E63 Estate - Advice please

[p993man]

As a long time lurker, but minimal contributor, I'm a little reticent about seeking some advice, but needs must ...

Having owned and sold (I'm still not quite sure why!) a C63 Estate, I'm suffering from a serious urge to acquire another 6.2 litre V8 estate. I'm looking for a S211 or S212 E63 Estate and I've had my eye on a few. (Hope I've got that right - always get confused as to whether the "S" is the estate or the "W"!)

There are two S211 E63 Estates at The AMG Collection in Banbury, each of which has its attractions. One is 2006 with 25,000 miles (ex Jersey car, hence mileage) and the other is 2008 with 46,000 miles. I was wondering whether anyone on Pistonheads had had any dealings with The AMG Collection (also apparently called Prestige Motor Company)? Or whether anyone knew them by reputation?

There's also an S212 E63 for sale in Newbury - 2010 20,000 miles. This is the only S212 6.2 litre V8 estate that I've been able to find (lots of 5.5 twin turbo's around). The problem is that it's over £10,000 more than the two S211 E63s at The AMG Collection. Does anyone have any idea what sort of premium an S212 E63 should command over and above a S211? I would prefer an S212 over an S211 and I'm happy to spend the money, as long as I don't feel as if someone is taking the p**s with the price.

The reason for looking for a steer from my fellow Pistonheaders is that I live in the Isle of Man, so a trip over to see these three cars involves a fair amount of time, trouble and expense, so any heads ups would be much appreciated. Having said that, the 6.2 litre V8 urge is strong, so I suspect I'll just end up biting the bullet and making the trip!

Sorry for the ramble - any advice/assistance greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Mike

[mickyveloce]

I prefer the w211 E63 to the C63 and later w212 cars. I can see an E55 or w211 E63 joining my collection at some point, as they're elegant and useful, practical cars.

The cars at the garage you've mentioned are huge money! £28k for a W211 is unicorn land pricing, when good, one owner cars can be had for just over half that. I don't see low mileage as a big bonus with these cars, and they are designed for regular use.

Good luck with your search.,

[p993man]

mickyveloce said:

I prefer the w211 E63 to the C63 and later w212 cars. I can see an E55 or w211 E63 joining my collection at some point, as they're elegant and useful, practical cars.

The cars at the garage you've mentioned are huge money! £28k for a W211 is unicorn land pricing, when good, one owner cars can be had for just over half that. I don't see low mileage as a big bonus with these cars, and they are designed for regular use.

Good luck with your search.,

Thanks for the response. I have to admit to a soft spot for estate cars - my first car was a Mark 2 Ford Escort Estate & I've had a couple of 3 Series Tourings and an M5 Touring, as well as the C63 estate - so an E63 estate really appeals.

I haven't had much joy finding E63 estates at the sort of prices you're talking about. Do you have any suggestions where to look?

Thanks again
Mike

[mickyveloce]

Yes, Autotrader currently lists some promising cars for around the £20k mark. The market is very narrow for this model, so well worth doing some research and going in with an appropriately reduced offer.

Saloon E63 w211 now retailing at £15-20k depending on spec, so great value for what you get.

[p993man]

mickyveloce said:

Yes, Autotrader currently lists some promising cars for around the £20k mark. The market is very narrow for this model, so well worth doing some research and going in with an appropriately reduced offer.

Saloon E63 w211 now retailing at £15-20k depending on spec, so great value for what you get.

Yes, I've done a bit more digging (including Autotrader) and come up with a few more. Estates seem to command a bit of a premium, but there seem to be a few around the £20,000 mark, so the range goes all the way from about £19,000 to £40,000. The 5.5 litre twin turbos can be got a bit cheaper, but I need another 6.2 litre V8!!

Thanks again for your help.

Mike