Buying from an MB Indy mechanic question

[backstage1]

I'm going to look at a 560SEL on Monday that's being sold by an Indy MB repair shop that also sells cars. It's not a mechanics lien car. Several people have told me they do good MB work for reasonable prices so it looks like a reputable shop.

They're Bosch and ASE certified and, for what it's worth, are BBB and Chamber of Commerce members.

How would you handle getting a PPI in a situation like this? Or would you have an independent PPI done in a situation like this?

Do you actually ask to take it to another shop? This shop was actually on my short list of places to have another 560 I was interested in inspected.

It's right in line price and mileage-wise with the other two 560SEL's I've been looking at but it's Black w/Palamino interior which I prefer to colors of the other two. It's an `89 vs. the `88 and `86 I've been considering.

I'll need to find out more about it's history, of course, but I'm curious about how to handle the inspection.

~Bill

198X 560 SEL (coming soon)
2002 Toyota Rav4
1988 Mitsubish Galant Sigma

[Ferdman]

Bill, if you're familiar with MB cars, particularly with 560SEl's, you should be able to tell if the car is in good mechanical condition by driving it and inspecting it closely on a lift ... look that engine, transmission, differential and shocks are not leaking fluid. Listen to the engine at idle with the hood open and at 3,000 rpm. Ask the indy if they perform a multi-point inspection similar to what the MB dealers do to 'Starmark' a pre-owned vehicle. If so, ask to see record of the inspection and verification that any faulty items were repaired. While the car is on the lift closely inspect all body panels for signs that the car has been repainted ... paintwork is normally more obvious when a car is up in the air. Paintwork may be the result of a major accident or simply a repaint. It depends if you're looking for all original paint and body panels ... a good idea. Certainly a well maintained and cared for 1989 560SEL will look almost as good as new ... no need for repaint. It depends what you want and the price you're willing to pay.

If you're unfamiliar with the driving characteristics of a 1989 560SEL and aren't a DIY type person then I recommend that you have another indy, who you know, do a PPI. A reputable shop will understand your request and gladly allow you to arrange for a PPI.

Also ask the selling indy what type a warranty they provide with the car.

[backstage1]

Thanks, Fred. I've got access to another reputable indy in this
particular city so that's not a problem. I was wondering if an Indy like this might offer a short-term warranty given that they have the means to do a similar inspection to a Starmark.

I'll find out more on Monday when they're open.

~Bill

[ctaylor738]

Beware!

Since the hurricanes, there have been a number of "flood" cars for sale. The independents buy them at auction or from the insurance co's and sell them. Be sure to run a CarFax.

[backstage1]

I will, Chuck. Highly unlikely with this shop, though. And we're a long way from Florida. I have noticed a ton of cars on ebay from Florida. I started my search just after those hurricanes but it seems like half the Lincoln Towncars and big Mercedes are at dealerships in Florida. But then again, Florida is probably the top retirement spot, too, and that's the typical driver for these.

In this case, I think the 560 has already sold. I drove by the shop even though they're closed on Saturday. They had a small showroom with two shiny black BMW's and plenty of room for 3-4 more cars but no sign of a 560.

~Bill