Buying a CLK blind. Is the AA's word good enough

[chriswt]

I've seen a nice looking CLK up north which I would like to go and see. Its fully loaded with the front and rear parking sensors and heated seats, it also has a full AMG kit but no comand (no big deal).

As I'm a 4 hour train ride away from the car I'd like to get it inspected by someone like the AA or RAC. Then I can bargain with the seller over the phone and the only train ticket I'll need will be one way!

I've driven other CLK's and so I know how they feel to drive and I'm happy with the way they look so the only things that are going to put me off buying the 'right' car will be things that an AA inspector can find.

Is this type of buying 'semi-blind' a good idea or am I a fool to consider it.

Any opinions welcome.

 

[SilverSaloon]

I've seen a nice looking CLK up north which I would like to go and see. Its fully loaded with the front and rear parking sensors and heated seats, it also has a full AMG kit but no comand (no big deal).

As I'm a 4 hour train ride away from the car I'd like to get it inspected by someone like the AA or RAC. Then I can bargain with the seller over the phone and the only train ticket I'll need will be one way!

I've driven other CLK's and so I know how they feel to drive and I'm happy with the way they look so the only things that are going to put me off buying the 'right' car will be things that an AA inspector can find.

Is this type of buying 'semi-blind' a good idea or am I a fool to consider it.

Any opinions welcome.

should be fine aslong as you speak to the AA guy afterwards on the phone. If all else really fails and you turn up and its worse than expected (assuming you are paying when you collect it) just dont buy it and get the next train out of there!!

 

[andybelfast]

I have bought a car blind myself (similar situation, I was buying from Belfast, the car was in Blackpool), when I went to collect the car was exactly as described, if not actually slightly better than I was expecting. however buying a vintage car for £200 and buying a CLK are very different ball games and you have every reason to be wary.

I wasn't aware that the AA/RAC provided a service like this, keep us posted as its something I may avail of myself in future.

 

[jeremytaylor]

Depends on the sums involved. I wouldn't do it personally - having seen the car you are in a better position to negotiate anyway.

But whatever you do, don't drive the car blind

 

[chriswt]

should be fine aslong as you speak to the AA guy afterwards on the phone. If all else really fails and you turn up and its worse than expected (assuming you are paying when you collect it) just dont buy it and get the next train out of there!!

Thats a good point. I really need the check done so that I can knock the guy down on the price.

If I go up there just to look at it and its the car I want I'll still need to go back another day to collect it because I won't have the money there and then.

 

[stats007]

I'd be wary myself. We all have differing standards and opinions. I had a specialist 911 inspection done and got a full colour report yet it failed to highlight a number of bodywork issues and general condition that I would have negotiated money off for.

Some members have gone to see vehicles for others on the forum - maybe that's an option?

 

[chriswt]

http://www.rac.co.uk/web/vehiclechecks/examination/checklist

£160 for the basic check and £260 other (non members prices)

 

[Dieselman]

Why not see if the car can be run through a local MB dealer for a check over. Specifically ask for bodywork to be assesed as well.

 

[crockers]

Where abouts up north is it? You could pay a good inde to have a look at it for you...

 

[chriswt]

Why not see if the car can be run through a local MB dealer for a check over. Specifically ask for bodywork to be assesed as well.

I did think about that but if the task is assigned to 'Kev the new boy' I'm worried about the quality of the check they'll do. Also the road test is important.

I bought a Mondeo years ago and the previous owner had a check done. The amount of detail was amazing and it seemed that nothing went unchecked.

I think the inspectors are all ex-mechanics because they find things wrong with the car that you had no idea about.

 

[chriswt]

Where abouts up north is it? You could pay a good inde to have a look at it for you...

The car is in Hull and its up for £9k. It has a full MBSH and 61k on the clock.

 

[Alfie]

I've seen a nice looking CLK up north which I would like to go and see. Its fully loaded with the front and rear parking sensors and heated seats, it also has a full AMG kit but no comand (no big deal).

As I'm a 4 hour train ride away from the car I'd like to get it inspected by someone like the AA or RAC. Then I can bargain with the seller over the phone and the only train ticket I'll need will be one way!

I've driven other CLK's and so I know how they feel to drive and I'm happy with the way they look so the only things that are going to put me off buying the 'right' car will be things that an AA inspector can find.

Is this type of buying 'semi-blind' a good idea or am I a fool to consider it.

Any opinions welcome.

Dont buy it blind. Get the report. If its okay then tell the chap you want it and you are coming up with a cash deposit. If its not as described tell him you've changed your mind and leave. Go with a friend just in case

That said, I bought and paid in full for my A class blind as it was a long long way away from me. But, it was from a Mercedes dealership and I knew I could refuse it and get all my money back if it turned up and was not as described. Buying privately is a different game altogether.

 

[R2D2]

Mercedes Direct do a 30 days money back scheme. I had my car delivered to me from Mercedes direct!!

 

[chriswt]

Mercedes Direct do a 30 days money back scheme. I had my car delivered to me from Mercedes direct!!

Unfortunately I haven't got the money for a newish CLK yet.

My piggy bank will only stretch this far:

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/253041.htm

 

[A210AMG]

Hello,


If it were my money I would go and look first sorry, I went from Chester to Maidstone to look at a A210 for my wife. Drove back after looking at it and sorting the transfer then went back again to collect the car

A car second to your house is proabably the most you will spend on a single item. I woudl rather check it myself. Pictures / reports are fine but YOUR eyes are better.

Just my way of doing things.

Thanks

 

[ibrar]

Unfortunately I haven't got the money for a newish CLK yet.

My piggy bank will only stretch this far:

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/253041.htm

If only Hull was near Bristol, I would check it out for you. But unfortunately it isn't

 

[A210AMG]

Good point though,


Any member near Hull?


I know you may not know us from adam, but at least I would like to think we would give a good decription of the car and point out bits we would like you to know about?

I would be happy to view if nearer.

Sorry

 

[jeremytaylor]

I had a specialist 911 inspection done and got a full colour report yet it failed to highlight a number of bodywork issues and general condition that I would have negotiated money off for.

I nearly comissioned a pre-purchase report on a 911 from a respected specialist, but when I saw their Terms & Conditions (and exclusion clauses) I came to the conclusion that the report wouldn't be worth the paper it was written on!

 

[chriswt]

A car second to your house is proabably the most you will spend on a single item. I woudl rather check it myself. Pictures / reports are fine but YOUR eyes are better.

Just my way of doing things.

Thanks

I agree with you 100% but the person carrying out the inspection will not car whether the wheels look good or the seller is a nice guy whereas most people including me can't help by being swayed by our emotions, even if only slightly.

If it were a £50k SL I'd want to see it for myself but as its not very expensive and I know enough about the cars anyway I really want a nuts and bolts inspection which ignores the performance, asthetics and curb side appeal.

Last time I opened the bonnet of a CLK at a dealership in Enfield I though "what the F*** am I looking for " and ended up saying to the saleman "its clean isn't it"

 

[glojo]

I fully understand the caution and the requirement for an inspection, but I don't understand the two long and costly journeys. Isn't it possible to either have an agreed form of cash transfer, or make arrangements with a bank to get the cash if required?

Is it possible to allow someone to use a computer and immediately transfer cash from one bank account to another?

I am not suggesting you have a secured hidden money belt.

Regards
John