I'd figured I'd share my recent car buying scenario for the heck of it (this forum needs more traffic anyway). I've been looking at the depreciation of the previous gen E55 and the 2003 E500s that came out a year ago. I figured out that the new E55s are going to start losing about $1,000 a month in value for the next two years. That is just way too hard for me to stomach. So I started researching my other options. Did some research on the 2002 C32 AMG model. I may be able to get a 20,000 mile car with 2 years of warranty left for around $35K. One magazine got a 4.6 0-60 and a 13.0@107 1/4 mile out of it. Its such a sleeper compared to even the new E55 which everybody now seems to know is really fast. So I figure I'll swap the 25 lb. stock wheels for some 17-18 lb. rims, slap on an intake and exhaust and surprise some 1st gen RT/10 and C5 vette owners. Meanwhile I can wait 24 months for the E55s to come down.

Kevin

 

4.6?? Fastest I ever saw was like5.1-5.2 and 13.6-13.7Just got tested in C/D, came in 3rd out of 3. m3 scored a perfect score for the performance tests, however lost out to the new S4 on the subjective points. Anyway, I guess my point is, I would get an M3 anyday over a C32. MB just do not handle and have the feel of BMW's. That includes the new E55 which my friend just purchased. I have driven iy extensively. That is one fast mother. However, it definately isn't confidence inspiring when cornering or make quick lane changes.

-Lou

 

The M3 is neat but I need a 4 door for work. I've also heard about 100 or so M3s with major engine failures. These C32s have been out long enough that soon an 02 will be available for $35K used with 20K miles or so and 2 yrs. warranty left. That 4.6 second 0-60 is the quickest mag test time and 5.2 is the slowest. They trap between 104 and 107 for the mags. An air filter, exhaust and wheels that are 8 or so lbs. lighter than the stockers should ensure that my C32 is capable of running at the quick end of those tests if not better.

Kevin

 

I think a CLK55 ('01 or '02) would be the best option for this scenario. You can get one with less than 20K miles for low-$40's.

It's a much better looking car than the C32, handles better, and is faster...not to mention the beautiful rumble of the V8.

Oops...just realized you indicated you need a 4-door car. Scratch this idea...

 

Kevin,

Some M3 engines have in fact blown. The ones that did blow were replaced and given a 100k warranty for the trouble. Also, I realized I chimed in on something that you didn't really ask an opinion on, so I apologize. Anyway, hope you enjoy that C32. Take care.

-Lou

 

No worries guys. I appreciate all of the advice. I agree with your points on the M3 and CLK55's being great cars. The new CLKs design looks even better IMO.

I've been seeing late model C series MB's a lot since I started thinking of getting one. I just hope that the rear leg room is really not far off my GS400.

Kevin

 

M5.... M5....

 

To get an 02 with a warranty the used ones still run $54K+. I'm about to get a starmark extended warranty C32 for around $36,000 with 20,000ish miles. My payment would be $350 more per month. Also, I'll have clients in my car and a stick won't work as well for work.

Kevin

 

I was thinking the same car, but, you'd have to get an 01 and hope you can steal one for $45-46K. Standard warranty would last until 2005. I had an 02, it was a pretty amazing car, I still kinda miss it, but, not that much though

-Lou

 

Comparing the C32 to all other cars, is there anything else that meets these parameters?

2002 or newer
automatic transmission
4 door sedan from a luxury auto maker
with less than 10,000 miles on it
runs mid 13's in the 1/4 mile totally stock (non-voided warranty)
available for a better price ($37,500)
close to trade-in value so I shouldn't be too upside down when I go to get retail out of it later

I think it is the only car out there. I just hope it hold up the way my GS400 has. Though I never had a warranty on the GS I never needed one.

Kevin

 

Factory claims 0-60MPH in 4.9 sec. and you know how factory is conservative in their numbers.


http://mbusa.designory.com/my04_c/pdf/c_16.pdf

 

Looks like I made a deal on this bad boy that is around KBB trade in value. I hope there is nothing fishy about this car. The deal is SO good it scares me. It is coming from an authorized dealer of several major car brands (non-MB though). Its under warranty has really low miles and has a perfect carfax so at worst it had a fender bender if any previous damage at all. I also found out that it has navigation which is a big plus for me. I'm stoked on it, the deal and my interest rate (3.49%).

Kevin

 

Hey, that's cool! Now get us some pics ASAP.

By the way, who did you finance it through?

 

The car will probably get down here in 1-2 weeks. I have a swap going for an aftermarket (yet very tasteful) front bumper and flat hood badge and stock grille painted black. Should look nice and clean. Now just got to find the lightest 17's or 18's available for this bad boy then the pics will be a flowin'.


Financing through local credit union.

Kevin

 

Kevin, With the parameters you laid out, I do not think you could have done any better. Congrats and post some pics soon.

-Lou