Need advice on a new car.

[PostmanPot]

There are a few dealerships which specialise in Mercs, who are not franchised, such as Robbie Tripp Motors in Diep River http://www.robbietrippmotors.co.za/ who are well worth dealing with. I've not bought a car from them, but I have heard good things about them from other dealers. I've dealt with them when looking for cars, and their service has always been excellent, they already have the full service history from Mercedes before they even list the car and where most dealers start umming and aahing when you ask for proof of the service history, these guys have already emailed it to you.

They know their market, and you won't find them selling a car at a rock bottom bargain price, and if it's going below market there will be a reason (which they'll inform you), but if you're in Cape Town looking for a fair deal from someone who knows mercs, I'd call them first.

Robbie Tripp had been business for many moons I believe. Whenever I (seldom) go past that showroom the cars looks in top condition.

now that you mention it, I know of two W202s with Robbie Tripp dealership stickers on that are daily runners in Stellenbosch. So I guess they know their Mercs.

Always loved these. I'd be tempted if the interior wasn't so outdated. I'm sure it's better quality overall than an A5 (A4), but the A5 (A4) is a lot more modern.

http://www.robbietrippmotors.co.za/car-for-sale/24053

 

[Kalle]

Keep the E55?

Why the need for a motor plan? Just keep the E55.

Servicing it will still be less than buying a new car.

Otherwise, how much do you want for it?

I want R 120,000 for it as it is. Its a 2004 with 190.000km on the clock and I'm the first owner.
Full service history but its not running at the moment and the indication from MB is R 60,000 to fix gearbox and compressor.

 

[SauRoNZA]

I want R 120,000 for it as it is. Its a 2004 with 190.000km on the clock and I'm the first owner.
Full service history but its not running at the moment and the indication from MB is R 60,000 to fix gearbox and compressor.

Aaah okay didn't realise it was a problematic car.

Was this the first issue you've had?

Isn't 60k still cheaper than buying a new car?

Compressor as in aircon? Or Supercharger?

 

[Kalle]

Move your kids to a better school. Maybe one that isn't infested with jealous peasants?

That's easier said then done and its already a top class school.
But I've decided that they can all choke on my new Mercedes S65 AMG (ok not new, but new to me. I bought a 2011 S65 with long wheel base yesterday and I'll get it on Wednesday hopefully )

 

[phoenix99]

Move your kids to a better school. Maybe one that isn't infested with jealous peasants?

I'm 1.92m, and my seat isn't nearly all the way back in my 1 series when I am in the correct driving position, which is technically so far back that that your wrist can rest on top of the steering wheel. It took some getting used to, but now that I'm there I can't even imagine driving gangsta style.

+1 I'm 1.9m tall and am very comfortable in my Fiesta

 

[Nuke]

Awesome car. The S65 is the 6l V12 IIRC?

 

[Joeboy69]

That's easier said then done and its already a top class school.
But I've decided that they can all choke on my new Mercedes S65 AMG (ok not new, but new to me. I bought a 2011 S65 with long wheel base yesterday and I'll get it on Wednesday hopefully )

Wow, incredible wheels, congrats

 

[FiestaST]

That's easier said then done and its already a top class school.
But I've decided that they can all choke on my new Mercedes S65 AMG (ok not new, but new to me. I bought a 2011 S65 with long wheel base yesterday and I'll get it on Wednesday hopefully )

Congrats; awesome ride.

Pics plz

 

[SauRoNZA]

Move your kids to a better school. Maybe one that isn't infested with jealous peasants?

I'm 1.92m, and my seat isn't nearly all the way back in my 1 series when I am in the correct driving position, which is technically so far back that that your wrist can rest on top of the steering wheel. It took some getting used to, but now that I'm there I can't even imagine driving gangsta style.

It sounds to me like you will have to get a big SUV or a Hyundai H1

Actually the correct driving position should see you sitting virtually on top of the wheel with your knee bent when on the brakes and your arms almost at 90 degree angles so that you can do a 180 degree rotation of the wheel without lifting either hand from the quarter to three position.

So only thing you should worry about head room as a tall oke.

But what do I know. I'm not a gangster.

 

[SauRoNZA]

That's easier said then done and its already a top class school.
But I've decided that they can all choke on my new Mercedes S65 AMG (ok not new, but new to me. I bought a 2011 S65 with long wheel base yesterday and I'll get it on Wednesday hopefully )

Very nice.

Care to share the specs, mileage and price etc?

 

[Kalle]

Very nice.

Care to share the specs, mileage and price etc?

specs: almost full house but no rear entertainment for the kids but with a fridge in the back for some cool-drinks. Although that fridge eats a lot of boot space away and renders more space unusable.

Color: white with black leather

mileage: 37,000 km

price: prefer not to share

 

[Kalle]

Actually the correct driving position should see you sitting virtually on top of the wheel with your knee bent when on the brakes and your arms almost at 90 degree angles so that you can do a 180 degree rotation of the wheel without lifting either hand from the quarter to three position.

So only thing you should worry about head room as a tall oke.

But what do I know. I'm not a gangster.

I sit very straight and because I'm tall I got the E55 without the sunroof for extra headroom. But still there is virtually no space behind my seat for a passenger. The W211 E class is not a big car inside IMHO

 

[SauRoNZA]

Fair enough. Enjoy! Let us know how it goes when you get it.

Some pics too.

 

[SauRoNZA]

I sit very straight and because I'm tall I got the E55 without the sunroof for extra headroom. But still there is virtually no space behind my seat for a passenger. The W211 E class is not a big car inside IMHO

Yeah look everyone has their style and you want to be comfortable.

I was just arguing the "correct" manner to sit behind the wheel as per advanced driving and racing instruction is in fact quite different from what people think according to who knows what. K53 I guess.

 

[Kalle]

Fair enough. Enjoy! Let us know how it goes when you get it.

Some pics too.

I did test drive the car extensively and yes its VERY quick straight and not so quick around corners.
But there is not so much difference to the E55 I'm driving. Both are VERY fast cars and the new one is even faster and bigger.

 

[Kalle]

Awesome car. The S65 is the 6l V12 IIRC?

Its the face lifted one and yes it's has 6l V12

But what is IIRC ?

 

[SauRoNZA]

I did test drive the car extensively and yes its VERY quick straight and not so quick around corners.
But there is not so much difference to the E55 I'm driving. Both are VERY fast cars and the new one is even faster and bigger.

I had the pleasure of driving around In either the S63 or the S65 at launch.

Don't remember the exact model year but it was when they first introduced the night vision thing.

It's a very different kind of fast. Sort of leisurely cruise fast that catches you off guard.

The big give away is that it will spin until it smokes if you just put your foot down too hard at a stop as I found out back then.

Superb car and not quite as massive as I had expected. Then again the LWB must be huge.

Enjoy it!

***

For what it is I thought it was very solid around corners. It just feels slow because it's so composed.

 

[Kalle]

Yes the cornering is very good for a 2t+ car, but not so good when compared to my weekend toy: An old Porsche 993 Turbo from 1995 that I drive only once a month or so.
The LWB is just another 15cm so its not that big a difference when you drive it but a huge difference for the people in the back.
I actually wanted the S63 but I could only find short ones.

 

[Brawler]

Holy cow. S65 is a monster. Congrats.

 

[FiestaST]

Holy cow. S65 is a monster. Congrats.

Yup 1000 NM torque is a monster!