Buy cheap 05 sedan online or over-priced 05 wagon locally?

[markryanmiller]

I've been trying to find an 05 or later W211 E320 or E350 sedan or wagon with heated/ventilated/dynamic seats and charcoal or grey interior. I've found one in NJ that was registered in MA, WI and sold in PA. It's a 2005 E320 $25,900, with 38,023 miles. VIN is WDBUF65J15A644868. (Can anyone tell me if this has fold down rear seats?)

I'm in California, would I be completely crazy to buy this online? I mostly worry about any rust from the salt they put on roads back east in the winter. I'd have to order an inspection, wait several weeks to get it, and then have no chance to trade in my 01 W203. I could sell my W203 on craigslist, but not sure if anyone would want to buy it as it's high mileage (78,000).

Here's a link to the NJ car:

NJ 2005 W211 Sedan

I've also found a silver on black 2005 W211 wagon in So Cal that was originally a New York car. It has 22,102 miles, but dealer is asking $34,800 and doesn't seem willing to go down on price. I think that's too much. VIN is WDBUH65J35A616967. Again, rust might be a problem. Why would an LA dealer want to buy an east coast car when there is so much inventory here already?

Here's the link to the LA wagon:

So Cal 2005 W211 Wagon

Here's a 2006 gray/gray wagon also in LA with dynamic/heated seats. Price is $31,991 with $32,762 miles. VIN is WDBUH56J66A801573. Price is a bit more reasonable:

So Cal Wagon Dynamic/Heated

I'd appreciate any advice, thanks! It's really tempting to lease a 2009, but the $30,000 price difference new over used isn't worth it. I need a car to get me through the next 2 years while I wait for the S class hybrids to come out!! LOL

[Kajtek1]

I just bought mine 2005 E320cdi in Illinois, what was originally Georgia car and couldn't be happier.
Regardless over 140,000 miles the car is having like new interior and only few paint scratches and something what hardly can qualify as a single ding.
But buying car over the net is risky. Even high quality pictures will not show all wear outs, scratches and dings. It is all in seller honesty. Whenever I buy vehicle long distance, I never pay any deposit, or if arrangement takes long time only like $200 to show my honesty. If the car doesn't meet the expectation -walk away.
I don't think you have to worry about rust on 4-years old car, but picture of rear muffler would explain a lot.
Good luck on your search.