Resale value for PI E-class coupe

[Arshavin]

Do PI mercedes benz cars carry a lower resale value

does coupe version of PI cars carry a even lower resale value?

[Barney]

Generally PI cars have lower resale value and lower OMV, but normally they are cheaper than AD cars, loaded with more features and faster delivery.

It will depend on what the buyer is looking for.

[Arshavin]

Ya that the problem here. Buy cheap sell cheap, I no complaint. But buy expensive in these high COE days, sell cheap, I no channel to complaint.

Haha.

tangible part of the lower value is usually the lower OMV.

intangible part would be it's not an "agent" car.

then again, buy cheap sell cheap. actually, buy ex, also sell cheap. LOL.

[g8crasher]

I think PI vs AD, initial 3 years whilst under warranty and OMV just slightly apart, PI resale value will always be lower.

Once warranty is over, open market forces often influence the resale prices more.

[blackmercs]

For mercs PI vs AD is a yes. Remember the F10 OMV issue? The PI complains that the AD OMV so much lower

[blitz2003]

i think some of the PIs are able to offer specs much better than the authorise dealers yet price it lower than the basic model.

[mercc]

I would go for AD unless price difference is really substantial.

Adoption fees to C&C already 10 grand?

[kepiting1sg]

I would go for AD unless price difference is really substantial.

Adoption fees to C&C already 10 grand?

I remembered in early 2010, the adoption fee was only $500 and was easily done but it was later changed to $10K.

IIRC It's not easy to get PI car adopted by CnC now even you want to pay the $10k unless you have the "full documentations"

Meaning the source of the PI i.e which overseas dealership the ride came from.

Usually the PI will not disclose this information to the buyer.

My previous PI Audi Q5 I was not given the original service booklet because it contains the "stamp" from the overseas dealer on Page 1.

They photocopied the rest of the service booklet for me.

[Kaikai]

I would go for AD unless price difference is really substantial.

Adoption fees to C&C already 10 grand?

Yes, it is stated the adoption fee is $10K But why would someone purchase a PI car go to C&C for servicing?

[Ah Bui]

You just need to do your sums, don have to pass A maths for that... I got my E250 avantgarde for PI at $230K plus panaroof and full spec.. minus GPS and reverse camera... And AD already selling E200 elegance at $258K... was told $278K for E250 Avantgarde... Add $10K for panaroof and wait 4 months... Worse is it's still basic spec... And Built in Singapore leather seats... Total amount I save is approx.. 45-50K after discounting the OMV difference... Its worth it for me as I signed on the spot... But is it worth it for you??? you gotta decide.. IMO... C&C warranty is not worth it... most of their experienced staff already left for greener pastures (outside workshop), All they left are those Tiong kok guys and those who are not so skilled... In the end... it's still your call for it's your $ and your MAR SI LEE....

[blackmercs]

How to check whether AD car leather seats are locally made??

[MarkCWQ]

You just need to do your sums, don have to pass A maths for that... I got my E250 avantgarde for PI at $230K plus panaroof and full spec.. minus GPS and reverse camera... And AD already selling E200 elegance at $258K... was told $278K for E250 Avantgarde... Add $10K for panaroof and wait 4 months... Worse is it's still basic spec... And Built in Singapore leather seats... Total amount I save is approx.. 45-50K after discounting the OMV difference... Its worth it for me as I signed on the spot... But is it worth it for you??? you gotta decide.. IMO... C&C warranty is not worth it... most of their experienced staff already left for greener pastures (outside workshop), All they left are those Tiong kok guys and those who are not so skilled... In the end... it's still your call for it's your $ and your MAR SI LEE....

Sure, you do see the money that you save upfront. But what happens in the unfortunate event when your gearbox or engine freezes? Or when the PI closes shop? There's still a reason why people pay a premium and go to the AD. The warranty is not about the workshop technicians leaving. It's to cover the owner incase any major fault arises. I personally don't care who works on my car as long as the fault is rectified. How about when you resale, how much money will you lose then? C&C really needs to improve in terms of service, but I'll still choose AD for that peace of mind. And before you claim anything are you very sure AD leather seats are locally fitted?

[Ah Bui]

Yes my friend... they are.. confirmed when I went to AD.. and also a pal who bought from AD and he said SE tells him some thing... as I mentioned in other post.. you just have to buy from reputable PI... for they will sure honor their warranty... not some PI who sells cheap and go bust in 1 year.. I bought from Vincar.. and their authorized workshop is MBM... so I do feel safe buying from them..

[blackmercs]

Yes my friend... they are.. confirmed when I went to AD.. and also a pal who bought from AD and he said SE tells him some thing... as I mentioned in other post.. you just have to buy from reputable PI... for they will sure honor their warranty... not some PI who sells cheap and go bust in 1 year.. I bought from Vincar.. and their authorized workshop is MBM... so I do feel safe buying from them..

Orh i see, so PI leather seat from Germany or locally fitted?? I wonder why would agent SE so honest on this one? They must hv sold too many cars??

[MarkCWQ]

C&C told me all their leather is factory fitted and it's still shown in my data card. So it's actually locally fitted? Like that I must bring it up with CASE already.

[Ah Bui]

Orh i see, so PI leather seat from Germany or locally fitted?? I wonder why would agent SE so honest on this one? They must hv sold too many cars??

I dunno... maybe they do.... but then again... it could be true.. that's what e SE told me.. but e reason I bought PI is made mainly on price alone.. and also my CO approve the buy..

[actioneer]

I dunno... maybe they do.... but then again... it could be true.. that's what e SE told me.. but e reason I bought PI is made mainly on price alone.. and also my CO approve the buy..

Hi dun just listen to anything and just believe wholesale. You could be repeating others misinformation. U have meant in yr earlier post AD bother to bring in all cloth seat then local leather fit them. That is a very bold claim. Lower end products may be, but that most likely would not cover E-Class or S-Class.

AFAIK all merc has a data card linked to your chasis number, which eg can show 208A LEATHER GREY, which means the leather grey is fitted in factory and not disputable. Also AFAIK PI is the one known to import elegant and change locally to be Avantgarde, and not the AD. AD has keyless entry, and boot auto close, and like the 125 edition has dual tail pipe (rectangular) and GPS etc that are more feature packed than the PI ones. PI can have 1 or 2 special features like sun/moon roof, but the exact spec u have to check very carefully, as every option is a cost that they can save. That is why in a way most PI cars have eg option A but no B. Even every PI Merc or BMW F10 has different specs - that makes comparing spec and pricing way way harder, and ofcourse easier for them to obtain the cars through grey channels without arousing manufacturer's suspicion (as if individual customers are buying).

When real trouble hits like elect system/ECU major failure, or serious accident resulting in major parts replacement, you will need the AD in the picture to help, as PI would not have the know how or the parts, not even the stocklist as they only stock standard item. Eg. complete re-programming of both keys + the IN CAR security code, when both keys are lost together, or the Green key issue in C200 series. Just my 2 cents.

[Barney]

Hi dun just listen to anything and just believe wholesale. You could be repeating others misinformation. U have meant in yr earlier post AD bother to bring in all cloth seat then local leather fit them. That is a very bold claim. Lower end products may be, but that most likely would not cover E-Class or S-Class.

AFAIK all merc has a data card linked to your chasis number, which eg can show 208A LEATHER GREY, which means the leather grey is fitted in factory and not disputable. Also AFAIK PI is the one known to import elegant and change locally to be Avantgarde, and not the AD. AD has keyless entry, and boot auto close, and like the 125 edition has dual tail pipe (rectangular) and GPS etc that are more feature packed than the PI ones. PI can have 1 or 2 special features like sun/moon roof, but the exact spec u have to check very carefully, as every option is a cost that they can save. That is why in a way most PI cars have eg option A but no B. Even every PI Merc or BMW F10 has different specs - that makes comparing spec and pricing way way harder, and ofcourse easier for them to obtain the cars through grey channels without arousing manufacturer's suspicion (as if individual customers are buying).

When real trouble hits like elect system/ECU major failure, or serious accident resulting in major parts replacement, you will need the AD in the picture to help, as PI would not have the know how or the parts, not even the stocklist as they only stock standard item. Eg. complete re-programming of both keys + the IN CAR security code, when both keys are lost together, or the Green key issue in C200 series. Just my 2 cents.

Well said, I'm one to only buy AD for conti. Frankel Motors used to be one of the top PIs too. It went bust a few months after my car was delivered. But the reason I bought it, is because my friend owns a workshop and japs cars have generally less problem unless very suay, kanna lemon.

I saved about $10k, which is about 10% + -. Bought the PI because i prefer the JDM look. When I sold the car, I had to top up 20% in price difference compared to an AD car.

When savings are huge and going to drive the car for at least a few years and most importantly, DIY or savvy person who knows where to hunt for parts or service the car, go for PI. But only when savings are huge.

Not mentioning names, but some so called top PI workshop prices are same or even worse than C & C. I'm not kidding.......prefer Pang & Tan or Chip Soon anytime.

The only PI I will buy from is Richburg, because it's owned by Borneo.......lol

[actioneer]

hi Barney Really reminds me of that purple dino )

Seriously PI has it's place in the mkt, different folk loves different stroke. AD can be a bane as well. If price gap is real big (covers adoption fee+ more) then it's one's choice. Am no AD lover here. but just pointing out that taking info wholesale and reproduce as "fact" is not a good nor safe practice Common/easily serviced Jap car from PI would be v safe

That said, for conti cars, there are latest firmware updates for ECU, tranny from time to time, and PI ones may "miss" it or not as updated, as eg Merc ones need an authorised dealer software edition (with annual subscription>S$10k) and dial in to Germany via internet to get it. AD will do it for u cos their version is most likely all-in type, outside PI workshop even can dial in will also try not to lor cos it is charged per time to them (many use other real overseas dealer's account thus must pay them) eg. some new PI BMW F10 are running outside with slightly jerky transmission at low speed becos their tranny firmware not updated, as per AD std practice. Just my 2 cents

[bbwannabe]

The only PI I will buy from is Richburg, because it's owned by Borneo.......lol

Oh my... how little did I know.

[Barney]

Oh my... how little did I know.

You rich lah, don't drive Japanese car.......only drive mah see lee......

[jazza]

I got my E-250 Coupe from PI last May, saved more than $60K instead of buying from "See and Si" See & Si claim the coupe is a 'life-style' vehicle so they can justify charging more!

[Arshavin]

That is the main point. 60k saving and more beauty options

I got my E-250 Coupe from PI last May, saved more than $60K instead of buying from "See and Si" See & Si claim the coupe is a 'life-style' vehicle so they can justify charging more!

[bbwannabe]

Oh my... how little did I know.

You rich lah, don't drive Japanese car.......only drive mah see lee......

=( my first car was a daihatsu leh.

[retiefgoosen]

Actually, one also have to take into account of the Discount from AD

For instance

like what was previously stated before, a list price for E250 Sport from C&C is 268,888

With discount and overtrade, the price often is not as it is retailed.Sometimes the price might only be marginal compare to PI car.

I just bought a W212 and the spec is very decent for the price.

Leather seats are definitely not from local and is factory fitted. It even comes with a Mercedes stated leather tag to the seats.

The only thing that got fitted locally as part of the package I got is reverse camera and integrated GPS.

Coming from driving a PI F10, I know how it feels as an owner and driver.

Firstly, I got my car cheap, About 40k Difference compare to PML basic ( discounted)

nevermind the poor ah beng service from the dealer, the lies and what not, I thought I can put up with it with all the savings i get

when problem arises, vanos sensor failed, It was really difficult to get it claimed, and the workshop is really ulu and technician doesnt seems to know what they are doing.

Though was covered and repaired, I never serviced the car under the designated workshop panel and got it done at a reputable bmw specialist instead

car was trouble free for the remaining 20k

the other thing was you cant help to feel like second class or unwanted child with that and is definitely gonna grow on you

and you start worrying this and that when news spread and say cars being recall for faults

I hope I made a right move when the trade in price was pretty good from CandC

note: PML charges 30K for adoption fees and all subsequent service or parts will have extra 15-20% extra charges.