Merc S 350d from non main uk dealer

Mercs350d

Hi Guys,

Looking for some advice... I think I know the replies im gonna get.

So in the market currently for a Merc s350d, spotted one on AutoTrader uk looked perfect.

Cant post a link as im a new user .... performancecarswales dot co dot uk...

only sclass listed while 2017.

Im told it was serviced by MB cardiff back in April this year with receipts.

However looking on google street view appears to be a dealer in an industrial estate in Cardiff, premises doesnt look great.

After some google searching online owner turns up in an article where he was closely liked to some people shall we say doesnt sound great... and he sold a Boat he shouldnt have.

Am I mad even looking at this??

Comhrá

Mercs350d wrote: »

Hi Guys,

Looking for some advice... I think I know the replies im gonna get.

So in the market currently for a Merc s350d, spotted one on AutoTrader uk looked perfect.

Cant post a link as im a new user .... performancecarswales dot co dot uk...

only sclass listed while 2017.

Im told it was serviced by MB cardiff back in April this year with receipts.

However looking on google street view appears to be a dealer in an industrial estate in Cardiff, premises doesnt look great.

After some google searching online owner turns up in an article where he was closely liked to some people shall we say doesnt sound great... and he sold a Boat he shouldnt have.

Am I mad even looking at this??

Please don't....

jmreire

I got a site for "Performance Cars Wales. LTD" and this business is no fly by night operation. Lots of top class cars for sale ( but I could not see your MB 350 ) so maybe its a different site to the one you got? Check it out and see what I mean.

Galway_guy_33

I assume this is the car you were referring to OP...

https://www.performancecarswales.co.uk/used-cars/mercedes-s-class-s-350-d-amg-line-1075/?tab=video

Nice looking motors but at that money id honestly like to be buying from a main dealer.

Maybe someone has dealt with them before and will reassure you here.

Mercs350d

Yes that's the exact car, was so ready to go view it until viewing this garage on street view and reading the about the owner.

Pity was a nice one the search continues

logie101

Mercs350d wrote: »

Yes that's the exact car, was so ready to go view it until viewing this garage on street view and reading the about the owner.

Pity was a nice one the search continues

If wouldn’t be put off by the seller. Do your research and take precautions before you buy.

But a white S Class looks a bit like a wedding car. Not a great colour in my opinion.

Stallingrad

I'd echo previous sentiments, at that price main dealer for total peace of mind.

bazz26

When spending that sort of money I think the risk of buying a shed would be reduced by buying from a main dealer. Generally the cars on their forecourts are required to be of a higher standard and have good histories. Well established dealers of those brands usually have a good reputation to maintain too so selling poor or dodgy stock is not in their own best interests.

Mercs350d

So I got the a scanned copy of the v5c cert today... 1 owner.. local company which appears to fully above board.

Any suggestions of someone or company to do the relevant checks maybe inspect it onsite?

Cheers for the comments guys

bazz26

Dekra are a popular recommendation on here.

kerten

For that kind of car,

I would arrange Merc dealer to give it a health check even it means to fly there and organize.

Guy from Dekra will inspect it without a ramp and star diagnostic, then send a report with a huge disclaimer of "Don't blame me if I missed things"

bazz26

Dekra will offer the same type of inspection like the AA, RAC, etc. Not every inspection will have the added luxury of putting a car up on a ramp and of course they are going to have disclaimers, just like most garages including dealers who aren't selling you the car want inspected. There is no 100% guarantee with any inspection.

Would be interesting to see how honest/thorough a main dealer will be too given that your asking them to inspect a car you are not buying from them. Might be like bringing your own food to a restaurant and asking them what do they think.

Mercs350d

Put request into dekra early Friday morning... got confirmation the inspection will take place sometime Monday by 1pm... was pretty fast turn around time.

I went for the comprehensive check at 275 pound.... I think this included a hpi check... any on here know for sure?

Odyssey 2005

Ad says deposit taken,is that you 350 ?. Smashing looking car..

Mercs350d

Odyssey 2005 wrote: »

Ad says deposit taken,is that you 350 ?. Smashing looking car..

Yes that's me ... fly over next weekend to view it... gonna be a long week ahead.

Odyssey 2005

Mercs350d wrote: »

Yes that's me ... fly over next weekend to view it... gonna be a long week ahead.

Very best of luck. Hope it works out for you. Now you just need to grease your kyber for the revenue ..:(

bazz26

Good luck OP, hope it works out for you.

kerten

bazz26 wrote: »

Dekra will offer the same type of inspection like the AA, RAC, etc. Not every inspection will have the added luxury of putting a car up on a ramp and of course they are going to have disclaimers, just like most garages including dealers who aren't selling you the car want inspected. There is no 100% guarantee with any inspection.

Would be interesting to see how honest/thorough a main dealer will be too given that your asking them to inspect a car you are not buying from them. Might be like bringing your own food to a restaurant and asking them what do they think.

I didn't mean that Dekra will be lesser than AA, RAC or anyone else gives guarentee over inspection.But there are limitations with Dekra, AA, RAC inspections.

I used them myself and was happy with the check they have done as my expectations were pretty much "make sure car doesn't have a crash history" and drives without any visible/hearable issue. It was actually car from a main dealer so risk was close to zero.

For a year old S-Class, I would look for all electronic systems in the car to be checked with star diagnostic and underbody to be checked visuallt for any leak, physical damage etc on top of dekra check at the garage yard. But that's me and my expectations at the end of the day

You are probably right about dealer wouldn't be happy but would they say no to 200-300 Pounds for 1 hour labour over their pride. I don't know really never tried it myself in UK/Ireland

That reminds me a friend who bought an approved used A8 from Audi main dealer in Dublin over the phone then found issues with it. Dealer was dragging their feet then he took the car in other Audi dealer in Dublin for a service and health check. That list of issues given by second dealer led to car to be returned with full refund after 6 months and apology from Region manager.

OP, good luck with it. Smashing car.

Best of luck with the car OP, a very well appointed example.

California Dreamer

Delighted for you OP. I have bought many a high end car from non main dealers in the UK and NI with zero problems. You have done your research and it has paid off.

That will be a nice 4-5 hour drive to Hollyhead for the boat. If you are taking the flybe flight in Cardiff, you should be able to get everything done and be in Hollyhead for the mid afternoon boat.