zafarnamah

I am shopping for a used R350. The details are as follows:

• Location: Boston
• Model Year: 2006
• 52,000 miles
• navigation
• DVD/entertainment system
• cd-changer and harmon kardon
• exterior color: gold
• individual seller

Given it is a well-maintained vehicle, how much should it cost? Any advice will be appreciated!

pedra

These are excellent vehicles. My advice is to only look at MBs with a full factory warranty. I really like the R series, but since 2006 was the first year on the market, you may have costly repairs to add to the usual maintenance.
I would pay more for a later vehicle, at least 2008, with an extended factory warranty, and look for the later upgrades like reversing camera, blue-tooth and so on.Consider an additional premium for the diesel version.
In my view, a well maintained vehicle with the balance of a factory warranty will hold more value over the next 3 years, and the higher initial cost is worthwhile.
Good luck

zafarnamah

Unfortunately, my budget at present does not allow a higher expenditure. Perhaps I can still purchase an extended warranty? Given my situation what kind of offer should I be making? Thanks for all of your great advice!

pedra

I suspect MB will not extend the warranty on a 06. However if you are a competent DIYer then the service manuals from Startekinfo would be a good investment.
The R series are well engineered so that repairs are feasible but like other complex vehicles be prepared for some expense.

pedra

Don't know what a good price would be. The Canadian prices from the MB dealers are steep. Non-MB dealers in the US will likely have trade-ins. Suggest you search the internet for the prices of similar vehicles, and then offer something like $5K less than the asking price.

zafarnamah

To my knowledge, the warranty for 06 cannot be extended.

supernsx

My guess will be $18k-20k.

zafarnamah

Thank you for your feedback. Any suggestions where I may be able to purchase a third-party extended warranty? Are such warranties reliable?

pedra

I would be very careful about any third party warranty unless it explicitly states that everything is covered which will be hard to find.
A basic lubrication warranty that will cover the first $5K of of any mechanical problem may provide some peace of mind.
I have had a number of niggling electrical problems that others have raised or discussed in the R-Class Forum. Read through it and make up your mind.
MAKE SURE THAT THE REED VALVE IS NOT PLUGGED. It was in my 2006 R500, and it cost me $3,000 to fix despite having a MB dealer Type A service previously - this is in the forum.
I now know all about this design defect - after the event -not in the owners hand book or service schedule in Canada even after the 2010 class action in California.. This really sucks as far as I am concerned.
I continue to have problems with failing rear lights - brake, turn etc. even after a new rear SAM.
My only regret is not having the 7 year MB warranty. I am seriously thinking about changing to a later model with a MB warranty, despite the fact that the R500 is a great driving car that niggling problems apart is excellent.
Oh by the way, the navigation system is poor, and a vehicle of this size really needs a back up camera, and blue-tooth would be convenient. After market back up systems using the front video are available but expensive.

Again good luck.

shobbs666

I have a 2006, same equipment you mentioned, purchased it in April of 2010, I paid $23,000 with 44,000 miles on the car. I also purchased a 5 year bumper to bumper warranty that covers everything from Lober MB in Chicago, for 4,250. I had the Airmatics shocks replaced in the rear already didn’t pay a dime, all covered. Some members on MBWorld will tell you it’s not the same as the Factory warranty. Who care’s the one I purchased covers the same, and is honored at any MB Dealer. I’m sure where you live MB Dealers offer the same. Shop around they will all give a different quote. Lober was the best out of all in Chicago.

zafarnamah

Thank you for your helpful insights! I am going ahead with the transaction tomorrow after reviewing everything.

zafarnamah

It is very encouraging to hear that your warranty works. I came across Alpha Warranty Service on Carchex - it's 7 Years or 125,000 Miles bumper-to-bumper warranty (zero deductible) for $4,400. The 100,000 miles warranty was a few hundred cheaper. Can you tell me the name of your warranty company?

shobbs666

Mercedes Benz Extended Warranty from Lober MB. Any MB Dealer will issue them. I called numerious Dealers all prices were different not by much. Lober is near my house. If something breaks down any MB Dealer covers it. The one I selected was bumper to bumper, they offer others like drve train, etc. Your going to like the car!!!

zafarnamah

Great to hear! Was you car a Certified Pre-Owned? I ask because I am buying from an individual seller and the car is not CPO. Thank you!

shobbs666

No,it wasn't a CPO. In fact I bought it from a Toyota Dealer, and then shopped around with Mercedes Dealers for the warranty. All they asked for was the VIN #.

zafarnamah

Thank you for the additional information!