The Mercseller website is undoubtedly a very good way to buy an old Mercedes. I used to own a Mercedes 450 SLC but had to sell it because of the rust problem and the birth of my daughter whose car seat would not fit in the back. I replaced it with a nice black E23 7 Series BMW, but sadly that was written off after about 6 months and as I still missed the Merc I thought I would get myself a W123 230 or 280 about which I had heard so many good things.

I have used Autotrader and other websites to buy cars and had looked at Mercseller but somehow missed the huge number of cars for sale on the site. When I looked again I was very pleased by the sheer choice and then curious about the nature of the service. It is described as a sort of dating agency for Merc enthusiasts but to my mind it seemed more like an estate agent for old Mercs but without the bullshit and dishonesty usually associated with that profession.

I contacted Richard who is an interesting character. He seemed honest and capable of boundless enthusiasm for Mercedes. He put me in touch with one of his regular clients, Mr Hussein, but on the day car I wanted to buy was to have its mechanical inspection he sold it to someone else. I looked at another car advertised but the seller refused to renew the MOT so I decided against it. I was disappointed but mindful of my need to get things sorted out quickly Richard championed my cause and offered me a discounted rate and said he would let me know about cars before they went on the site. This was how I finally got my car and very nice it is too.

It was London-based, which was handy for me. Andy Mann, who Richard recommended, inspected the car very thoroughly, gave me a positive report saying it was 'a f...ing good car' so I bought it and so far he seems to have been right.

Richard took a risk by providing all his services upfront before I had paid and was always helpful and friendly, making himself available late into the night for telephone conversations. If there is one criticism you could make of Richard it is that he is too enthusiastic about his venture and cannot stop sparking new ideas. Conversations can take a strange course sometimes. However, I am pretty sure that he suffers more with long hours and big phone bills for that reason than any of his clients.

All in all I would recommend the service to anyone looking to buy a nice old Merc as you should get a good car and have an interesting experience at the same time.

Comment By Lee Hopcroft...I echo every word of Ian Stratton. If it's worth knowing then Richard knows it! Two months on and the joy of owning Richard's ex 280E W123 series grows daily. Mercseller.com is a special community!

Hi Richard

I am A VERY happy Man!!!! The trip home was great. The SEC flew home and did not miss a beat!! This is a very special SEC and I am like a
kid again!! Thanks for all your help with the deal with Paul . It is the most unusual and most exciting way of buying a car and I would do it again when this one is worn out in 49yrs time Many thanks Rob

N.B. By all means use this as a testimonial and I wish you all the best with MERCSELLER; I wish I had your job !!! As I sit here in my consulting room I can see the SEC outside waiting and it makes life feel good!! As you can probably tell I am really made up and can't believe my luck , I will keep you informed of the SEC progress.

All the best Rob

Richard, I want to thank you for the outstanding effort you applied to the filming and, of course, the loan of the car. I hope the filming didn't try you patience too much. I will keep your contact for future reference and try to get you that credit. Thanks again. All the best Mich

Michelle Darling
Researcher
ZigZag Productions

Dear Richard

Many thanks for your excellent service and advice selling my wife's pristine 230ce.

As you had promised, you only introduced us to a 'serious' buyer - not a timewaster - who was as passionate about the marque as we are. Also, the fact that you had properly briefed the prospective buyer beforehand made the transaction as I could have wished for. Thank you so much for your courteous and attentive service -- I would definitely recommend you and your brilliant website to anyone serious about selling or buying a top-notch Mercedes-Benz.

T.N.

A large part of the experience of owning a classic car is speaking to other people who know, love and understand them. When looking to sell I found that all the usual contacts for servicing/maintenance/parts/insurance where in fact not really interested in the selling dept. It seemed like you were on your own...You are not! I feel that Richard provides a service that fills this gap.

He understands the important details that make these cars special and therefore made me feel comfortable that he would be able to recount this accurately and enthusiastically to his clients. It was this that made me sure that the right buyer and price would be found. I was right. I had previously wasted too much good money on the hit and miss advert in the usual papers/magazines etc....An excellent service that made me feel comfortable and relaxed about selling a car! A nice feeling.

Many thanks

Hi Richard,

Good to talk again this afternoon. As I said, despite the fact I managed to stumble across my 1975 350sl on my own, I would still like
to thank you for all the help and advice you have given me when embarking on my potential minefield of buying a well used Merc! Great advice, all in a language I understand and honest, unbiased suggestions! Made me feel more confident when I went out solo. Sorry
I couldn't line your pockets but rest assured if and when I sell this one to trade up I will be straight back in touch or hopefully sooner
and meet up for a beer. Let you know how the big service on it goes next week!

Thanks again.

Steve Power
Breakfast Show Presenter
Wave 105

Join Steve every weekday morning for the best way to wake in the south. The show's packed with great music and chat plus the latest news, travel and weather every twenty minutes.

Steve's fast moving style of presentation and razor sharp wit is perfect to get you going in the mornings. Steve's also around on Saturday mornings from 10am. He features tracks from the Wave 105 Classic Artist and invites you to take part in his Saturday Pop Quiz "Power Plays Pop". If you're an expert on pop music email Steve now at: steve@wave105.com

BIOGRAPHY:
Born into a childhood of tractors and straw in Somerset, Steve went to the Far East (well Brighton, anyway!) to learn French and Russian at The University of Sussex.

Not even the lure of a year in France could make him stay and he left to pursue a career that would make him rich and famous. Neither of these quite worked out, but he has kept ahead of the no-talent police for the last 18 years working in radio in Sussex, the Home Counties and now at Wave 105 as well as Virgin Radio and Talk Radio.

Steve lives in sunny Worthing and has one very dependent cat. His loves include red wine, football (qualified football referee) and not going to bed early enough. He hopes to win the lottery soon and devote his millions into getting Taunton Town FC into the Premiership.