I am in the market for a new (used) car. I have a budget but as I am now in my mid 40s I have never had a car that I really really wanted , always the sensible practical option.
Now I still need practical because of pooch and maybe ferrying kids to uni and back etc. But want to get a bit more of a name . At the moment, not set in stone, but looking at a Merc c220 estate post 2018 (as that's when face lift on them was done)
Went to a dealership today as found a candidate. Drove about 40 mins to get there. They moved the car from another dealership within the group.
11,000 miles on clock and on the outside in very very good nick.
Opened up . Wtf !!!.
No parcel shelf -' it's ok we will get one fitted not sure where it is'
Sweet wrapper in the central console.
More gravel in the foot well then on the road.
Remnants of some sort of sticker on the steering column.
Foot scuff dust marks on the door as if someone has opened the door with their foot several times.
Just generally dirty inside.
Remnants of leaves under the bonnet when I opened it.
Wires exposed near to the accelerator- left by mistake as that's where they supposedly plug the vehicle schematic computer in.
This car had not be cleaned. Yet in the pictures on the website it was immaculate.
Wtf has happened in the month it had supposedly been on the forecourt .
Am I wrong to expect that if I am spending that sort of money at an approved Merc dealership that they show me a car that actually is presentable inside aswell outside?. I don't change cars often so it's not a regular experience but I was pretty staggered at this today. First impressions and standards are important in my book and despite it driving well I can't get past how the car looked inside even though I know it is a cosmetic thing. Did not install me with confidence.
Wont mention names but if you went to a certain dealership at Bromford Bridge in Bham you have had a lucky escape.
I had significant issues with my last 220d estate from there, and they mirror everything you have said and more.
The car was woeful and they new it and after I involved Mercedes head office in Milton Keynes and the Motor Ombudsman they cancelled the finance.
I must say I drove up to Mercedes at Stoke who were totally different, very proffesional and bought a second hand 220d AMG Line estate, 8000 on the clock and two years warranty remaining.
I have always said I would never drive an automatic but this has a nine speed auto box, is very economical, and when driven in sport plus is surrprisingly quicker than my Golf GTD.
love it.