'93 500E, 147kmiles, $14,500 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

The Godfather · #1 07-13-2003, 04:28 AM

I was bidding on this, and I made a mistake in the bid and put 15000 when I wanted to put 10000..anyway... i hit the reserve...

Somebody get this car!!!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2422169221&category=6335

The Godfather · #2 07-13-2003, 04:15 PM

DO NOT BID! I JUST RAN CARFAX AND IT HAS BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT!

placo1 · #3 07-13-2003, 06:06 PM

Hey Mike,

I noticed a few things that didn't look right on that car. First the front ligths are standard Euro's not the 500E Euro's, that definitely doesn't look right.

Also the shift lever is bent towards the drivers side, should be standing straight up. If anyone is bidding be weary and have the car inspected prior to purchase.

Holson Adi · #4 07-13-2003, 08:10 PM

passenger side parking light doesn't work

interior is quite worn out

looks a little low on coolant

ugly wheels
AND the tires don't look like they're the right size... actually neither do the wheels.

The Godfather · #5 07-14-2003, 01:31 AM

Afshin, I noticed the headlights, but also the tails are 94 style...

But anyway, it's junk, so I backed out of my bid and bidded below the reserve.

Holson Adi · #6 07-14-2003, 02:34 AM

Check this one out.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2423680877&category=6335

The sweetest color combo for a 124.036

-fad · #7 07-14-2003, 04:52 PM

...gees- lets be serious

> a nice, clean, full records, no accidents, turn-key, needing nothing 500e for $14,500 is a pipe dream....at the very least wishful thinking

those wishing to spend in that range for a 500e will naturally get a 500e in the condition merited for that sum

so if the $10k-$15k 500e is the type of car you want to acquire- great!- more power to you

...... but don't cry when it fails to offer reliable performance like a 500e should & it spends more time belly up awaiting repairs than it does gliding around the freeways

this lowballing acquisition strategy is certainly not new and there are many candidates not restricted to 124.036- - there are also 6.3's, 6.9's, 3.5 cabs, SL's, SEC's, W140 Coupes that can be had for a few thousand USDs

these types of 'bargain' mega-buck cars will always have an appeal and certain buyer- - - it's so entertaining to view the "alarming" posts

fyi- there are many used up 500e's for sale needing immediate refreshening to bring them up to factory performance...in fact, I'd say that most of the 500e's for sale these days require refreshening in some circumstances minor $ and in most circumstances major $ (perhaps not Tome500's 37k example however)

looking to buy the pinnacle of perfection /creme of the crop 500e? prepare to pay a reasonable sum for the rarest of the rare

At this point in time, I'd suggest searching for a 500e that is a well- cared for example showing normal wear and tear aethetics/ for sale in the $25-$30k range that has had these items replaced:

>upper engine wiring harnesses
>throttle actuator (+/-m wiring harness)
>a/c evaporator,seals, etc.
>SLS nitrogen balls
>water pump
>front end suspension bushings (+/- shocks)
>timing chain and rails

-fad

The Godfather · #8 07-14-2003, 06:21 PM

Fad, when I saw this car, it looked good to me (prior to the carfax check).

I expected a reserve of around 20k+, so I big ad 15k, and I was surprised to see I broke the $14.5k reserve.

AFter further investigation, it didn't look like such a deal anymore.

While a 500E will run in the price you have mentioned, there is always, the grandma garaged and owned since new car that will sell for cheap. I hoped it would be one of them, but it wasn't.

Sadly, some of us cannot afford more than a $15k car, so one can only dream to be a able to afford a $25k one for $10k less.

Dreams do come true

-fad · #9 07-14-2003, 07:17 PM

Cool Doc--- but those Grandma owned and garaged 500e's only exist in fairy tale land and TomE500's garage, ArizonaDAK's, and perhaps less than 50 garages here in the US! If you're after one of those 50 or so collector quality/ low mile/near perfect / as new examples- "cheap" would certainly not be a word used to describe a sales/ selling price.

$14.5k pricewise is really a good deal on a 500e (just to get into one)...little doubt it would take about $3k-$10k to straighten it out and get it ready for the next 10 years of enthusiastic ownership

so adding these sums would yield a good daily driver and a total price range of $17.5k to $24.5k= a bargain for all the 500e is!

If your budget is around $15g's don't look down on these affordable 500e's- - pick it up and fix it up correctly with time and you'll be Mr Happy:p I'd pay attention to picking up a car with full records and perfect maintence- - but realistically be prepared to do those items that I've mentioned before (especially if you plan on driving it fast and enjoying the total experience).

you may get a kick out of seeking out bargain deals....however, 99.999% of the time in life- you get what you pay for and if on the surface a deal appears TOO good to be TRUE- it usually is

best regards and hope you find what you are looking for ...and afterwards want what you have acquired
-fad

The Godfather · #10 07-14-2003, 08:13 PM

"Get what you pay for"

Oh so true!

At the moment, I'm just loving my E320, and my next one, in a year or two, would probably be a W140 500 or 600 (realistically a 500, for the sake of not getting beat up by the bill when changing spark plugs

).

Thanks for the advice Fad

pifcat2 · #11 07-22-2003, 02:04 AM

After the auction I asked how much the seller set the reserve price and he answered that I could have the car for $12.9k since he received a new load of cars to sell. I know a decent 500E would sell for at least mid-twenties so I would have jumped at this deal if my financial situation would have been better. The $12k difference can mechanically refresh the car quite a bit. The previous damage should be considered as it would definitely play into the resale value and may have low repair quality. I have fallen several times to a "low purchase price and seemingly forever pouring money into the car" net but sometimes it's difficult to justify to your spouse or your bill collectors that you need to put the proper amount of money up front. I've experienced this in home purchases too - bigger scale. The only car that I purchased new was a great sporty asian import that I loved to drive. It was so much superior in ride and reliability than my classic italian and english cars. The interesting thing is that it lacked "character" (I know, subjective) and I didn't see too many real enthusiasts since the models change every 3-5 years. These cars were designed to temporarily satisfy the new car buyer until they could introduce a new model. I like to believe the true enthusiast can desire and respect a car outside of their financial range and hopefully find a way to get one to really enjoy or to restore. I'm not saying someone who's isn't financially limited can't be an enthusiast but you've got to be one if you get your hands dirty and really take the time to learn something about the car.
Thank goodness for depreciation and peoples belief a car is used up at 100k miles!
Felix

placo1 · #12 07-22-2003, 10:00 AM

I'd have to agree with fad on the 500E subject. When I searched for my car several members strongly suggested spending more up front to get an excellent condition car and they were right. Other than basic maintenance I haven't had to do anything to my car and I'm happy with my purchase.

Mike, if you're looking in the $15 - $18K range I would consider a 110K mile car that has current maintenance records and is in good condition. I've seen cars with 50K that look like hell and I've seen cars with 110K that look new (Mark Stetsons Car!). Patience helps when searching for a rare car, good luck and don't give up.