What's an acceptable previous owner count?

[Gucci]

Just test drove an ML500. LOVED the sound, comfy and surprisingly easy to drive. Didn't like the fuel gauge dropping or the slightly creaking arm rest (picky) Silver (obviously)

51 plate/2002 car, 53k miles, FSH, Command etc £12,991

BUT 3 owners... (1 was the MB dealer as it was a demo). Both previous 'normal' owners owned for two years each. The salesman said plenty of premium cars they receive have 2-3 owners once they get to that age.

What do you reckon? In the words of Noel Edmonds....Deal or No Deal?

 

[jaymanek]

reasonable price... owners is not an issue, the salesman is right, its rare to get a one owner car more than a couple of years old these days..

 

[Brian WH]

I agree with Jay owners no problem.

Does it have FULL service history and MOT records etc. Thats more important than owners. As MB registered it that may mean it was a demo car (didn't notice it was ) and may have been hammered???

 

[Gucci]

Yes it was a demo car with all MOTs and full Merc history. It was part exchanged at Lexus by a woman in Chelsea who transferred the numberplate. All that was on the paperwork I looked at anyway! I suppose if the previous owners had it for less than a year each time it would suggest a lemon - but they had for 2.5 years each approx

 

[Brian WH]

Yes it was a demo car with all MOTs and full Merc history. It was part exchanged at Lexus by a woman in Chelsea who transferred the numberplate. All that was on the paperwork I looked at anyway! I suppose if the previous owners had it for less than a year each time it would suggest a lemon - but they had for 2.5 years each approx

Then if it is what you want go for it, only you can now decide.

 

[Gucci]

Stop saying things like that...it's scary!

 

[Brian WH]

Stop saying things like that...it's scary!

Well stop bl**dy asking us then.

Save some money for the fuel, you will need it.

 

[jaymanek]

do you really want/need a 500, they are very juicy, ML's are very heavy cars!

 

[Gucci]

do you really want/need a 500, they are very juicy, ML's are very heavy cars!

No I don't need a 500...but I'm a sucker for the sound. I'd take the 350 but according to What Car?, the consumption is only marginally better i.e 19mpg compared with 19.6mpg...big deal. I only do 3-4k miles a year so convinced myself it would be ok. I wonder if that novelty would wear off and be left with big fuel bills. OR, does the benefit of better economy lose appeal against a rattling diesel engine? I'm literally in two minds about this one now.

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

I think it's fair to say the more expensive and fashionable the car, then the shorter the period it's kept by any single owner. High-end sports cars and premium 4x4s probably typify this - the first owner or two will move on to the next 'new thing' fairly quickly.

End result is relatively new cars accumulate owners fast, and the number of dealer-registered 'demos' accelerates this even more. I once read that on average a Porsche 911 changes hands every 12 months!!

That sounds like a lot of car for little money, if all it's history checks out, and condition is good. But if you're still unsure, hold fire. There are plenty more out there!!

 

[jaymanek]

The diesels are good cars, they are noisy around town, but on the motorway, quiet as anything... they are powerful cars too!

economy is fantastic... buy a 270cdi, you wont regret it...

 

[wobbly]

Yes it was a demo car with all MOTs and full Merc history. It was part exchanged at Lexus by a woman in Chelsea who transferred the numberplate. All that was on the paperwork I looked at anyway! I suppose if the previous owners had it for less than a year each time it would suggest a lemon - but they had for 2.5 years each approx

With any car from Chelsea, or central london, I would have the car checked for parking, and scrape damage. These cars will be parked on the road, and may have a number of areas repaired.

 

[Gucci]

With any car from Chelsea, or central london, I would have the car checked for parking, and scrape damage. These cars will be parked on the road, and may have a number of areas repaired.

Yes there were scrapes which I saw on the website image. I made the point about them...they said they'd be sorted...went to see it this morning and they were all GONE! Perfect job...quite impressed actually.

 

[wobbly]

Yes there were scrapes which I saw on the website image. I made the point about them...they said they'd be sorted...went to see it this morning and they were all GONE! Perfect job...quite impressed actually.

Was it smart repairs, or done by a body shop ???

 

[Gucci]

Don't know who they used. Is that something to watch out for?...by the way Wobbly, I notice you have an ML320...what's your consumption like?

 

[jaymanek]

I wouldnt worry, 90% of the ML's i get have to have the bumpers done... I get the whole bumpers done, it wouldnt be worth it for any dealer to do a smart repair..

 

[wobbly]

I was just wondering the extent of the damage. There are good body shops and bad, the same with smart repairs.

I average 20mpg, on a run I can get 28mpg.