Discussion
Really?? I'd much rather go to a persons house. See where they live and how they live. Get an idea for the person who's owned and taken care of the car. I cannot stand traders. Sometimes it's a necessity but I can't get rid of the idea of the fact I'm just lining someone's pockets for giving it a wash and shining the tyres. Most traders use independent warranty companies anyway
Which is all great and nice until you find an oil leak a week after purchasing it or the gearbox f
ks itself on your first proper drive.
Buying from a main dealer (my preference if in your position) would give you a period of manufacturer's warranty as part of their approved used policy.
ks itself on your first proper drive.Buying from a main dealer (my preference if in your position) would give you a period of manufacturer's warranty as part of their approved used policy.
Surely it depends where cars meeting the reqd spec are for sale. I'd be happy to buy the right car from either, but a private sale can give a better insight as to how the car as been looked after, and should be at a better price. Unfortunately, sellers don't always seem to agree.
Dealers will often source cars from anywhere and might have no knowledge of a car's background other than, maybe, that a computer says that it had an oil change 12 months ago.
If it's a concern, you can buy a warranty. The problem is that many new cars are leased, so won't appear as a private sale (well, not without causing a problem!) and many private buyers of cars can't be bothered with the hassle of a private sale, they simply px. Therefore the private sale market can be limited for certain cars.
Dealers will often source cars from anywhere and might have no knowledge of a car's background other than, maybe, that a computer says that it had an oil change 12 months ago.
If it's a concern, you can buy a warranty. The problem is that many new cars are leased, so won't appear as a private sale (well, not without causing a problem!) and many private buyers of cars can't be bothered with the hassle of a private sale, they simply px. Therefore the private sale market can be limited for certain cars.
And if you do your research you'll see the C63 is (touch wood) a very reliable vehicle. I'd buy with confidence from a private seller with a forum / owners club history. Obviously, the Barry Boy / Drug Dealer cars should be avoided but a good private owner will be only too happy to assist you in your purchase as they should know everything about the car and won't spin you the dealership line of 'previous owner confidentiality'. The owners of my past 4 cars have and still do keep in touch with regards to their happy purchases and general chatter about other unrelated stuff. Can't say I've ever had that with a dealer, other than to call after 4 weeks to chase up an outstanding reg transfer payment on a new A45 AMG. stes!
Another angle: A dealer will always tell you that the car was driven by a saint and it has an immaculate maintenance history. How many stories do we see on the forums slating main dealers regarding the purchases of new cars! You don't see many about private sales as buyers can make judgement much more easily by looking at the owner and surroundings. All dealerships look lovely and well polished sheds can look like a fleet of prized beauties. Just my 2p
tes!Another angle: A dealer will always tell you that the car was driven by a saint and it has an immaculate maintenance history. How many stories do we see on the forums slating main dealers regarding the purchases of new cars! You don't see many about private sales as buyers can make judgement much more easily by looking at the owner and surroundings. All dealerships look lovely and well polished sheds can look like a fleet of prized beauties. Just my 2p
I think it depends on age. All new cars have a three year manufacturers warranty. If the car's age is beyond that three years, then I'd recommend having an extended Mercedes warranty. You can buy a C63 privately with a Mercedes tier 1 warranty which is passed on by the seller. I think the seller sends a £30 cheque and the new owner details to the warranty company. I had an 11 month extended warranty remaining on mine when I sold it...I'm not sure personally whether I'd trust a third party warranty on one of these cars and personally I'd steer clear of a car without a warranty.
In my experience good cars are sold by good people and getting to meet the owner can convince you of the integrity of the car. The cars I have bought from even main dealers have always gone back for the odd rectification of rattles etc., so there is a good reason for buying from a dealer.
Rgds, Brin
In my experience good cars are sold by good people and getting to meet the owner can convince you of the integrity of the car. The cars I have bought from even main dealers have always gone back for the odd rectification of rattles etc., so there is a good reason for buying from a dealer.
Rgds, Brin
I bought my first C63 from a dealer. Never again! Second one came from a performance car indy so still not a private sale, but having bought my M5 Tourer and C5 RS6 privately i can say that those were the 2 best experiences I have had so far. T H Boler were great selling me my current C63 though.
I didn't buy a C63 but an older SLK 55 and the place I went to, in my mind, had no right to be trading considering what I've had to do on the car and the way I was treated.
They were selling an SLR 6 months later.
With hindsight, if it was private or independent I would pay someone who knows what to look for, to give it the all clear. Even if you look at 3 and pay them each time it could be way cheaper than any potential problems that you haven't been told about.
They were selling an SLR 6 months later.
With hindsight, if it was private or independent I would pay someone who knows what to look for, to give it the all clear. Even if you look at 3 and pay them each time it could be way cheaper than any potential problems that you haven't been told about.
Spinning it round slightly, if a seller were selling his privately owned car and felt confident that there were no issues or problems with it, he would be comfortable to look the seller in the eye, sell it privately knowing that the buyer has got a great car. If the seller knows/expects that there are problems with the car, he might prefer to part-exchange it.
It doesn't mean that dealers only sell rough cars, but part of the premium paid at the dealer will have gone into preparation such that it meets the Sale of Goods Acts etc.
It doesn't mean that dealers only sell rough cars, but part of the premium paid at the dealer will have gone into preparation such that it meets the Sale of Goods Acts etc.
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