What do to? (Car purchase hassles)

[C43AMG]

Great News Will. Congratulations and enjoy, can't wait for the spec and photo's.

 

[sturgeon]

Excellent! Enjoy!!!

 

[Will]

Thanks for the kind words everyone, sorry for all my rambling throughout this thread, it was certainly a test of patience and nerve.

Just gone through the paperwork/service history/DSB etc.

Surprising that they are on annual intervals regardless of mileage, as it was serviced three times in less than 2000 miles, then again about 700 miles later.

In fact one year it did less than 100 miles between services, all at MB main dealers, which is pretty impressive considering it must have driven to and from somewhere for the actual service to have taken place. The previous owner was a wealthy European investment banker, who lived and worked in London but I suspect travelled (not by car..) to and from Europe hence the very limited mileage covered - not that many people who live in central London drive much usually either. I reckon it was used occasionally to collect family from the airport and stuff - there’s a parking receipt for Gatwick airport and it used to have a child seat too. Can’t have been the year it did less than 100 miles though

Anyway the main thing is it’s been well maintained and lightly used, but I’ll get it thoroughly checked over anyway. I actually got a ‘proper’ warranty with the car too. Not sure how thorough but it’s underwritten by the (large) main dealer group company nothing to do with the particular garage it was sold by - hopefully won’t be needed though of course.

Last three services have been about 1500 miles apart, including a 722.9 gearbox fluid service at around 6k miles (and a £2000+ bill)

So seven services in seven years, and less than 12k miles.

The service care packages seem tempting, I think it’s due a ‘B’ service next time around - could get a package for three services - B, A, B for £1656 which seems cheaper than full menu rate - £552 a service (would have been expensive for the ‘A’ service it’s just had, but if it needs plugs or ATF then it seems a bit of a bargain if it’s to keep full MB history). Maybe wait for one of the ‘back friday’ type promos - no rush.

Anyway - that’s for another thread and another day. It’s taxed for a year, full of fuel and serviced and MOT’d ready to go, time to drive it and stuff now

I’ll add the spec and pics soon.

 

[Alex]

Pics, pics, pics and yeah. Convert it to LPG please. Don't break the tradition! ;-)

 

[Smart320]

Sounds like a great buy! More time being serviced than on the road, now just waiting for you to get the average miles p.a up to a respectable level. The 3 year servicing package looks tempting , everything seems to have come together for you, just waiting to see the photos now

 

[Peter103]

 

[MercedesDriver]

Hats down to you Will for your patience. Wish you many happy miles in it.

 

[Will]

A few pics from last night, as I collected it. Will get some proper pics when I’ve got it how I want it and have had time to clean it up properly too

Spec wise from what I can work out:

COMAND
Harmon Kardon Logic 7 Sound
Digital TV Tuner
DAB Radio
Reversing Camera
Bluetooth Phone prep
Rear Entertainment System
Linguatronic

Comfort ventilated front seats
Dynamic multi-contour seats w/massage

AMG Luxury package
AMG Illuminated door sills
Designo Platinum Black metallic paint
Red brake calipers (£560, really?)

Easy-pack load securing kit

I’m going to miss having keyless go for a while, I guess on the positive side it’s a slightly reduced security risk not having it and less to go wrong long term. On the plus side the 212 has an electronic opening/closing tailgate with remote from the fob which is the main one I used on our 211 anyway.

Panoramic roof is standard I think. I prefer the perforated all-leather wheel on this to the Alcantara ones you see on some 212s - should last a bit better and be easier to keep clean.

6208cc V8 sounds nice

 

[clk320x]

Absolute beauty Will

 

[markjay]

Oooooh... cool! [emoji41]

 

[Mactech]

That looks fantastic! It should take very little work on your part to bring it to a real 'as new' condition.

18 months ago I bought a 4 year old motorcycle with less than 2k miles on it. It took minimal effort to restore to absolutely as new and like your car had been serviced on an annual basis. I think it had almost more services than tanks of fuel!
Having quadrupled it's mileage in my ownership, it has been the same experience as having a brand new vehicle at tiny fraction of the cost.
I can see the attraction Your patience will be rewarded

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

Lovely. Well done Will.

 

[Charles Morgan]

You have always been one of the best buyers of cars I know. Great result Will!

 

[Smart320]

Lovely, definitely worth all the hassle!

 

[fabes]

Bet that sounds nice on start up in that car park....

 

[MikeInWimbledon]

Bargain ! Result !

 

[moog999]

That's bloomin gorgeous that. What a great buy!

 

[pmcgsmurf]

Very nice, enjoy.

 

[C43AMG]

Great Colour and Spec Will and as Charles said you do buy some great cars, going back to all those lovely 190e's. We can see why you stood your ground, you must be very pleased you waited.

When you have finished waving your magic wand it will be perfect. Enjoy

 

[SW18]

Lovely!

18 months ago I went to look at a very similar age car on 18000 miles, FMBSH, and the dealer wanted £37k for it!