Hmm Dilemma Pre Collection SL320

[jeremytaylor]

I would gun for the £200 off and get the service done at Inchcape, if you want to preserve the MB history, which it sounds like you do. You can't run cars like this without spending some money!

 

[Mudster]

Be aware that paying by Debit Card affords you no or very little protection. It's not a whole lot different from writing a Cheque and is in no way similar to a Credit Card.

 

[IanA2]

You can't run cars like this without spending some money!

Given that he's already running a CLS55, there's a fair chance he knows this

 

[DSLiverpool]

MB stance is that the book (?) decrees at x miles and x age x work is done over and above a service - seems logical I spose but the grey area is "does the MB dealer have to do it" well yes if you want a stamp as anyone checking would "assume" it was done by MB - hmm but my lifes not worth anymore analysis of MB detalia.

I have been a bit bullish (over the phone) with the dealer - £200 or no deal - he is asking his dad (sic) and will advise once RAC inspection is completed (took longer than thought and guy had to come back to finish it.

On the way to work the CLS gearbox has decided to thump the propshaft on throttle off which is causing me more anxiety to be honest!! I will start a thread if its newsworthy as it may be a fault to look out for now these (engines / gboxes / cars) are finding 2nd and 3rd owners

 

[crockers]

I would ask MB how much for ATF change ... mine was £200..... ish..

 

[IanA2]

I would ask MB how much for ATF change ... mine was £200..... ish..

iirc for the SL's it was about £75 for the fluid and £20 for the job....more or less....Indy of course

 

[DSLiverpool]

RAC report threw up

NSF Wheel bearing needed "adjusting" ? can you adjust a wheel bearing

New aerial mast

Chip in screen (repairable)

Screw missing in sun visor cover

Change in deal is (a surprise) its a private sale in that I make the cheque out to the owner not the garage - this is not what I assumed

Soooo Im off to see it valeted and ready for collection apart from the stuff detailed above (which the seller will not fix or discount over)

I will then make a call if I want to carry on looking or will "settle" for this car that I think is honest but the seller has to have a degree of compromise FFS!

 

[Doodle]

RAC report threw up

NSF Wheel bearing needed "adjusting" ? can you adjust a wheel bearing

Yes, very easy on the SL, the bearing carrier has a nut with a locking set screw. Undo the set screw, tweak nut as appropriate, tighten.

 

[glojo]

Change in deal is (a surprise) its a private sale in that I make the cheque out to the owner not the garage - this is not what I assumed

Hi
Many apologies for being the odd one out all through this issue, but I'm at it again.

You are writing out that cheque to the private seller to negate any responsibility the trader might have.

I don't like this kind of sale. I accept it goes on and the best of luck to you if you buy this car.

Hopefully it will not break down, or let you down but from you posts it looks like you have been misled?

Have you seen any of the previous MOT advisories?

Is it being sold at a price commiserate with a private sale without any guarantee or warranty?

Many apologies for being so negative and hopefully everything is perfectly okay.

Incidentally I do not agree with the main dealer's attitude. If you were to demand everything was put right prior to purchase....... What has this got to do with anyone other than you and the seller?

If you had decided to do this and then wanted the main dealer to carry out the service then I would guess any dealer would bite your hand off to get your very nice vehicle onto their workshop.

I take on-board your point about there only being £60 difference between the indie and dealer. I also agree this is not worth loosing any sleep over, it just irks me when folks try to take advantage.

Good luck with this purchase

Yours very sincerely
John the kill joy

 

[IanA2]

I'm with John on this one, it may be all right, it may not be, but I'd be uneasy as I don't think they've been entirely straight with you. Also, as I said before, I don't like these "brokered" sales.

 

[BTB 500]

The car is a good un, I have paid £9500 with £500 dep already paid and the agreement that anything rac man finds will be done.

So they've broken that agreement now?

An aerial mast is under £20 retail (main dealer price), and 5 mins easy DIY to fit. So they should at least do that, IMO.

But fundamentally you are now buying a private car with (presumably) no warranty and no comeback in the event of problems. There's obviously an element of risk in this, it's just a question of whether you think it's reflected in the price or not.

 

[DSLiverpool]

Thanks for the input guys, I have seen a huge and comprehensive history on the car and its 11 months MOT done at Inchcape (would it apss with a windscreen chip?) its a straight car as inchcape service have also confirmed when it had the roof reset recently.

I thought the dealer was selling the car on behalf of the customer BUT it now transpires its a private purchase with a free RAC inspection however it was never going to have a warranty anyway just the comeback you get with a trade sale I guess.

It was up for £11.995 R 98 64k Pan roof a bit ott I thought but now reduced to £9999 and I offered this with it taxed and the RAC inspection putting any defects right prior to purchase. I "guess" the seller wanted £10k for it and the dealer has altered the deal accordingly

However if we view it as a private sale its got history, good nick, and its straight BUT it needs a £417 service which if we were haggling face to face NO SELLER would say no discount - especially not these days.

THATS my rub - I am a bit stubborn and I have offered £9800 with tax and the new aerial and wscreen chip repair done - pence to do I guess

Inchcape said the bearing adjust is inc in the service and they will fit a mast if I get it Its just the lack of flex in the seller thats annoying me PLUS there are loads of these about admittedly you have to kiss a lot of frogs but I have big lips and I`m up to kissing a few more.

IF it was a really hot day I guess I would have capitulated by now but it aint and when I go for my deposit back on weds I am sure I will get the car.

All input appreciated

 

[BTB 500]

My local main dealer fitted the first replacement mast for me FOC. I did the next one, it really is a few minutes work. There's a good 'how to' thread on this.

Chip in the windscreen can fail the MOT if it's in the driver's sight line and bigger than a specified size. It should be a free repair under any fully comp. insurance though.

Good luck.

 

[glojo]

Thanks for the input guys, I have seen a huge and comprehensive history on the car and its 11 months MOT done at Inchcape (would it apss with a windscreen chip?) its a straight car as inchcape service have also confirmed when it had the roof reset recently.

It sounds a very nice car and quite clearly you like it.

My only observation would be that I would never buy a car that requirtes an imediate service. This is me once again giving a very personal opinion but no way.

I am seriously looking forward to seeing pictures of this car as it sounds very nice.

Good luck,
Regards
John

 

[DSLiverpool]

Pic of car - worth £10k and a service ? I guess so

 

[BlackC55]

Who knows what it is worth? The market down here is dead for selling cars such as the SL

 

[IanA2]

I can't help thinking that's a lot of money for a '98 320....

 

[DSLiverpool]

I can't help thinking that's a lot of money for a '98 320....

Im sifting through the trader now online and ebay and there aint much (Pan roof is a no compromise) - 51 reg at £12,850 caught my eye but no roof

Im not prepared to drive down sarf as I have now seen in all over 13 cars and I can make an educated guess on the car from the write up and pics - some are sheds at 30k miles others mint at 70k - this aint easy

 

[DSLiverpool]

And I went to see this with the money in my pocket

http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-u...SL+CLASS&min_pr=8000&max_pr=25000&max_mileage=

 

[IanA2]

You can always buy a panny later...they come up on ebay quite often...