I bought a cheap Mercedes Benz ML for just £1250 - The owner was fed up with fixing it!

[@tomwall7966]

I thought high peak Auto went into detail on cars mate your on another level well done🎉

[@johnoconnor7536]

Lots of great auto KZbin's on the internet currently. Shifting metal up there with the best of them.

[@ShiftingMetal]

Thanks! 👍

[@terrywilkins5266]

Underneath the column there is a torx screw that tightens up the stalks .

[@alanhoward6553]

I would take it for MOT before changing lower arms and get on to Mercedes regarding their £800 pound repair before trying to sell it with none opening tailgate, Looks like a great car for the money and another super video thanks

[@Challenger540i]

Drive it straight to the MB dealer asking that they put the tailgate right......... that's just wrong on every level!

[@guitarbytes]

I'd prefer the numbers to be for using a third party mechanic / garage. I'd also be interested in how you deal with consumer rights act issues with the older cheaper stock at the farm. Good video. It's good to get timely reminders to not be tempted by these old prestige cars.

[@dazuk1969]

As a dealer the profit margins would be much lower. He did explain about the VAT but then there all the staff to pay, all the on site utilities, site rent (if it's rented), company vehicles...the list goes on. The actual NET on each sale would be much lower. But I think just using the example of Joe Bloggs buying a car and getting these things done at a garage is a good yardstick.

[@guitarbytes]

@@dazuk1969 It's more profitable overall to use your time sourcing and buying Berrow / Farm sort of stock than doing all the prep work yourself.

[@dazuk1969]

@@guitarbytes I recently bought a 56 plate 1.4 Fiesta TDCI to resell. It only has 60,00 on the clock, 1 owner, and full service history. I put a new ticket on it, the air con re gassed, anti roll bar joint done and a few other bits n pieces including a 50 quid valet. After paying a garage to do that I am 1800 into it. So even though it is probably the lowest mileage well looked after model and year of that car you will find...I will be lucky to get my money back. And I haven't even included my time running back and forth. Car trading is not as easy as some think eh. Peace to ya bud.

[@guitarbytes]

@@dazuk1969 I feel your pain mate. I have a 2012 Rio and a 2015 Picanto that had no advisories on their last mots, but have both cost around £800 each to mot plus wheel repaint. That's from an honest mechanic I already knew. I keep asking about the Farm cars as I think that might be the way forward for me. Older cars that are already mot'd, that don't need to be perfect. The consumer rights act is a concern with old cars though. Peace.

[@TheZenMicro]

That Bluetooth device is Phone connectivity only not Music unfortunatley but easiest fix is to install an aftermarket Android headunit. Pretty clean vehicle very undervalued if you ask me.

[@julienwill3284]

Great video Joe very informative cheap ML. Love the introduction of a young Joe very cool. Keep the videos coming.

[@ShiftingMetal]

Thanks, who’s the young Joe?! 😂

[@julienwill3284]

@ShiftingMetal ha ha, was that not old family footage, Joe?

[@skodakatie7341]

This would have been some car in its day. Great video, as always, I really enjoyed watching it, I do like the addition of the costing list, having no experience in the motor trade, it does help me to understand what’s involved.

[@ShiftingMetal]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@ad166bt]

The w164 has aged pretty well and imo looks great as of today. Owned one for 4.5 years and upgraded to a w166 2 months ago. If looked after tge w164 reliability is top. Coming to your video replacing the lower control arms would be a waste if money if thise were not accident-damaged, the bushings can all be replaced with Lemforder which is a OE supplier of MB. Replaced those 2 years ago for a total cost of EUR 100. About the suspension noise check the upper control arms and sway bar links, steering coupling is also known to fail and cause a knocking sound. Have a look for water leaking in the rear SAM located in the right tailight area, seals are known to leak and damage the SAM.

[@exgtt2061]

Really fancy the V8 diesel of these. They are ALL £600+ to tax regardless of motor. May as well get the V8

[@christinab6411]

I am a super fan of the ML350 I just bought a 2012 because my 2008 got totaled but holy crap these years are day and night!! The 2012 is super sporty and mine is made to save on gas. This thing picks up to 60 super quick lol I thought I was in a sports car for second 😂 I’m planning to keep this ML350 for a very long time like my other one!

[@holford98]

When you looked at value of other cars you said it was a 2008….when it’s a 2006 my guy!!! Sorry for being the bearer of bad news lol maybe doing the repairs ain’t really worth it as the cost of a 2006 is less than a 2008!! Anyway love the videos…keep up the great work!!!

[@ShiftingMetal]

Oh yeah, that was daft! Values look similar to be honest!

[@johnoconnor7536]

I have always wondered who uses cup holders in a car. I think I'm correct in saying have never used one. As for storage for large bottles in doors so beloved by a certain car reviewer from Walsall I can live without them also.

[@ShiftingMetal]

Me! 👋

[@satianable]

Me to

[@finalpharoah1]

In a hot climate, you need cup holders

[@alancraigie7951]

Great video as always.

[@PL-fj4uq]

For £1250 really thought you would get the ugly previous generation W163. This one has aged well and still looks great today. I'd imagine it will have been worth buying, even if it needs a lot of prep.

[@nevs1992]

How much did the coolant leak cost to fix too? Haha

[@MrVaghag]

Great detail on the brolly 😀

[@terrywilkins5266]

Check the heat shield underneath and, the exhaust is not knocking against the body. That was the problem on my Mercedes.

[@ChaileyLeavers11]

Sold ours after brake sensor went and the whole car shut down. Also cost £1200 to fix the common oil cooler leak. Front tints are illegal, I don't think it speaks well of an owner that they are will to flount the law, I would hope as a decent dealer you would remove the tints before sale..........

[@matthewplucknett5219]

Road tax is £675 a year 😮

[@paulbradford8240]

It would be interesting to know what your average overheads for the property are, not including wages.

[@DHKCreative]

Great car montage Toby. Also we want to see the Ibiza Salvage Video!!

[@ShiftingMetal]

Coming soon! well, when we’ve got a quiet week!

[@DHKCreative]

@@ShiftingMetal well wait. The ML is a lovely motor. Hope someone buys and sorts that boot.

[@henrykravitz468]

My guess on mileage is at the start of the video is 159,000. Great video and content. Looks a great car, thought you had the umbrella due to the hot weather we had recently in the UK 🤣🤣 I wouldn't mind owning one of those. Both calculations are fine, but i would prefer if we were to do it ourselves.

[@richardhaywoodh]

Great financial break down, showing the overhead costs and the harsh VAT Margin taking no account of extensive repairs should help consumers understand its not all profit for you

[@MecanicDeWeekend]

Would be nice to see it once its all fixed and ready for sale

[@aidanbarrett6981]

Would have liked some after shots from the valet, nice looking car 👍🏻

[@paulbradford8240]

It probably had a second hand tailgate which would explain the incorrect model number.

[@pompey174]

As there is a fair amount of profit in the vehicle, would you consider doing the bonnet gas struts and sort the wiring out out for the boot release? If you did, what do you think the price would be to have these two jobs done? I know if I was looking at this Mercedes, those two faults would be an issue I would want sorted. Also with this work done, perhaps you could increase the price closer to £4k?

[@grahamwalker9193]

They can have problems with the gearbox control module, jerking and sometimes sluggish change’s

[@charleslewis564]

Greetings, ok I am looking at a ML350 or BMW X3, as a daily driver (beater car).About the same year in the US, any thoughts or comments?

[@yankee2yankee216]

Respectable still, especially to onlookers!

[@AndrewSmith-by3zs]

Has it sold?

[@modmod392]

How do you account for warranty liability on retail cars?

[@ShiftingMetal]

Self funded within rules of CRA2015

[@Wellibob68]

Dunno what's more impressive. New AA flag replaces the ripped one or your brilliant attitude & videos. Truly worthy of a dreamcoat Sir Joseph 👍😉

[@ShiftingMetal]

Haha, thanks mate 👍

[@alastairhonaker1155]

My mate had one did 210 k no problems lovely looking

[@simonmiller5118]

I just bought a 2010 ML350 CDi Sport in metallic blue and beige interior with 90,000 Miles with heaps of factory options here in Australia. It looks to be in excellent condition. I just hope it's OK. What would that be worth in the UK? I paid the equivalent of 3,200 quid.

[@harryh4398]

about 7k here

[@Leo70780]

They had problems with the balance shaft years 06 / 07 / 08 so I've been told .

[@bantamNeil12]

Another Superhero performance Joe buddy...👏🏻👏🏻

[@ShiftingMetal]

Cheers Neil!

[@visionsinblue7093]

Regarding return on investment - it's fairly pointless until the vehicle is actually sold tbh. Something might happen before it's sold which would throw the figures out.

[@ShiftingMetal]

Sure but time doesn’t allow for that so it’s just a guide

[@stuartbrothers4909]

I believe my cousin works for Wren Motor Sports as the head mechanic. Doing there classic cars.

[@rossco6687]

You didn't show us the finished Product...How did Jordan do???

[@ShiftingMetal]

Very well, I’ll put an update on Instagram

[@playstation1331]

very well aged car, looks awesome

[@pysgodfish]

Where do you advertise Sophie’s cars? Im looking for a really cheap 1st car for my 18yr old son

[@colinbolton993]

First time viewer. Really impressed with your VAT summary, never heard that before. Not so impressed with car diagnosis. The car needs £800 to repair the boot and probably something like £2k to fix the watet leak you detected. Strange how these big 4x4 like land rovers have these water issues?

[@AlBoo-xp6tw]

Got the exact same car in silver done over 220k got oil leak hard to start gearbox sliping etc etc but the selling killer is the tax almost £700 defo puts people off 😢

[@ShiftingMetal]

Yeah, forgot tax is horrendous!

[@tomoreilly9932]

When you were saying other than that, there's nothing, I bet everyone was shouting at the screen Arm rest! 😂

[@ShiftingMetal]

I think I forgot loads! haha

[@Megatronman1]

Great videos 👍

[@ShiftingMetal]

Thanks 👍

[@toy838]

Thanks shame rear Dr can't be fixed. Merc can sort .Is auto box in need of service?

[@ShiftingMetal]

It could be, I’m sure Merc would say it doesn’t need servicing! 😳

[@stuontwo677]

When you say you have to pay the VAT on it, is that not a bit of a misnomer, I thought you were able to claim the VAT back or is that incorrect ?

[@ShiftingMetal]

No, I can’t claim it back, if I could we wouldn’t pay it in the first place. Dealers have to pay 16.67% on the margin between purchase and sale price but can claim back the vat on expenses

[@clairebroughton3244]

Great vid 😊

[@ShiftingMetal]

Thanks 😁

[@bekabeka71]

The petrol versions barely break down they are absolutely indestructible

[@SAVING_ICONIC_MACHINES]

I do love them ❤ it would make a nice tow car 🚙

[@Blackmamba12345]

Until it fails it's mot on emissions. Or some other electrical fault causing it to not start. These types of cars would cost a fortune to repair and not be worth anything.

[@avasolaris1]

Bonnet struts are about 20A$

[@JeremyGraves-u3r]

Like your content fella 👌

[@ShiftingMetal]

Much appreciated

[@dazuk1969]

3250 is a really good price for that Merc and the mileage wouldn't bother me with all that service history. What would bother me is it costs an arm and a leg to get anything fixed on it. If you are looking for a car that is cheap to fix/maintain...this aint the one for you.

[@johnoconnor7536]

That indicator switch would drive me potty.

[@vanish6116]

Thought yours was a 2006 but was you looking on autotrader for a 2008 ?

[@ShiftingMetal]

Yeah, think I had a brain fart there!

[@johnchincotta1qwdb15]

Hi joe sounds good .There seems to be some potential profit provided you are able to sell it for 3250

[@derekallen3979]

He's forgotten that he needs a service and MOT and also hasn't said anything about the oil/coolant leak. I don't know the mind-set of someone buying a 17-year-old Merc, but I would have thought that the duff bonnet struts would be a major problem for just about anyone. Have to say I was really amused by the importance he places on cup-holders and how "McDonalds beakers would certainly tip over ". Different generation, different priorities.

[@ShiftingMetal]

It’s called sarcasm, was that around for your generation?

[@derekallen3979]

Really ? Does that mean you are sarcastic in all your videos when you flip out and comment on the cup-holders ? Look back and see how often you do it.@@ShiftingMetal

[@ShiftingMetal]

@@derekallen3979 No I’m not sarcastic in every video, I do appreciate a cup holder yes. It’s part of the car so why not mention it. I was being sarcastic about McDonald’s ‘beakers’ tipping over in the back of a car, as if that was genuinely a big concern…

[@derekporter66]

​@@ShiftingMetalignore the boring old man. He's mad he ain't got long left

[@alanchurchill7305]

Just found your video,very interesting,what a snip for a trade in, should do well on that,less the dreaded vat of course.

[@danpeters5028]

Why don't you do a cheap off roader challenge? And a one gallon of fuel mpg test?

[@ShiftingMetal]

Good idea

[@danpeters5028]

@@ShiftingMetal I think for 1250 that a decent price there sure be a profit in that easily

[@adrianmcardle1093]

Where do I find your good lady's cars for sale ?

[@alundavies5171]

can the new owner get the boot BMW fixed under warranty??

[@ShiftingMetal]

Hopefully

[@chucky2316]

I remember these when they were new worth sod f all now 🤣

[@stuontwo677]

Love these cars especially the 3 litre diesels but the road tax, fuck me, so off putting.

[@leeallen1407]

It's to dark inside with that glass for me

[@ChanaYaelNetanyaSCHULMAN]

It'll be bluetooth phone not music

[@kmoe786]

I'm not sure what logic you're putting on the sale price at £3250 bearing in mind to mentioned that there's a near identical car with more than 30,000 LESS miles on the clock and fully working with likely no faffing about. PLUS with a working boot that you've shown costs £800 to repair. Honestly £2500 is more what you should be asking for, which is still a healthy profit but makes the car more desirable to the buyer. Good luck trying to get the £3250

[@olig2599]

Someone is buying a lot of trouble with that one! Coolent issue, oil leak....run😅

[@Scotts23]

I absolutely disagree a little bit of TLC a few quid and you have a decent car for someone just wait and see

[@chucky2316]

Lol that smacks of chicken shop boss mans car bought second hand, or a praki wagon for the school run.

[@williambyast7791]

No "Blasphemy" thank you!!

[@phildunne2632]

The pitch could do with a tidy up as well..... torn AA flag & dead plant don't look brilliant!

[@ShiftingMetal]

We’re a dealership not botanists 😜 You’re right

[@stephenjackson6042]

"Gods polish" hahaaaa, gunna remember that one.

[@bluefish2303]

Vehiclescore's good and bad bits seem contradictory; average mileage good but car over 15 years old and mileage 150k+ = bad! 🤷

[@SportFury1966]

Ah, the invisible English 'T' added to Michelin. FIle next to the egregious pronunciation of 'taco'.

[@indotube8125]

🔥🔥🤬 IN MY VOUNTRY THIS ML YRS PRICE STILL $ 30.000...HATE IT!!

[@andrewdunn9307]

"Jesus Christ" Im giggling like a little kids screaming "Jesus Christ"

[@ShiftingMetal]

Lol

[@ianhaynes5898]

Well, I have my car in for tending at the moment, ‘lower suspension arms’ and it is an expensive hobby. Mercedes parts are not the cheapest.

[@richardhaywoodh]

A lot of car BUT with Road Fund at £675 a year that is half what you paid for it! Probably only work for a very rich person or a person with a disability with Road Fund exemption certificate

[@ShiftingMetal]

Yes it is a bit pricey on tax!

[@tomwall7966]

Lot of car for money if ask me😮

[@theyjustwantyourmoney4539]

These cars are now project cars for enthusiasts, the list of defects is definitely guaranteed to be endless

[@aadd3538]

Its, bought from us. Not, off off us

[@ShiftingMetal]

Important lesson, thanks

[@alundavies5171]

pop the red cow for a bit of lunch lol

[@ShiftingMetal]

Sounds good! 😂

[@alundavies5171]

@@ShiftingMetal used to love a steak and a few beers there the 80s when i lived in Weston!

[@shaungilmartin1505]

huge liability selling that

[@tiger388]

Take more time on the engine ………

[@johnbrown3471]

Potential money pit.

[@alundavies5171]

no such thing as a cheap ML

[@chucky2316]

Smacks praki wagon in the past to me

[@aceace5457]

tidy profit there lol its over a grand . still looking to get rid of my vw golf r estate 7.5 so any offers mate .

[@chucky2316]

Do you like dags

[@aceace5457]

@@chucky2316 lov them but haven’t got time to keep one

[@420somewhereG]

👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼🚘

[@Rich.Aardvark]

Someone else's problem now.

[@mrs.things9237]

Jesus Christ 😂

[@Mrc-c9p]

This cars are always broke😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@modmod392]

God’s Polish 😅

[@noelconnor8539]

Slow & boring move on