[supremeBaleno]

Was going through the website of the German Embassy and came through a notice for auction of a couple of Mercs. Thought would be useful info for any tbhp-ians (esp. from Chennai) looking for a pre-owned and well-maintained Merc.

@John, I think you are looking at changing the Esteem. Having a look ?

One of them is a 4-year old diesel C-class done only 14000kms.

Excerpts from the notice :
The German Consulate at Chennai is selling two used Mercedes Benz passenger cars.

Details of car 1:

• Class of vehicle:LMV -Mercedes Benz E350
• Year of Manufacture: 2005
• Fuel: Petrol
• Engine size: 3498 ccm
• Colour: Black
• Date of registration:05.10.2005
• Current odometer reading: 47000 km

Details of car 2:

• Class of vehicle: LMV - Mercedes Benz C 220 CDI
• Year of Manufacture: 2005
• Fuel: Diesel
• Engine size: 2148 ccm
• Colour: Black
• Date of registration: 31.10.2005
• Current odometer reading: 14000 km

Bids start at 16L.

More details available at : German Consulate General Chennai - Consular Cars for Sale


I have no idea about these hi-end cars. So, is this a good deal ? Used car experts, your comments ?

[esteem_lover]

At the top of my head, I can say that Import duty would have to be paid at the time of re-registration as an Indian owned private vehicle. And starting the bid at 16L for both the E class petrol & C class diesel ?

@ Biju, yeah, but these cars do not fit(foot) my bill.

[GTO]

16 lakh starting bid for the E350 (and winning) is a steal. Though, you can buy any number of '05 C220s in the used market for 16 (and lower). I'd make sure to check the E350 out if I were in Chennai.

Consular plates run on CC. Is it safe to presume that additional taxes (registration, lifetime etc.) will be at the cost of the buyer?

At the top of my head, I can say that Import duty would have to be paid at the time of re-registration as an Indian owned private vehicle.

My guess is, these are locally sourced from Merc India. The E350 was only available around this time period IIRC.

[esteem_lover]

Originally Posted by GTO

Consular plates run on CC. Is it safe to presume that additional taxes (registration, lifetime etc.) will be at the cost of the buyer?



My guess is, these are locally sourced from Merc India. The E350 was only available around this time period IIRC.

Even if they were bought locally, duty drawback would have been claimed by the company since the sale would have been considered as an export. Hence all duties/ local taxes etc etc would have to be paid after taking delivery.

[ajmat]

In other words, you need to do your homework and estimate duty to be paid etc/ allowances for depreciation. For a start, understand original invoice value of the car paid when landed

[esteem_lover]

In fine print

It is understood that the vehicle will continue to be used by the German Consulate General in the duration

The bidder has the right to a full refund of the deposit if damage has occurred to the vehicle since the bid was made.

How about the KMs run then ?

[GTO]

Oh boy, if there are any additional taxes / duties to be paid, then neither of the cars are worth it (especially the C220).

[JayD]

GTO, was the E350 ever available in India? Coz i've seen a few of them in cochin, some were the 'avantgarde' models too. Looked nice, with the black (glass??) roof!

[GTO]

Sure was. I remember discussing it on the forum. Only a 100 (or was it 200) cars were imported + sold as CBU. Price was in the range of mid-60 lakhs.

[Archish]

Had a look at the cars last week with a friend of mine. Both are in great condition.

We have to pay the additional taxes, duties, re-registration. E350 is a good buy C220 not worth the cost.

[GTO]

E350 is a good buy

If the bid starts at 16 lakhs, how's the buy good? Rough calculations state that the E350's onroad price will work out to 25 - 28 lakhs. You could get an E280 CDI six cylinder for the same money (or less)....a car that will be quicker, more fuel efficient, reliable and with a truckload of torque!

[ajmat]

I might add, a simlar age S class will be barely 3 lakhs more

[canonball]

Complete wast of time. Petrol S classes are worth nothing in the used market. Pertrol MB prices zoom down like no other. No one is going to buy them in this auction do they normally come back with a 2nd auction with revised minimums?

[Bhatman]

A Biggggg Hiiii to all the members. I;m from the Indian Armed Forces and its indeed a great feeling to a part of this wonderful group. Since the time, I was allowed onboard, I have been going through the forums, often sleeping late at night...just to catch up with the loads of information available on this amazing platform. I am looking to jump from Accent (2003) to a higher segment. Test drove Civic, Altis Corolla (Petrol and Diesel) and Accord too, a truly amazing experience altogether. Meanwhile, came across a pre-owned Merc CDI 220, only 17K on the odo, 2007 model, black colour @19L. Looking for advice on what could be the asking rate for this luxury segment car? Is it worth? How good is the CDI MB?

[GTO]

Bhatman,

As an owner of the said car, you want my honest advice? RUN. The air-conditioner, compressor, ESP module, front suspension and several other misc parts will keep giving you trouble. Cost of replacement is heart breaking, even if you go to an independent garage. These Mercs are simply too unreliable to deliver a satisfactory ownership experience.