Would you buy a car with missing history?

[cws196]

Looking at a 2016 C Class with around 60K milage. Services 1/2/3 were all MB dealer, but then no history at all from 2020, until the latest one done this month by the dealer who is selling it. The car is a trade-in to an MB dealer who have passed it on to their used non-franchise group, who will sell the car with a year MOT plus 3month warranty. It looks good but I'm just concerned about the missing history for 3years and also when I come to sell it again in 3years time (although I will use an MB dealer or an MB indy to service so it's recorded on DSB).

Thoughts please?

 

[BaldGuy]

Nope... If they can not be bothered to look after a fundamental part of owning a car then you have no proof of that car ever having a service or any maintenance for the past 3 years....plus they've probably been driving it like an idiot and not even checking fluids etc..... walk away!

 

[neilrr]

How many miles since the last service?

 

[optimusprime]

Never bougt one with any history in 55 years and 36 cars later . But never new cars . Only used ones . I think if the car was up to Mercedes dealers specs then the dealership would have hung on to it. Pay for an AA check

 

[tonysmb]

It depends. Just because there's no record of a service history doesn't mean that it hasn't been done. This is one of the problems starting to arise now that many manufacturers have moved to online records AND many traders are simply throwing away paper records, incorrectly stating 'GDPR' as making it illegal to pass on personal details. In part, it's laziness.

2020 was the start of lockdowns and many cars weren't used or serviced.

How many miles does the MOT history show each year, what is the general condition of the vehicle, condition of tyres, discs, engine bay, paintwork, interior. Does it look as if it's been looked after, or run into the ground?

A full digital history supported by paper invoices is ideal but is not always available. I've seen a car advertised as 'no history' by an independent dealer, yet a few quick checks revealed a partial digital history, car was bought (not by me) and then armed with V5 revealed a full dealer digital service history; why the trader couldn't find that out I've no idea. Not the same issue as you but it shows that systems aren't foolproof.

IF it all checks out, drives well, the price is right, then there's an option to have it fully serviced, ie filters, gearbox fluid etc etc, and you know where you are. Years down the line, any missing early history becomes less relevant but might cause some purchasers to question. Depends how long you intend to keep it.

Are you able to contact the previous keeper, private or lease car? Is it a car you really want, or are there hundreds of possible ones you're considering?

Eta: MB won't be able to retail it as MB approved if it doesn't have a full/correct MB online service history, hence passing it on. If it was a real horror I'm sure they'd put it to auction rather than pass to another of their 'group'.

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

It will probably be absolutely fine, but why take the risk, there will be plenty more available.

 

[cws196]

Thanks so far for the replies - some good points raised.

The car does look in good condition - I haven't actually seen it yet, but all the photos are clear and look good. I was told they've replaced some of the tyres and also refurbished the alloy wheels - all normal for a car of this age.

The car has done around 33K since the last recorded service with MB in late 2019. The mileage is then approx 20/+6K, 21/+6K, 22/+9K, 23/+12K. There's the normal advisories such as worn tyres and for 205's, worn lower control arms on the fron suspension. However, what does concern me is the salesman, when I was haggling with him on price, did let slip they've had to replace the steering rack due to a leak - he said 'this is common on a 205' (1st I've ever heard of it!) and it seems odd for such a relatively young car. The option to verify the mileage on the car is to put it straight in to an MB dealer (of the same group) as it will have outstanding software recalls and when STAR is plugged in, it should alert if the mileage has been tampered with.

As tonysmb points out, missing history is of course why it isn't being sold though MB used-approved...and is cheaper. The other (identical spec) car I'm looking at is actually a 65 plate W205 with 69K and being sold via MB used approved by the same group and is the same price. So the options (so far) are one car with 60K/7years old and a 3month used-car warranty or the other car with 69K/7.5 years old with a year MB warranty. Both the same price.......

 

[BigJase88]

Probably got a cheap rack on it which also don't last.

 

[mercmancdi]

To be honest there’s going to be a lot of 2016 cars with missing service, once cars reach certain age then lots service themselves, or use a local guy ,be honest the main thing apart from items that wear is oil and filter changes most other items you can look at or feel when driving if it’s correct , if you examine the car test drive and getting written warranty even try to push for 6 mths to put your mind at rest .
The car is now classed as 7 yrs old the main mb dealer seldom sells 7 yr old cars around where I am. It’s going to be 10 when your changing it I think a buyer for a 10 yr old car will be using there own judgment.
I have bought many cars with scuffs of paper from Joe bloggs saying oil changed, brakes done etc etc to me these count for nothing I use my own judgment wear and tear , seats , pedals , steering wheel, any smoke , does it drive tight brakes good ,disc not worn etc then if all pleases me I bring it home and change oil and filter even if the dealer said it’s just done.

 

[markjay]

I would be happy to buy on condition only, BUT the price has to reflect the missing services, because you'll get less for the car when you come to sell it.

Also, presumably the last service done was a basic one, i.e. engine oil and filter change, so budget for a 'catch-up' service to include brake fluid, air filter, fuel filter (if Diesel), spark plugs (if petrol), ATF and filter (if automatic), and pano roof lubrication (if it has one) - you're looking at over £1k if all of the above are needed.

 

[cws196]

mermancdi - You're right, I've seen on many cars that MB servicing ends around 3years/30K (whilst a lease company is paying) and then goes to KwikFit or MB Indy's if you're lucky. This will be my 4th Merc and I have noticed increasingly that fewer people appear to be using dealer or indy's after 3-5years. I'm not worried when I come to sell it on and the missing chunk of hisyory will have been made up for, it's just the unknow factor of buying it now.

 

[cws196]

I would be happy to buy on condition only, BUT the price has to reflect the missing services, because you'll get less for the car when you come to sell it.

Also, presumably the last service done was a basic one, i.e. engine oil and filter change, so budget for a 'catch-up' service to include brake fluid, air filter, fuel filter (if Diesel), spark plugs (if petrol), ATF and filter (if automatic), and pano roof lubrication (if it has one) - you're looking at over £1k if all of the above are needed.

I can change the ATF myself (done it before on a 7G) and have gotten the oil for free so it'll just cost me £70 for the filter/gasket/bolts etc. Panroof I can also do myself. My plan on the next service is to use the local MB dealer who offer a Value service at £199. But BigJase88 raises a good point on whether an OE rack has been used - I'll need to check this and if not, it's a no.

 

[Skd884]

I can change the ATF myself (done it before on a 7G) and have gotten the oil for free so it'll just cost me £70 for the filter/gasket/bolts etc. Panroof I can also do myself. My plan on the next service is to use the local MB dealer who offer a Value service at £199. But BigJase88 raises a good point on whether an OE rack has been used - I'll need to check this and if not, it's a no.

£139 value service

W204 2013 c180 main dealer service £139 | Parts, Maintenance & Servicing

Value service and air bag recall booked for December at a cost of £139 - ( essentially an A service )

forums.mbclub.co.uk

 

[markjay]

...As tonysmb points out, missing history is of course why it isn't being sold though MB used-approved...and is cheaper. The other (identical spec) car I'm looking at is actually a 65 plate W205 with 69K and being sold via MB used approved by the same group and is the same price. So the options (so far) are one car with 60K/7years old and a 3month used-car warranty or the other car with 69K/7.5 years old with a year MB warranty. Both the same price.......

Personally, I would ignore the MB Approved Used status, and the age difference, and consider both cars identical, then buy the better one of the two, on condition only, and ignoring everything else.

 

[markjay]

... But BigJase88 raises a good point on whether an OE rack has been used - I'll need to check this and if not, it's a no.

It may have been a reconditioned unit, that's quite common with steering racks.

 

[markjay]

On another note... is the car in question a Diesel with the dreaded AdBlue system, by any chance?

 

[cws196]

On another note... is the car in question a Diesel with the dreaded AdBlue system, by any chance?

I knew you'd ask this! Yes it is....it's a c250d. I've looked at C350e hybrids but at this age I'm put off due to battery life and failing airmatic shocks. I've also looked at the C200 but am not overly impressed with this engine and reading across many sources, average mpg is high 30's if you drive with any force (which I do). A common factor from my research seems to be people having AdBlue issues when the diesel car is only being driven around town/low mileages and the systems isn't getting hot enough - it seems to mirror some of the issues when DPF's first became widespread. I know it's a risk and have read ALOT about it but it seems if yu're going to do longer, 'spirited' journies then it's less of an issue and I'll also take preventative actions i.e. remove the AdBlue injector and clean it, add some cleaner to tank to break down any urea crystals and also keep the tank around half full - all recomendations from a mate who's an MB head-tech. For me, diesel still makes sense.

 

[markjay]

I knew you'd ask this! Yes it is....it's a c250d. I've looked at C350e hybrids but at this age I'm put off due to battery life and failing airmatic shocks. I've also looked at the C200 but am not overly impressed with this engine and reading across many sources, average mpg is high 30's if you drive with any force (which I do). A common factor from my research seems to be people having AdBlue issues when the diesel car is only being driven around town/low mileages and the systems isn't getting hot enough - it seems to mirror some of the issues when DPF's first became widespread. I know it's a risk and have read ALOT about it but it seems if yu're going to do longer, 'spirited' journies then it's less of an issue and I'll also take preventative actions i.e. remove the AdBlue injector and clean it, add some cleaner to tank to break down any urea crystals and also keep the tank around half full - all recomendations from a mate who's an MB head-tech. For me, diesel still makes sense.

OK, but in this case, I would certainly opt for the car with the 1-year AU warranty.......

 

[cws196]

OK, but in this case, I would certainly opt for the car with the 1-year AU warranty.......

You may have a good point....just in case!

 

[Trickythemerc]

My CLK had a full MB history when I bought it with 70k on the clock. Since then it has never been near another MB dealer, except from the customer car park when buying parts. So it doesn't have a full history ? it has been to a well known indi "Nick Webster" for a gearbox service, front disc's and pads, needed a new calliper too. Most other stuff, water pump, oil and filters, aircon condenser Etc I have done myself using either MB or Lemforder parts.
I have a genuine thermostat housing to fit when the weather lets up. Just arrived today is a new Pierburg auxiliary water pump. Most people don't bother replacing them, but I do like things to be right. The file of invoices would suggest that my car is in equally as good or maybe better shape than one with a book full of pretty and expensive main dealer stamps.