Hey everyone! Near the end of the year, I'm planning on selling my 01 Saab and getting back into Mercedes. My first car was a 1985 300SD and we owned it for 15 years, then I sold it and I definitely regret it (funny how that always happens). I'd like to get either a 2005 E55 or 2003 E55. They both have around 79k miles and the 2005 is $2,000 cheaper. I've read a lot of bad things about the 2003 and was wondering if any of you would suggest against buying the 2005 as well. My father owns a 2002 ML320 and, while it's a nice car, it hasn't been as bulletproof as I'm used to seeing from MB. It runs fine now, but he's lost a lot more money than I'm used to seeing in Mercedes.

My question to MBW: Knowing what you know now, would you buy either of the two? How much money would you initially put into either car to take care of major reliability issues? I'm also considering a 1998 50,XXX mile C43, which is going for <$10,000. I'd rather have the performance and looks of the E55, but I'd be happy with either. Should I consider a 2002 E55 instead?

Thanks for all the help! I haven't owned a Mercedes in 3 years and that's long enough.

The newer the better... 2003 was the first year they made these cars and it's generally not the best idea to be a first year guinea pig. So if you have the option, go for the 2005.

The 2003 may have weaker internals, Early ones do, later ones don't. Would you be modding? If I had the choice, I would pick newer though. I am just wondering why the '05 is cheaper.

I haven't seen the cars in person, but I think the 2005 might be hard to sell for some reason, so they must keep dropping the price. The 2005 is close to that "champagne" color, which I think is ugly. Maybe others feel the same way.

Here are links to the E55s. I should have posted these in the first place.
2003 and 2005

And it looks like I was wrong, the 2003 has even higher miles than the 2005. The price difference confuses me. Maybe a seller doesn't know what he's doing?

While the 2005 is a GREAT deal, that price actually scare me. It is unbeleivably low for a car with that mileage. Typically looking at 16-20K for a 2005.

+1

If i had to choose between a 03' and a 05', i would definitely go with the later year of the two. Like others have said, that 05' is ridiculously cheap. Hopefully it is not cause they are trying to unload it cause it has underlying problems.

$12K for these cars now, seriously.

that's crazy cheap for an '05 - get it inspected and go from there

heck I paid 2x that for my 05 just about a year ago

I just realize that '05 is less than 20 minutes from where I live, I'm going to check out Friday or Saturday and give it as much of a look-over as I can, then drive it. If I like what I see I'm going to have it driven and inspected by someone qualified to tell me what's wrong with it. I'll update this thread whenever I decide to pull the trigger (if I do).

Thanks for the input, everyone!

05 likely has an accident history. Actually, I'm willing to bet it has accident(s) in its history. There's no other explanation. 79K is nothing for these cars if it has been well maintained; even if it hasn't been well maintained, no way it should be going for $12,900.

03 has 7 previous owners according to CARFAX...damn!

WHOA!! They might as well paint "DRIVEN LIKE RENTAL CAR" right on the windshield.

5 owners in 2003?? What the hell kind of car is this?

Hahahahahahaha i hadn't even checked that yet. I'll offer to buy it for $1000 and then pump in $15k for abuse fixing.

HAHAHAHAHA I ran the 2005 through my carfax and it is a piece of ****!!!!!!!!! holy hell!

Lets see. Where do we start..
Right sun visor was replaced at 31 miles, before it was even listed for sale at the dealer. It was placed for sale with 126 miles on it.. Where did the extra 100 miles come from?


At 153 miles, still before sale, A/C receiver/dryer replaced


At 2,561 miles, after sale, Maintenance inspection completed
Recommended maintenance performed
Engine/powertrain computer/module checked
Computer(s) checked


At 10,370 miles (not even 1 year old yet),Battery charged
Electrical system checked
Computer(s) checked
Maintenance inspection completed
Alternator/Generator replaced
Computer reprogrammed
Engine/powertrain computer/module checked
Fuel injection system checked


At 27,129 miles and 4 years old, Ashtray replaced
Cabin air filter replaced
Upper control arm(s) replaced
Oil and filter changed
Rear window glass replaced/resealed
Maintenance inspection completed
Brake fluid flushed/changed


Then exactly one year later, at 33,974 miles, Battery/charging system checked
Battery replaced
Front wiper blades/refills replaced
Cabin air filter replaced
Oil and filter changed
Door trim panel replaced/repaired
Steering/suspension checked
Rear shock absorber(s) replaced


And now for the best part!!!

09/27/2011 Damage Report TOTAL LOSS VEHICLE


There are many reasons an insurance company will declare a vehicle a total loss. Have this vehicle inspected by a qualified technician before you buy. Learn more
09/27/2011 New Jersey
Motor Vehicle Dept. Title or registration issued
to insurance company
09/27/2011 50,661 New Jersey
Motor Vehicle Dept.
Red Bank, NJ
Title #ER20112700267 SALVAGE TITLE/CERTIFICATE ISSUED
FLOOD DAMAGE TITLE ISSUED
Vehicle color noted as Gray


So......

I think we know why it is so cheap.....

God. Looks like they tried selling a lemon.

I would say 2005 cause you get command and a later model so more time the dealer had to correct problems. Not that 2005 though. Also honestly your going to have a hard time finding these cars at those prices without some kind of problem, it took me months to find mine which still had an issue.

Yeah none of those items would concern me except the last one, haha. You knew it was too cheap, and for good reason too. Keep looking, you'll find the right one.

Aaron

If you are really serious about purchasing either I would look over the analyze the car's history report and request the engine have a compression test for each of the cylinders. Or if they won't do that and you like the way it drives put a down payment just to hold the vehicle and pay the money to have the car inspected at a Mercedes dealership along with a compression test. It might set you back $500.00, but at least you will have the piece of knowing that the car is solid. That $500 + dollars for a thorough check will be priceless if the car is littered with unforseen issues that are waiting to fail.

Funny thing is, I ran a Car Fox and its clean!!!!! Go for it!!!

I actually checked out BOTH those cars lol.. the 2005 is in VERY bad condition.. PLUS SALVAGE TITLE !

The 2003 is no longer for sale?

He most likely found this thread. Took his rental car down to avoid embarrassment