Quote:
Originally Posted by BENZ-LGB
The isnurance compnay offered me a generous settlement ( am certan that the fact that I am a lawyer had nothing to do with it). Actually, what the adjuster said is that he had never seen an "old" car so well maintained and cared for, except for cars entered in shows.
It pays to keep all records so that when it comes time to haggle, you have some evidence to support your claim. I am grateful that the previous owner kept such meticulous records of everything that was done to my car.
A few years ago we bought our daughter a 2002 C320 wagon. So far the car has been very good mechanically. The wagon is fairly fast, it handles well (thanks to rack and pinion steering) and it is actually fun to drive.
So I've been thinking about perhaps buying a C320 or C240 of the same vintage as my daughter's wagon. Perhaps not as sexy as my 300CE, but it seems like a nice replacement. Now that the kids have for the most part left home for college, I don't need a huge S class, or even an E class. The C class seems to be just about right.
I also don't want to spend a huge load of money because I want to buy the car cash (hate monthly payments). So a C class from 2000 to 2004 would seem to fit the bill.
So, you guys who won C240 andC320 saloons, what do you think? Do you like your car? Problem areas? Regrets?
Any info, comments and suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Gracias.
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I hate to have to say this,(and forgot to tell you) but there is a good reason the Insurance company gave you a generous settlement on the coupe. It is nothing personal and has less to do with the car's condition than you think.
No question, it was their bad luck the policyholder rammed in the rear and totalled the mint, meticulously maintained, Mercedes of a
lawyer
. The perfect confluence of things comprising the worst possible "perfect storm" for their negligent policyholder.
BUT: It is VERY good business practice for them to overallow on the car (and typical in cases like this where there is a BI component to the claim). It is done to put you in such a good mood that it will be VERY easy for them to ream you on the pain and suffering settlement they are obliged to offer you.
Their policyholder's liability is absolute. They want to setlle everything, quick, fast and CHEAP. If they overallow on the Property Damage, they are going to try and short you on the Bodily Injury.
Sign off on the coupe settlement but keep the BI claim OPEN and be vigilant, cautious and cynical. Keep the phone number handy of your favorite PI counsel. If negotiations go sour,go slow, it might be worth it to retain counsel.
You could have some real, lasting residuals here. Lower back/soft tissue injuries especially. Whatever you settle for will probably be for the rest of your life, so don't be lulled or tricked. It is damned hard to come back for another bite of the apple, years later, on these things. Be vigilant now.
You and your family deserve no less, Ernesto.
Those newer C class sedans look really great, and they have ALL the Mercedes commitment to safety, so a good running one will have all the pretensioners, airbags and best safety equipment possible.
BUT: Don't forget the engineers no longer held sway over them, these cars were all built to a price point. "The best or nothing" motto did not apply
Build quality, durability and longevity are very much in question with ANYTHING Mercedes Benz built from 2000-2006, inclusive.
Things improved with 2007 and up, and the upward trajectory continues.
There is likely a 50/50 chance that the replacement C class you are contemplating could be an absolute nightmare. Not all are; your wagon seems OK. But MANY are bad. And Lemon Law remedies for used vehicles in California don't give you much recourse compared to new cars.
If you decide that a used C class from 2000-2006 fits the bill, the ONLY one to get would be a Certified PreOwned one from a Mercedes Benz dealer, with the Longest most comprehensive and ironclad warranty you can get, hopefully from the factory. (some of the private ones are very risky)
There is a VERY good chance you will need the warranty on these, so check the exclusions carefully.
Factory aftermarket warranties are negotiable on price, too, though dealers are loathe to admit it. Bring those boxing gloves into the Finance Manager's office too