New and looking for a C55 saloon

[edc]

Hi all I've just registered and browsing around. I'm on the hunt for a C55 saloon so here to find out more about known issues, things to attend to as they get older/more miles on etc. This will be my first Merc but I've had a variety of BMW/Audi/Porsche/VW over the past few years. Looking for the C55 to be the sensible practical car to transport occasional parent passengers and do the occasional station run.

 

[Wheelsnuts]

Hi and welcome. Good luck with your search.

 

[james angell]

Welcome to the forum

 

[Miglia 888]

Welcome edc!

Looking forward to seeing & hearing your C alongside my C one morning, once you've found the right one for you.

 

[edc]

At the moment I am being thwarted in my purchase as my current insurer won't mirror my no claims as I am on a "leisure car" based policy and the C55 is too sensible ... I can get an SLK55 for sensible insurance money but I already have a similar car to that!

 

[edc]

Insurance sorted. Now ready to buy with debit card in hand!

 

[edc]

I did a quick search for C55 buyer guide but didn't turn much up.

Are there any particular areas of wear or corrosion I can look out for on a forecourt? I am ok with checking the basics of most cars but if there are any known or hidden areas/faults on a C55 then I'd like to be prepared

 

[MancMike]

Can you not buy it on a credit card? Pay it off immediately? You'll be in a stronger position if it goes t*ts up down the line and the dealer doesn't want to play ball.

 

[edc]

I don't have a 10k plus credit card limit and don't want to pay the associated 2.5% handling fee anyway. Cash, debit card or bank transfer is fine by me. My last car purchase was done by Faster Payments from the seller's office.

 

[Lenny63]

S75 of CCA covers part purchase for full amount between £100-30,000

So put a £1000 down by credit card , pay the test via debit card and wella your covered

 

[edc]

I'm joining the club. I put a deposit on one today

 

[james.raban]

I'm joining the club. I put a deposit on one today ��

Any pictures or details fella?

 

[Lenny63]

Did you go For the silver one then from Mortimers? If so , great car !

 

[Blue Moon]

Great car the C55. Love mine, much better than the E46 M3 it replaced At least it will when I get round to selling it

 

[edc]

Yes, it is the Mortimers one. The picture I was able to build up about the car, the dealer and being able to speak/email with one of the previous owners who was on here, all helped in my decision making process, even if the car isn't black or less than 70k miles!

I like the M3. But I have a modified Porsche Boxster for the sharper handling thrills. I wanted a practical car so wanted the balance to err towards comfort and whilst nobody needs a C55, I wanted one!

I took some pics at the dealer but they are a bit rubbish, but pics to come after I pick it up and give it a quick wash and wax. Thanks for the advice and encouragement.

 

[Lenny63]

Good Job - look forward to seeing your progress

 

[edc]

Thanks. Overall the car seems very tidy so there is little to do and I don't plan on any miss unless they are a real bargain.

 

[Lenny63]

Will the car be your new daily or weekend toy ?

 

[edc]

The idea is that this is going to be my practical car! I'm the only driver in a 2 person household. I have a new moped (derestricted of course) for doing the 1.5 miles to to the station each day and for nipping into town on the odd occasion, a modified Boxster for 'proper' driving and Euro tours, the C55 is going to be my bad weather car and for moving the parents about as and when needed (at least that's how I'm justifying it).

"miss", above, should read mods of course ...

 

[Starky]

The idea is that this is going to be my practical car! I'm the only driver in a 2 person household. I have a new moped (derestricted of course) for doing the 1.5 miles to to the station each day and for nipping into town on the odd occasion, a modified Boxster for 'proper' driving and Euro tours, the C55 is going to be my bad weather car and for moving the parents about as and when needed (at least that's how I'm justifying it).

"miss", above, should read mods of course ...

Out of interest, what mods have you done to the porker?