Another prospective buyer thread :P

[mbomb]

Like many, I've been lurking around for a few weeks researching the MO since I'm considering buying one. I've read all the issues regarding the CVT, the front seat, the visors, etc., but I saw one MO recently that I thought I'd ask about.

To start off, its an 06 SL w/ leather, bose, moonroof, roof rack and rear seat entertainment (from the armrest). Basically every option besides navi. It also has in the mid 60k range, but I noticed that on the rear (chrome?) exhaust tailpipe a black soot near the bottom of them.

Is this normal, or is it some sort of indication of a problem? There was also a small bit of white smoke when it first started. That could of been due to it sitting for a week ...who knows . The carfax shows no indication of major work being done, and basically all the service dept did was replace pads / rotors on the breaks, and recondition the battery from when I briefly looked over it.

Any thoughts? Or anything I may have looked over?

Also, off topic ....anyone who's purchased one lately, what has been the ball park $ you paid? I've noticed quite a difference in prices while looking around the past few weeks. This one in particular, stickers for about $18k.

Many thanks in advance :P

- DJ

[njjoe]

Welcome to the forum and good luck with your hunt for a MO.

I would not worry about the soot in the tailpipe. Most likely is is nothing more than the byproducts of combustion.

The brief white smoke is also fine, as long as it was white and not blue. Blue suggests the burning of oil.

-njjoe

[mbomb]

Thanks for the welcome

It was definitely white, and barely noticeable, but with it not being cold here in the SE (lower 70's yesterday), it made me wonder a bit I didn't smell it to check to see if it was burnt oil, but I'll check again if I inspect it again.

[Phatty McPatty]

A Carfax report is good but has its limitations. It will tell you whether or not the vehicle has sustained major damage and considered a total loss by an insurance company. Also use it to see the amount of owners the vehicle has had. Anything over 2 would be suspicious to me being only 5 years old - might indicate a nagging issue that hasn't been fixed. Look to see whether it was a fleet or rental vehicle (avoid). Unfortunately a Carfax report won't show all accidents.

Beyond that I highly suggest taking it to a shop with an ASC-certified mechanic (and AAA recommended if possible) and have them do a thorough check. Is it AWD? If so, have them look closely at the transfer case for leaks/seepage. This is the Achilles heel of the AWD MO. If the TC leaks out, it could self destruct and take the transmission with it. Also the tires should be relatively new.

Is the purchaser private or a dealership? If private, ask to see the records - make sure the oil changes were done periodically, and all of the scheduled maintenance was performed timely. A dealership usually doesn't pass along this info (all of their cars were purchased from little old ladies remember!). Personally I wouldn't purchase from a dealership - I just don't think it's worth the premium a dealer puts on the used vehicle. I'd rather find a local vehicle with local history and judge the vehicle based on my conversation with the owner. Dealerships offer warranties but you can purchase them privately for less.

I honestly think $18K is high but it really depends on the condition of the vehicle, where in the country you're buying it and who you're buying it from (dealer or private). Check KBB or Edmunds for pricing info in your area. I listed my '06 above market value so that I could come down to its average value (win-win).

[mbomb]

I always check KBB, Edmunds, NADA and blackbook pricing, and the price is in the ballpark at least. Of course I'd prefer to buy privately, but the ones locally available are not the right ext/int combo I like. It is higher than most SL's, but it's due to the touring package (iKey, HID, dual power seats, etc), and the rare rear entertainment option.

I'm aware of the possible transfer case problem w/ the AWD's, but this one is FWD only The service records show regular maintenance for the most part, with only a drive shaft replaced that would be deemed out of the ordinary.