500e Purchase Advice

[mlaurs]

If the mileage really is genuine (does the seller have the COMPLETE service history? There's a lot of hearsay about Japanese imports with no service history and rolled back odometers), and the cars checks out (both VIN as well as specialist assessment), then £ 10.000,- would be a really, really fair price in any car market. Not to say, a bargain.

It looks very nice from the outside but I would like to see some interior and engine compartment pics. Also, I notice the fenders don't have the side blinkers I expect from a Japanese car. Did the current owner say anything about that?
Finally, I see it's got the (I guess painted) EVO-wheels on it and you say it's got the birds eye maple wood. That's not common for a regular E500. Also, it's silver. You're sure it's not a Limited?

But really, if it all checks out, I would certainly go for it!

 

[gerryvz]

The Dubizzle is the source of all that is good in the UAE and Gulf countries.....

 

[500enewbie]

Thanks again. Mlaurs, your point about this car being well priced. The seller got back to me this week and lowered the price enough for me to be happy with the deal. To be honest, the price he was asking was worth it too. Anyway, I didn't ask about the indicators, but I did take a knowledgable ex-mechanic who also used to have one of these cars and he gave it the thumbs up.

I've put a deposit down and next Friday I should be the proud owner of my own 500e

Just as one last check, would someone mind doing a check on the VIN like last time?

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Hope to share more photos and all details when I take full custody! Thanks in Advance!

 

[daantjie]

Congratulations! Nice colour and killer wheels too. You were right not to buy the first one. Usually your gut feel is the best bet.

 

[abutomi]

Sorry I have missed out on the bulk of this thread.
I went through the trials and fun of finding a decent E500 in the Uae 18 months ago.
You've done the right thing in (just) being able to resist temptation, before finding something that makes sense.
There are a disproportionate number of these cars here, most of which are tired and/or poorly modified.
I had to have one for all the reasons you mentioned and intend to take mine back to the UK someday too.
Be happy to share contacts of quality mechanical and bodywork services and sources for parts, if you need any.
Although the car looks like it may only need routine maintenance, good find!

Tom

 

[gsxr]

Congratulations! Nice colour and killer wheels too. You were right not to buy the first one. Usually your gut feel is the best bet.

Datacard attached. Silver with black interior, heated seats, otherwise a bit thin on options.

 

[500enewbie]

Although I have had my share of old Mercedes's in the past and am a current owner of a 2009 C-Class, everyone's advice on this model really helped in finding the right car.

GXSR: Thanks so much for this. I see what you're saying about not having every option ticked. My main criteria was obviously verification this was a genuine 500e. Air Conditioning and of course the standard leather. Heated seats are also a nice way of massaging my lower back muscles!

Tom: Small world and I completely agree with you. Plenty of 500e's here - especially in your neck of the woods/desert, but like you say, buyer beware. I would appreciate some contacts for sure. The car has been fastidiously maintained at the offical Omani Mercedes Dealer and I'd say the bulk of the work is done. There are a couple of things I'd like to source/change. I'm 99% sure the wood trim isn't standard, but it doesn't play on my eye for now, so I will source down the factory correct stuff at some time. Ironically it's in a lot better condition then I was expecting and for this reason it's probably not a good idea to make it a daily. I'm going to try and source a cheap Hyundai/Honda/Toyota to get through my daily adventure to work for now!

It's been a long time since I've been truly excited purchasing a used car and everyone from the seller to the chap who checked it out for me have been great. I'll hopefully post photos within the next few days.

 

[500enewbie]

I took delivery of it today and over the moon I've started a new owners thread here. Thanks, Ash.

http://www.500eboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8693&p=111445#post111445

 

[Glen]

Welcome to the club, Ash. Great looking car!

ps. I renamed your owner thread to match our standard.

 

[500enewbie]

Welcome to the club, Ash. Great looking car!

ps. I renamed your owner thread to match our standard.

Thank you Glen and apologies for not following the right format. Looking forward to getting more involved in this forum. It seems great!

 

[nocfn]

Was the plate riveted or screwed on at the factory? post 53