Might soon be a Mercedes owner - CL600

[Animal]

Hi all,

Giving some serious thought to buying this after having been for a quick look and brief test drive on Friday.

Anything in particular I need to pay attention to other than coil packs and ABC? Much lip-biting and wringing of hands going on at the minute because I'm fearful of buying a nail! I've spoken to an independent Merc specialist in Princes Risborough, which is only a few miles away, and they'll do an inspection for me for a few quid.

Opinions/encouragement/horror stories all gratefully received!

[Animal]

BIRMA said:

As with all these bargain Power Luxo Barges they are ridiculously good value for money if you buy right and find a decent independent to look after it.
It's stating the obvious but you are doing it right by getting it inspected and if the seller objected that's grounds for running a mile. As long as you have a decent wedge as a contingency fund which lets face it the money you save buying these usually assures that you have.

This is my thinking! I do 7-8,000 miles a year, so even in 2 years it'll be a low-mileage car. Besides, I want to own a V12 before they're made illegal...

[Animal]

I could live with a thousand a year!

[Animal]

It's not going well!

Just went back to the traders to have another look and got the keys to take it for a test drive. Told them I was keen but wanted to have an inspection done first and had found somewhere in Princes Risborough (13 miles away) who would do it in an hour or so. Was told that they couldn't agree this because they were understaffed. They were OK for me to have an inspection done on their premises - but didn't have a ramp/pit to look underneath.

I gave them back the keys and walked away. Not much point wasting any more time if they're not going to put the effort in!

[Animal]

Didn't look at any others. They've got a few I might consider but a lot of stock (something like 160 cars), so I wasn't going to trawl through the lot. Besides, I've been kind of put off by this afternoon!

[Animal]

Thought I'd give it another try this morning so called to speak to the guy I'd originally met last weekend: he wasn't around but I left my number and was told he'd call me back.

Three hours later he hadn't bothered and so I tried again. Apparently he had popped out for ten minutes. I've given up waiting!

[Animal]

BIRMA said:

I would also be tempted to ask to root through the service history and forensically piece together a picture of its service history. Get the phone number of the last place it was serviced and ask questions, if possible contact the last owner. There should be no objections for this to take place on the part of the seller in fact when I've been to look at cars I do it as a matter of course. Things like MOT advisories are the first place I start then go from there.

I've seen the whole history and past MOTs and it all seems to stack up. I haven't got any particular concerns, but given the complexity of the car I want a report on the condition of the car as it sits today.

I'll try and call again tomorrow and see if I can't work something out. I want a proper test drive, but assuming that's OK I'll leave a deposit there and then subject to an inspection being done and OK.

[Animal]

BIRMA said:

Sounds good, sorry if it read like I was stating the bl**dy obvious regarding the service history. Just one other pearl of obvious wisdom regarding the deposit. I lost a deposit on an CLS55 ages ago because I didn't make it clear to the dealer that if it failed in any respect I would not go ahead with the deal, due to this misunderstanding I lost my deposit when I was not satisfied with every detail of the report. It was a long time ago so punter protection has moved on a bit since then but it's made me never leave deposits since.

No, you're right. I'd only leave a deposit on the agreement that it was to be returned if the car wasn't up to scratch. I wouldn't agree a price until I'd seen the inspection report either. One last try in the morning!