To buy or not to buy??

[Milton7]

Step back and be objective. Don’t forget it’s a buyer’s market at the mo.
You seem to have let emotion rule your head.
It’s not in superb condition and the price is high so either make a offer to reflect the work that needs doing to your satisfaction or keep looking till a better car comes around- and it will.

 

[Cyclone1]

Whilst it’s a well specified car I don’t think it’s worth the asking price. There are a few bits that as always need doing, sometimes you drop lucky on these sorts of items, but mostly there will always be something that needs doing.

On the timing chain noise then I’d ask the guy who inspected the car if he ran a scan for logged codes / code history. If so l assume the car was clear (still no guarantee as they could have been deleted already). Like the M157 engine, timing chain stretch is a risk, so factoring this in could make the car expensive in the long term. I advise anyone buying an M157 from 2011-2012 to factor in circa £4K for the timing chains / tensioner replacements if they haven’t been done already (which the vast majority haven’t, or haven’t had the tensioner / check valve replacement early on), as at some point they will need doing.

It’s a tough choice due to it being a desirable spec for you, but my normal approach is if in doubt, then leave it.

Hope it helps

Jules

 

[clk320x]

Video of car starting

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[Deleted member 37751]

Errrrr nope!

I can see how much you want it, I really can, but putting myself in your shoes (and you know how spontaneous I can be at buying cars) the straw that broke the camels back is the report the mechanic did for you; trust me, that feeling of elation you’re having over buying a car you really want will soon subside when it costs you XYZ in repairs and you get no joy out of the trader.

Your money at the end of the day (obviously) and if it was the CLS63 I’d probably be saying to buy it because, well, just because... but it’s not it’s overpriced and judging by that video posted then you better hope you’re already squared up on the C43 because this could be your next project pal!

 

[MWCLS]

It's a nice car with a good spec - I wouldn't be happy with the misting on the rear shocks or torn front air strut. If the dealer isn't prepared to fix those at the very least if you really have your heart set on this car .. I'd walk. Airmatic struts aren't a cheap fix. Good luck whatever you decide to do.

 

[Deleted member 6183]

My airmatic struts were showing as misted on my old W220, my contact at the dealer told me that they would go pop within the year (before my warranty ran out) and sure enough they did.

 

[Will]

I think I’d leave it.

Nice spec, but the headline details of ownership/history/mileage doesn’t match what you’ve found on the inspection. To me it doesn’t look a cherished car? And let’s face it the spec and apparent good condition is what you’d be paying over the odds for. It’s only a 350 at the end of the day, albeit with a nice spec but arguably overpriced even before what you now know...

Those rear shocks will be expensive, the discs although still usable for now are clearly going to want replacement in the not too distant future. Wheels sound like they’re gonna need a refurb, new centre caps, paint on the bumper? The split dust cover etc - not deal breakers but not what you’d expect to find on a £15k car. And let’s be honest that doesn’t include any of the bits found on the diagnostic report or what else you might find once you get it up on a ramp or have owned/driven it for a month or two including any concerns with the engine etc.

The garage seem a little inflexible considering it doesn’t appear they have put much prep into it. Did they get back to you regards any warranty/post purchase arrangements etc?

I had some hassles with the purchase of my E63, and the garage were hard work to deal with. But I’d seen and driven the car, looked through the service records and I knew exactly what it needed in that instance (one headlight replacing - and although I wanted to fit new new tyres and get the wheels refurbed it was still generally clean and tidy as you’d have expected with no signs of neglect whatsoever. I had the benefit of the service at a MB dealer not connected to the garage selling the car for an inspection/health check up on the ramps too (I spoke with them independently ‘off the record’)

I still managed to negotiate £500 off the price, plus the MB dealer service included (and a full tank of fuel!). They also included a comprehensive warranty which paid for new MB airbags on the rear when I noticed a slight leak a couple of months after purchase. And of course around £1.5k for the headlight and service before I bought it. Was hard work to get the car as I wanted it but overall, on reflection, it was a good deal. I paid top money for a 6.2 model but the spec/condition/mileage etc meant it was worth it to me.

I’m not sure this CLS350 would be a good buy. £15k before you can even get your hands on it, no doubt a few £k to get it up to scratch - there was a nice enough looking CLS63 with identical mileage for £18k recently - and by the sounds of this 350 I doubt there’s much difference in condition or likely prep work needed to both.

If you’re hankering after a ‘63 ideally, don’t compromise. I’ve driven a 350 petrol and found it too buzzy for my liking especially in a heavy car like the CLS, I’d swap a couple of toys for the better engine and most AMGs come fairly well specced anyway

Just my own thoughts, good luck with whatever you decide

 

[Cyclone1]

there was a nice enough looking CLS63 with identical mileage for £18k recently - and by the sounds of this 350 I doubt there’s much difference in condition or likely prep work needed to both.

That ‘63 was quite rough and I’d be confident in saying it needed at least £6k spending before it was anywhere near decent.

 

[Muckypaps]

The garage will be more flexible with the price in a months time, they're always top price when they arrive.
I watched the prices of every CLS63s for over a year before I was in a position to buy mine, the average price drop in 6 weeks was around 2K.
They may get lucky and get the full asking price, supply and demand usually dictates the result.
The best cars fetch the best money, is it's cheap there's usually a reason why.
Buy with your head and not your heart, it may be difficult, but it's worth it in the end when the novelty has worn off.

 

[John]

My initial post included the fact they are not willing to negotiate because to me, this bloody-mindedness and unwillingness to reach a deal means they are probably not willing to do "the right thing" in many respects including fixing the items which need fixing.

You might as well buy private to be honest as they are adding almost zero value.

They want everything on their terms and the money they want for it.

Looking at the bigger picture tells me the whole experience is going to detract from the positives of the car!

I wouldn't have reach this stage but as it is, I'd definitely be gone and would feel pity for the person who ends up with it.

It's harder for you because, as we all know, when you want something it's more difficult to be objective.

If you do persist, I would leave them with a deal you are happy with and walk away. Anything else and they will know they don't have to put in much effort as they will have you over a barrel if you are that keen!

 

[Abb]

Gents, as an update to this thread. The garage have been in touch, they are going to take the car to the local MB dealership, replace discs and pads all round, replace both shocks, sort out the front airmatic dust cover, new wheel centre caps, sort the marks on the bodywork and a fresh MOT, all within the screen price.

(for the avoidance of doubt, none of the above is going to take place, I cannot be held legally responsible for anyones misinterpretation of my attempt of humouring yo )

Now that you have all stopped laughing I will update you properly. The car itself is 100% straight and honest, warts n all. How do I know....I have tracked down the previous owner. Speaking to the elderly couple, she was not allowed to drive it, as it was his pride and joy. She described the marks on the body work down to the front scuff on the bumper, due to their location.

The chap loved the car so much, he has traded it in at the local dealership for a new model, some 2-3 weeks ago. She was aware the brakes needed doing too. All the MOTs and services she confirmed were carried out by MB. How they have managed to let those discs go without so much of an advisory, is beyond comprehension

Wasn't aware of any other issues especially the shock absorbers. The lady sounded completely sincere and there was no reason to doubt her.

All that considered coupled with the inspection, the advice on here, and the attitude of the selling garage, I have decided against the purchase.

If I am being honest, without sounding like a petulant child, I am gutted about it, as I thought I had found 'the one'. If it had not been for the words of wisdom on here or if the dealer had been so much more reasonable and accommodating, I have no doubt I would have bought it and justified the niggles to myself (as you do) as a few jobs that needed doing on a used car.

It is just another reminder to me, why I prefer to buy privately, regardless of the price tag.

Oh well, it is what it is and thank you again folks for all your insight, help and advice (albeit it is not what I wanted to hear ). I hope I kept you entertained at least!

PS......The garage still haven't contacted me despite telling me yesterday they would today and again today saying they would be in touch within half an hour (3 hours ago)

 

[Abb]

During my extensive research into this potential purchase, I found the garage to have a second location too trading under the initials of the first:

Lucky Dale Cars Ltd 168 London Road, Morden, Surrey, SM4 5AT

Used Cars Morden, Used Car Dealer in Surrey | Lucky Dale Cars Ltd

linked to:

LDE-UK LTD, 113 Horton Road, Datchet, Slough, Buckinghamshire, SL3 9HW

Used Cars Slough, Used Car Dealer in Buckinghamshire | LDE-UK LTD

 

[fabes]

Given the work they are getting done and the provenance you uncovered, I am surprised you aren't going for it....

Sounds like the seller has had a wake up call though when 'his mechanic' was given the opportunity to go over it properly.....

At least the above is laid out on the Web should anyone else be interested in it though.

So what's in your sights now...

 

[clk320x]

Given the work they are getting done and the provenance you uncovered, I am surprised you aren't going for it....

Sounds like the seller has had a wake up call though when 'his mechanic' was given the opportunity to go over it properly.....

At least the above is laid out on the Web should anyone else be interested in it though.

So what's in your sights now...

You didn’t read the post properly he was joking! The dealer won’t budge!

 

[Abb]

Given the work they are getting done and the provenance you uncovered, I am surprised you aren't going for it....

Sounds like the seller has had a wake up call though when 'his mechanic' was given the opportunity to go over it properly.....

At least the above is laid out on the Web should anyone else be interested in it though.

So what's in your sights now...

Apologies, they are not getting any of the defects corrected. What is in my sights now........nothing until someone posts something up which I take a shine to Unless something different pops up, I will continue to keep an eye out for another car which I do not need, as long as it is a CLS (not a SB).

 

[MercedesDriver]

Gents, as an update to this thread. The garage have been in touch, they are going to take the car to the local MB dealership, replace discs and pads all round, replace both shocks, sort out the front airmatic dust cover, new wheel centre caps, sort the marks on the bodywork and a fresh MOT,...The car itself is 100% straight and honest, warts n all.
All that considered coupled with the inspection, the advice on here, and the attitude of the selling garage, I have decided against the purchase.

If I am being honest, without sounding like a petulant child, I am gutted about it, as I thought I had found 'the one'. If it had not been for the words of wisdom on here or if the dealer had been so much more reasonable and accommodating, I have no doubt I would have bought it and justified the niggles to myself (as you do) as a few jobs that needed doing on a used car.

It is just another reminder to me, why I prefer to buy privately

Edit

 

[Will]

That ‘63 was quite rough and I’d be confident in saying it needed at least £6k spending before it was anywhere near decent.

Did you see the car Jules, and can you share what was wrong with it?

It’s fair to say though that the £15k CLS350 in this thread which most would say looked tidy needs a fair chunk spent on it too. Versus the CLS63 with the same miles at £18k I’d rather have the ‘63 even if it needed some money spent on it

Obviously someone thought it was a good buy as it went quickly

 

[fabes]

What a numpty.....

Now, no longer surprised.

Next. . ...

 

[Cyclone1]

Did you see the car Jules, and can you share what was wrong with it?

It’s fair to say though that the £15k CLS350 in this thread which most would say looked tidy needs a fair chunk spent on it too. Versus the CLS63 with the same miles at £18k I’d rather have the ‘63 even if it needed some money spent on it

Obviously someone thought it was a good buy as it went quickly

Hi Will, pretty certain now that it’s the same car I saw in October last year. I won’t share on the forum what it needed as I may be wrong, but if right then it’d be around £6k to get it decent again.

Obviously at the price it was being offered at it was very attractive to the uninformed buyer, I still think it went for less than £18k so someone may think they have a bargain for a few weeks.

Jules

 

[flowrider]

According to Autotrader the car is worth £12530 and £13840. The extra's are nice to have but make the car more saleable not more valuable (and more things to go wrong). I think if you are serious about the car then you need to be standing in front of the dealer looking prepared to do a deal, he will discount despite what he is saying.