I'VE HAD IT! 2007 S550 STUCK IN FIRST GEAR
02-04-2015, 07:48 PM
#26
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I don't see how that is too out of the question actually.. A brand new fully loaded Corolla, probably sold him a warranty, plus a possible large interest rate, insurance, gas (he could drive alot?) plus if he is averaging out his maint. I don't see why $900 is out of the question.. That is probably about right for some people.. He could have gone in there with nearly nothing down..
02-04-2015, 09:04 PM
#27
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Yeah, plus when you add in the cost of the weekly psychotherapy sessions the guy needs when he realizes he's spending a G a month to drive a f'ing Corolla, I can see where things could really add up.
02-05-2015, 06:48 AM
#30
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2007 Mercedes S550 Base
First, take a deep breath. I'm not going to sugar-coat this.
Sell the damn car for what you owe on it and consider yourself lucky. Next time, *before* you buy a Mercedes, research the hell out of it before you buy. If you are not a DIY'er, have plenty of cash on hand. Speaking for myself, I think you're nuts if you think you can get $21K for that car with the issues you described. Those repairs would be thousands of dollars if the dealer were to repair the problems.
Not trying to be harsh, but ego leads one into expensive territory. My Mazda 3 is cheap to maintain and requires minimal labor (I perform all work myself) and has cost me ~$1000 in maintenance costs over six years. *Tools alone* in one year resulted in an investment of >$1500 just so I could work on my two Mercedes. (OTOH, I've saved that much in labor costs by not having to take my car to the dealer.)
My Mercedes average five to fifteen times more per year in parts costs compared to the Mazda 3. I'd like to attribute it to more power and more complexity but in actuality I attribute the difference to a lack of quality control and systems feedback in the Mercedes system. I like the cars but am seriously disappointed in the vaunted Teutonic engineering. The Japanese have them beat hands-down with 6-Sigma engineering.
Seriously, if you can't afford it, check your ego at the door and just purchase a nice reliable car that you enjoy. Honda S2000, Mazda RX-8, etc, etc.
I hope it works out for you whatever choice you make.
Sell the damn car for what you owe on it and consider yourself lucky. Next time, *before* you buy a Mercedes, research the hell out of it before you buy. If you are not a DIY'er, have plenty of cash on hand. Speaking for myself, I think you're nuts if you think you can get $21K for that car with the issues you described. Those repairs would be thousands of dollars if the dealer were to repair the problems.
Not trying to be harsh, but ego leads one into expensive territory. My Mazda 3 is cheap to maintain and requires minimal labor (I perform all work myself) and has cost me ~$1000 in maintenance costs over six years. *Tools alone* in one year resulted in an investment of >$1500 just so I could work on my two Mercedes. (OTOH, I've saved that much in labor costs by not having to take my car to the dealer.)
My Mercedes average five to fifteen times more per year in parts costs compared to the Mazda 3. I'd like to attribute it to more power and more complexity but in actuality I attribute the difference to a lack of quality control and systems feedback in the Mercedes system. I like the cars but am seriously disappointed in the vaunted Teutonic engineering. The Japanese have them beat hands-down with 6-Sigma engineering.
Seriously, if you can't afford it, check your ego at the door and just purchase a nice reliable car that you enjoy. Honda S2000, Mazda RX-8, etc, etc.
I hope it works out for you whatever choice you make.
I'm not even going to address your ignorant response. My ego? You dont even know me. Thanks alot AHOLE. moving on
02-05-2015, 06:49 AM
#31
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2007 Mercedes S550 Base
Agreed! It makes the most fiscal sense with one of these technological wonders to purchase the lowest mileage car you can afford and factor the price of an exclusionary warranty into it. The lower the mileage, the cheaper the warranty is and longer coverage becomes available. Purchasing a high mileage car like the OP did will end up costing him more within a few years than purchasing a low mileage car with a warranty figured into the over all cost.
02-05-2015, 07:01 AM
#32
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So here's an update.
I'm happy I took it to the guy, as for the $85 diagnostic fee, which I would have paid $237 at the dealer, he broke everythign down to me. He said yes he believes it's the throttle body, but he also says he hears some noise in the transmission, but wanted another $160 to drop the pan whatever that means to check. I declined to pay the $160. He says I may need a rebuilt tranny, which is not an option. He says the throttle body with labor is gonna run $1,600.
Now, I have no idea what a throttle body is, or does, but Im taking it that its something like a computer. The guy cleared the code, or did something to make it run like normal again. So, he said he reset something, so now it's shifting like normal. I've only driven it home from the shop, and it worked perfect. He said it will probably go bad eventually again, but do what it did before as in it goes bad, then i can cut off the car, and cut it back on, and it will work, then eventually going completely bad again.
So, at this point, i just have her sitting in the garage. Yesterday, I was able to repair the bad headlight myself. The same guy wanted $200 bucks for the part and install. I went to Auto Zone, got the HID light for $96, and installed it perfectly. So that warning light is out on the dash.
What im trying to do is get the car in great enough presence, so I can attempt to trade it in.
The only light s on or warning on the dash now, is the brake wear light. Reason being is because i had this guy install aftermarket brake pads, but he could not install the sensors because holes had to be drilled or something like that.
Id really like to get this light off the dash if anyone has any suggestions. Should i get aftermarket sensors and can someone easily install these, or do i need to get the sensors from the dealer and will those work with aftermarket pads some how?
Other than that, the windshild wiper fluid is not working but no warning lights for that, and the sunroof issue.
Thanks for all the GOOD responses, but some of you chicks act like kids. Stop watching so much reality TV, it's making you act like a BYTCH
I'm happy I took it to the guy, as for the $85 diagnostic fee, which I would have paid $237 at the dealer, he broke everythign down to me. He said yes he believes it's the throttle body, but he also says he hears some noise in the transmission, but wanted another $160 to drop the pan whatever that means to check. I declined to pay the $160. He says I may need a rebuilt tranny, which is not an option. He says the throttle body with labor is gonna run $1,600.
Now, I have no idea what a throttle body is, or does, but Im taking it that its something like a computer. The guy cleared the code, or did something to make it run like normal again. So, he said he reset something, so now it's shifting like normal. I've only driven it home from the shop, and it worked perfect. He said it will probably go bad eventually again, but do what it did before as in it goes bad, then i can cut off the car, and cut it back on, and it will work, then eventually going completely bad again.
So, at this point, i just have her sitting in the garage. Yesterday, I was able to repair the bad headlight myself. The same guy wanted $200 bucks for the part and install. I went to Auto Zone, got the HID light for $96, and installed it perfectly. So that warning light is out on the dash.
What im trying to do is get the car in great enough presence, so I can attempt to trade it in.
The only light s on or warning on the dash now, is the brake wear light. Reason being is because i had this guy install aftermarket brake pads, but he could not install the sensors because holes had to be drilled or something like that.
Id really like to get this light off the dash if anyone has any suggestions. Should i get aftermarket sensors and can someone easily install these, or do i need to get the sensors from the dealer and will those work with aftermarket pads some how?
Other than that, the windshild wiper fluid is not working but no warning lights for that, and the sunroof issue.
Thanks for all the GOOD responses, but some of you chicks act like kids. Stop watching so much reality TV, it's making you act like a BYTCH
Last edited by jobs2ceo; 02-05-2015 at 07:05 AM.
02-05-2015, 07:05 AM
#33
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I know this is probably a dumb question, but can any of this be happening with the transmission because the transmission fluid is very low? If so, how do I check the transmission fluid level?
02-05-2015, 07:23 AM
#34
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So here's an update.
What im trying to do is get the car in great enough presence, so I can attempt to trade it in.
The only light s on or warning on the dash now, is the brake wear light. Reason being is because i had this guy install aftermarket brake pads, but he could not install the sensors because holes had to be drilled or something like that.
Id really like to get this light off the dash if anyone has any suggestions. Should i get aftermarket sensors and can someone easily install these, or do i need to get the sensors from the dealer and will those work with aftermarket pads some how?
What im trying to do is get the car in great enough presence, so I can attempt to trade it in.
The only light s on or warning on the dash now, is the brake wear light. Reason being is because i had this guy install aftermarket brake pads, but he could not install the sensors because holes had to be drilled or something like that.
Id really like to get this light off the dash if anyone has any suggestions. Should i get aftermarket sensors and can someone easily install these, or do i need to get the sensors from the dealer and will those work with aftermarket pads some how?
...GI Joe.... 
02-05-2015, 09:48 AM
#36
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Yea man, but just dont feel like doing that. I know those pads are gonna cost a bunch, ill call and ask for a price, or ill just have a mobile mechanic do it
02-05-2015, 11:33 AM
#38
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So basically it needs to get traded before the throttle body is totally done for. The only real deal-breaker for trading at this point is the fault code from the brakes. I'd get that cleared and then try to trade it. The other stuff may not even get picked up on at the trade. Anybody buying the car given the age and miles is expecting to have to do some reconditioning and repairs to bring it up to retail. Worst case you may have to concede a couple hundred bucks on the sunroof. Do you have something else to drive while the S sits or is that your DD?
02-05-2015, 12:07 PM
#39
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So basically it needs to get traded before the throttle body is totally done for. The only real deal-breaker for trading at this point is the fault code from the brakes. I'd get that cleared and then try to trade it. The other stuff may not even get picked up on at the trade. Anybody buying the car given the age and miles is expecting to have to do some reconditioning and repairs to bring it up to retail. Worst case you may have to concede a couple hundred bucks on the sunroof. Do you have something else to drive while the S sits or is that your DD?
Just had a guy say hes gonna look at it for the break pads, and i dont know why the sensors were never installed, but i wanna get this done today.
The sunroof will open fine, but like many others, when you try to close it, you here this loud grinding noise. I recall i took it to the dealer and the dealer said they fixed the motor or installed a new motor for free. WHy? I have no idea i dont think i was in a warranty. So then it was working fine, and then the same problem again.
I have had a guy come out twice to remove the glass and re sit the glass because people open it by mistake.
As far as the comment regarding getting 21K , I was looking to trade the car for a Jaguar XJL, but the deal never went through. Jaguar dealer told me 21K on a trade because at that time no lights were on, and i didn't have the transmission problem.
I hear people say dont get a Jaguar XJL because the Mercedes is much better, but WTF look at all the problems I'm having. Ive had more problems, and this used to be a $100,000 car?
I test drove a 2012 BMW 750 LI and a 2011 Jaguar XJL the other day. The Jaguar does feel like a Toyota inside. The Beamer was real solid and smooth riding, even better than my S550.
The wife wont let me get a 2015 anything
02-05-2015, 12:56 PM
#40
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I love everything about the big Jag in theory, but on the test drive it felt like I was driving an ice cream truck. Just hated it. A car that big should ride like cream. Plus the money they want is crazy, It's Benz money for cryin' out loud. That, plus no Jag dealer in town and the extreme likelihood of warranty repairs made it a no go. Diito for the Audi A8 (I think ***** designed those crappy seats) and the big Bimmer. The 5 series Bimmers look great, probably the best looking sport sedan on the road, but again the ride and comfort aren't there.
Really any big used foreign luxury car is going to have issues. Find a nice 2010 S550 CPO. They're everywhere and mid 30's. Add another $4500 for the 36 month unlimited mileage warranty and you're protected no matter what crazy sht goes bad on it. Or go earlier years (pre facelift), find something lowwww miles (like under 40k) and pick up a 3rd party warranty from your bank or credit union (or the selling dealer).
You're gonna take a bath on the current car no matter what. I say rip the band-aid off and get it over with.
Really any big used foreign luxury car is going to have issues. Find a nice 2010 S550 CPO. They're everywhere and mid 30's. Add another $4500 for the 36 month unlimited mileage warranty and you're protected no matter what crazy sht goes bad on it. Or go earlier years (pre facelift), find something lowwww miles (like under 40k) and pick up a 3rd party warranty from your bank or credit union (or the selling dealer).
You're gonna take a bath on the current car no matter what. I say rip the band-aid off and get it over with.
02-05-2015, 01:05 PM
#41
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I love everything about the big Jag in theory, but on the test drive it felt like I was driving an ice cream truck. Just hated it. A car that big should ride like cream. Plus the money they want is crazy, It's Benz money for cryin' out loud. That, plus no Jag dealer in town and the extreme likelihood of warranty repairs made it a no go. Diito for the Audi A8 (I think ***** designed those crappy seats) and the big Bimmer. The 5 series Bimmers look great, probably the best looking sport sedan on the road, but again the ride and comfort aren't there.
Really any big used foreign luxury car is going to have issues. Find a nice 2010 S550 CPO. They're everywhere and mid 30's. Add another $4500 for the 36 month unlimited mileage warranty and you're protected no matter what crazy sht goes bad on it. Or go earlier years (pre facelift), find something lowwww miles (like under 40k) and pick up a 3rd party warranty from your bank or credit union (or the selling dealer).
You're gonna take a bath on the current car no matter what. I say rip the band-aid off and get it over with.
Really any big used foreign luxury car is going to have issues. Find a nice 2010 S550 CPO. They're everywhere and mid 30's. Add another $4500 for the 36 month unlimited mileage warranty and you're protected no matter what crazy sht goes bad on it. Or go earlier years (pre facelift), find something lowwww miles (like under 40k) and pick up a 3rd party warranty from your bank or credit union (or the selling dealer).
You're gonna take a bath on the current car no matter what. I say rip the band-aid off and get it over with.
02-05-2015, 01:09 PM
#42
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I have to disagree with you this is the car, and it rides way better than my s550 http://www.offleaseonly.com/used-car...52cc963720.htm
Last edited by Mike5215; 02-05-2015 at 01:11 PM.
02-05-2015, 01:10 PM
#43
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I say bahahahah if you think getting into a 750 will yield you no problems, they just recalled the car for all sort of engine issues. warty or wallet gotta have one with these cars.
02-05-2015, 01:15 PM
#44
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I know for sure the next one i get, i have to get an extended warranty. Can anyone recommend a company?
02-05-2015, 01:17 PM
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02-05-2015, 07:02 PM
#47
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for the pad warning light, you can do this but it's kinda ghetto. get a sensor (you can use the old one) and cut off the end that goes into the pad itself. Connect the two wires that are coming from the plug together and tape it up. Plug it into the plug on the brake caliper and your wear light wont come on anymore.
02-05-2015, 07:58 PM
#49
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We have all read about people buying used cars and later fall victim to previously undiscovered issues. It's even worse when the problem was deliberately hidden. Warrantied or not, it is a hassle. Some of us have had first-hand experience I'm sure. It is always frustrating. Yes, it is buyer beware, but one can only dig so deep prior to purchase. I don't know about you, but I wouldn't like it if it happened to me.
As I look back in this thread, I am seeing discussions to getting the car just good enough to trade, perhaps masking known and existing problems. Is this unethical? Is it just a matter of passing the problems onto the next sucker? NOTHING is free, so *someone* will be paying for the problems. Will we eventually see that next person back on this Forum talking about this new (to them) car with all these problems?
As I look back in this thread, I am seeing discussions to getting the car just good enough to trade, perhaps masking known and existing problems. Is this unethical? Is it just a matter of passing the problems onto the next sucker? NOTHING is free, so *someone* will be paying for the problems. Will we eventually see that next person back on this Forum talking about this new (to them) car with all these problems?
02-06-2015, 08:18 AM
#50
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We have all read about people buying used cars and later fall victim to previously undiscovered issues. It's even worse when the problem was deliberately hidden. Warrantied or not, it is a hassle. Some of us have had first-hand experience I'm sure. It is always frustrating. Yes, it is buyer beware, but one can only dig so deep prior to purchase. I don't know about you, but I wouldn't like it if it happened to me.
As I look back in this thread, I am seeing discussions to getting the car just good enough to trade, perhaps masking known and existing problems. Is this unethical? Is it just a matter of passing the problems onto the next sucker? NOTHING is free, so *someone* will be paying for the problems. Will we eventually see that next person back on this Forum talking about this new (to them) car with all these problems?
As I look back in this thread, I am seeing discussions to getting the car just good enough to trade, perhaps masking known and existing problems. Is this unethical? Is it just a matter of passing the problems onto the next sucker? NOTHING is free, so *someone* will be paying for the problems. Will we eventually see that next person back on this Forum talking about this new (to them) car with all these problems?
