[onewhippedpuppy]

Originally Posted by JavaBrewer

Matt - at the price ranges you are looking at the cars are going to have 120K+ miles. These supercars have super expensive parts - especially the AMG - and expensive service items. I think their resale values today show how costly they can be to keep on the road. Thoughts?

Edit - I see a '01 E55 in your area. Is that the one you are going to test drive this weekend? Would love to get your report on it.

Believe it or not, I've found quite a few with under 100k in the $10k price range. The good thing is that many of the major systems are still E-class. Except for consumables like brake rotors and pads, many of the sensors and other little stuff are shared with a common E320/E430. A quick look online finds rotors for $60 each, so even that isn't too bad. Most of the major AMG specific stuff like the engine and suspension shouldn't require much work.

I do plan to look at the car locally, hopefully tomorrow. It's at a car dealership that I've been to before, frankly they normally sell pretty sad cars that they've picked up at auction. I wouldn't ever buy the local car, but it should give me a good sample as to whether I like the E55. I'll post back on what I think.

Originally Posted by 79 Euro

Onewhippedpuppy-
I have a 98 XJR and love it. Had a 98 XK8 too. Both great cars. Bought them from PHXCARS in Phoenix. Ed (owner) has a MB E55 if you're interested. After buying the two Jags, I bought my 911 and the wife's MB sight unseen from Ed. He is one of the good guys. Website: Phxcars.com: Luxury Car Buying Redefined.

Andy, I've actually looked around in Phoenix so I'll keep him in mind. I'll be there for work in late March, if I'm still looking for a car the city has some great deals and a LOT of selection.

Originally Posted by porsche4life

But that's real M money...

Even though they're cheap, you're not getting a lot of M3 for $6k. But I won't argue with you, and the 318ti isn't perfect either. On the upside it's different, M3 quick, very moddable (just change SC pulleys), gets 30+ MPG on the highway (I've seen 34), and has the great practicality of a hatchback.