Advice please

[Stulc]

I went to this today and everything was fine untill the salesman said it didnt have any history with. But what got me was the fact that he said the last owner was very pernicikty (spelling) if he was where's the service book!?.

Again the salesman said "oh but we have all the mot's".....that doesn't go for anything really because I'm thinking, it's all to easy come mot time get it clocked THEN get it mot'd, and again do the same for the one and so on. maybe I'm just being paranoid but I just think if the last is/was so fussy like I say where's the service book!?

I was very interested in it till he said that, now as you'll see from the ad it has 57k in the flesh it's a lovely looking and well kept car but this the only thing putting me off, what do you think....just walk away, yes/no?

http://pictures.autotrader.co.uk/ATD_web/servlet/media?id=253434369




Enlarge
V Reg MERCEDES-BENZ C280 Sport Tip
5 Doors, Automatic, Estate, Petrol, 57,000 miles. ABS, Adjustable seats, Adjustable steering column/wheel, Air conditioning, Alloy wheels, Cruise control, Driver airbag, Electric mirrors, Electric windows, Front armrest, Folding rear seats, Immobiliser, Passenger airbag, Power assisted steering, Rear armrest, Remote locking, Roof rails, Radio/Cassette, Side airbags, Rear headrests, Sports seats, Traction control, Radio/CD.Insurance Group:16, This outstanding looking marque is in superb condition, finnished in Boston Green metallic she really stands out, COmplimented by a full set of Mercedes alloy wheels, Carbon Dash and white dials. Asking price for uncomplimented transaction. For those of you who prefer to keep your money invested this vehicle is available at £5,750.

 

[PINBALL]

Iv'e often wondered if & when a car is serviced by a dealer, the details are registered with the central computer at Milton Keynes head office (main importers), who may be able to shed more light on who previously owned the vehicle, and be able to give approx mileage covered, but in order to find that out you have to be the registered owner by giving them the vin-No. as proof.
but no harm in giving them a call.

Your sales guy must have got the car from auction, where backgrounds are always a bit suspect, as most high end luxury cars are ex-lease hire or hire purchase snatch backs.
Are all 4 keys available with car?

 

[Stulc]

I didnt know there should be 4 key's, if there isn't just walk away, or between that a service history just walk, would you (or anyone else) still buy it?.

He said it was local guy who traded it in to them for a BMW, so if/when he sells to me or whoever it will say who they were.

 

[jberks]

You could ask to see the last registered keeper on the log book and give them a call. Most people are happy to talk to the new buyer of their old motor, unless they have something to hide!
Golden rule - if in doubt, walk away.

 

[Bolide]

Turn this situation to your advantage

You could ask to see the last registered keeper on the log book and give them a call. Most people are happy to talk to the new buyer of their old motor, unless they have something to hide!
Golden rule - if in doubt, walk away.

I'd agree with that, but you can turn this situation to your advantage. Call the previous owner(s) and ask them how many miles were on the car when sold. Then ask them who serviced it and when the last service was

Then call (or, better, visit) the servicing dealer & ask them to pull the history up on their computer. If they have it, ask them if they can supply a duplicate service book & stamp it up for you. If they say yes, go back to the trader and beat him down on price because there is no service history. At this time of year he'll tear your arm off for a quick sale

All it requires is a bit of legwork. Which is why the trader hasn't bothered doing it


Nick Froome
www.w124.co.uk

 

[Stulc]

I know when we spoke to yesterday he said "even call me tomorrow if you want" eg today!, and I'll come to the showroom, now if if that isn't pushing for a sale I dont know what is.

having said this, I saw another one the same year as this this virtually indentical in every way even the milege, but it was the Elegance not the sport and the round headlight's for 2 1/2k dearer.

 

[Stulc]

Thats exactly what I mean..........


I mean, who in their right mind when they are supposidly so fussy over thing's (so the salesman said) looses the service book at 57k.....mmmmmmmmmm.

 

[SL Boy]

Thats exactly what I mean..........


I mean, who in their right mind when they are supposidly so fussy over thing's (so the salesman said) looses the service book at 57k.....mmmmmmmmmm.

It can happen. The MB Assured Warranty scheme as implemented by some main dealers can be a complete joke because the dealer just cant be bothered. I bought an SLK this year which was part of the scheme and there was no service record logged in the service book, incorrect HPI check and no owners manual yet all these items were shown on the checklist as being complete. I did the legwork because the dealer couldnt be bothered to and found all was in order. The most interesting part was I did my own HPI check which flagged there was outstanding finance owing on the car! Actually there wasnt but the original supplying dealer (same outfit) had arranged the finance on the new car and completely cocked up the registration and VIN details so the finance company had incorrect data on the vehicle they were financing. Bunch of tossers!

 

[Stulc]

I spoke the dealer again today and I said all the above to him, and in the end he did say "the car's priced because there's no history with it, and I also cant gaurantee the milege".

I cant take anything away from him really was as honest as he could be and yes as we all know thats ****** rare, and said that the guy who traded it in to him got also kind of "sold as seen" with no gaurantee of the milege.

I was also told who the seller was and where he came from (not his full address though, obvously) he said I was really serious about it he would contact him and we could talk about it if needed.

But all in all it seems a good car allbeit it probably has more in the region of 70-80+k miles instead of 57k, but then I was told about this.

 

[DAD190E1990]

He will have paid between 1500 and 2000 pounds less than he's asking, they always do - i was one so i know. He will be realising that the history on a Merc is that important and now wanting shut of it. Play with his profit margin enough and it could be a bargain for you regardless of history etc. Try to aim for 4k. If you get it at that price, spend the money you have saved getting an independant garage to go over the whole car replacing all the bits that wear out regularly and for your money, you have a very smart car with a restarted service history.

Just an idea,
hope it helps.