CarFax Question - 2003 CL55 AMG

[thorsen]

Has anyone ever seen anything like this before? The carfax report shows the "CARFAX History Impact" is -$650, but I don't see anything negative in the report. Not that I put much faith in CarFax anyway, but I thought it was odd.

If anyone has any opinions on the CL55 I would be interested in hearing those as well.

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&car_id=279224804&dealer_id=100012842&car_year=2003&rdm=1274453931762&lastStartYear=1981&model=CL55&num_records=25&systime=&make2=&highlightFirstMakeModel=&start_year=1981&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&engine=&certified=&body_code=0&fuel=&awsp=false&search_type=used&distance=25&marketZipError=false&search_lang=en&sownerid=72542&showZipError=y&make=MB&keywords_display=&color=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=&drive=&default_sort=priceDESC&seller_type=d&max_mileage=&style_flag=1&sort_type=priceDESC&address=60148&advanced=&end_year=2011&doors=&transmission=&max_price=&cardist=3&standard=false

[benhogan]

I think 2003 was the worst year for the CL. Check out this like and poke around.

http://owners.mercedes-benz-usa.com/forum/categories/clk-class/listForCategory

[The Swede]

There's some recent discussion about the W211 E55, can't be vastly different in terms of reliability (?) http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=277403&highlight=e55

[DieselPaul]

Sounds like paintwork. Not much of it though.

[TylerH860]

Originally Posted by thorsen

Has anyone ever seen anything like this before? The carfax report shows the "CARFAX History Impact" is -$650, but I don't see anything negative in the report. Not that I put much faith in CarFax anyway, but I thought it was odd.

If anyone has any opinions on the CL55 I would be interested in hearing those as well.

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&car_id=279224804&dealer_id=100012842&car_year=2003&rdm=1274453931762&lastStartYear=1981&model=CL55&num_records=25&systime=&make2=&highlightFirstMakeModel=&start_year=1981&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&engine=&certified=&body_code=0&fuel=&awsp=false&search_type=used&distance=25&marketZipError=false&search_lang=en&sownerid=72542&showZipError=y&make=MB&keywords_display=&color=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=&drive=&default_sort=priceDESC&seller_type=d&max_mileage=&style_flag=1&sort_type=priceDESC&address=60148&advanced=&end_year=2011&doors=&transmission=&max_price=&cardist=3&standard=false

That is a new feature from carfax explaining how a good ownership history can effect the value. If its a 1-2 owner with a good service history and no accident, carfax things value should be added over book price, in this case $650.

[DieselPaul]

This vehicle is worth $650 less than the retail book value based on the information reported to CARFAX.

− $650 CARFAX History Impact

They all say minus.

[JohnM.]

3 owners, ended up at a dealer auction, probably why its got a negative impact rating. But this new value add / decrease thing by CarFax seems very arbitrary.

[thorsen]

Originally Posted by JohnM.

3 owners, ended up at a dealer auction, probably why its got a negative impact rating. But this new value add / decrease thing by CarFax seems very arbitrary.

I agree it seems arbitrary. I guess they feel like they need to stay relevant. Thanks for your thoughts - I dropped by a little while ago and the place gave me a bad vibe.

[DieselPaul]

My dads been a car dealer for over 20 years, never RELY on the carfax. They can be a useful tool but don't put all your eggs in the carfax basket. I've seen cars at auctions with frames twisted so hard the engine was shifted to the side and carfax said it was a good buy. Carfax is useful but your eyes are always better.

[JohnM.]

Originally Posted by DieselPaul

Carfax is useful but your eyes are always better.

Very true. It all depends on which agency the accident / repairs were reported to, if any. Previous accidents are so easy to spot with a trained eye. All it takes is one or two tiny signs to know something isn't right, and that's if the repair was done well. Most accident repairs are not done anywhere near quality.

There is also AutoCheck which supposedly pulls from more (or different) agencies than CarFax.

Also the NICB (National Insurance Crime Bureau) has a website where you can enter a VIN for free to see if it's ever been completely totaled. I keep this one bookmarked.

https://www.nicb.org/theft_and_fraud_awareness/vincheck/vincheck

[Skid Row Joe]

Originally Posted by thorsen

Has anyone ever seen anything like this before? The carfax report shows the "CARFAX History Impact" is -$650, but I don't see anything negative in the report. Not that I put much faith in CarFax anyway, but I thought it was odd.

I've noticed the same thing in shopping for an '06 E320 CDI - have no idea why these are affixed to the Carfax - some have a plus pricing listed.

I chalked it up to the economy or the particular locale - since there's no further explanation given.

I will not buy a car that doesn't have a Carfax provided. It gives me a starting point to see if I even pursue the car or not. Especially when it's a thousand miles away. That said, I will not buy anything I cannot see, feel and touch in person, and put up on a rack and drive before buying. Two different sellers idea and assessment of condition can vary widely on the same car. Once I own it - I want to be as sure as I can be that it's as it was represented.

[The Swede]

I smacked up my '03 S600 a few years ago -- (very light damage, but still came to $6K) and last it didn't show on CARFAX as of last November.

Have a competent bodyman check it over, he should be able to tell.