E Class - high mileage

Tabby McTat

I'm looking at bringing in an E class estate from the UK. 2017 so that it's the new model. Before paying a deposit I will get it checked by AA/RAC.

Have come across this one. Lovely spec but the mileage is high - 55k miles for a 171 plate. Any pointers on what to look out for. Or would you be avoiding altogether. The price at £19k is £1500 lower than the next at the same spec.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201912115238126?atmobcid=soc3

Heres Johnny

barrac wrote: »

I'm looking at bringing in an E class estate from the UK. 2017 so that it's the new model. Before paying a deposit I will get it checked by AA/RAC.

Have come across this one. Lovely spec but the mileage is high - 55k miles for a 171 plate. Any pointers on what to look out for. Or would you be avoiding altogether. The price at £19k is £1500 lower than the next at the same spec.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201912115238126?atmobcid=soc3

What's the price landed in Ireland including travel, accommodation if required and VRT? And nox charge now too?
It's a 3 year old car by the time you buy it, 55k miles isn't huge for that type of car at all.

searay

barrac wrote: »

I'm looking at bringing in an E class estate from the UK. 2017 so that it's the new model. Before paying a deposit I will get it checked by AA/RAC.

Have come across this one. Lovely spec but the mileage is high - 55k miles for a 171 plate. Any pointers on what to look out for. Or would you be avoiding altogether. The price at £19k is £1500 lower than the next at the same spec.


http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201912115238126?atmobcid=soc3

I bought a 2015 with 48k miles at the start of 2016. The car was great and had no problems but when I changed at last year, the high mileage meant there was limited interest in a private sale which reduced my options and I ended up trading in to a main dealer.

I changed for a 2018 E class similar to what you are looking at and it’s a great car. This time it only had 10k miles on it so I can see myself keeping it for a lot longer.

Personally, if I was in your shoes, I’d broaden the area you are searching in and pay more for a lower mileage model.

Tabby McTat

searay wrote: »

I bought a 2015 with 48k miles at the start of 2016. The car was great and had no problems but when I changed at last year, the high mileage meant there was limited interest in a private sale which reduced my options and I ended up trading in to a main dealer.

I changed for a 2018 E class similar to what you are looking at and it’s a great car. This time it only had 10k miles on it so I can see myself keeping it for a lot longer.

Personally, if I was in your shoes, I’d broaden the area you are searching in and pay more for a lower mileage model.

Thanks for the advice. I have a Nationwide UK search so not limiting myself on that. Any spec in particular you would reccomend getting/avoiding.

I am looking at the SE Premium. Don't like the look of the half leather seats on the AMG line. It looks like I need a version with COMAND to get Android Auto. I'm surprised it's not standard considering it is in cars a few classes down.

Casati

barrac wrote: »

Thanks for the advice. I have a Nationwide UK search so not limiting myself on that. Any spec in particular you would reccomend getting/avoiding.

I am looking at the SE Premium. Don't like the look of the half leather seats on the AMG line. It looks like I need a version with COMAND to get Android Auto. I'm surprised it's not standard considering it is in cars a few classes down.

55k mikes on 3 year old isn’t high, these cars will do massive miles if you look after them.

I came v close to buying one of these but got a V90. SE spec in v dark colours can look a bit plain but they are a great car. 19in run flats on the AMG vs the 17in ordinary on the SE is a factor - probably 400 more per set of tyres

un5byh7sqpd2x0

55k miles on a 3 year old diesel Mercedes is low mileage, not high.

bazz26

That's typical UK commuter or fleet mileage to be honest and the price seems to reflect it. Pity it doesn't have the wider infotainment screen but that might not bother yourself. I think the wider screen along with the digital dials became standard on later models in 2018. BTW they did the AMG Line in Premium spec too but they are rare enough and obviously more expensive.

searay

barrac wrote: »

Thanks for the advice. I have a Nationwide UK search so not limiting myself on that. Any spec in particular you would reccomend getting/avoiding.

I am looking at the SE Premium. Don't like the look of the half leather seats on the AMG line. It looks like I need a version with COMAND to get Android Auto. I'm surprised it's not standard considering it is in cars a few classes down.

The SE specs are more basic than the AMGs. There are also loads of variants and you also need to confirm the model has Android or apple CarPlay in it. Some models have a mouse pad which is better than the straightforward wheel. The screens aren’t touchscreen. Grange motors has a big range in stock if you want to check out.

Tabby McTat

Any opinions on the half leather seats on AMG line. Think full leather looks more premium.
Also have young kids which makes leather more practical...

jmreire

barrac wrote: »

Any opinions on the half leather seats on AMG line. Think full leather looks more premium.
Also have young kids which makes leather more practical...

Check what is the service history on it ( or any MB ) before you buy it. AMG specs are costlier to maintain, and AFAIK, insurance cost's are higher too. They` are good for very high mileage, so 55'000 Miles is would not considered too high and would not worry me. I have a 2010 W212 E class with 136'000 on it, and running like clock work.My one has the OM651 engine, and some of them ( but not all) gave timing chain trouble at the 100'000 Mile mark. They changed that engine in the 2013 model, and those are not prone to the timing chain issue AFAIK. They are a great car, which ever E class you buy. Good Luck with it, and keep us updated on how you get on, OK? ;);)

nogoodnamesleft

bazz26 wrote: »

That's typical UK commuter or fleet mileage to be honest and the price seems to reflect it. Pity it doesn't have the wider infotainment screen but that might not bother yourself. I think the wider screen along with the digital dials became standard on later models in 2018. BTW they did the AMG Line in Premium spec too but they are rare enough and obviously more expensive.

I have had the AMG premium line for a few days and the spec list is considerable, auto LED lights, blind spot detection, power close on the tailgate (on the estate), adaptive cruise, surround view cameras, DAB, 9 speed auto etc. One nice feature is that the seat belts auto tension when they are fastened so it takes the additional slack out of the seat belt and secures the driver/passenger into the seat.

The LED dials on the newer model are worth it compared to the analogue/digital version in the older models.

Tabby McTat

nogoodnamesleft wrote: »

I have had the AMG premium line for a few days and the spec list is considerable, auto LED lights, blind spot detection, power close on the tailgate (on the estate), adaptive cruise, surround view cameras, DAB, 9 speed auto etc. One nice feature is that the seat belts auto tension when they are fastened so it takes the additional slack out of the seat belt and secures the driver/passenger into the seat.

The LED dials on the newer model are worth it compared to the analogue/digital version in the older models.

How did it ride on the 19s?

Tabby McTat

Thoughts on this?

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201912165367952?atmobcid=soc3

Idbatterim

I think the second one is far better value. Twelve thousand miles less and amg. Should hold its value better

richardsheil

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/mercedes-e220d-amg-line-estate-172-perfect/23454322

searay

barrac wrote: »

Thoughts on this?

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201912165367952?atmobcid=soc3

That’s the same spec as my one and I’m happy with it. No issue with 19 inch wheels. I have 3 kids, 11 and under and no issue with alacantra/leather seats.

It mightn’t have android but I think you can get an adapter for it.

GustavoFring

If alcantara is an issue you can get products to give some water repellency to it, not a perfect solution but can help. Makes it easier to clean and keeps stains away.

Tabby McTat

69k miles too high on a 2017? Ad says full service history. It's a lovely looking car...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201912125287350?atmobcid=soc3

Casati

barrac wrote: »

69k miles too high on a 2017? Ad says full service history. It's a lovely looking car...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201912125287350?atmobcid=soc3

V high spec which is lovey but your paying a lot for it, I’d rather one with half the miles & basic AMG spec

searay

Autotrader’s adverts suggest 13k miles is an average years driving so the 2017 has 3 years more driving than average.

Great spec but it depends on how much driving you do and how long you intend to keep it for. If you do low mileage and keep it for 4/5 years it won’t make a difference. Personally I’d go for the 2016.

blingrhino

barrac wrote: »

How did it ride on the 19s?

i have 20 `s and its still unbelievably comfortable.
The night package is nice on one if you can find it and all my chrome is blacked out .black wood trim looks better than the steel also.
very difficult to find one thats not an se with the full leather.

Tabby McTat

So I have narrowed down my search to a few models. First is a 2017 Diamond Silver AMG line from MB Belfast, 36k miles and price £20.5k. It doesn't have an ad yet but I've seen a video and it looks very nice and clean. Interesting colour too. VRT is showing as €5k.

I spotted this model from MB Wigan. It's a year older, with same mileage, however has the COMAND system with the larger screens and Android Auto etc. Price is similar....costs a little bit more, but VRT €800 cheaper, and then ferry/flights costs.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201911044023390?atmobcid=soc3

Thoughts?

Casati

barrac wrote: »

So I have narrowed down my search to a few models. First is a 2017 Diamond Silver AMG line from MB Belfast, 36k miles and price £20.5k. It doesn't have an ad yet but I've seen a video and it looks very nice and clean. Interesting colour too. VRT is showing as €5k.

I spotted this model from MB Wigan. It's a year older, with same mileage, however has the COMAND system with the larger screens and Android Auto etc. Price is similar....costs a little bit more, but VRT €800 cheaper, and then ferry/flights costs.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201911044023390?atmobcid=soc3

Thoughts?

I’d definitely go with the 2017, being a year younger trumps any small spec plus buying in Belfast is going to be a lot handier

Tabby McTat

Belfast car...

https://www.agnewcars.com/mercedes-benz/used-car-details/used-mercedes-benz-e-class-e220d-amg-line-5dr-9g-tronic-estate-diamond-silver-metallic-semi-auto-diesel/id-1647154174/

Agreed far less hassle getting the train up and a spin back to Dublin.

blingrhino

Whats The vrt approx ?

Atlantic Dawn

I don't think Mercedes main dealers in UK will sell to anyone with Irish address.

Casati

Atlantic Dawn wrote: »

I don't think Mercedes main dealers in UK will sell to anyone with Irish address.

They generally say this if asked but if you don’t tell them you are exporting to Ireland they will deal with you. It only gets tricky if your buying a vat qualifying car vat free from what I’ve heard

bazz26

Casati wrote: »

They generally say this if asked but if you don’t tell them you are exporting to Ireland they will deal with you. It only gets tricky if your buying a vat qualifying car vat free from what I’ve heard

Be very careful here.

If you don't tell them you are buying the car for export then they will not give you the full V5C registration document which they are supposed to do. The DVLA will not issue a new V5C logbook to a non UK address and they no longer issue Permanent Export certs either. This would leave an Irish buyer in major trouble as they need the V5C or Permanent Export cert to VRT and register the car here. Without either you will turned away at the VRT office.

Tabby McTat

I'm confused. I've been speaking to someone in the MB dealership in Belfast and he knows my plan is to take the car down South. It sounds like they sell cars to Irish buyers quite regularly. Is there a chance he won't give me the V5C logbook?

boosabum

Get the dual screen version if possible as it really differentiates the car.
Got a 2016 e class with it and can be configured many different ways which looks great from a driver's perspective
Have a look at mercedes in Portadown also, as they have lots of stuff there also.

searay

barrac wrote: »

Belfast car...

https://www.agnewcars.com/mercedes-benz/used-car-details/used-mercedes-benz-e-class-e220d-amg-line-5dr-9g-tronic-estate-diamond-silver-metallic-semi-auto-diesel/id-1647154174/

Agreed far less hassle getting the train up and a spin back to Dublin.

The Comand system on the Bolton car is a lot better than the Belfast one. Look at the control wheel and the screen. If you use the phone and navigation while driving, it’s the one to go for.

I have the Bolton model and the Belfast one, despite being newer is more similar to the previous model E class.

bazz26

barrac wrote: »

I'm confused. I've been speaking to someone in the MB dealership in Belfast and he knows my plan is to take the car down South. It sounds like they sell cars to Irish buyers quite regularly. Is there a chance he won't give me the V5C logbook?

It was mostly mainland UK dealers who wouldn't sell to Irish people.

kirving

The dual screens really differentiate the car from the previous model, and is the one I'd be going for.

Tabby McTat

Thanks. Really good to hear that opinion on the COMAND system. Especially from personal experience.

My only concern would be whether they will sell to an Irish buyer. Just have to be up front about the V5C form I guess.

I do like the security of buying directly from an MB dealer as there is a 1 yr warranty that covers Ireland.

boosabum

Will have no problems with a NI dealer as one of them is constantly contacting me with offers.
In relation to the car, have the dealer upgrade all the software and maps if you buy.
MB have the option of buying live traffic system for the sat nav for about 100 euro for two years. Essentially the system works like Google maps with live traffic updates when you have a route choosen.
I find the android auto interface a bit clunky to be honest and with the dual screen cockpit you can have the nav screen a part of the main screen behind the steering wheel

Tabby McTat

boosabum wrote: »

Will have no problems with a NI dealer as one of them is constantly contacting me with offers.
In relation to the car, have the dealer upgrade all the software and maps if you buy.
MB have the option of buying live traffic system for the sat nav for about 100 euro for two years. Essentially the system works like Google maps with live traffic updates when you have a route choosen.
I find the android auto interface a bit clunky to be honest and with the dual screen cockpit you can have the nav screen a part of the main screen behind the steering wheel

Is the live traffic only on the COMAND system or do you know if you can purchase it on the regular one?

boosabum

Not sure, if you register on mercedes me app then log into the mercedes shop it may show you if that option is there for you.
Other thing is the screen mirror option which some people have been able to configure. This mirrors your phone screen to the car screen unit

searay

barrac wrote: »

Is the live traffic only on the COMAND system or do you know if you can purchase it on the regular one?

I have Comand but never use it, I always use Googlemaps via Apple CarPlay which gives pretty good real-time traffic info.

I don’t think The Comand system includes Eircodes, which puts it behind google maps.

The apple CarPlay will read/send WhatsApp’s and messages so would assume Android does the same?

Tabby McTat

bazz26 wrote: »

Be very careful here.

If you don't tell them you are buying the car for export then they will not give you the full V5C registration document which they are supposed to do. The DVLA will not issue a new V5C logbook to a non UK address and they no longer issue Permanent Export certs either. This would leave an Irish buyer in major trouble as they need the V5C or Permanent Export cert to VRT and register the car here. Without either you will turned away at the VRT office.

I spoke to the Dealer in Warrington this morning. They won't give me the full V5C only the part I can take away with me. They need a UK address in order to tax the car and send the new V5C logbook. They said I could use a friend's address (said they have done this for other Irish buyers in the past).

Is this a total non-runner, or is it as simple as the V5C being sent to me as soon as it arrives at the friends address.

And is it likely I will be able to do this within 4 weeks to pay my VRT and register the vehicle here.

richardsheil

barrac wrote: »

I spoke to the Dealer in Warrington this morning. They won't give me the full V5C only the part I can take away with me. They need a UK address in order to tax the car and send the new V5C logbook. They said I could use a friend's address (said they have done this for other Irish buyers in the past).

Is this a total non-runner, or is it as simple as the V5C being sent to me as soon as it arrives at the friends address.

And is it likely I will be able to do this within 4 weeks to pay my VRT and register the vehicle here.

Forget about the 4 weeks. Transition period is for a year.

Tabby McTat

richardsheil wrote: »

Forget about the 4 weeks. Transition period is for a year.

It's 4 weeks to get the car VRT'd and get Irish plates.

bazz26

Would depend on how fast the DVLA are at processing and sending it to your friend. If it falls outside the 30 days then you will be liable for late VRT fines. If the savings are big versus buying the same car here then it might be worth chancing it and sucking up the late VRT fines if necessary.

Tabby McTat

bazz26 wrote: »

Would depend on how fast the DVLA are at processing and sending it to your friend. If it falls outside the 30 days then you will be liable for late VRT fines. If the savings are big versus buying the same car here then it might be worth chancing it and sucking up the late VRT fines if necessary.

The late payment fee is .1% of VRT amount per day overdue, and is charged monthly, so 30 days, 60 days etc. VRT is showing as €4.2k so registering within 30 days late would be €126 extra, registering 60 days late would be €262, etc. Not a massive amount in the grand scheme of the savings I'd make.

nogoodnamesleft

barrac wrote: »

How did it ride on the 19s?

Nice car to drive, very relaxed I thought and a good cruising car. The 19s didn't feel harsh and the AMG alloys look well.

I have driven the new 5 series (G30) 520d M sport directly after and that does handle and drive better but the Mercedes is the more relaxed cruising car. I also thought the Mercedes has more presence and feels bigger.