bolide
MB Enthusiast
Plenty of Mercedes of all ages have been clocked as they hide the mileage so well
The best way to avoid one that's had a "haircut" is to buy a car with service history, bills, old MOTs & etc and to sit & comb through the history before purchase. If it all makes sense - if dates match, no big gaps, bills look sensible - then go for it. You will will find plenty of cars that have had a legitimate speedo change and that it's shown in the service book. Unfortunately, with many cars like this, the service history has been conveniently "lost"
I'd always HPI a car before sale and speak to the previous owner if possible. I'd say trust your instincts but I'd also advise taking someone to act as Devil's Advocate
Nick Froome
www.w124.co.uk
The best way to avoid one that's had a "haircut" is to buy a car with service history, bills, old MOTs & etc and to sit & comb through the history before purchase. If it all makes sense - if dates match, no big gaps, bills look sensible - then go for it. You will will find plenty of cars that have had a legitimate speedo change and that it's shown in the service book. Unfortunately, with many cars like this, the service history has been conveniently "lost"
I'd always HPI a car before sale and speak to the previous owner if possible. I'd say trust your instincts but I'd also advise taking someone to act as Devil's Advocate
Nick Froome
www.w124.co.uk
Last edited:
Dieselman
Banned
- Joined
- Jul 13, 2003
- Messages
- 34,199
- Car
- Peugeot 403 Convertible
Further to Nicks post I would write a checklist before going to see the car and check everything off against the list, if satisfied buy it.
This list should include but not be limited to:
Start engine from cold to ensure it starts Ok without noises.
Check steering, brakes, lights, suspension.
Check underbody and exhaust for rust.
Check for oil leaks.
Condition of radiator and water pump for leaks.
Check ALL electrical devices such as central locking, sunroof, windows, radio, wipers, washers, vent fan, etc.
Check VIN number against V5 and all MOT certs.
Check VIN number in at least two places, windscreen, drivers floor, slam panel.
Check sellers address is on V5, if not why not?
Check Mileages on ALL paperwork.
Check panel gaps and alignment and colour match.
Check tyre wear is even across the tyres.
Check colour and condition of antifreeze and brake fluid. This is a good indicator to a well serviced car.
Check general interior wear is in accordance with mileage.
HPI check for write off and outstanding finance situation.
If all the above are Ok the car and seller seem good then negotiate a price subject to clear HPI report.
This list should include but not be limited to:
Start engine from cold to ensure it starts Ok without noises.
Check steering, brakes, lights, suspension.
Check underbody and exhaust for rust.
Check for oil leaks.
Condition of radiator and water pump for leaks.
Check ALL electrical devices such as central locking, sunroof, windows, radio, wipers, washers, vent fan, etc.
Check VIN number against V5 and all MOT certs.
Check VIN number in at least two places, windscreen, drivers floor, slam panel.
Check sellers address is on V5, if not why not?
Check Mileages on ALL paperwork.
Check panel gaps and alignment and colour match.
Check tyre wear is even across the tyres.
Check colour and condition of antifreeze and brake fluid. This is a good indicator to a well serviced car.
Check general interior wear is in accordance with mileage.
HPI check for write off and outstanding finance situation.
If all the above are Ok the car and seller seem good then negotiate a price subject to clear HPI report.
bolide
MB Enthusiast
If the car has a modern-style MOT certificate, and I think most should by now, you can check online that it is authentic. You can also see any advisories that were noted
Nick Froome
www.w124.co.uk
Nick Froome
www.w124.co.uk
