Buying an SL - Independent vs MB

[fahad]

Hi all,

I am thinking of getting an SL and have been reading a number of threads on this forum and on MBClub UK.

My question was this: what are the potential pitfalls of buying from an independent dealership vs buying from MB themselves.

Is there a difference in what they cover in their warranties? Do they not check the cars as thoroughly as MB would?

In short what costs could I incur by buying from an independent instead of MB.


Thanks in advance!

 

[colechelle]

All i would say, i wouldnt buy from anybody apart from mb, there tier 1 warranty is second to none, and you can carry it on after the first year, my 3 year old c class is in tomorrow for new radio and phone kit, cost to me, nothing, is a super warranty!!! to be fair knowing how they charge i wouldnt own a merc with out it!

 

[100%Bitch]

If you're spending the amount of money that you would for an SL, I wouldn't go anywhere other than an MB dealer either. Even though you know you're going to pay more it's well worth the extra piece of mind (especially if you build a good rapport with them ).

 

[sound 8]

I have 3 Mercs and one is a SL55.
When you buy a used Merc there is one thing to bare in mind, privately
you have no warranty, private dealer, maybe you get their warranty but I expect you have to take it back to them for repair, o.k. if you live round the corner. With Mercedes main dealer it comes with a warranty which can be used at any Merc dealer. I have had my SL for 4 years, I am really annoyed
I did not take extended warranty when it was offered because last year I spent well over 4 grand on fixing it. I have just bought an S class privately,
it was the only one with the spec I wanted, it's at Mercedes now being
serviced and a few problems fixed, the bill will be 3 to 4 grand. Last year
I bought a CL from a Merc dealer, with extended warranty. Good job because
it has been back about 5 times for faults, and when I pick it up there is nothing to pay. Verdict Main dealer every time.

 

[fahad]

I can see where you are going. Is it possible to buy an MB warranty seperately from the vehicle? If yes, what are the conditions?

To put it in context I am looking to buy an early SL500 (02/52/03) with the price somewhere between 25 & 28k.

 

[colechelle]

No you only get the offer if you buy a used merc from a dealer!

 

[tromppost]

I have 3 Mercs and one is a SL55.
When you buy a used Merc there is one thing to bare in mind, privately
you have no warranty, private dealer, maybe you get their warranty but I expect you have to take it back to them for repair, o.k. if you live round the corner. With Mercedes main dealer it comes with a warranty which can be used at any Merc dealer. I have had my SL for 4 years, I am really annoyed
I did not take extended warranty when it was offered because last year I spent well over 4 grand on fixing it. I have just bought an S class privately,
it was the only one with the spec I wanted, it's at Mercedes now being
serviced and a few problems fixed, the bill will be 3 to 4 grand. Last year
I bought a CL from a Merc dealer, with extended warranty. Good job because
it has been back about 5 times for faults, and when I pick it up there is nothing to pay. Verdict Main dealer every time.

It's true that the build quality is as good as Fiat, and sinking...