Buying a E220 W211 from Cyprus - Help needed

[loukas]

Dear all,

Greetings from Cyprus first of all.

I am considering purchasing a E220 W211 facelifted, the Avantgarde version with automatic transmission and around 10000-20000miles, and shipping it to Cyprus. With the fall in car prices as well as the fall in exchange rates (EUR/GBP) this makes it an ideal combination. The only detail I am undecided still is whether to go for a saloon or an estate (just married - one daughter on the way).

I would like your thoughts on how to proceed.

1) I've looked at prices on Autotrader, they seem to start at about £17,500 for the 2007s. Main dealer prices seem to start at £18.000. Do you think these are negotiable? and how much?

2) With the new model coming out in the spring, how much more do you think the E220 prices will fall? Do you expect to see them at £13-14.000 by March, for example?

3) Would you buy a car from a main dealer, with FMBSH and around 10000-20000 miles, without seeing it? As in - contacting the dealer, finding the car, having them send me plenty of photos, agreeing on the details, paying for the car, having it shipped...

I know fairly well what extras I would like (auto, leather, Parktronic) and colours (silver or charcoal) but I am wondering if an "inspection" is necessary on such a new car.

Can I trust the dealers? Any particular ones who you've used and trust and have cars like the above in stock?

4) Would you suggest I go for a 2006 (cheaper), 2007 (plenty of choice) or 2008 (newer - but more expensive) version of the facelifted cars ?

5) Finally, how would you arrange payment - so as to prevent from fraud. Ideally there should be a way for the car to be shipped at the same time as I pay for it, somehow.

Any further suggestions, such as whether it's best to wait a bit more (I don't mind waiting up to 6mths) or whether pre-Xmas prices will be best (with dealers wanting to meet quotas) or any other comments, are highly appreciated.

Thanks,

Loukas

 

[television]

hello and welcome,, I cant answer all things but the guarantee from a second hand car and given by the dealer is no use abroad and other dealer will not honor it.

By getting one as new as possible then it will be covered under the new car warrantee and that is valid anywhere.


Prices are going to fall even more, and the banks will take care of the payment the same as when you buy a house as the money is transferred by wire and will be done via the shipping agent

 

[loukas]

Dear Television, thanks for your fast response.

As things stand today, at what price would you be looking to buy a 2007 E220 as specified above? (Avantgarde, auto, leather, Parktronic)

What about the effect of the new model? Would you buy now or in 3-4 mths?

I know the warranty is not valid abroad, unless it's the M-B warranty. And even then ... But as long as I buy a relatively new car, I'm not too worried... I hope!

 

[loukas]

By the way, is it silly of me to be buying just before the new model comes out? Should I consider waiting for a year or so, and getting the new one?

 

[television]

A super buy would be to buy the old model when the new one comes out early next year,, I do not know the E class prices but my local dealer is selling a new old model SL at £10k under list price

You will get more answers in the morning

Its important to get the right extra's other wise you will wish that you had them for ever,, when I bought my SL,, I bought one with every possible extra and love them all by one

 

[HJHPH]

Hi Loukas, spounds like we are after the same car, Cubanite silver or Obsidian black for me, auto, leather, phone and partronic. My dilemma is wait a couple of months at which I will need to service/mot tax my current car or do it now and not do the above.
Paul.

 

[loukas]

Hi Paul,

I replied in your other thread as well. Indeed we are after the same car.

Are you buying from a dealer? or privately?

I probably have to go to dealers, which I hope can be trusted to deliver a car in top mechanical position.... as I am not in the UK to have the advantage of inspecting a few before deciding.

I just might fly out there and pick it up myself though, once I decide, and then drive it back: through central Europe and the Balcans (Bulgaria, etc), down to Greece, and then ship to Cyprus.

Oh the joy!!!