Should I be wary of buying this E220 CDI Estate?

[bobf]

Hi, Interestingly when my car was recovered after a breakdown recently by my mobilife cover, I was surprised that they supplied me with a brand new e200 avantgarde from enterprise car rental. I was told by the Branch that this was on instruction from MB

The rental rate appeared to be an absolute steal for such a car.... my guess is the MB fund the leasing of these cars to Enterprise at good rates to get footprint and secondhand sales. There is nothing immoral or illegal in this financing practice but it would seem reasonable that if a car has been a short term rental hiding this fact isn't great for the next owner.

 

[st4]

However, enterprise or MB spec em well. Mine had effing everything on it. If its retailed cheaply it will be a nice car for someone

 

[gIzzE]

I really wouldn't worry about it being a rental car, most people do tend to treat rentals fairly cautiously as they don't want the £1000 excess.

I just wouldn't even look at a car with missing history, you came on here and asked if it was an issue and pretty much everyone on here has said 'Yeah it is, I would get something else.' Yet you have convinced yourself it is not.
What happens in 12 months when you realise you love it but also realise you can get a lovely E320cdi for only a little more and you want to swap?? You will get absolutely shafted on the price of that car without the service history and book.


And don't be such a lazy git, I buy my cars all over, I am in Norwich and have bought from Belfast, Devon, Edinburgh and don't think I have ever bought one less than 100 miles away, and had around 25 in the last 15 years.
These are Mercedes, they will do more than 50 miles quite happily.


Why not post up the advert for it? If it is a real bargain then we might agree with you it is worth the risk?

 

[macru]

However, enterprise or MB spec em well. Mine had effing everything on it. If its retailed cheaply it will be a nice car for someone

Just looked at your photos of the E220 - 51/ 53 mpg! I was surprised. Most of the E220's I looked at were in the 30's, which I thought were low.

Was that just down to flat roads and very careful driving?

 

[macru]

I really wouldn't worry about it being a rental car, most people do tend to treat rentals fairly cautiously as they don't want the £1000 excess.

I just wouldn't even look at a car with missing history, you came on here and asked if it was an issue and pretty much everyone on here has said 'Yeah it is, I would get something else.' Yet you have convinced yourself it is not.
What happens in 12 months when you realise you love it but also realise you can get a lovely E320cdi for only a little more and you want to swap?? You will get absolutely shafted on the price of that car without the service history and book.


And don't be such a lazy git, I buy my cars all over, I am in Norwich and have bought from Belfast, Devon, Edinburgh and don't think I have ever bought one less than 100 miles away, and had around 25 in the last 15 years.
These are Mercedes, they will do more than 50 miles quite happily.


Why not post up the advert for it? If it is a real bargain then we might agree with you it is worth the risk?

Yes, I agree with everything you say and I know I might have regrets, but I didn't have a lot of time in which to make a decision, unfortunately.

Probably one reason that I went with it were the numerous telephone discussions with various people at Mercedes, who didn't seem that concerned re missing history and the fact that it had a fair amount (over a year) of warranty left on.

Yes, I realise resale might be affected and no, I don't have a record of the ad anymore.

 

[John]

I'd spend a bit more time and effort locating a car. 50 mile radii seriously limits your choice.

I normally search National for a car I actually want to buy. AS luck would have it my current steed turned up a few miles down the road but I've been very far afield sometimes.

It's whether you think it is worth it to find exactly what you are after.

Yes, I agree with everything you say and I know I might have regrets, but I didn't have a lot of time in which to make a decision, unfortunately.

Probably one reason that I went with it were the numerous telephone discussions with various people at Mercedes, who didn't seem that concerned re missing history and the fact that it had a fair amount (over a year) of warranty left on.

Yes, I realise resale might be affected

To be honest, choosing a rare car or random colour can have the same effect.

If you keep it long enough and / or can demonstrate the car is fine when you come to sell, you might not need to take much of a hit at all.

I think if the car suits you and Mercedes give you written confirmation that there wont be any kok piggery later on, should be fine.

I know some mindless people drive hire cars like they stole them but not everyone does, including myself.

 

[macru]

Yes, thanks for kind words - I hope it works out ok!