Mercedes S63/S65 - high or low mileage?
Discussion
Guys,
I am contemplating the purchase of an 2007+ S63 or S65 AMG. I understand that the reliability can be a little hit or miss with some people enjoying 'relatively' trouble free driving, while others have barely left the workshop.
With this in mind should I be avoiding the cars that have extremely low mileage for their year (22-40k on a ~7yr old car?). I find it strange that someone would drop £140k on a car aimed at eating up the miles in total comfort, only to drive a couple of k a year in it.
At the present stage i'm only shortlisting the cars that I might want to view, so will obviously do full due diligence on whichever car I decide on. But am I right to be suspicious of these low mileage cars? I assume that a car that has only done 22k and had two 'official' services might not show any documentation for any work performed in between?
I am contemplating the purchase of an 2007+ S63 or S65 AMG. I understand that the reliability can be a little hit or miss with some people enjoying 'relatively' trouble free driving, while others have barely left the workshop.
With this in mind should I be avoiding the cars that have extremely low mileage for their year (22-40k on a ~7yr old car?). I find it strange that someone would drop £140k on a car aimed at eating up the miles in total comfort, only to drive a couple of k a year in it.
At the present stage i'm only shortlisting the cars that I might want to view, so will obviously do full due diligence on whichever car I decide on. But am I right to be suspicious of these low mileage cars? I assume that a car that has only done 22k and had two 'official' services might not show any documentation for any work performed in between?
Don't think its that uncommon for these to have low miles, often they have owners who are only here a few times a year. I have a client with an E63 that he only uses to 'commute' from Wales to London 450 mile round trip every 6 or so weeks. He also spends a considerable amount of time out of the UK & has a plethora of other vehicles he uses too.
I'm confused by the 07 car you saw with only 2 services. I thought Time or Mileage was the norm so even if it only did 2k a year a service would be in order.
I'm confused by the 07 car you saw with only 2 services. I thought Time or Mileage was the norm so even if it only did 2k a year a service would be in order.
Im not suggesting this is a common occurrence but im aware of a local private hire company that was running 2 S63's as an executive airport service and racked up quite a few miles.
They then clocked the cars prior to services to give the appearance of little use but were caught out by my brother (missed by other dealers) as a small piece of information stored on the ECU didnt quite tally up and prompted further checks. I wont share how they were found out but whoever clocked the cars did a very good job and as such just make sure you take note of any signs of wear that might suggest the mileage isn't correct (as you would with any car really).
They then clocked the cars prior to services to give the appearance of little use but were caught out by my brother (missed by other dealers) as a small piece of information stored on the ECU didnt quite tally up and prompted further checks. I wont share how they were found out but whoever clocked the cars did a very good job and as such just make sure you take note of any signs of wear that might suggest the mileage isn't correct (as you would with any car really).
Jim AK said:
Don't think its that uncommon for these to have low miles, often they have owners who are only here a few times a year. I have a client with an E63 that he only uses to 'commute' from Wales to London 450 mile round trip every 6 or so weeks. He also spends a considerable amount of time out of the UK & has a plethora of other vehicles he uses too.
I'm confused by the 07 car you saw with only 2 services. I thought Time or Mileage was the norm so even if it only did 2k a year a service would be in order.
Good point. Its easy to forget that the original owner would probably live quite a different life than a person buying the car 7 years later! Totally possible that they purchased it for their country retreat, or as a run-about when their chauffeur was on holiday I'm confused by the 07 car you saw with only 2 services. I thought Time or Mileage was the norm so even if it only did 2k a year a service would be in order.
Makes me feel a bit better about checking out some of the low milers. Edit: aside from what barryrs just said! will be sure to check all the usual areas for wear and tear! A 30k S class should look like new really.
Edited by jimxms on Wednesday 7th January 12:21
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