Would you buy a used car from a dealer if you had never seen it or spoken to them ?

[Clkrichard]

Of course you wouldn't it would be madness !
Because of a set of peculiar personal circumstances I have done just that though. The photos of the car were very clear, the spec was right for me as was the price.
The vendor said he would prefer me to view it but I couldnt and said I would take responsibility for that. There was a modest mistake over the warranty cost and the vendor said he would stand by his original figure, which told me a great deal. He answered my e mail questions promptly and accurately. And for you sniggerers out there we were both, in past lives, bankers in the City whose word was our bond !
I now have a twinkly SL 500 in my garage and am praying for no snow this week !

Jay Manek at Mercland you were a pleasure to deal with and thank you.

 

[ss201]

Jay enjoys an excellent reputation - this simply confirms it. Well done the pair of you. Not sure I would have owned up to being a former City banker, though!

 

[Clkrichard]

SS201 decades ago we were honest and respectable !
Pity all our hard earned past reputations have now been so tarnished.
I was well aware of Jay's reputation which is one reason I did what I did.

 

[davidjpowell]

Have done in the past, but only main dealers.

 

[jaymanek]

Its always difficult for both parties, buyer and seller, but it is the way things are going and we sell a good proportion of cars unseen.
I am a lot more comfortably doing this with newer cars that are "run of the mill" as there isnt much scope for differences of opinion on condition etc as they are still fairly new and under warranty etc.

With older cars, expectations of a used car vary wildly...
Some expect a 6-8-10-12 year car to be like new, others are realistic but still want it to be excellent and some just dont care and want a car for its pose value...

As a seller its always difficult as you never know if you are dealing with someone who will be in the first category and also whether or not they will be understanding and reasonable if and when things go wrong.

Thats why I always say to customers that I would much prefer it if they came to view the car first so we are all on the same page and can rest easy!

 

[Ian Donkin]

Good on you both!

 

[joecash]

nice to know there are some decent dealers about.
However people like Jay are in the minority.
Despite "trading standards" there are still far too many "del boys" about who are quite happy to tell porkys throuh their back teeth with no hint of a blush in their cheeks. Not that trading standards are particularly quick off the mark.

 

[Clkrichard]

Joe I am sure you are right which is why the "good guys " deserve being named in forums like this. Finding the wronguns is all too easy !

 

[kth286]

Good story - thanks for the post.

 

[spanner]

It's always nice to see positive feedback.
It's always been my contention that people are far more likely to post negative feedback than positive but there seems to have been a nice change recently (apart from Cuckoo's rant).

 

[LTD]

I had a tempting thought about an SLK 320 (Ltd Edition) that Jay had a wee while back.

Contemplated buying it 'blind' after seeing, and hearing about, Steve's wee silver delivery van.

By the time I had convinced myself, it was gone.

 

[reflexboy]

Well done guys, all this honesty is great and dandy-but its an SL500, so we need pics of your new beauty

 

[Clkrichard]

Will do soon ..... It was a "bucket list" purchase as I have been diagnosed with cancer and although surgery might save me I wanted one in case it doesnt.
Unfortunately chemo side effects stopped me getting to Jay and to date have stopped me doing anything other than moving from drive to garage !
I seem to be improving a bit now so maybe pics at weekend if weather allows.

 

[LTD]

I wish you all the health to enjoy it for many years to come.

 

[Ian Donkin]

i wish you all the health to enjoy it for many years to come.

+1

 

[Clkrichard]

Finally felt well enough to drive it for the first time Saturday ....... wow !
Loved it , quiet, comfortable, and quick .....just what I wanted and hoped for.
Some minor fettling to do ( I am a perfectionist and its 8 years old )
Off to Olly soon for ATF change and some little bits. Stuck glovebox lid easily sorted by going in through end of dash to access and adjust cable. Then heading west when weather improves to see Malcolm for rear window leak sealing and PSE pump refixing to keep it dry. I also plan to detail it as my wife bought me a DA polisher and the car will respond well as it is near immaculate already.
Pics will follow as I now have the V5 and when my private plates are on the camera will come out one sunny day.
One of the many things I like is the graphite grey leather and piano black "wood" on an Obsidian black car.

 

[Ierton]

Sounds great

 

[BandyAndy]

+1

+2

 

[jaymanek]

I still find it really sad that Richard never really got to enjoy the car...