Cheaper E55 '03/'04 vs. Pricier '06 w/ Warranty Eligabilty
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E55, past: SL55, 560SEL
Cheaper E55 '03/'04 vs. Pricier '06 w/ Warranty Eligabilty
Hi Guys, I'd like to get your opinion on which car would cost me less money over the next 3 or 4 years. I'm not new to owning a car with a 55k engine (I owned an sl55 for 4 yrs from '09 to '13, bought for $33k with 29k miles sold for $26k with 80k miles... warranty paid out $26k in claims, but only cost $3.5k to purchase, ...lucked out there).
So given the huge claims paid out on the SL55, I'm hesitant to buy another 55k amg without a warranty. However, I understand that because the E55 has airmatic instead of ABC and no power covert roof, there's less/cheaper to fix things to go wrong. In addition, it seems like relatively higher mileage non-warranty eligible e55s are 1/2 the price of eligible e55 cars with hyper lower miles.
I drive around 17k miles a year, 75% freeway.
Here are the two options that I see:
1) 2003/2004 loaded with 82k miles for $15k, good service records, taxes about $1.5k
2) 2006 loaded with 25k miles for $30k, fidelity warranty eligible 5yrs/75k additional, $300 deductible, for $5k. Taxes about $3k.
I'd save $21k right off the bat by going for option 1. That's a ton of money and makes me think option one's a no brainer. But then again, I'm afraid of the breakdown costs without a warranty from 82k to 142k miles with option 1. In 4 years time I'd think option 2 would take a bigger hit in depreciation, even with a year left on the warranty, so call that another $3k difference.
Any input is greatly appreciated with these first world problems. I'd take the option one to an independent mech., option 2 to the dealer (b/c of warranty) Thanks in advance!
So given the huge claims paid out on the SL55, I'm hesitant to buy another 55k amg without a warranty. However, I understand that because the E55 has airmatic instead of ABC and no power covert roof, there's less/cheaper to fix things to go wrong. In addition, it seems like relatively higher mileage non-warranty eligible e55s are 1/2 the price of eligible e55 cars with hyper lower miles.
I drive around 17k miles a year, 75% freeway.
Here are the two options that I see:
1) 2003/2004 loaded with 82k miles for $15k, good service records, taxes about $1.5k
2) 2006 loaded with 25k miles for $30k, fidelity warranty eligible 5yrs/75k additional, $300 deductible, for $5k. Taxes about $3k.
I'd save $21k right off the bat by going for option 1. That's a ton of money and makes me think option one's a no brainer. But then again, I'm afraid of the breakdown costs without a warranty from 82k to 142k miles with option 1. In 4 years time I'd think option 2 would take a bigger hit in depreciation, even with a year left on the warranty, so call that another $3k difference.
Any input is greatly appreciated with these first world problems. I'd take the option one to an independent mech., option 2 to the dealer (b/c of warranty) Thanks in advance!
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Thread Starter
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E55, past: SL55, 560SEL
In an older thread someone said he go an unlimited mile Chrysler Service Warranty for his e55. wonder if that's an option?
Last edited by tubaprde; Jan 19, 2015 at 07:52 PM.
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From: Houston, TX
2006 E55, 2012 Jeep SRT, 2008 G37s 6MT (The Mrs.), 2005 Explorer
For example I'm debating selling my 2006 with 103k that's a Stage 3 minus the throttle body and it will probably sell between 18k-20k. It's very clean. E63 front end, C63 mufflers, up to date maintenance. There's other cars like mine that are out there for similar prices.
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From: SC/NoVa
13' E350 4matic, 08' E63
I know where a white 07 E63 no pano tan interior with about 70k in miles and a great car for about 24k. Plus a extended warranty would be available for around 4k or so that would cover 3-4 years and 45k miles. I understand your in Ca but 30k for a 06 seems high. Not sure what you want to do about modding it, if mods are in the picture then E55 is what you want, but that usually voids warranties. So if no modding why not a 63????
Thread Starter
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E55, past: SL55, 560SEL
I know where a white 07 E63 no pano tan interior with about 70k in miles and a great car for about 24k. Plus a extended warranty would be available for around 4k or so that would cover 3-4 years and 45k miles. I understand your in Ca but 30k for a 06 seems high. Not sure what you want to do about modding it, if mods are in the picture then E55 is what you want, but that usually voids warranties. So if no modding why not a 63????
06 cls55s and e55s with 20-25k miles are going for around $30k it seems.
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From: Indianapolis
2004 E55.98 SS Camaro.Jetta TDI. Expedition
Thread Starter
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E55, past: SL55, 560SEL
edit: check this out, it's been on the mkt for over a year! according to carfax:
11/25/2013 30,214 Dealer Inventory Vehicle offered for sale
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From: Sacramento, CA
Ducati
A friend said he offered the guy selling my old 03 E55 $8k, and the guy bit.
Don't know if my friend went through with it, but it would have been a helluva deal with the built trans, LSD, and options it had!
Don't know if my friend went through with it, but it would have been a helluva deal with the built trans, LSD, and options it had!
Thread Starter
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Joined: Dec 2009
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E55, past: SL55, 560SEL
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From: Folsom, CA
2005 E55 AMG
