At this rate we are all in danger of losing our membership. It's been 6 months for us since we bought the TSX. The Accord has been in our hands for 2 years 5 months.
The demo helps though. What we are finding is that we really don't like anything more than we like our TSX and Accord. The FX45 we drove was nice. So was the Titan. We loved the Freestyle but not as much as we liked our MDX when we had it. I drove a 2006 VW Passat 6-speed manual. Nice car but I'd rather drive the Accord on a daily basis. I just finished driving a Lincoln Aviator. Nice truck but we aren't truck people.
2003 GX470 Boring never liked them 2002 Disco Actually my old Demo that is now a service car 2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport 2003 Acura MDX 2007 Range Rover 2006 Range Rover 2004 Range Rover 2003 Range Rover
2004 Volvo S60 I actually liked that car and it was the base engine. I bet the higher powered turbo cars are a hoot.
2004 Jeep Wrangler with the six Cylinder and a 5 speed. Always liked those too fun little runabout.
A bunch of Different LR3s...
My normal demo the Subbie Forrester which is a nice car for what it is...
Acura TSX but an automatic so ehhh
2000 E430 4Matic 2006 S430 4Matic 2003 S430 4Matic BLAH Times three
2004 745IL Nice but wayyy too many buttons even for me and I am techy.
At this rate we are all in danger of losing our membership
Does it count if I got shopping at the junkyard?? Actually I am about to buy something, but its not a car, so I don't think it will count. I need to buy a horse trailer and since I'm looking at gooseneck trailers that means I have to lose the plastic bedliner in my truck and go to a spray in, plus let someone cut holes in my truck for the gooseneck ball. Hubby thinks a gooseneck will pull better and be easier for me to handle. All the kids want to do is be able to go to all the horse shows. Why do I see dollar signs flashing before my eyes??? $$$$$$$$$$ :sick:
Needless to say I'm out of the car buying game for many moons, the Dodge has proved itself to be a wonderful truck and super reliable. I've had it 5 months 3 days and it has 11,270 miles on it.
Working on it, will try to visit the Honda dealer the week before Christmas. Unless I make an impulse purchase on the way there! :P
I found out yesterday that the lien hasn't been released on the title to my car. I paid off the balance of the loan in November, 2005. If I'm selling it to a dealer, will they even care as long as the payoff is 0?
"I might not be the best person to respond to this (not that it ever stopped me before)... I've had at least two cars since 1980... and didn't get married until 1993..."
My wife and I had 2 cars when we first got married in 1982. Shortly thereafter, her mid-70s, three-on-the-tree Ford Maverick stopped working. We just let the car sit in the parking lot and a month or so later some guy offered us $200 for it and we grabbed it (not very bright). I guess we were pretty broke in those days since I was in grad school and my wife was working a minimum wage job.
From 1982 until 1999 we were a one-car family and there were times it was problematic, especially when I had to wait for the bus in sub-zero temps when we lived in Milwaukee in the late 80s. In 99 I added a fair-weather car that is a joy to drive, but is used very, very infrequently. Two years ago we got a vehicle for my wife and I now use our trusty 94 sedan. I guess we will stay with three since we have no payments, the insurance is reasonable and two of them can be housed in our garage.
Without much planning we went from one to three cars despite being a two-person household. Cars fascinate me although I never paid any attention to them until about 10 years ago (and I've been driving since the early 70s). The funny thing is, despite living 5.5 hilly miles from work, on some relatively busy roads, I do most of my commuting by bicycle even in the winter. I probably have sunk more money in my bicycle stable as well...don't tell my wife.
Well........the problem is, w/o a car, or a cell phone, sure, you can manage, unless there's an emergency situation. It can potentially be critical to have communications &/or a car that is driveable by both people, say if one person is out of commision.
An extreme example would be those people that were recently stuck in OR in a snowstorm in the wilderness. If they'd had a working cell-phone, let alone a GPS, food, supplies, it probably would have turned out much better.
Of course, for people who live & drive in the 'burbs, can call a cab on their land-line, etc., can always drive their spouse wherever if the automatic car fails, etc., sure, hopefully issues like these won't be problems......
It's like anything: "it won't matter until it matters", or it causes problems, & then people probably change their opinions.
The title isn't lost, I have it. (In Kentucky you keep the title even if you have a loan on the car, it's just noted on the certificate of title that there's a loan.) You take the title in and have the MVR people stamp and sign the title once they have the lien release paperwork.
I'll try to call Wachovia next week and see if they'll forward the paperwork.
Oh well that is interesting. In that case then as long as wachovia tells the dealership the lien is gone and just has not been released yet then you are in the clear.
I did buy something just before thanksgiving: 1996 Maxima. Of course, it was for my nephew (his money, I just brokered the deal). Belonged to a friend of mine near me, and the family was in NY, so I did the leg work, gave it the thumbs up, and swapped some checks and paperwork and took the car to my house pending delivery.
A few bumps in the road, but he was thrilled to have it. Guess it is hard to find a solid used car in the 2K range, especially near NYC, even more so when you don't know diddle about cars (him or my sister).
It did have 146K on it, but ran like new, and drove fine. Her mechanic replaced some suspension peice for $75, gave it a clean bill of health, and off they go (he actually said it was a great car, and she got a steal on it).
It was nice enough, I should have kept it for myself! Not that I needed it, and if I was going back to 3 cars, it wouldn't be for an old Maxima!
Nephew said his friends want me to find cars for them too, but I think this was a one shot deal, at least until next year when my son is ready to learn to drive 9ain't happening on my clutch!)
Just need to talk his grand ma out of her '95 Saturn 5 speed. See if she will fall for the old "you need a safer car" speil, when I want to put her grandson into it!
Those Maximas are good cars. My son has a '95 that he bought from a co-worker of mine in the summer of '03 for $3500 (original owner, 85K). Try as he might, he hasn't been able to kill it yet. In 3 plus years it's needed only brakes and a starter.
Am looking around now for something else for him. A bad hail storm peppered the top surfaces. Will find out this week if the insurance company is going to fix his damage or wants to total the car.
Haven't taken one in trade yet but we will eventually.
We get all of the "flagship" models from all the high end makes eventually.
I can actually tell how good a car is based on how long it takes for someone to get tired of it and trade it in for a Range Rover.
Everytime some new luxury car or SUV is released we will typically get it in trade within a few weeks or a couple of months. The worse the car is the sooner we get it in trade.
As of right now the only two recently released high end luxury vehicles we have not gotten in trade is the 2007 S-Class and the Audi Q7. Makes me think both of those cars are pretty good.
"...If they'd had a working cell-phone, let alone a GPS, food, supplies, it probably would have turned out much better."
True, but a survival course and some normal winter weather gear like clothes, a sleeping bag would have also helped their chances. I would never suggest that folks go without a cell phone. I carry one in case of emergency. For many, the cell phone produces the emergency.
My brother works in the film industry in Atlanta. He just had a job where an automaker conducted filmed interviews with three separate groups (pro, con and intended demographic) to assess the design of their new CUV. There were 8 people in each group and each group was asked to evaluate the interior and exterior design of the concept vehicle (there was no engine).
Many were impressed with the blocky design and said how much it looked like a Range Rover and how upscale the interior appeared. Of course, the "con" group was less enthusiastic. When the Ford emblem was revealed several folks said despite it's appearance they wouldn't be caught dead in it, which can't have made for the Ford representatives happy.
I wonder if some form of it will end up in the market in the next few years. Do you think Ford is using LR designers or just borrowing styling cues from preexisting vehicles?
This probably wasn't the same vehicle, but Ford recently announced their plans to "dumb down" the styling of their Fairlane minivan. What the heck?!? The concept already had wheels small enough for a production vehicle and would have been fine as-is, now they're making the styling more rounded and less distinctive. That's one way of ensuring it ends up in the rental fleets.
Yeah sounds like the Fairlane concept. A lot of people thought it looked like the Range Rover. The only two styling cues it shared with the Range Rover was the floating roof and block styling.
Other then that I didn't think it looked like a Range Rover.
Must be some free-spending people to afford all that depreciation. Dumping a year old S-class...I hope for their sake that it was a lease.
On the low mileage depreciation idea, I notice the local Lexus dealer has a 27K mile 02 E55 in a very unusual grey color. I might stop and take a look at it when I am out tomorrow. I have no plans to make an impulse buy...but I am always curious.
Fin... I have a 2000 E430 Sport (34,000 miles) and I don't recall an unusual grey color being available. The 2002 will be the same style that I have. If you can take a picture, it would be appreciated (or describe the color).
BR.. I have ridden in the 2007 S500 on a test drive and it is a very nice car. My friend was interested as he has owned many Mercedes since 1973. The new S-class with the "knob" has really turned him off. I wonder if the "BMW" knob will hurt Mercedes S-class sales.
Mark156
2010 Land Rover LR4, 2013 Honda CR-V, 2009 Bentley GTC, 1990 MB 500SL, 2001 MB S500, 2007 Lincoln TC, 1964 RR Silver Cloud III, 1995 MB E320 Cab., 2015 Prevost Liberty Coach
I just took a peek, they have it on their website. Here's the car. 27K miles, nav, they want 32995 for it. The color is a little dark for my liking, but I might go take a peek just for the hell of it. The mileage and options are attractive, and the price is suspiciously reasonable for this usually inflated dealer. I can't see making a move though...I'd have a hard time justifying parting with the C43 given that it is the most pristine one I have encountered, it too is lower mileage, and it has been so trouble-free. But I will admit, it's too small sometimes.
I sat in a new S550 and played with the electronics, the BMW-copy knob was fairly intuitive. But buttons would be best. I have seen so many of those cars now, and they are so nice otherwise...a real class act inside and under the hood...that I doubt some overly complicated electronics will kill it on the market. I think they have a winner. The old W220 was really getting old and kind of bland. I think this S550 is really like what a 560SEL was 20 years ago.
looks like a nice car. I always liked the styling on that model (sorry, I don't do MB alphanumerics!). And the 5.5l V8 should haul some serious booty.
Let us know how you like it once you make the trade! Sounds like you are already getting your lame justifications in place, which is important to do before you stop in to "just look"
3 martinis will also help move things along, just don't take a test drive!
At least you aren't married, so you don't have to worry about those ramifications. Somehow, spouses aren't always as enthousiastic about your new baby as you are.
It is kind of an odd color, that doesn't really show of the lines of the car well IMHO. No warranty? But, the miles are super low.
For me, would be nice to have a car that's roomier, & quicker than my E39 528i--The E39 just isn't very roomy inside, even with the wagon version. I'm sure an E55 would hit the spot, but I might be too chicken to buy a recent Benz w/no warranty.
Everything you said about your C43 seems to apply to my E39--the miles are so low, & I've spent so little on repairs (knock wood), & it's depreciated so much at 6 years old, that I can't justify selling it (what am I gonna do--sell it for $15K--if I'm rreeaalllll lucky--& pay at least twice as much for an E39 M5, or an E55?).
The practical side of my brain keeps telling me that condition & mileage trumps a fancier or higher performance model, with expensive German cars.....
Well, I went out this morning not planning to buy it...
But I did anyway.
The deal was just too good to pass up. Save for a few small cosmetic fixes (that a normal person wouldn't worry about - wheel lip polishing and a small garage bump on the rear end side of the trunk, mainly), it is pristine. It's local, sold at the MB dealer a few miles from me and has always lived just a few miles from there. The interior is as-new. It has the full load save for the phone - heated and cooled seats, nav, sunshade, xenon of course...it's a heavy option car, and I suspect the color is some kind of special order. I am going to research it some more.
I took it to my MB specialist and he said it was fine mechanically, with nothing needing attention. He also remarked about the odd color being the only one he's seen, and the remarkable state of the interior. It's obviously never even been exposed to the sun we have here. I drove it on the highway and on some rough side streets. It was calm and composed. So much smoother than the C43, so much quieter. I have to admit that rough ride annoyed me at times.
And here was the long part...the negotiation. I told them unless they gave me good money for the C43, that I would sell it myself. They gave me a lowball, a few grand under Edmunds TMV trade in. I almost walked away right there, as I wouldn't be out much (pre tax) from when I bought it. Then I was given a new offer, of more or less Edmunds private party sale price. That combined with the sales tax benefit of the trade in was attractive to me. Finally, I got it down (over a long period...like an hour) to 28K...quite a bit under Edmunds retail TMV. So I am getting a larger, newer, lower mileage, and just as nice car for not a huge deal more, a wholesale price I am sure. This car was delivered in October 02 and must have cost about 90K. That's depreciation!
The car doesn't appear to have ever really been waxed. It needs my attention. I suspect it will really sparkle when I am done with it.
There is one glitch...the LED for the clock has died. My MB specialist says this will run about a grand. The seller of the car was not going to pay for this after all I did. So I am going to call MB and see if I can get this as some kind of goodwill just-out-of-warranty deal. It's a 90K car 2 months out of warranty!
I also bought a 48 month warranty on it...the car is so complex that it kind of scares me. They sold it to me for what they claim was their cost, roughly 2K. So if MB doesn't fix the clock, the warranty will. I have searched the web for MB forums and found very few complaints about the E55, or any of the pre-supercharged AMG cars.
I'm pretty excited. Once I get it cleaned up a bit, I will put up some pics.
It's a 48K warranty on top of the current mileage.. I forget the company, I want to say something like 'National Warranty Corporation' or something generic like that. I made sure it covered electronics - the only bits that scare me.
For anyone interested, I've had the VIN decoded.
VIN WDBJF74J22B4XXXXX Plant 50 Model E 55 AMG Chassis 2100741B461XXX Engine 113980 60 03XXXXX Transmission 722636 03 279700 Tyres Primary MICHELIN Order 0 2 705 53973 Lights HELLA Cab 00000 Delivery date 09.11.01 Dealer United States (USA) (705) Interior leather "Condor" anthracite+black (521) Paint 753 tektite grey metallic Options 213 parameter steering (с 01.07.1989) 231 garage door opener, mounted in the roof frame (с 01.01.1996) 242 right front seat electrically adjustable with memory feature. only applicable to series w 210 when installed in conjunction with code 275. (с 01.03.1983) 249 automatically dipping inside rear view mirror (с 01.06.1990) 265 installation parts kit and connecting cable harness for TeKaDe BSA 31s car phone with one set elimination of lettering elegance/sport/esprit omission of line logo elegance/sport/esprit/classic (с 01.02.1993) Becker radio set Mexico, stereo 275 front seat positioned lower memory package (driver's seat, steering column, mirror) (с 01.10.1993) 293 trunk set, 3-piece sidebag in rear left and right (с 01.01.1995) 345 rains sensor for windshield wipers (с 01.10.1993) 349 non delivery - side blinkers provision for emergency call system "e-call" (с 26.01.1998) 352 operation and monitoring system comand (navigation + radio/cassette) (с 01.09.1996) 401 comfort front seats with ventilation and seat heaters (с 01.01.1996) 404 left front seat with multiple contour backrest (с 01.01.1996) 405 right front seat with multiple contour backrest (с 01.01.1996) 414 electric tilting/sliding roof in glass version (с 01.10.1988) 423 5 speed automatic transmission / nag (с 01.03.1994) 461 instrument with mileage reading and english lettering (с 01.04.1990) 494 California version version for USA/California/Canada (с 01.01.1996) 524 paintcoat preservation (с 01.01.1964) 540 roller blind, electric, for rear window (с 01.05.1985) 543 sun visor with vanity mirror, illuminated, left and right (с 01.11.1978) 551 anti-theft/anti-break-in warning system with anti-towing system (с 01.04.1998) 581 automatic climate control (с 01.01.1977) 600 headlamp wiper/washer (с 01.08.1971) 611 courtesy lamps for front and rear doors, with W124 also for central doors/W202 front doors only (с 01.11.1978) 612 lamp unit: gas discharge lamp (ael) xenon headlight (с 01.10.1993) 634 elimination of first aid box (с 01.08.1977) 636 elimination of warning triangle (с 01.03.1973) 668 673 high-capacity battery (с 01.01.1964) 679 spare wheel as basic wheel (с 18.06.1997) 691 blue heat-insulating glass all round, rear window, single pane safety glass (с 01.02.1995) 772 amg styling package - front spoiler, side skirts and rear apron (с 02.01.1992) 774 Shell modification for AMG-wheels 802 Change of year of model, last figure shows new model year 810 loudspeaker, sound package sound package (bose) (с 01.12.1986) 876 interior light assembly (с 01.10.1997) 910 14V/65A alternator alternator with increased capacity (с 01.11.1990) 915 fuel tank, 70 liter (с 01.05.1988) 954 equipment package for avantgarde vehicles (с 01.06.1993) rotating emergeny flasher, front (red light)
Hehe, they don't even make the Excel any more, and three of the items you listed could not be had from the factory in a Yaris. LOL
I saw the pics of the new Saturn Astra coming out next summer, and yeeow! I think it's worth waiting for, if I can stand to wait that long.
In the meantime, I am helping some friends look for a used minivan, thinking the small last-gen Sienna here, and I just saw a really nice Grandma-car late-80s Cressida in PERFECT shape...asking $2800 OBO, has about 100K miles, hmmmm....
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
$1k to repair a clock! ouch!! I think that right there would have scared me away, personally. I mean, if a lousy clock costs $1k, I don't want to even think about something important and expensive needing repair. At least you got the warranty, though.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
I'm with qbrozen though...that $1k repair for the clock is scary. I think the lat time I spent $1k in automotive related stuff it was for something like a transmission or car or something! :P
Those dates after the VIN codes are the dates the codes were first used. I think it's pretty cool you can break down more or less any MB from the time VINs were used the same way you can a muscle car.
The clock is a stupid thing. Apparently the LED readout is one big piece under the instrument cluster fascia, so when one bit dies, the whole thing has to go. I can deal with it for the 4-6 weeks (I think) until the aftermarket warranty kicks in, as I suspect contacting MB will get a jerky response...I mean, when you show up and pay cash for a repair they can be pretty jerky. I'll have it fixed at my independent though. The car does have one other very small issue, some seepage around the differential seal. It's a common problem on W210 cars, and the housing barely has any oil on it, just a light sheen you can see on your finger. The mechanic pointed it out, and said $500 to fix, but not to worry about it yet...so that will be a warranty job too. He also claimed I could likely drive the car for a year, sell it, and not lose any money, as the price was so low.
I've spent hours now perusing MB forums online...the only issues I can find with E55s are the LED, differential seal, engine mounts on high mileage cars, and MAF sensors on cars where the owner modifies the air intake. Pretty minor stuff, compared to regular 210s. Most seem to agree that AMG cars received some better parts and assembly when new.
How is the differential assembled? For that price, I have to assume its not like your typical ole 'mericun diff I'm used to where you simply remove the cover, huh?
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
I have no clue, to be honest. Sounds typical for MB though.
I know my fintail has had seepage in that area since I bought the car, and likely for decades before. It's just covered in gunk now, and I wouldn't dare touch it for fear of what might be exposed
If it is anything like other mercedes I have worked on you probably have to remove most of the rear axle to replace a seal. Also I have never worked on an AMG mercedes so I am sure they have special parts for the rear diff to handle the extra torque.
Also depends on where it is leaking that IRS rear end has a minimun of four seals and might have five or six.
The front pinion seal is probably the most expensive one to replace but one of the half shaft seals will be close.
heated and cooled seats, nav, sunshade, xenon of course
An E55 AMG is like a dream car for most people (duh). I don't know the prices of used ones, but $28K for such a low mileage one sounds great to me. What was it new? $65-$75K?
I was looking at a really cool house a few years ago, & the seller had a silver E55 in the garage. The realtor & I were both drooling over it. She didn't know what the "AMG" meant, but she seemed to know it was a special car......
Having the heated and cooled seats, nav, sunshade, & xenons is almost too good to be true. An Electric sunshade--AND cooled seats--that blows my mind.
Dream car for me, for sure. I am still kind of in shock about it. I hope it works out well...I have high hopes. I don't work today, so I am spending some time cleaning it up a little. I think it might look good. Wheel polishing guy couldn't make it today though, so I have to live with a few scuffs for another week.
I believe the price was nearer to 85K when it was new.
And the best part about the sunshade and cooled seats is that with the climate here, I might need to use them for a few months a year, no more.
They're doing the final touch-up on my 3-series today and tomorrow, and I have a 2006 (old body style) Camry rental. It's the LE 4-cylinder model.
At the risk of being labeled a heretic, I think I prefer the Malibu's driving dynamics to the Camry's. The Malibu rides at least as soft without being as floaty and unbalanced as the Camry, and it doesn't have the hair-trigger throttle that makes maneuvering in the Camry difficult. The interior of the Camry, although very plain, is at least a decade ahead of the Malibu.
Ah yeah that's right...in the excitement of the moment, I was puttin new E55 prices in my head.
With the options, it was probably just shy of 80K.
I put a soft polish and wax on it today, and did some touch up work...most blemishes actually rubbed out, and it looks a lot better. Now to get the curbed wheels polished and the trunk dent removed, and I'll be set.
I think I prefer the Malibu's driving dynamics to the Camry's. The Malibu rides at least as soft without being as floaty and unbalanced as the Camry
I have to confess that the NEW Malibu was a pretty good drive. Poor exterior styling, but a good drive and pretty good mph.
This weekend, I rented a 2006 Taurus from Hertz Local Edition $12.24/day with taxes. Not the best drive but having the Serius radio (my first time) really made the entire experience enjoyable.
j.....during my business trips, I rent a lot of those Tauri. While none of them would be considered "state-of-the-art", they aren't bad drives, at all. I've certainly had worse (namely, the last rental....an '07 Nissan Pathfinder....can any vehicle be more uncomfortable?).
Hard for me to believe Ford "dumped" it instead of continuing its development. They could have plopped a refreshed body on it, with a refreshed interior, tweaked the suspension a bit, bore out the Duratec engine, and probably got another 5 years out of the platform. Ford sold a boatload of them at one time.
they don't jump to my mind as the poster child for excitement, but my only real issue with them is the way the sides curve in. "Tumblehome" or whatever they call it. Makes me feel claustrophobic, and causes me to lean inboard a bit. In the back seat it was really bad.
Ford was getting too many cars in this size class though, and things were getting crowded. The Fusion isn't that much smaller, while the 500 isn't that much bigger.
They could have plopped a refreshed body on it, with a refreshed interior, tweaked the suspension a bit, bore out the Duratec engine, and probably got another 5 years out of the platform.
I have to disagree with you. From a marketing point of view, they should have kept the car but dumped the name. The vehicle (post 1998 revisions) was saddled with the reputation of bad transmissions and head gaskets from the 1992-1996 models.
I do not think that they are a bad ride. I just get a bit peeved when i am looking for a compact (32 mpg) and get a Taurus (22 mpg) ALTHOUGH the Sirius more than made up for it.
I agree about the headroom, while the EPA measured headroom is pretty good, in reality the sides slope down pretty quickly. The one I drove I kept banging my head getting out.
Headroom in a E55 I dunno,but would love to find out.....someday.
fin: congratulations on the new ride! I have to admit that I'm just a bit jealous, but I'm sure I'll get over it. However, that $1K cost to get the display fixed certainly got my attention!
j, andre, graphic: I sorta liked the Taurus, even though they had a depreciation curve that looked like the north face of Everest. We rented one for a trip to CA back in 1997 and found it to be comfortable enough for 2 adults, 2 kids and a week's worth of luggage.
Was out of town over the weekend, and got a chance to drive a 2007 Volvo V50 T5 AWD with the Geartronic transmission. I was quite impressed with the car overall - it's amazing how quick and quiet it is. The dealer had a couple of leftover '06 V40 T5 AWD sedans that were used as courtesy cars on the lot ... the salesman told me I could get them "in the 20's".
Yeah, like I'm gonna trade it the wife's VUE without her permission at a dealer 200 miles from home.
They also had a life size replica of an XC90 made entirely out of Lego's on the lot! It's a promotiional thing and the "car" is moved from dealer to dealer around the country. Built on a real chassis with real wheels and tires, it looks real from 50' but only when you get close do you notice the Legos.
How are the seats? I've never driven a M-B that I really liked the seats on. I drove an E430--probably a '97-'99 model, a few years ago, & the seats had that sort of "concave" thing happening, & not that supportive IMO.
Will be fascinating to see how your E55 works out; with reliability, the ext. warranty, etc. You have a good M-B mechanic nearby? That means a lot. One of the reasons I own a bmw is that there's a great (albeit expensive) indie bmw shop about a mile away. They also work on Audis, but I haven't had the guts to buy a used Audi yet.
Still, if I came across a mint condition A8, or E55, with low miles, like yours, I'd be so tempted.....
Compared to the C43, it is so soft and plush. It's much smoother, quieter, the seats are bigger. The side bolstering on the lower/cushion part isn't too hot though, doesn't hold me in place. The C43 had VERY confining seats though, so maybe I just need to become accustomed to a more normal car. AFAIK the E55 had seats unlike all other W210s, in both pattern and upholstery - its a perforated leather on every part of the seating surface.
I do have a decent indie mechanic but a couple miles from where I live. I've had him do fintail maintenance too, and he serviced the C43. I had an inspection done before I bought the E55, and he said it looked OK save for the LED and the seepage at the differential gasket. He's the one who told me I could drive it for a year and probably get my money back if I then chose to sell it. My only big worry is making sure the warranty works out. I've spent some time perusing MB specific forums, and don't see many big gripes about W210 E55 durability...much less than 6cyl W210 for sure.
Thanks for the luck, I'll post if my newest baby has any tantrums.
Comments
The demo helps though. What we are finding is that we really don't like anything more than we like our TSX and Accord. The FX45 we drove was nice. So was the Titan. We loved the Freestyle but not as much as we liked our MDX when we had it. I drove a 2006 VW Passat 6-speed manual. Nice car but I'd rather drive the Accord on a daily basis. I just finished driving a Lincoln Aviator. Nice truck but we aren't truck people.
Guess we should turn in our card now ..........
Over the past Couple of weeks I have driven..
2003 GX470 Boring never liked them
2002 Disco Actually my old Demo that is now a service car
2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
2003 Acura MDX
2007 Range Rover
2006 Range Rover
2004 Range Rover
2003 Range Rover
2004 Volvo S60 I actually liked that car and it was the base engine. I bet the higher powered turbo cars are a hoot.
2004 Jeep Wrangler with the six Cylinder and a 5 speed. Always liked those too fun little runabout.
A bunch of Different LR3s...
My normal demo the Subbie Forrester which is a nice car for what it is...
Acura TSX but an automatic so ehhh
2000 E430 4Matic
2006 S430 4Matic
2003 S430 4Matic BLAH Times three
2004 745IL Nice but wayyy too many buttons even for me and I am techy.
-Jason
Does it count if I got shopping at the junkyard?? Actually I am about to buy something, but its not a car, so I don't think it will count. I need to buy a horse trailer and since I'm looking at gooseneck trailers that means I have to lose the plastic bedliner in my truck and go to a spray in, plus let someone cut holes in my truck for the gooseneck ball. Hubby thinks a gooseneck will pull better and be easier for me to handle. All the kids want to do is be able to go to all the horse shows. Why do I see dollar signs flashing before my eyes??? $$$$$$$$$$ :sick:
Needless to say I'm out of the car buying game for many moons, the Dodge has proved itself to be a wonderful truck and super reliable. I've had it 5 months 3 days and it has 11,270 miles on it.
I found out yesterday that the lien hasn't been released on the title to my car. I paid off the balance of the loan in November, 2005. If I'm selling it to a dealer, will they even care as long as the payoff is 0?
They might try and put a little less money on the car as well. This is to cover them for the time they cannot sell it because of the lost title.
My wife and I had 2 cars when we first got married in 1982. Shortly thereafter, her mid-70s, three-on-the-tree Ford Maverick stopped working. We just let the car sit in the parking lot and a month or so later some guy offered us $200 for it and we grabbed it (not very bright). I guess we were pretty broke in those days since I was in grad school and my wife was working a minimum wage job.
From 1982 until 1999 we were a one-car family and there were times it was problematic, especially when I had to wait for the bus in sub-zero temps when we lived in Milwaukee in the late 80s. In 99 I added a fair-weather car that is a joy to drive, but is used very, very infrequently. Two years ago we got a vehicle for my wife and I now use our trusty 94 sedan. I guess we will stay with three since we have no payments, the insurance is reasonable and two of them can be housed in our garage.
Without much planning we went from one to three cars despite being a two-person household. Cars fascinate me although I never paid any attention to them until about 10 years ago (and I've been driving since the early 70s). The funny thing is, despite living 5.5 hilly miles from work, on some relatively busy roads, I do most of my commuting by bicycle even in the winter. I probably have sunk more money in my bicycle stable as well...don't tell my wife.
Gogiboy
An extreme example would be those people that were recently stuck in OR in a snowstorm in the wilderness. If they'd had a working cell-phone, let alone a GPS, food, supplies, it probably would have turned out much better.
Of course, for people who live & drive in the 'burbs, can call a cab on their land-line, etc., can always drive their spouse wherever if the automatic car fails, etc., sure, hopefully issues like these won't be problems......
It's like anything: "it won't matter until it matters", or it causes problems, & then people probably change their opinions.
I'll try to call Wachovia next week and see if they'll forward the paperwork.
Have you had a chance to drive an 07/W221 S-class? When you do, post your opinion of it.
A few bumps in the road, but he was thrilled to have it. Guess it is hard to find a solid used car in the 2K range, especially near NYC, even more so when you don't know diddle about cars (him or my sister).
It did have 146K on it, but ran like new, and drove fine. Her mechanic replaced some suspension peice for $75, gave it a clean bill of health, and off they go (he actually said it was a great car, and she got a steal on it).
It was nice enough, I should have kept it for myself! Not that I needed it, and if I was going back to 3 cars, it wouldn't be for an old Maxima!
Nephew said his friends want me to find cars for them too, but I think this was a one shot deal, at least until next year when my son is ready to learn to drive 9ain't happening on my clutch!)
Just need to talk his grand ma out of her '95 Saturn 5 speed. See if she will fall for the old "you need a safer car" speil, when I want to put her grandson into it!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Am looking around now for something else for him. A bad hail storm peppered the top surfaces. Will find out this week if the insurance company is going to fix his damage or wants to total the car.
We get all of the "flagship" models from all the high end makes eventually.
I can actually tell how good a car is based on how long it takes for someone to get tired of it and trade it in for a Range Rover.
Everytime some new luxury car or SUV is released we will typically get it in trade within a few weeks or a couple of months. The worse the car is the sooner we get it in trade.
As of right now the only two recently released high end luxury vehicles we have not gotten in trade is the 2007 S-Class and the Audi Q7. Makes me think both of those cars are pretty good.
True, but a survival course and some normal winter weather gear like clothes, a sleeping bag would have also helped their chances. I would never suggest that folks go without a cell phone. I carry one in case of emergency. For many, the cell phone produces the emergency.
My brother works in the film industry in Atlanta. He just had a job where an automaker conducted filmed interviews with three separate groups (pro, con and intended demographic) to assess the design of their new CUV. There were 8 people in each group and each group was asked to evaluate the interior and exterior design of the concept vehicle (there was no engine).
Many were impressed with the blocky design and said how much it looked like a Range Rover and how upscale the interior appeared. Of course, the "con" group was less enthusiastic. When the Ford emblem was revealed several folks said despite it's appearance they wouldn't be caught dead in it, which can't have made for the Ford representatives happy.
I wonder if some form of it will end up in the market in the next few years. Do you think Ford is using LR designers or just borrowing styling cues from preexisting vehicles?
Gogiboy
Other then that I didn't think it looked like a Range Rover.
On the low mileage depreciation idea, I notice the local Lexus dealer has a 27K mile 02 E55 in a very unusual grey color. I might stop and take a look at it when I am out tomorrow. I have no plans to make an impulse buy...but I am always curious.
BR.. I have ridden in the 2007 S500 on a test drive and it is a very nice car. My friend was interested as he has owned many Mercedes since 1973. The new S-class with the "knob" has really turned him off. I wonder if the "BMW" knob will hurt Mercedes S-class sales.
Mark156
I sat in a new S550 and played with the electronics, the BMW-copy knob was fairly intuitive. But buttons would be best. I have seen so many of those cars now, and they are so nice otherwise...a real class act inside and under the hood...that I doubt some overly complicated electronics will kill it on the market. I think they have a winner. The old W220 was really getting old and kind of bland. I think this S550 is really like what a 560SEL was 20 years ago.
If you plan it, it's not an impulse buy.
Let us know how you like it once you make the trade! Sounds like you are already getting your lame justifications in place, which is important to do before you stop in to "just look"
3 martinis will also help move things along, just don't take a test drive!
At least you aren't married, so you don't have to worry about those ramifications. Somehow, spouses aren't always as enthousiastic about your new baby as you are.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
For me, would be nice to have a car that's roomier, & quicker than my E39 528i--The E39 just isn't very roomy inside, even with the wagon version. I'm sure an E55 would hit the spot, but I might be too chicken to buy a recent Benz w/no warranty.
Everything you said about your C43 seems to apply to my E39--the miles are so low, & I've spent so little on repairs (knock wood), & it's depreciated so much at 6 years old, that I can't justify selling it (what am I gonna do--sell it for $15K--if I'm rreeaalllll lucky--& pay at least twice as much for an E39 M5, or an E55?).
The practical side of my brain keeps telling me that condition & mileage trumps a fancier or higher performance model, with expensive German cars.....
But I did anyway.
The deal was just too good to pass up. Save for a few small cosmetic fixes (that a normal person wouldn't worry about - wheel lip polishing and a small garage bump on the rear end side of the trunk, mainly), it is pristine. It's local, sold at the MB dealer a few miles from me and has always lived just a few miles from there. The interior is as-new. It has the full load save for the phone - heated and cooled seats, nav, sunshade, xenon of course...it's a heavy option car, and I suspect the color is some kind of special order. I am going to research it some more.
I took it to my MB specialist and he said it was fine mechanically, with nothing needing attention. He also remarked about the odd color being the only one he's seen, and the remarkable state of the interior. It's obviously never even been exposed to the sun we have here. I drove it on the highway and on some rough side streets. It was calm and composed. So much smoother than the C43, so much quieter. I have to admit that rough ride annoyed me at times.
And here was the long part...the negotiation. I told them unless they gave me good money for the C43, that I would sell it myself. They gave me a lowball, a few grand under Edmunds TMV trade in. I almost walked away right there, as I wouldn't be out much (pre tax) from when I bought it. Then I was given a new offer, of more or less Edmunds private party sale price. That combined with the sales tax benefit of the trade in was attractive to me. Finally, I got it down (over a long period...like an hour) to 28K...quite a bit under Edmunds retail TMV. So I am getting a larger, newer, lower mileage, and just as nice car for not a huge deal more, a wholesale price I am sure. This car was delivered in October 02 and must have cost about 90K. That's depreciation!
The car doesn't appear to have ever really been waxed. It needs my attention. I suspect it will really sparkle when I am done with it.
There is one glitch...the LED for the clock has died. My MB specialist says this will run about a grand. The seller of the car was not going to pay for this after all I did. So I am going to call MB and see if I can get this as some kind of goodwill just-out-of-warranty deal. It's a 90K car 2 months out of warranty!
I also bought a 48 month warranty on it...the car is so complex that it kind of scares me. They sold it to me for what they claim was their cost, roughly 2K. So if MB doesn't fix the clock, the warranty will. I have searched the web for MB forums and found very few complaints about the E55, or any of the pre-supercharged AMG cars.
I'm pretty excited. Once I get it cleaned up a bit, I will put up some pics.
2000 dollars for an aftermarket warranty sounds like about their cost. What was the mileage limit on the warranty and what was the warranty company?
For anyone interested, I've had the VIN decoded.
VIN WDBJF74J22B4XXXXX
Plant 50
Model E 55 AMG
Chassis 2100741B461XXX
Engine 113980 60 03XXXXX
Transmission 722636 03 279700
Tyres
Primary MICHELIN
Order 0 2 705 53973
Lights HELLA
Cab 00000
Delivery date 09.11.01
Dealer United States (USA) (705)
Interior leather "Condor" anthracite+black (521)
Paint
753 tektite grey metallic
Options
213 parameter steering (с 01.07.1989)
231 garage door opener, mounted in the roof frame (с 01.01.1996)
242 right front seat electrically adjustable with memory feature. only applicable to series w 210 when installed in conjunction with code 275. (с 01.03.1983)
249 automatically dipping inside rear view mirror (с 01.06.1990)
265 installation parts kit and connecting cable harness for TeKaDe BSA 31s car phone with one set
elimination of lettering elegance/sport/esprit
omission of line logo elegance/sport/esprit/classic (с 01.02.1993)
Becker radio set Mexico, stereo
275 front seat positioned lower
memory package (driver's seat, steering column, mirror) (с 01.10.1993)
293 trunk set, 3-piece
sidebag in rear left and right (с 01.01.1995)
345 rains sensor for windshield wipers (с 01.10.1993)
349 non delivery - side blinkers
provision for emergency call system "e-call" (с 26.01.1998)
352 operation and monitoring system comand (navigation + radio/cassette) (с 01.09.1996)
401 comfort front seats with ventilation and seat heaters (с 01.01.1996)
404 left front seat with multiple contour backrest (с 01.01.1996)
405 right front seat with multiple contour backrest (с 01.01.1996)
414 electric tilting/sliding roof in glass version (с 01.10.1988)
423 5 speed automatic transmission / nag (с 01.03.1994)
461 instrument with mileage reading and english lettering (с 01.04.1990)
494 California version
version for USA/California/Canada (с 01.01.1996)
524 paintcoat preservation (с 01.01.1964)
540 roller blind, electric, for rear window (с 01.05.1985)
543 sun visor with vanity mirror, illuminated, left and right (с 01.11.1978)
551 anti-theft/anti-break-in warning system with anti-towing system (с 01.04.1998)
581 automatic climate control (с 01.01.1977)
600 headlamp wiper/washer (с 01.08.1971)
611 courtesy lamps for front and rear doors, with W124 also for central doors/W202 front doors only (с 01.11.1978)
612 lamp unit: gas discharge lamp (ael)
xenon headlight (с 01.10.1993)
634 elimination of first aid box (с 01.08.1977)
636 elimination of warning triangle (с 01.03.1973)
668
673 high-capacity battery (с 01.01.1964)
679 spare wheel as basic wheel (с 18.06.1997)
691 blue heat-insulating glass all round, rear window, single pane safety glass (с 01.02.1995)
772 amg styling package - front spoiler, side skirts and rear apron (с 02.01.1992)
774 Shell modification for AMG-wheels
802 Change of year of model, last figure shows new model year
810 loudspeaker, sound package
sound package (bose) (с 01.12.1986)
876 interior light assembly (с 01.10.1997)
910 14V/65A alternator
alternator with increased capacity (с 01.11.1990)
915 fuel tank, 70 liter (с 01.05.1988)
954 equipment package for avantgarde vehicles (с 01.06.1993)
rotating emergeny flasher, front (red light)
I saw the pics of the new Saturn Astra coming out next summer, and yeeow! I think it's worth waiting for, if I can stand to wait that long.
In the meantime, I am helping some friends look for a used minivan, thinking the small last-gen Sienna here, and I just saw a really nice Grandma-car late-80s Cressida in PERFECT shape...asking $2800 OBO, has about 100K miles, hmmmm....
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
I hope the battery isn't from 1964. :sick:
I also hope the delivery date is in European notation. :surprise:
$1k to repair a clock! ouch!! I think that right there would have scared me away, personally. I mean, if a lousy clock costs $1k, I don't want to even think about something important and expensive needing repair. At least you got the warranty, though.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
I'm with qbrozen though...that $1k repair for the clock is scary. I think the lat time I spent $1k in automotive related stuff it was for something like a transmission or car or something! :P
Hopefully the warranty should help out there.
The clock is a stupid thing. Apparently the LED readout is one big piece under the instrument cluster fascia, so when one bit dies, the whole thing has to go. I can deal with it for the 4-6 weeks (I think) until the aftermarket warranty kicks in, as I suspect contacting MB will get a jerky response...I mean, when you show up and pay cash for a repair they can be pretty jerky. I'll have it fixed at my independent though. The car does have one other very small issue, some seepage around the differential seal. It's a common problem on W210 cars, and the housing barely has any oil on it, just a light sheen you can see on your finger. The mechanic pointed it out, and said $500 to fix, but not to worry about it yet...so that will be a warranty job too. He also claimed I could likely drive the car for a year, sell it, and not lose any money, as the price was so low.
I've spent hours now perusing MB forums online...the only issues I can find with E55s are the LED, differential seal, engine mounts on high mileage cars, and MAF sensors on cars where the owner modifies the air intake. Pretty minor stuff, compared to regular 210s. Most seem to agree that AMG cars received some better parts and assembly when new.
How is the differential assembled? For that price, I have to assume its not like your typical ole 'mericun diff I'm used to where you simply remove the cover, huh?
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
I know my fintail has had seepage in that area since I bought the car, and likely for decades before. It's just covered in gunk now, and I wouldn't dare touch it for fear of what might be exposed
See, you guys, someone finally bought something.
Also depends on where it is leaking that IRS rear end has a minimun of four seals and might have five or six.
The front pinion seal is probably the most expensive one to replace but one of the half shaft seals will be close.
I would say, with a setup like that, if you start disassembling for one seal, might as well do them all.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
An E55 AMG is like a dream car for most people (duh). I don't know the prices of used ones, but $28K for such a low mileage one sounds great to me. What was it new? $65-$75K?
I was looking at a really cool house a few years ago, & the seller had a silver E55 in the garage. The realtor & I were both drooling over it. She didn't know what the "AMG" meant, but she seemed to know it was a special car......
Having the heated and cooled seats, nav, sunshade, & xenons is almost too good to be true. An Electric sunshade--AND cooled seats--that blows my mind.
I believe the price was nearer to 85K when it was new.
And the best part about the sunshade and cooled seats is that with the climate here, I might need to use them for a few months a year, no more.
At the risk of being labeled a heretic, I think I prefer the Malibu's driving dynamics to the Camry's. The Malibu rides at least as soft without being as floaty and unbalanced as the Camry, and it doesn't have the hair-trigger throttle that makes maneuvering in the Camry difficult. The interior of the Camry, although very plain, is at least a decade ahead of the Malibu.
With the options, it was probably just shy of 80K.
I put a soft polish and wax on it today, and did some touch up work...most blemishes actually rubbed out, and it looks a lot better. Now to get the curbed wheels polished and the trunk dent removed, and I'll be set.
I have to confess that the NEW Malibu was a pretty good drive. Poor exterior styling, but a good drive and pretty good mph.
This weekend, I rented a 2006 Taurus from Hertz Local Edition $12.24/day with taxes. Not the best drive but having the Serius radio (my first time) really made the entire experience enjoyable.
Hard for me to believe Ford "dumped" it instead of continuing its development. They could have plopped a refreshed body on it, with a refreshed interior, tweaked the suspension a bit, bore out the Duratec engine, and probably got another 5 years out of the platform. Ford sold a boatload of them at one time.
Ford was getting too many cars in this size class though, and things were getting crowded. The Fusion isn't that much smaller, while the 500 isn't that much bigger.
I have to disagree with you. From a marketing point of view, they should have kept the car but dumped the name. The vehicle (post 1998 revisions) was saddled with the reputation of bad transmissions and head gaskets from the 1992-1996 models.
I do not think that they are a bad ride. I just get a bit peeved when i am looking for a compact (32 mpg) and get a Taurus (22 mpg) ALTHOUGH the Sirius more than made up for it.
Headroom in a E55 I dunno,but would love to find out.....someday.
j, andre, graphic: I sorta liked the Taurus, even though they had a depreciation curve that looked like the north face of Everest. We rented one for a trip to CA back in 1997 and found it to be comfortable enough for 2 adults, 2 kids and a week's worth of luggage.
Was out of town over the weekend, and got a chance to drive a 2007 Volvo V50 T5 AWD with the Geartronic transmission. I was quite impressed with the car overall - it's amazing how quick and quiet it is. The dealer had a couple of leftover '06 V40 T5 AWD sedans that were used as courtesy cars on the lot ... the salesman told me I could get them "in the 20's".
Yeah, like I'm gonna trade it the wife's VUE without her permission at a dealer 200 miles from home.
They also had a life size replica of an XC90 made entirely out of Lego's on the lot! It's a promotiional thing and the "car" is moved from dealer to dealer around the country. Built on a real chassis with real wheels and tires, it looks real from 50' but only when you get close do you notice the Legos.
Will be fascinating to see how your E55 works out; with reliability, the ext. warranty, etc. You have a good M-B mechanic nearby? That means a lot. One of the reasons I own a bmw is that there's a great (albeit expensive) indie bmw shop about a mile away. They also work on Audis, but I haven't had the guts to buy a used Audi yet.
Still, if I came across a mint condition A8, or E55, with low miles, like yours, I'd be so tempted.....
Good luck with the car! woodie
I do have a decent indie mechanic but a couple miles from where I live. I've had him do fintail maintenance too, and he serviced the C43. I had an inspection done before I bought the E55, and he said it looked OK save for the LED and the seepage at the differential gasket. He's the one who told me I could drive it for a year and probably get my money back if I then chose to sell it. My only big worry is making sure the warranty works out. I've spent some time perusing MB specific forums, and don't see many big gripes about W210 E55 durability...much less than 6cyl W210 for sure.
Thanks for the luck, I'll post if my newest baby has any tantrums.