it. I love the car but it is the first Mercedes I have owned. I was given the option of purchasing an extended warranty to 100,000 miles for $2600 and since everything I had read said extended warranties aren't worth it, I turned them down. Well, guess what? I just found out I have to have my front differential replaced which is going to cost $2600! Now I'm frightened! Several mechanics with 17-40 years of experience said they have never seen this before. Just my luck--so don't be scared that you might be next! I don't do anything that would risk messing up the differential.
1. Engine belt noise (a pulley was replaced)
2. Front sway bar link noise (Sway bar and link rods replaced)
Both covered under CPO warranty. I still have extended warranty til 2013 and 100,000 miles.
I learned my lesson on my old Lexus RX300, which needed A/C replacement. Cost me about 1500 (dealer gave me 20% discount). It broke right after warranty.
By the way, my R350 is 2006 and has about 39,000 miles currently.
