SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: Long Distance buying - Advice
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
2009 VW CC Lux, 2000 Porsche Boxster S
Long Distance buying - Advice
Hello,
I'm in Chicago and after almost a year of looking I found a 2009 SL63 in Tarpon Springs, FL on ebay from 2nd owner, 43k miles, maintained at the dealership car was posted with buy it now $30k and currently bid is at $20k if i can get the car for less then $30 that would be great deal as the same car in Chicago would cost around $40k.
So here is my question, does any one recommend a good mobile inspection service? I would love to have someone inspect the car and if everything is fine get the car shipped to Chicago.
any ideas, recommendations, suggestions would be greatly appreciated
Thank you!
I'm in Chicago and after almost a year of looking I found a 2009 SL63 in Tarpon Springs, FL on ebay from 2nd owner, 43k miles, maintained at the dealership car was posted with buy it now $30k and currently bid is at $20k if i can get the car for less then $30 that would be great deal as the same car in Chicago would cost around $40k.
So here is my question, does any one recommend a good mobile inspection service? I would love to have someone inspect the car and if everything is fine get the car shipped to Chicago.
any ideas, recommendations, suggestions would be greatly appreciated
Thank you!
Member
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 160
Likes: 32
2005 SL55 Completely Built Motor
I'd ask the seller if he'll take it to get a PPI and you'll cover the cost(I'd ask for local MB dealership to look at, they'll nit pick everything for you). Maybe throw him an extra $50 or whatever for his time regardless if you go through with the sale.
I'm sure you done your home work so you hate to get one with a head bolt issue or leaky ABC system. Both can be pricey to fix if your not wrenching on it yourself. But even little things can add up quick like brakes with maybe only 25% left or tires at 30% life left.
Spend a few hundred on PPI is well worth the peace of mind.
I'm sure you done your home work so you hate to get one with a head bolt issue or leaky ABC system. Both can be pricey to fix if your not wrenching on it yourself. But even little things can add up quick like brakes with maybe only 25% left or tires at 30% life left.
Spend a few hundred on PPI is well worth the peace of mind.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
2009 VW CC Lux, 2000 Porsche Boxster S
I'd ask the seller if he'll take it to get a PPI and you'll cover the cost(I'd ask for local MB dealership to look at, they'll nit pick everything for you). Maybe throw him an extra $50 or whatever for his time regardless if you go through with the sale.
I'm sure you done your home work so you hate to get one with a head bolt issue or leaky ABC system. Both can be pricey to fix if your not wrenching on it yourself. But even little things can add up quick like brakes with maybe only 25% left or tires at 30% life left.
Spend a few hundred on PPI is well worth the peace of mind.
I'm sure you done your home work so you hate to get one with a head bolt issue or leaky ABC system. Both can be pricey to fix if your not wrenching on it yourself. But even little things can add up quick like brakes with maybe only 25% left or tires at 30% life left.
Spend a few hundred on PPI is well worth the peace of mind.
How can one spot issues with headbolt? is it something that can be seen by looking at the engine or the engine has to be taken apart ?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,498
Likes: 222
Porsche guy who drives SL63 w/ perf pkg AND perf suspension
I buy all my cars-out of state. get the carfax first. You MUST have the owner take the car to a mb dealer. I think lokey would be closest to TS. Have them do a complete cpo inspection. about 2hrs/250$
Talk to the service mgr, ask him to look at the master enquiry, its complete service history at MB. Ask to give you all that info. Ask if ever had or needs bolts and also a lifter tapping issue.
You may spend another $20k on the car if you buy it w/out finding out all this before you buy it
Talk to the service mgr, ask him to look at the master enquiry, its complete service history at MB. Ask to give you all that info. Ask if ever had or needs bolts and also a lifter tapping issue.
You may spend another $20k on the car if you buy it w/out finding out all this before you buy it
Member
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 160
Likes: 32
2005 SL55 Completely Built Motor
I do believe if you do some research I think some have replaced these bolts without tearing apart the motor and costing a lot of money.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 338
Likes: 15
SL65 AMG
I'm on the coast of NC and bought my 65 from a dealer on the coast of CA. I paid to have them take the car to the local Mercedes dealer and do a ppi, pre purchase inspection. Since I paid for the inspection the dealer sent me the report and everything was good. I bought the car and took delivery a few weeks later without ever flying out to put eyes on the car and the car has been bulletproof. Now I will say I've heard horror stories of others doing the same but I've done 3 cars this way now with no issues other than one delivery service I used.
Trending Topics
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
From: SoCal
2005 SL55, 2003 Dodge Viper, 2006 Lotus Exige
As others stated, I would contact the buyer and work out a price. Have him bring the car to MB for a PPI. If you don't buy, you'll give the PPI report to the seller to use for future buyers. As you noted, $250 is not much if your saving $10,000 from the purchase price for a local car.
Option 2, fly down to Florida and take the car to MB with the seller. If it checks out, buy and drive it home. You'll save the $800 bucks to ship and It will be the best 2 days of ownership!
Option 2, fly down to Florida and take the car to MB with the seller. If it checks out, buy and drive it home. You'll save the $800 bucks to ship and It will be the best 2 days of ownership!
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
