Hey guys, i'm about to buy an 03' CL600. I need some help and advice in the whole process.

I've decided to buy a car out of state from an EBAY auction. I'm in MD and the car is in Studio City, CA. It is an 03' CL600 w/ 37000 miles, appears to be in very good condition and also has some nice upgrades including Renntech ECU/TCU. The AUTOCHECK report indicates that there is no history with the car, although I know that isn't always 100% true. Still I feel its a small relief.

The car was bought by the owner in 2007 from Open Road Motorcars. I googled this dealer and I could find no negative comments and they have a 100% positive feedback score on Ebay so that is also a good sign. Should I contact the dealer(the owner gave me the name of the salesman) and try and find out if they have any records or pertinent info? The Renntech stuff was done by Motorik Concierge. Should I contact them to verify this?

I will have to send a deposit to secure the car and then when I get there I will pay the remaining balance assuming everything is okay. This is where my questions begin.

1. What is the best and most secure way of sending a deposit for ME(in case anything happens and I need it back)?

2. What should I look for and where should I take it for inspection? What do I ask the shop to do exactly? Should I have a compression test done as well??

3. Any other advice is GREATLY appreciated.


ANY SHOPS OF VENDORS THAT ARE IN THE AREA AND WOULD BE WILLING TO LOOK THE CAR OVER OR HELP ME OUT IN ANYWAY PLEASE PM ME OR POST. ANYBODY WHO IS GOOD AT BODY WORK OR HAS A PAINT METER, PLEASE POST. Thanks.

 

I'd use your credit card for the deposit. Also, get up on mb world . o r g in the CL section and ask for a local member to check it out for you. Also, call a local MB dealer near by and have them do a thorough inspection. It may cost around $150, but it is worth thousands in the end. Trust me. Good luck. I've bought before on ebay and had a postive experience this way. Just do your homework!

 

^^Thanks for the reply. I'm one step ahead of you. I already got a post on MBWorld under the E55 section. The CL section just doesn't see any action. Should I do a compression test on the motor??

 

I was just about to suggest that forum instead. If the 03's are the twin turbo V12 (wow) and it has an ECU tune, I would get a compression test just to see how this modded car was driven. But that is just me. When buying a car from that far, you want to minimize the regrets.

I'm sure you are getting a deal, but it is a buyers market right now. So, ask them to help out with the cost of these tests IF you buy they car. They usually will.

Ask this question as well on the 55 forums to see what they say as well.

 

Oh yeah, and ask the dealer for the full service history of the car. I asked mine and they gave me the entire detailed service history since 00 miles. Just hope it tells a nice story. I'm sure it will.