Hi folks,

I recently graduated from college and landed a good job shortly thereafter. At only 22, I consider myself lucky to be able to purchase such a fine machine, even if it's a used one.

At the same time, I know I'm just some dumb 22 year old who's going to make mistakes with the purchase of this vehicle.

I found an '03 E55 with 27k miles on it for 45k, no warranty. I'm considering buying it next week if all goes as planned.

I've heard of the myriad problems that need to get fixed like IC pumps and so forth. My main questions are:

At 27k miles, do you think the previous owner already had that replaced?

Without a warranty, can I get the dealer to replace an IC pump before I buy it?

How far down below 45k do you all think I can haggle with the dealer?

What else might this stupid 22 year old forget to think about?


Thanks, and cheers!

 

Bro you don't sound stupid for 22 yrs of age & able to swing $45k is very admirable, having said that the only stupid part of this decision is NO WARRANTY, you absolutely need warranty these cars break down often, & even little things aren't cheap, there are plenty more 2003-2004 E55's w/Warranty save yourself & your wallet an enormous headache, find 1 with ample warranty.

 

if the price is right, there are PLENTY of aftermarket warrantys out there... some are good and some suck.... but hey for $3000 you can get one and still be covered on a older car.....

my $.02

 

Katrina,

I was in your shoes at one point, listen to the others and buy a car with warranty. I would think a price closer to $40k would be a better deal for the car you are looking at.

Buy a car with a warranty and sleep well at night knowing that your car is covered if something really expensive breaks.

Here is my example. I bought a sweet 2000 Dinan S2 540 6 speed. All the records, recent service, perfect car. 50 miles after I bought the car the water pump died and left me with a $1,100 repair bill and other travel expenses to get me and the car home. I gambled on the fact that the car was perfect and just outside the factory warranty and paid for it in the end.

Learn from my mistakes.

I would use the extra cash that you would have set aside for repairs to fully fund your 401(k), Roth IRA, or emergency fund if your job goes sour.

 

That's some good advice.

Thanks for saving me from a potentially huge headache down the road.

 

I encourage you to find one, the exhilration of punching down on the pedal is close to another experience we all have from time to time.

P.S. for $45,000 you can at least be in an '04 with a warranty remaining. There are a lot of cars out there to look at.

 

I just sold my 2004 in perfect condition with new PS2's, new pads and rotors (all 4 wheels) 32k miles and a 8 year 100k warranty for 48.5k. At 45 for an 03 with the same general miles and no warranty is just to high.

Good luck

My car had 10k in options as well. Sticker was 90k.

 

bought my car 1 year ago.. for $53k, cpo and extended warranty.. with only 14K miles.

I had lots of things replaced:
IC pump
tensioner pulley (chirp)
transmission leak
transmission replaced
torque converter replaced
komp clutch replaced

now I have 33k miles and my CPO has 1 more year left and my extended goes up to 60k or 2010.

I would not buy ANY amg without warranty.

(my c32 has cost me more to own than my E55).. due to lack of warranty.

 

I sent you a PM. I'll give you a deal on the one I am selling
It's got warranty!