Mercedes buying advice - Rule 1

[Quickbrit]

Don't look in this forum... LOL

Looking at the complaints/observations contained within this forum I'm surprised anyone buys a Mercedes after doing their homework here.

For what its worth, I've NEVER had a bad Mercedes yet and I've had half a dozen models from late 70's to mid 90's with no real problems.

Maybe we should have a section devoted to the feel-good stories of ownership?

MikeE

 

[whitenemesis]

Everyone should remember, you mainly hear problems/bad news on forums. Bit like going to a hospital and thinking the whole world is sick!

The vast majority of MB owners drive their cars day in day out and never consider posting their good experiences, why should they?

But others, possibly enthusiasts, will join a forum to exchange views and experiences, etc...

Don't think forums reflect the vast majority of owner experiences

 

[foof1]

Quite right! I bought ny first Merc 7yrs ago gainst all advice. I bought a W202 C 280 which is still current. This Merc has now done 180,000, 80,000 on clock when I bought it. To date it's had new discs, ball joints and regular servicing. This car is fantastic and in use most days. It has taken me all over the place including Europe. I am so taken with Mercs, I bought a 1999 SL 320 in Dec 2008 and love it to bits. The result is I tend not to look at other vehicles. The forum tends to highlight only a small percentage of faults on the thousands of Mercs out there.

Mercs are a passion. I love to read the forum and learn from it!

 

[brianbrian]

I bought my first merc 1985, have had three since, always serviced them myself when due, find them the easiest cars to work on.All my relations spend more on there cars each year, none mercedes owners, than i. Only complaint i have prices mercedes charge for serviceing and repairs to companies and other customers that i here about. Oh yes when they phone up for a service, first words, is it a company car, what difference does it make

 

[foof1]

My only regret is I didn't buy Mercs earlier in life!!!!!!
My wifes Honda Civic costs more to service.
She uses Main dealers!!!!

 

[whitenemesis]

I bought my first merc 1985, have had three since, always serviced them myself when due, find them the easiest cars to work on.All my relations spend more on there cars each year, none mercedes owners, than i. Only complaint i have prices mercedes charge for serviceing and repairs to companies and other customers that i here about. Oh yes when they phone up for a service, first words, is it a company car, what difference does it make

Because it may well be on a service contract / company contract. Makes no difference to the costs, just how they are recouped....

 

[television]

As above. There must be 100 MB's in the small town where I live, yet I am the only one on a forum within 15 miles in one direction and 30 in any other

 

[popuptoaster]

The simple answer is to buy an old one and not bother with the new ones, the old ones have far more style, are perfectly usable, better built, have less to go wrong, still get parts support from MB and suffer no depreciation, the penalty is really only worse MPG, my car will be worth more the older it gets, not less and its no worse a risk than sticking your money in the bank these days.

 

[foof1]

Popuptoaster

You are so right. How much fun are older Mercs. They are SEXY, CLASSIC and hold so much CHARM. I LOVE THEM TO BITS.

 

[three pointed star]

The simple answer is to buy an old one and not bother with the new ones, the old ones have far more style, are perfectly usable, better built, have less to go wrong, still get parts support from MB and suffer no depreciation, the penalty is really only worse MPG, my car will be worth more the older it gets, not less and its no worse a risk than sticking your money in the bank these days.

I'll drink to that, with the exception of our SMART, all our MB's are now pre 93. Had a SLK, loved it but rust and crap dealer warrenty/back up made us ditch it.

 

[jackwall5]

MikeE, I see your point. I sought out forums that talked about issues and problems .. to see the reality.

It was never going to put me off buying the MB, just helps be be more informed.

Discussions about issues tend to have longer lives than discussions about good news. I say this forum treats both sides of the argument, but will inevitably be biased towards the 'Help, I think there's something wrong' side.

I chose to remain active on this forum 'cos I get a real good feeling about the folks on here and I think the information is valuable and good.

Safe Driving.

 

[Quickbrit]

I wholeheartedly agree.

MikeE

I say this forum treats both sides of the argument, but will inevitably be biased towards the 'Help, I think there's something wrong' side.

I chose to remain active on this forum 'cos I get a real good feeling about the folks on here and I think the information is valuable and good.

 

[Rory]

Because it may well be on a service contract / company contract. Makes no difference to the costs, just how they are recouped....

They wish! Makes a huge difference to the cost, and they know they can't scalp leasing companies fleet maintenance departments like they can private individuals.

Until I got my Merc I ran various company cars and garages hate fleet maint depts (and vice versa - I have a relative who works in one).

I saw my B Service invoice to ServicePlus (which is handled by the commercial vehicle fleet maintenance department at MB) and even with some additional filters and brake fluid it was still under £300.


With the minimal amount of work that's been done on my car under MB ServicePlus, it's been stunningly cheap to maintain. However, if I was paying the bill would I still have been told my pitted discs didn't need replacing, and that my car doesn't need an ATF change? I think not. It's quite a bizzare feeling taking it for MOT at the dealership and knowing that there's absolutely no way it's going to fail.

 

[JEZ.S320L]

MikeE, I see your point. I sought out forums that talked about issues and problems .. to see the reality.

It was never going to put me off buying the MB, just helps be be more informed.

Discussions about issues tend to have longer lives than discussions about good news. I say this forum treats both sides of the argument, but will inevitably be biased towards the 'Help, I think there's something wrong' side.

I chose to remain active on this forum 'cos I get a real good feeling about the folks on here and I think the information is valuable and good.

Safe Driving.

I'm in total agreement with what you say. I joined this Forum when I got my first MB (ML) and was delighted by the raft of genuine advise/suggestions I received (especially from Malcolm aka Television). From that point on, I was impressed with the contributors - mainly funny ones - and the Forum style. I went on to be advised what I could get for a budget figure - and ended up with the S-Class. A superb choice, by the way! So now - 2 MB's in the family (my wife has a Land Rover Freelander, her choice!). I recently met a member of the Forum, who has helped me sort out some minor issues with the S-Class. It is due to go into his workshop next week, to have LHD Xenon's fitted and a few other 'tweaks' in readiness for the trip home to Spain - where it will be re-registered on Spanish plates.

So, all-in-all, this Forum is a GREAT place to be. Enjoy!