Thanks!
The stickies here are awesome. One of the most well informed groups i've been on.
The PPI is a must.. Just like a mercedes... If there not inspected, forget it. I've already walked away from an SLK (which I liked, but not liked like the Porsche) who failed one. Same with a C Class benz... Unless it passes a full PPI and needs less than $1500 in repairs, I walk. Period
As far as these lower mileage cars: Its a personal thing I have now. I HATE cars with under 90K.. 100K or over is better... Why? It means I can feel how the car is holding up and see/feel if its been abused...
I honestly would rather buy a 200K Porsche with a full maintence binder thats been drivien in snow and ice, than a 60K Porsche that is showroom shape but no history.
The last 3 benz's I've bought where all that way. My 2000 E class was a one owner car, no real options and had a full history between the dealer and an Indy I used in So Cal. I gave $6.700 for it with 111K and bought through the indy
The second was an 04 Wagon, fully loaded... Always dealer maintained, nice shape. Actually sold it, because I don't like electrical crap on cars (ie nav, distronic cruise, etc) and glad I did (even though I searched for 6 weeks for it after my prior one was totaled)
The current Benz was an impulse trade. It was a 2 owner, cpo with full dealer service history. Needed new rear air sphere's but was a good deal through the dealership. I made money trading so it was a no brainer. But, i made sure the service dept. had done a very thorough PPI
I'd rather buy from an invidual or a high line dealer (ie; Lexus, Mini, Mercedes, etc), some one who will provide the level of comfort that there selling a damn cream puff
I appriacte the input and keep it coming. I drive my cars 1x2 times a week, just depending. My cars may get 8K a year, but the get driven often. 30K is easy for me to get on sports tires and going easy on everything else won't be an ssue