Pre-purchase inspection - London/Southeast

[CPShines]

Hi All

As mentioned here

https://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk/...turbo-servicing-costs-and-buying-tips.184421/

I'm thinking of replacing my old c-class coupe with an E63 AMG. Can anyone recommend someone for pre-purchase inspections in the southeast? Thanks.

 

[Blobcat]

@alexanderfoti might be your man.

He’s a member and forum supporter here and runs AMF Automotive

 

[CPShines]

Thanks Blobcat

 

[Bogus7430]

@alexanderfoti might be your man.

He’s a member and forum supporter here and runs AMF Automotive

One more for Alex.. awesome guy !!!

Sent from my SM-N976B using Tapatalk

 

[CPShines]

Just to update this. Due to distance reasons, Alex recommended someone closer to the dealership for a workshop-based inspection. Top service from Alex, much appreciated.

Unfortunately the dealer seems reluctant to take the car out of the showroom for a workshop-based pre-purchase inspection even when the garage is nearby - he's currently 'checking with his manager'. If the answer is no, is it worth getting a mobile inspection, and if so can anyone recommend a mobile merc specialist in the London area?

 

[A.J.]

Then perhaps the AA or RAC are the people to use

 

[CPShines]

Then perhaps the AA or RAC are the people to use

er yeah, maybe not

 

[Blobcat]

Just to update this. Due to distance reasons, Alex recommended someone closer to the dealership for a workshop-based inspection. Top service from Alex, much appreciated.

Unfortunately the dealer seems reluctant to take the car out of the showroom for a workshop-based pre-purchase inspection even when the garage is nearby - he's currently 'checking with his manager'. If the answer is no, is it worth getting a mobile inspection, and if so can anyone recommend a mobile merc specialist in the London area?

Hmmm....

Doesn’t want an inspection prior to purchase...

Anyone else hear alarm bells?

 

[star]

Vehicles inspections without a ramp can miss things.

 

[CPShines]

Hmmm....

Doesn’t want an inspection prior to purchase...

Anyone else hear alarm bells?

Yes I was thinking that too. Might just be an inexperienced sales guy, I'll find out on Saturday

 

[CPShines]

Vehicles inspections without a ramp can miss things.

Yes. Thought I'd talk to Mercanix in Farnham - they offer mobile merc inspections.

 

[mioba]

Is the planned purchase from a MB dealer?

 

[CPShines]

Is the planned purchase from a MB dealer?

No, a general used car dealership that has some higher end cars.

 

[A.J.]

No, a general used car dealership that has some higher end cars.

Generally speaking it would be unusual for the better quality MB to end up outside the MB network.

 

[CPShines]

Generally speaking it would be unusual for the better quality MB to end up outside the MB network.

I must admit, my confidence in the dealer is not that high based on the conversations I've had with them so far. Thanks for the food for thought - I may take a pass on this one.

 

[peterws1957]

Generally speaking it would be unusual for the better quality MB to end up outside the MB network.

I do wonder about this. A local dealer who owns different MB and BMW etc franchises has a site near me where virtually brand new high end cars of different makes are for sale on their pitch. There's obviously a reason, but I would have expected to buy such vehicles from their actual franchise site. Their pitch is in a really good location for passing trade though.

 

[mioba]

I dont think the alarm bells are that the there are problems with with the car.

I would assume he doesnt want the car leaving premises as it may "disappear" - if you insist on takng the car away, his alarm bells start ringing. esp if you have only discussed the car over the phone.

If he is happy to have the car inspected on site then so be it.

MB rarely keep cars in thier network that are over 6 years old/higher mileage.

Let us know hgow you get on.

 

[CPShines]

I dont think the alarm bells are that the there are problems with with the car.

I would assume he doesnt want the car leaving premises as it may "disappear" - if you insist on takng the car away, his alarm bells start ringing. esp if you have only discussed the car over the phone.

If he is happy to have the car inspected on site then so be it.

MB rarely keep cars in thier network that are over 6 years old/higher mileage.

Let us know hgow you get on.

Yes, that's also true - I forgot that MB tend only to keep newer models on. I told the dealer that I wanted to visit first and see the car, then if happy with it put down a deposit subject to then sending it for workshop-based inspection. He still didn't seem keen to take it to the indy workshop even though I had one lined up a short drive away. I'll mull it over some more.

All of this input is very helpful. Thanks all, feel free to keep it coming. It's a big financial decision for me so I'd rather take my time than run ahead of myself and buy a nightmare.