MBUSA 'Buyback program'
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
MBUSA 'Buyback program'
While hunting for an '05 and later S 55 AMG, I have been told that MBUSA has a buyback program for cars that fail during warranty..suspension issues, electrical issues, never ending 'check engine light'. The story is that MBUSA buys back the car, fixes it and then gives the customer a good deal on a new car (I'm assuming the car that failed has been purchased new by the current driver) and then sells the car at auction, disclosing that it was a warrranty/lemon law buyback, often at a lower than usual price.
The presumption is that the car is no longer a lemon and a really good deal can be had. Is this a sales fairy tale or for real?
The presumption is that the car is no longer a lemon and a really good deal can be had. Is this a sales fairy tale or for real?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,200
Likes: 0
From: Irvine, CA
Car Whore
this is true and can be found, the only downside is the 'stigma' associated with it being a buyback.
its obviously been fixed but the title states it is a buy back so the value will always be affected but thats why you get it for so cheap to begin with anyways.
its obviously been fixed but the title states it is a buy back so the value will always be affected but thats why you get it for so cheap to begin with anyways.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,271
Likes: 1
From: CA
2010 CL65
Fairy tale....
For obvious reasons, no mfr buys back any car unless it's an unmitigated disaster and cust/dealer have enough juice to force issue....
Would rather $0-down lease new S550 than any used car.....would want full protection of lemon laws, factory warranty, dealer relationship, lease-gap insurance, etc....and the aesthetics (and safety) of a pristine, new car.....than any used car, even an '08 barely driven (never in rain of course) by a collector/executive/grandma, w/no known accidents/paint work, etc.....
For obvious reasons, no mfr buys back any car unless it's an unmitigated disaster and cust/dealer have enough juice to force issue....
Would rather $0-down lease new S550 than any used car.....would want full protection of lemon laws, factory warranty, dealer relationship, lease-gap insurance, etc....and the aesthetics (and safety) of a pristine, new car.....than any used car, even an '08 barely driven (never in rain of course) by a collector/executive/grandma, w/no known accidents/paint work, etc.....
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 740
Likes: 0
From: Charlotte, NC
No longer car shopping...
While hunting for an '05 and later S 55 AMG, I have been told that MBUSA has a buyback program for cars that fail during warranty..suspension issues, electrical issues, never ending 'check engine light'. The story is that MBUSA buys back the car, fixes it and then gives the customer a good deal on a new car (I'm assuming the car that failed has been purchased new by the current driver) and then sells the car at auction, disclosing that it was a warrranty/lemon law buyback, often at a lower than usual price.
The presumption is that the car is no longer a lemon and a really good deal can be had. Is this a sales fairy tale or for real?
The presumption is that the car is no longer a lemon and a really good deal can be had. Is this a sales fairy tale or for real?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 8,137
Likes: 26
From: Maryland
Eurocharged 2004 E500, Eurocharged ECU/TCU 2005 SL600, 2010 Caddy SwaggerWagon
My 2004 E500 was a buy back. I purchased it knowing full well that it was a buy back and I got quite a discount on it. At the time, "normal" pre-owned E500's that were similarly equipped were selling for roughly 44-47K, depending on miles. I purchased mine for 37K and have been happy with the car. It was purchased back for "transmission concerns". Now, the 2004 W211's were infamous, as all of the cars with 7G tranny's, for having poor shift quality. The previous owner was unable to get their dealer to fix the car to their satisfaction and MB purchased the vehicle back from them. I purchased it and had my dealer upgrade the ECU and TCU as well as replace a flange. There was a DTB published after MB purchased the car back. After this was done, the transmission has been perfect. Well, as perfect as the 7G can be anyway.
My point is, don't listen to people that say all buy backs are junk. I'm sure some are, but my case is proof that there are deals to be had on these cars as well.
Will my resale value be hurt? Sure, but I'm starting out 7-10K ahead anyway.
My .02
My point is, don't listen to people that say all buy backs are junk. I'm sure some are, but my case is proof that there are deals to be had on these cars as well.
Will my resale value be hurt? Sure, but I'm starting out 7-10K ahead anyway.
My .02
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,958
Likes: 1
From: Ventura County USA
'06 E55, '05 SLK55, a few others
There's a reason they're called "lemons".
Remember: While some people may have good luck with these cars, if something sounds too good to be true.....................................
Remember: While some people may have good luck with these cars, if something sounds too good to be true.....................................
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 740
Likes: 0
From: Charlotte, NC
No longer car shopping...
My 2004 E500 was a buy back. I purchased it knowing full well that it was a buy back and I got quite a discount on it. At the time, "normal" pre-owned E500's that were similarly equipped were selling for roughly 44-47K, depending on miles. I purchased mine for 37K and have been happy with the car. It was purchased back for "transmission concerns". Now, the 2004 W211's were infamous, as all of the cars with 7G tranny's, for having poor shift quality. The previous owner was unable to get their dealer to fix the car to their satisfaction and MB purchased the vehicle back from them. I purchased it and had my dealer upgrade the ECU and TCU as well as replace a flange. There was a DTB published after MB purchased the car back. After this was done, the transmission has been perfect. Well, as perfect as the 7G can be anyway.
My point is, don't listen to people that say all buy backs are junk. I'm sure some are, but my case is proof that there are deals to be had on these cars as well.
Will my resale value be hurt? Sure, but I'm starting out 7-10K ahead anyway.
My .02
My point is, don't listen to people that say all buy backs are junk. I'm sure some are, but my case is proof that there are deals to be had on these cars as well.
Will my resale value be hurt? Sure, but I'm starting out 7-10K ahead anyway.
My .02
Trending Topics
Almost a Member!
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
2007 c230
im recently looking for a c32 and i came upon this dealer selling an 03 c32 which is a lemon or a manufacturer buyback. so the guy wants 10g's for the 2003 c32 which is fully loaded with navi, xenons and also has c55 wheels. the car only has 40k miles. seems too good to be true? im planning on calling the guy tomorrow and check if i can get an extended warranty and vin number
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 740
Likes: 0
From: Charlotte, NC
No longer car shopping...
im recently looking for a c32 and i came upon this dealer selling an 03 c32 which is a lemon or a manufacturer buyback. so the guy wants 10g's for the 2003 c32 which is fully loaded with navi, xenons and also has c55 wheels. the car only has 40k miles. seems too good to be true? im planning on calling the guy tomorrow and check if i can get an extended warranty and vin number
It it's ANYTHING above $10K, it's not worth it as the wholesale on a 2003 C32 is around $18K right now. Good luck and let us know how it goes!
Last edited by ndabunka; Nov 4, 2007 at 09:53 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 8,137
Likes: 26
From: Maryland
Eurocharged 2004 E500, Eurocharged ECU/TCU 2005 SL600, 2010 Caddy SwaggerWagon
I agree with ndabunka on this one. Make sure it's not a Katrina flood car, there's are lots and lots of those out there right now. I would never buy a flood car at any price.
By the way, if there's anyone looking for a buy back, check this guy out.
http://www.garnettmotorcars.com
Ryan is the owner and he's the gentleman that I purchased my car from. He's completely up front and pleasure to do business with. I bought my car sight unseen and he even took it to the local MB dealer near him and had them do a pre-sale inspection for me. I spoke with the tech directly and he assured me that the car was tip top, which it was.
I have no affiliation with him or his company, btw.
By the way, if there's anyone looking for a buy back, check this guy out.
http://www.garnettmotorcars.com
Ryan is the owner and he's the gentleman that I purchased my car from. He's completely up front and pleasure to do business with. I bought my car sight unseen and he even took it to the local MB dealer near him and had them do a pre-sale inspection for me. I spoke with the tech directly and he assured me that the car was tip top, which it was.
I have no affiliation with him or his company, btw.
Almost a Member!
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
2007 c230
hey guys, im planning on calling the guy tomorrow. unfortunately, the guy is on the east coast and im located in southern california. so i most likely wont be able to see it in person or take it out for a drive. any suggestions? what should i do to feel confident about buying the car without a test drive or in-person inspection?
Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 211
Likes: 0
From: Upstate NY, Ponte Vedra FL
SL55, Cayenne S, Tundra, 360 spider
You know what I hate about the buy back,,,that they put BUY BACK in huge letters on all 4 sides of the car. it really sucks that everyone knows you are driving a buy back.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 8,137
Likes: 26
From: Maryland
Eurocharged 2004 E500, Eurocharged ECU/TCU 2005 SL600, 2010 Caddy SwaggerWagon
Depends on the state. My car has no identifying marks or stickers what so ever. The only way you would know is if through Carfax.
Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 211
Likes: 0
From: Upstate NY, Ponte Vedra FL
SL55, Cayenne S, Tundra, 360 spider
yeah I know I was just being an ***. really if you didn't tell anyone it was a buy back no one would know you didn't pay full price for the car.
Although I do think some states put a little dot of paint on branded cars.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 8,137
Likes: 26
From: Maryland
Eurocharged 2004 E500, Eurocharged ECU/TCU 2005 SL600, 2010 Caddy SwaggerWagon
OOOH! Maybe I'll use that for my vanity license plate.
