Hi, I had my MB diagnosed (98 s500 with only 63k miles) this morning and local MB dealer (with sensors attached on the body and vibro stand).
I also asked to diagnose buzzing/whining noise I posted about some time ago. Well in couple days of diagnostics with different mechanics, they came out of conclusion that it is planetary bearing in auto transmission, which cost to replace more than to replace whole transmission with 2y warranty. Also front sway bar links need to be replaced and rear springs(and possibly whole struts, which are priced $650 each online).
So, anyway total estimation was well over $5000.
I said "screw that", went to new Fiat dealer where my Father got best deal to sale his previous 2010 Cooper S.
GM at dealer thought that suspension clunking noise(or whatever he heard) is a short in Stereo system and said it is about $1000 to fix.
Anyway I choose 500 Turbo with stick, over Abarth which has more HP,little bigger turbo,dual exhaust which is louder,and even more bumpy and rough suspension.
Abarth is more track oriented, which I will never use probably.
Plus it is at least 2k more for base model.
I got employee discount thru my company (All Chrysler, Fiat, MB and Ford),got also not bad APR. Sticker price was $20,120 got around $18500 out of the door,all included(need to go over papers, don't remember exact number),plus $1000 more for MB if I buy from them today(but he was ready to buy my MB anyway, just cheaper).
So here it is, not a fan of red, but looks ok,and more visible on the road, and the last one they had with manual and non Abarth with Turbo.
After boring instructions "how to open hood and press buttons" I finally drove home in nasty weather.
So most important for BITOGERS:
I takes API certified 5w-40 oil per manual,(my MB and BMW stash will be good). Sump is 4 liters or 4qt.
Has OLM, but no more than 10k Miles or 1 year.
1st oil change, balance and rotate is free.
Timing belt change at 150k miles!!! (wow!).
Car is peppy,agile, nice and fun to drive, similar to VW GTI, Cooper S.
I also asked to diagnose buzzing/whining noise I posted about some time ago. Well in couple days of diagnostics with different mechanics, they came out of conclusion that it is planetary bearing in auto transmission, which cost to replace more than to replace whole transmission with 2y warranty. Also front sway bar links need to be replaced and rear springs(and possibly whole struts, which are priced $650 each online).
So, anyway total estimation was well over $5000.
I said "screw that", went to new Fiat dealer where my Father got best deal to sale his previous 2010 Cooper S.
GM at dealer thought that suspension clunking noise(or whatever he heard) is a short in Stereo system and said it is about $1000 to fix.
Anyway I choose 500 Turbo with stick, over Abarth which has more HP,little bigger turbo,dual exhaust which is louder,and even more bumpy and rough suspension.
Abarth is more track oriented, which I will never use probably.
Plus it is at least 2k more for base model.
I got employee discount thru my company (All Chrysler, Fiat, MB and Ford),got also not bad APR. Sticker price was $20,120 got around $18500 out of the door,all included(need to go over papers, don't remember exact number),plus $1000 more for MB if I buy from them today(but he was ready to buy my MB anyway, just cheaper).
So here it is, not a fan of red, but looks ok,and more visible on the road, and the last one they had with manual and non Abarth with Turbo.
After boring instructions "how to open hood and press buttons" I finally drove home in nasty weather.
So most important for BITOGERS:
I takes API certified 5w-40 oil per manual,(my MB and BMW stash will be good). Sump is 4 liters or 4qt.
Has OLM, but no more than 10k Miles or 1 year.
1st oil change, balance and rotate is free.
Timing belt change at 150k miles!!! (wow!).
Car is peppy,agile, nice and fun to drive, similar to VW GTI, Cooper S.
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