Which valuation to trust? Parker's vs What Car?

[Adrianh1]

Hi, about to buy a 190D 2.5 1993 180,000 miles, manual g'box. Car has full MB service history (serviced every 6,000 miles) and one owner from new in VGC. Owner and I have agreed £1700. This sum is bit steep, I feel, but FMBSH reassuring. However just paid £2.99 for an online valuation from Parker's who claim car is worth £1340 if bought from a franchised dealer in showroom condition (it ain't in showroom condition, but it's pretty tidy) and even less if bought independently (£1215). What Car? can't value the 190 (too old) but values a 1995 M-reg 220 Classic Diesel at £2,645 in good condition, private sale, or £3,345 from a dealer.

To get to point: is Parker's valuation to be trusted (which if true then I'm likely to over-pay the vendor by a good 40%)? Or does the What Car valuation for a later date C220 put this potential sale in context? I know you should only pay what it's worth to you, but still feel askew.

PS: One last thing. Would a 190D 2.5 have a catayltic convertor (expensive to replace)? Potentially the 190 sounds a cheap-ish car to run but parts prices - £600 for a wiper motor - are VERY SCARY.

Thanks

 

[Silver Arrow]

When one reaches these levels of age and valuation, condition and history are paramount. If you know the previous owner and his (her) approach to ownership, and the car is well maintained and cherished, then your decision is made accordingly.
Such guides tend to reflect average conditions and ownership patterns, which in many cases are dire.
I have seen many vehicles, described as pristine, which I wouldn't touch with a bargepole.
Could you get it checked out by an independant for an unbiased opinion?
There are a lot of them about.

 

[Seeker_UK]

You never buy cars as an investment and always assume come resale time it's wiorth £0.00. From that point, if you think it's worth £1700 (a good way to test that hypothesis is to look on the web and see what you get for £1300) then buy it, you won't be disappointed. Alternatively, hold out for one at £1300 and miss a good one.

 

[tom7035]

Too expensive IMO. I reckon £1200-£1400 is plenty for a really good-un. My late '93 W124 200E 16V with 119000k (below) cost me £1400 18 months ago, and I considered that a bit pricey then. Although two owners were recorded, both were in the same family household. Tried walking away twice but he wouldn't budge a penny! I was unlucky as it cost me a second-hand gearbox subsequently, but this was due to the breakage of an anchor pin 'thingy' internally as opposed to a wear condition.
However I'm still happy and enjoy it immensely and, as Seeker-UK says, you don't buy a car as an investment.
A big plus though it is a 250D (pity about the manual gearbox), but try for a substantial discount, and good luck, Tom.

 

[Adrianh1]

Thanks for all replies. I'm going to go for a lower price and see if he'll budge. £1700 for a diesel 190 with 180k - one owner or not - and full MBSH is still a lot of dough. Thanks for all responses. Appreciated.
Adrian

 

[Bolide]

Expensive

It's expensive, yes, but is it the car you want? If it's the right car in the right colour with the right spec then buy it. Unless you're going to worry forever about overpaying a couple of hundred quid I'd just buy it and enjoy it

A couple of things to haggle on: does it have tax and a long MOT? Is it due a service. If so, add up the value of them. If not, try and chip the seller

Some sellers never grasp the true value of what they're selling and so overprice badly. If that's the case you have to make a decision. If it's a car I really like I'll buy it, even if it's overpriced, but it has to have that "Buy Me!" factor which comes with the right history, spec & colour

Re parts: the 190D will have a cat, I think. But £600 wiper motors? Not in the real world. Prices are similar to those for a W124 (because many of them are the same parts) and so very acceptable. Call a dealer with the VIN number and ask for prices on discs, pads, oil filter & air filter. You will be pleasantly surprised!


Nick Froome
www.w124.co.uk

 

[Ian Brown]

At the end of the day the car is only worth what you are willing to pay for it.
put youself in the sellers shoes if it were you that was selling it how much would you expect to get for the car. As for the price of parts they are very cheap i dont know who said it was £600 for a wiper motor there head must be up there a**e it is only £68+vat and 30 mins to fit. if you fancy the car pay the money or take a chance waiting for a cheaper one with no history and more owners.

 

[tom7035]

Your fancied car may not be so expensive after all Adrian, see http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Mercedes-230E...603082351QQcategoryZ10398QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

 

[big x]

Parkers online is pretty accurate IMHO.The car is way over priced.Monitor Ebay to see what actual selling prices are.You can one of these for less;
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=4597720229
adam