What's the worst that could happen?

[FRA53R]

So, whilst browsing fleabay I stumbled across this:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mercedes-W220-S500-LWB-V...

And it made me think that it was an awful lot of car for the money, so what would be the greatest risk? I've heard of electrical issues and air suspension issues but what would put you off most?

[Jim AK]

In a word............ Rust!

[Collectingbrass]

I'd be concerned that the mileage is genuine as the first thing that stands out is that it has only done less than 9000 miles per year. The seller has taken so many photos of the interior that I would expect pictures of documents as well and statements wrt service history too.

Second, on a car that luxurious with that many toys; electrics, electrics & electrics.

[cologne2792]

There are many Mercedes that are beautifully made and engineered and others that are utterly dreadful in every way. Talk to Mercedes owners and find out which are which before parting with any cash.

[r11co]

FRA53R said:

but what would put you off most?

It's big and fugly.

[Welshbeef]

YOLO?

If that's the sort of car you've had an itch for then £2k for 10months is a good deal and you may get your money back. Run it till it breaks maybe or if electrics gizmos stop working make do without.

[Fort Jefferson]

FRA53R said:

but what would put you off most?

RELISTED DUE TIME WASTER

[0a]

r11co said:

FRA53R said:

but what would put you off most?

It's big and fugly.

I don't think this series of S is ugly at all, I think the shape is quite elegant. To the OP this era of Mercedes are prone to rust, and have electrical issues that can write a car off. Having said that plenty of people have done many thousand miles in comfort and luxury for peanuts. Are you feeling lucky?!

[Steffan]

Fort Jefferson said:

FRA53R said:

but what would put you off most?

RELISTED DUE TIME WASTER

Yes indeed I find when Ebay ads are sometimes relisted supposedly as a result of the"tinewaster" and particularly if said tinewaster actually viewed the car then declined it, it is often the car that is the problem. Not always but certainly something to be aware of. The mileage needs careful checking. Old Mots?

[McWigglebum4th]

Collectingbrass said:

I'd be concerned that the mileage is genuine as the first thing that stands out is that it has only done less than 9000 miles per year. The seller has taken so many photos of the interior that I would expect pictures of documents as well and statements wrt service history too. .

True the average milage in the UK is about 50,000 a year


Oh wait

Thats bks


The average milage of car in the UK is

8430 per car per year in 2010

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploa...

[grayze]

You can see the rust (I think its rust bubbles) on the last picture in front of the wheel.

[paul0843]

I bet you could break that for decent money..

[FRA53R]

Many good points and yes I now see the rust, the fact that it's not mentioned is a little worrying.

I wasn't thinking seriously about going for it but I was very surprised to see just how cheap you can pick one of these up for and that in itself is tempting.

I do think if I were to get one I'd have to be very strict on expenditure, only consumables, no serious repairs otherwise it would be uneconomical.

[philmots]

Surely you'd take the mileage on that with a big pinch of salt..

I only do 3k a year in my 330 so it is possible.

If it had 12 months mot, drove ok, and was less than £2k surely it's worth a punt!!

[chunoo]

What about this one.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1993-MERCEDES-S500-COUPE...

Who on this earth thinks that the 'thing' attached to the rear of that car looks good!

[MissChief]

chunoo said:

What about this one.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1993-MERCEDES-S500-COUPE...

Who on this earth thinks that the 'thing' attached to the rear of that car looks good!

The one that has no tax, no MOT, a water and fuel leak and is being sold for spares and doesn't actually drive according to the listing? I'm sure that would be a solid buy.

[FRA53R]

chunoo said:

What about this one.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1993-MERCEDES-S500-COUPE...

Who on this earth thinks that the 'thing' attached to the rear of that car looks good!

That wing is hilarious! A bit too much fixing needed there for me, 'fraid I'm a bit Billy Bragg when it comes to DIY.

[C0nr0d]

Personally id definitely go and look at a car before buying it off eBay. It's bad enough going and looking at cars through private sales like Autotrader etc and having people bulit about the condition it's in. I'd be expecting more lies from someone selling it cheap on eBay. But then i'm sure there's people who have had no issues buying off eBay. I always seem to end up looking at the cars owned by lying little timewasters.

[Liquid Tuna]

chunoo said:

What about this one.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1993-MERCEDES-S500-COUPE...

Who on this earth thinks that the 'thing' attached to the rear of that car looks good!

Perhaps it's some old school GPS thing, like Audi used to have on their rear boot lid on the A6 etc?

[bomma220]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1993-MERCEDES-S500-COUPE...


Does look cheap for an 07 plate tho...