by "DanimalHouse" (thrillerwa09)
Published 06/15/2017 at 23:36
by "DanimalHouse" (thrillerwa09)
Published 06/15/2017 at 23:36
Tags: Mercedes ML320
; car sales
; car ad
; craigslist
STARS: 0
We bought a new (for us, aka used) car this evening, but now we’ve got to get rid of “The Panzer” - aka, our 2000 Mercedes ML32o.\
I really don’t know how to market this thing. In its current condition, KBB rates it at about $1700. I’d be ecstatic to get $2000, but real pleased to get $1500. I don’t want to lie and make the ad sound better than the car really is, but I don’t want to steer people away from it either. What do I do?
The drive train has been the most reliable part of the car. We’ve replaced a few sensors here and there, but other than regular oil changes, we haven’t had to put any money into the engine/transmission/differential.
My wife bought this car in ‘09 (didn’t know her then) for $9000 when it had only 60,000 miles. Overall, it’s been great value and a pretty reliable trooper for us. Mechanically anyway. It now has about 145,000 miles on the odometer, and here is a list of the current issues:
Air conditioning unit doesn’t work - or needs to be serviced. We spent nearly $1000 fixing a stepper motor in the innards of the dash when only hot air was blowing through, but now it appears the A/C unit is not working.
Central locking does not work. I have no clue how to fix it.
6-changer CD player does not work.
Leaking drain seals near the sun visor. I took the car through a car wash the other day, water poured into the cabin. Doesn’t really do this when it rains, but I’m certain moisture is getting through some hwo.
Suspension is wobbly AF, definitely needs new shocks.
Fuel gauge is spastic, not entirely reliable. Though the fuel light is pretty accurate when you’re getting close to empty.
A tire shop said one of the rims is bent, which is causing a slow leak quite regularly on one of the tires.
The chrome wheels are peeling .
There are a few minor dents and paint peeling on some areas of the car.
the 40% of the 60/40 back seat split will not fold entirely flat .
I think that pretty much covers it....
So what do I do?
Here’s the Panzer on the very best of days.
"Land_Yacht_225" (nadenator)
06/15/2017 at 23:53, STARS: 0
Make your way to your nearest local indie European mechanic who maintains his own private junkyard out back and ask him to make you an offer.
145,000 miles on that engine isn’t very much all things considered.
"DanimalHouse" (thrillerwa09)
06/15/2017 at 23:57, STARS: 0
Realistically, what do you think they’d dish out for it?
"RallyWrench" (rndlitebmw)
06/16/2017 at 00:08, STARS: 0
Be funny with the ad, and be honest. That’s a great engine wrapped in a half assed Jurassic Park tie in.
"notsomethingstructural" (notsomethingstructural)
06/16/2017 at 00:27, STARS: 3
My advice? Sound like an idiot. At under 2k you’re marketing this car to idiots who want a Mercedes but have no money. They’re buying a Mercedes that’s falling apart no matter what happens, so just give them what they want - a cheap Mercedes. Keep it simple and short. Some of the other shit that’s wrong they need to figure out by themselves or bring a friend who would know. If you feel really bad on the spot you can always bail - I’ve scared honest people off by dumping the whole laundry list. They may not care - I told one dude the car had a main seal that was leaking and he said “I’m not worried about some main seal, those parts are cheap.” You never know.
For sale - 2000 Mercedes ML320
I’m selling my Mercedes SUV I got a RX350 and don’t need this one anymore. 2 owners since new NEVER WRECKED. CLEAN CARFAX CLEAN TITLE IN HAND. im not looking too play games.
got this car 6 years ago since then done brakes struts rotors calipers timing belt [continue] oil changed every 3k with mobile 1 full synthetic every 3k. car is in good shape has a couple lil things nothing major though, needs drivers side weatherstrip head unit and AC charge. $3400 neg no lowballs and NO OFFERS until you see the car thanks
"Rustholes-Are-Weight-Reduction" (rustholes-are-weight-reduction)
06/16/2017 at 01:12, STARS: 1
That is so accurate! Do you write those ads or are you just used to reading them?
"Rustholes-Are-Weight-Reduction" (rustholes-are-weight-reduction)
06/16/2017 at 01:13, STARS: 1
Sell it as a discount Jurassic Park car
"notsomethingstructural" (notsomethingstructural)
06/16/2017 at 01:21, STARS: 0
mainly used to reading (and deciphering) but i’ve written one
"syaieya" (syaieya)
06/16/2017 at 09:07, STARS: 0
I went with my dad last year to buy one of these at auction. We spent 1500 on it with needs including a battery, a water pump, an abs pump, a key fob, and a less knotted fender.
The fuel thing, cd changer, and central locking is common. Paint and rim flaws are expected at 17 years.
Maybe mention one seems to have a slow leak.
Suspension and ac will talk for themselves so the only thing out of the ordinary is the leaky sunroof.
4k will buy you a nice one, 800 will buy you a wreck. Many parts are strangely small year window specific.
Sounds like you have a 2k trucklet there abouts.
"shop-teacher" (shop-teacher)
06/16/2017 at 09:12, STARS: 0
Be honest, if perhaps a little vague. I’d mention the broken AC and CD changer and the slow tire leak, and the leak from the car wash. Leave the rest to follow up questions. I wouldn’t mention the shocks at all. If they can’t tell it needs shocks from a test drive, then it doesn’t matter to them.
"victor" (victor)
06/16/2017 at 09:39, STARS: 0
What’d you end up getting?
"DanimalHouse" (thrillerwa09)
06/16/2017 at 09:51, STARS: 0
2011 Rav4. Wasn’t really on our radar, but the father of a family friend is a retired mechanic and recently bought/repaired this vehicle to sell. 74k miles, $9200. Great deal. The only damage on the car was cosmetic from a small wreck (bumper and fender replaced). It’s going to be a car we probably drive into the ground. I wish it was the V6, however it’s the I4 with a 4-speed transmission.
"DanimalHouse" (thrillerwa09)
06/16/2017 at 09:53, STARS: 0
Omg, that’s incredible.
im not looking too play games.
"DanimalHouse" (thrillerwa09)
06/17/2017 at 01:50, STARS: 0
HOOOOOOOOOLY SHIT you were dead on, dude!!! Get a load of this!!
https://seattle.craigslist.org/see/cto/6166237573.html
Here’s a sneak peek....
I will not be giving you a battery with the car. I can put a battery in to show you it running, but you need to bring your own battery to drive it away.