CrazyDonkey

Im new to this board and originally came here to look for things on my wifes new ML 320 CDI, but then i found the E55 forum and want a new car

i found a E55 locally that may be in my price range. Any tips on what to look for if i go check it out at the dealer? it says it still has the factory warranty and only has 22k miles on it, would i be able to get a 100,000 mile warranty from my local MB dealer? (car is not at a MB dealership)

i know the price is set lower then other 2005's with the same miles, but how much could i try to take off normally? i dont really haggle when i buy a car because i always pick cars that i know where the payments would be. im guessing to start off 5k under their asking price?

i tried to search for a buyers guide or something, but didnt see anything.

thanks in advance.

CrazyDonkey

anyone? the dealer now has three that i want to go look at, any tips would be appreciated.

LitiGATOR

How much are they asking?

CrazyDonkey

39,000 for the 05 with 22k

35,000 for an 05 with 63k

30,000 for an 03 with 52k

bobgodd

I'd jump all over that 39k for the 05. I paid 35k for an 04 with double those miles. Will they give you a carfax? Maybe have a friend go with you who is mechanically inclined, or ask them if you can take the car to a mechanic that you trust. I'd just do basic checks like visual body panel gaps, or trunk lids not closing all the way, weird stuff like that. Any excess vibration when idle or driving. Open the hood and listen for squealing from the belts or look for the engine rocking excessively. Take a quick peek under the car too, to see if anything looks out of order, there are undercarriage pictures all over this forum for reference... While you're under there look for any ridiculously new or clean looking parts as that could be a sign of repair, the undercarriage shouldn't be spotless.

Other than that, there's not much else you can do. Check the function of all the options maybe? I bought my car with no warranty and the passenger headrest doesn't adjust with the button so I guess I'm just screwed

Good luck with your purchase!

CrazyDonkey

yeah i've been thinking a lot about it since it seems like such a good deal.

im pretty mechanically inclined, just not on mercedes. i've been a honda/acura and classic american car guy during my short life. dont know any shops around here but i will ask some people at work to see if they know any.

i figured i would start with 33-34,000 and see what they offer after that. i really wanted a black one to match my wifes new ML320, but this is too good of a chance i think.

thanks for the tips.

CrazyDonkey

i just checked the carfax and this is what it said:

Parts requested to repair damage after
an accident or other incident
Right front door assembly
Right rear door assembly

CARFAX recommends checking these repairs during your pre-purchase inspection.

CARFAX began reporting information from this source on 09/21/2006.

so does that mean it was t boned im guessing?

bobgodd

Ugh, that sucks. Could be.

CrazyDonkey

oh well, i guess the search will continue.

Thanks for the tips though, i'll keep them in mind if i find another one.

my local dealer is searching for some that have leases that are ending soon, but i fear they will be out of my budget especially since i have a newly leased S2000 that i would have to get rid of.

bobgodd

Have you considered autotrader.com ? Many of the cars there are still under warranty.

CrazyDonkey

yeah thats where im looking at right now, just not many choices since im living in Alabama. Most of them are over 150 miles away from me. Maybe i'll have better luck when i move to Arizona in August.

hopefully the local MB dealer will work with me since my past 3 purchases from them i have not really argued prices with them and know i have willingly not fought for more money on trade-ins and on the total price of the cars. this time i'll just have to be very firm and see how it goes

juicee63

Hell if the repairs were done properly, an 05 for 39k with such low miles is a steal. Offer 33k . Your looking at a car you likely could warranty for 75,000 more miles. Take the car , inspect the frame and body look at the location of the repair. I have seen body shops make the cars look NEW, so do not just pass based on the car fax, do your DD.

CrazyDonkey

i might try that, i'll call and ask about what actual damage was done etc and for the records on it.

Vermicious

Let me know what you find out about it. I was looking at it as well, but thought there had to be somehting up with it at that price.

CrazyDonkey

haha i still havent called yet. im torn between an E55, C63 or maybe a CLS550. a man should not have difficult decisions like this.

Yacht Master

FWIW, AMG is the only way to go.
I would consider a blue-tech E class diesel way before any 550 but that is in the event an AMG is not available.
Guys, We may be at the end of an era, Time to buy the muscle now, while we still can.

CrazyDonkey

very true, i wish i could swing a CLS55, but im already going to be pushing my limits if i lease a C63.