2010 Mercedes-Benz

This is quite a long advert. I have a preference for being highly descriptive when selling a car, having a firm belief that providing as much detailed information as possible ultimately results in the least time wasting further down the process. I will be completely transparent about the positives as well as any shortcomings of this car.

I have a lump in my throat as I write this – I feel like I’m selling a family member…!

I’ve travelled the length and breadth of this country, together with much of mainland France in this car. It has seen me through a couple of epic bike rides as well as camping trips, family festivals, thousands of work trips around Britain and general life with 3 young children.

I am marketing this car as a one owner vehicle; it has been a part of my life since delivery to my Company in 2010. In 2014 I transferred it from my company name into my own name – hence the log book shows a single previous owner (the Company), but in every meaningful way, this is a 1 owner car.

RV10 is an E350 estate with some fabulous extras. The colour scheme is reasonably uncommon being a fairly traditional British scheme for a German car. Dark racing green with a cream leather interior and walnut interior trim – much more ‘80’s Jaguar than modern day German, but it suits the car brilliantly.

RV10 is truly outstanding. I had come from a long line of BMW’s prior to this, and I truly believe the Mercedes represented a significant step up in terms of long distance comfort. The car does have the fully adjustable electric seats which is a huge bonus – if you cannot find a comfortable position in this car, you can’t find one in any car!

RV10 enjoys the range-topping, higher spec ‘Avantgarde’ moniker, and is equipped with the following factory fitted extras over and above standard, totalling £10,200 worth of value:

Metallic Green Paint £527

Full colour reversing camera £320

Electric Seats + Memory Pack £1,000

Telephone pre-wiring £238

DAB £272

Tow Bar £566

Full Zoned Climate Control £506

Night Vision Camera £1,000

Fire Extinguisher £76

Walnut Trim £480

Luxury Pack £2,000

Driving Assist (incl Lane Assist

Blind spot indicator

Radar guided distant cruise control) £1,360

Command Plus £1.851

RV10 has been maintained by Mercedes main dealer for the first 4 years of its life, and has subsequently been mechanically pampered by Merc-Care Ltd - London’s premiere Mercedes specialists.

RV10 has a new MOT which is due for renewal in September 2019, and has a full and complete service / maintenance history, supported by receipts for the work detailed below – most recent first:

Merc-Care 13/07/2018 - £638.22 - 119,393 miles

Full Engine Service

Full Gearbox Service

Merc-Care 18/08/2017 - £261.60 – 111,709 miles

New battery

Merc-Care 24/07/2017 - £636.97 – 110,868 miles

Full Major Engine Service

Brake Fluid Change

Pollen Filters

Air Filters

Fuel Filters

Merc-Care 26/01/2017 - £60.71 – 107,394 miles

Brake Pad Sensors Faulty – replaced all round

Merc-Care – 02/09/2016 – £155.88 - 104,204 miles

DPF Sensor Replaced

Autowerke 07/07/2016 - £295.08 – 103,218 miles

Full Engine Service

Fuel Filter

Pollen Filter

Merc-Care 11/12/2015 - £1,272.96 – 97,915 miles

Power Steering Pump Replaced

Heater Control Panel Replaced

Merc-Care 05/06/2015 – 92,506 miles

Full Engine Service

Merc-Care 19/01/2015 - £350.28 – 89,193 miles

Power Steering Pump Seals

Leaking power steering fluid diagnostic

Merc-Care Ltd 19/01/2015 - £642.30 – 89,192 miles

Front & rear Discs / Pads & Sensors

Greenoaks Mercedes-Benz 27/02/2014 – 77,449 miles

Full Service

Greenoaks Mercedes-Benz – 02/05/2013 - 62,008 miles

Full Service

Greenoaks Mercedes-Benz – 11/07/2012 – 46,484 miles

Full Service

Greenoaks Mercedes-Benz – 20/01/2011 – 15,642 miles

Full Service

Hopefully that list gives a prospective purchaser some comfort that the car has been exceptionally well cared for.

RV10 has 122,500 miles on the clock, which for a diesel Mercedes is not remotely excessive. There’s no reason to think the engine, gearbox and drivetrain should not achieve double that number before even considering any major work.

The car will average 40mpg on a motorway run – staggering for a car with this level of refinement.

Items to note:

RV10 is not prepped to dealer standard, and all 4 alloy wheels suffer from curbing

There are minor stone chips to the front apron

The rear bumper has some minor marks as a result of suitcases being taken in and out.

One of the bellows on the rear air suspension loses pressure slowly. This means that when the car is sat overnight, the rear suspension slowly lowers. Once the engine is started, the suspension rises and works beautifully. It has no bearing on the driving of the car, just on how it looks in the morning after it’s been parked overnight. This has been the case for the past 18 months and is not detrimental in any way, but is noteworthy for the sake of transparency. I have been told the replacement part is c£300.

The plastic direction tab for the rear air vent in the centre console has broken off. I have saved the part, but it is not attached.

RV10 does not rattle, no engine leaks, no drama. Just a smooth, glorious ride. I just cannot understand why these incredible machines have such a relatively low value now. My asking price of £7,999 truly feels like something of a bargain; a heck of a lot of car for the money.

4 Michelin Primacy tyres – the rears with c3,000 miles use; the fronts with c6,000 miles.

I believe that a dealer would be advertising this car for at least £1,500 more; just for refurbing the alloys and providing an utterly worthless 3 month aftermarket warranty.

Save the money – come and see this one! I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.

Happy to answer any questions that are not covered here, but please - no traders or magazine callers trying to get me to place business....