Originally Posted by
bledrew
I've thought about it for some time and against the advice of my long time mechanic, who told me the Mercedes Benz drivetrain will be costly if it breaks, I've decided to look for one to buy.
I eliminated the SRT6 as I'm not buying it as a performance car enjoy the pleasure of shifting myself. Thus I've narrowed it down to a Limited Coupe with a 6-speed manual. I think my favorite color is the darker gray (Charcoal?). One more thing. I'm not a rich person and this might be my last car to enjoy, I want one with low miles.
I've seen a couple online, one in NY state and another white one I think in Pittsburg.
What I don't know are differences (plus & minus) of each year. Also, common issues and things to watch out for. I want a driver that I can go to group gatherings perhaps. When I was young I used to race muscle cars. However, now I want something that is comfortable and fun to drive.
Thanks for any suggestions you might have. I'm going to look around as well.
It is the electronics/security systems that seem to be the bane of some few. Both in time spent diagnosing and money spent. Mechanically, I don't think there is any issues. 2004 has a couple minor differences from 2005+ Limiteds, mainly the auto dim mirror is 2004 only (and mine just crapped out with a blob in the top of it...) and I think the 2004 interior silver trim is glossier?
In 2005 they came out with a base model which has a few items removed, and less silver trim inside and out, and are all 6sp.
I picked up my 2004 last July with only 5,600 miles on it for just under $14,000. Figure any low mile one with 20-50K miles will be under $10,000, maybe under $9,000.