MB Direct

[robert.saunders]

I have read through a fair few threads on here that refer or relate to this "dealer" network.

Is it fair to say their stock is a little hit & miss, or can it be relied upon? Should I buy with confidence or source my next MB through a 'proper' dealer?

 

[Dryce]

I have read through a fair few threads on here that refer or relate to this "dealer" network.

Is it fair to say their stock is a little hit & miss, or can it be relied upon? Should I buy with confidence or source my next MB through a 'proper' dealer?

If you're buying a 1 - 2 year old car then I would suspect that a lot of the stock is pretty much the same as goes through the dealers.

Basically there are a lot of ex-fleet, ex-hire, and ex-contract cars that come back in to MB - they are processed centrally (Manchester?) - I would guess that it's just a quick check on Assyst and a once-over and then punted out to the dealers or MB Direct - with a quick service if necessary - not as much of a thorough going over as MB's approved used scheme would imply.

I would guess that the dealers will have more private cars (with extras) and
some of their own staff cars/demonstrators will be periodically mixed in with the bought in used stock.

I would guess that a dealer has a bit more in the way of incentive to deal with you personally but as recorded in these forum groups mileage on that one does vary.

 

[robert.saunders]

I guess price is all, as ever - are there savings to be had going "direct"? I know R2D2 acquired his through the scheme, and has had no worries. I'll certainly be seeking a car that is 2-3 years old I would suggest, which may leave me less choice through the main dealer network (I guess?)

 

[Deleted member 6183]

I bought a C class through MB direct Balsall Common.
Good to deal with, best price received for my p/ex.
A bit of a 'used car sales' feel to the showroom but why would that bother you when you're only there for about an hour to collect. I'm assuming that you'd strike the deal by phone.

 

[Dryce]

I guess price is all, as ever - are there savings to be had going "direct"?

Down to location, luck, and timing - and depends if you're looking for something special.

I think I got lucky with my car - which was simply down to the dealer having a lot of stock of similar cars to shift. My wife OTOH lost out on one car and then found a month later that the same dealer wanted more for a lower spec'ed older higher mileage car. Dealer figutred at that point there weren't many similar cars about and he could hold out for another buyer.

 

[SEM]

I've just had my second from Balsall Common, Although they are metal movers, and they tell me this. You can find a decent motor. But timing it just right as the new plates come in. Lots of cars 2-4 months months old. Even MK head office have a car for a few weeks to get them moved on.

Go in knowing what u want and how much you want to spend. The Sales guys will work hard to make you happy as Head office phone to ask how they dealt with you. Bad ratings loses them money. They will search other group sales but they also have some that never get on the list.. like my two.

Good luck
SEM

 

[mebs]

I bought my previous two cars used from mb direct in manchester, service was great, price was negotiated with heavy hands as i was buying outright, but the general concensus about mb direct was to play the numbers game, try and wait till the end of the month as targets driven businesses like to play hardball at other times. freebies, full tanks of fuel and mats are always extras that sweeten the deals, hope this helps

 

[robert.saunders]

All very useful thanks for the replies; sounds like a deal can be had over phone or in person. I like easy deals, I tend to deal quite hard but I like it straight-forward and to the point which I guess is what appeals about going "direct"

 

[Barryh]

My experience with MB direct over the past 8 weeks has been mixed.Saw a car in Waltham Cross(other end of the country)Thought as it was 11 months old "what could be wrong as it was an MB car".Got it delivered only to find 3 panels had been resprayed -Badly along with resprayed wheels-Badly.Changed car with one I went to see in Birmingham,It was in perfect nick.All done through 30 day exchange scheme.Still waiting for them to send me private plates which they charged for.

As for the deal ,The other guys are right,timing,what stock they want to move & be prepared.Try to get as much in writing.I sent several e mails and only once got a reply.Communication with this branch was poor after deal was done.

I found Birmingham branch much more helpful and generally speaking to salesmen on the phone at several branches ,they gave me some helpful tips.

Try buying the car you see from that site as it will be their stock and can give a better deal.Also get it delivered FOC if you live a distance away.They drove car up to me ,took PX back,Then drove replacement up and other back.

Good luck in your search

 

[stats007]

If you join the MBOC you get a discount on MB Direct cars. However, the ones I've been to see were in very poor condition for the price (New Malden branch).

 

[television]

By rights you would think that the main dealers would hold onto the best cars, and out the not so good ones.

As from the above post clearly they salesman or the computer does not know what the best cars are, The cars that I saw before I bought mine where horrible and the same from MB direct or other main dealers.

If you can get someone to go with you thats knows whats what then so much the better.

What are you looking for,, you have the MB Hemel Hempstead outlet ,,thats not so far for a large purchase.
I am going there in a couple of weeks and I can see what they have if you know what you want.

 

[robert.saunders]

Cheers Malcolm, trouble is I am not sure what I'm after. Sensible head says a late (facelift) W203 Avantgarde Auto with leather and heated seats, they are a must. Comand and other options (park, xenon etc) are desirable not essential.

Fun head says an R170 and then later an older W124 coupe to run alongside.

Budget not sure yet, that's the main problem

 

[television]

Budget not sure yet, that's the main problem

A few more parking tickets, and it could be the S class

 

[crockers]

Once you know what you're looking for - I am sure many on here will "search" for you.....good luck and welcome back to the fold....

 

[robert.saunders]

A few more parking tickets, and it could be the S class

You're soooooooooo cheeky

 

[robert.saunders]

Once you know what you're looking for - I am sure many on here will "search" for you.....good luck and welcome back to the fold....

Cheers for that; if I go for something like a R170 I would probably source thru' Jay or something like that - he did have a sweet 320, not sure if he still has it, but I was impressed

 

[franey]

Would you ever consider the Auctions ?
Many a nice car to be had there, BCA at Measham have regular sales.
I think the 'gamble' element of todays auctions, particularly with late model lease cars has gone if not dissappeared.
I have been to many, and seen plenty of buyers there from top garages who just drive them back and put them on the forecourt for a huge profit.
Just because they are a main dealer, folks are happy too pay the premium.
You can now even buy your own warranty!!

 

[robert.saunders]

A good point; I have always been tempted in the past, but got too scared

Perhaps a GTG at an auction would be an idea - I could give an "expert" my budget and see what happens

 

[Rory]

Mine came from MB Birimgham (Erdington) - it was ex-MB, I guess used by some kind of regional manager, as it was registered to his home address in the North West and all the locations stored in COMAND where of North West MB dealerships.
The car was only 5mths old and had done 6000 miles. Apart from a couple of stone chips and a wierd deep cut in the centre console (which they impressively invisibly mended) the car looked brand-new. I was particularly concerned about not getting damaged wheels and they were completely flawless.

I was pleased with the deal I got - they knocked £2000 off on the phone and then reduced by another £1500 when I got there. Even then they threw in the phone holder without complaining so I'm not sure there wasn't even more room to move!

Would second other comments about MB Direct - they're keen to deal, but pretty hopeless on anything else. I gave up chasing missing bits of paperwork etc.
They were keen to deliver the car, and I reckon this is so they can dump it and run! I wouldn't dream of having that done - I think it would be a right hassle to sort stuff out with them, whereas you can just walk away if you're collecting (I always make sure that paying is the very last thing I do).

 

[franey]

A good point; I have always been tempted in the past, but got too scared

Perhaps a GTG at an auction would be an idea - I could give an "expert" my budget and see what happens

Yes, anyone wanting a car from the auctions you can look at the websites and have a look before you go. After all, if there are no Merc's there, what's the point in going!!