Replacement ML

[maldon]

Got the replacement on Saturday 2003/15000 miles - Silver with grey interior - it is not the absolute ideal spec, I really wanted - I really bought it because it is very clean and managed to beat the dealer down to something within a couple of hundred quid of trade (if what I can find on the internet is close to Glass's).

First proper drive this morning at silly o clock on virtually empty A12 and M25 - seems fine, although the fuel consumption looks heavier than the previous one.

I'll have to check it over a couple of full tanks I guess.

Really miss the rainsensor wipers though.....

 

[Blobcat]

Hi Maldon,
Congrats on the new one, 15,000miles, it's not run in yet so economy may improve over time.
I agree with the toy's once your used to them you think 'how could I live without them'. I look at the list prices and think I could just about afford a new one, then I add on the 'essential's and what was a £36K car is now £49,950 :cry:.

 

[television]

its interesting how cars can start off with £20k of extra's, When the SL's129 started out in 1990 Most on the list extra's became standard by the end of the run in 2001.

Malcolm

 

[maldon]

Blobcat

There was a def improvement in general feel of the engine from 5000 to 13000miles in the previous one, eco was improving too.

We'll see how we do on this one - I'll run a couple of tanks of the posh stuff through and see how that goes.

Reading for next service is 7,000 - am hoping to get that pushed back a fair bit by the 70 mile a time mainly dual carriage way stuff over the next couple of months.

 

[Blobcat]

My ASSYST counts down 100 miles after I have covered 150 - 200. So although 12K to go is how it comes out after service, I have it serviced at around 16K still with 3+K showing on the ASSYST. I do this to avoid the 'A' to 'B' switch and it means my car is serviced every 6 months. If I was doing less miles I would still get the oil changed at 6 months for engine longevity

 

[johnmc]

Optional extras on new cars

Hi Malcolm,
The options trick is well used in every market. Launch the car with lots of options because people want the latest and will pay stupid money. Anyone who pays more than 500quid for SatNav needs their head looked at these days, but plenty will do to have in a shiney new car. Massive profits.

At the end of life when the products a bit long in the tooth give 'em away. Buyer gets enough of a perceived bargain and is happy to take an older, but heavier depreciating car because of the bargain element. Also burns up all the excess inventory of options in your supply chain, and boosts your return on capital invested at the end of the product's life. Works a treat in manufacturing business.

The Japanese are wizards are this, and get it right from day one. Few, but expensive options from launch, more standard cars. Good supply chain control.

Cheers,
John