Former-RAF “proper” full-size Land Rover, completely rebuilt by specialists in 2017 including reshell and mechanical overhaul, just serviced, long MoT, valeted, with huge specification including air conditioning, twin battery conversion, TigerShark TS11500 5-tonne front winch, leisure battery, aftermarket satellite navigation and radio system, heated seats, comfort Exmoor Trim interior seating, full FrontRunner roofrack and ladder, Safari Snorkel, uprated 175amp Alternator, tinted glass, LED headlamps etc etc… Specced and built to be a long-distance go-anywhere tourer.  Only 20k miles completed in last eight years and now in great condition throughout!

In the details below, you’ll find full details of the specification, vehicle history, and a thoroughly detailed condition report.
Twenty-five large-format photos also below!

The Back Story

This Land Rover 110 Defender Station Wagon has been owned for the last eight years by Greg and Karen – good friends of the family.  Finding that their use for the Landie has diminished in recent years, it is now offered for sale.

Greg had always wanted a “properly specced” Land Rover Defender – both for navigating round the back roads and greenlanes near him here in the Cotswolds, and for longer distance family camping expeditions into Continental Europe.  A serial Land Rover fanatic, for many years Greg also had a short-wheelbase 90 Defender!  But in order to get a Defender 110 to the specification that he wanted, Greg found the only real answer was to have it built for him.  So he went to renowned Land Rover specialists Astwood 4×4 in Birmingham, and agreed a build specification with them.

Astwoods sourced an ex-RAF Defender, in White – believed to have been used on airfield duty in the UK – and previously registered as PT 12 AA.  An early photograph shows it with “Security” marked on the rear of it.  Astwoods then commenced a complete strip down – right down to the chassis and bulkhead – and rebuild with a new shell, interior overhaul with Exmoor Trim touring seats, and complete mechanical overhaul, whilst retaining the original engine, gearbox, chassis and bulkhead – the RAF looked after their kit!  The Defender was re-sprayed in British Racing Green, and a long list of detailed specification choices were made to meet Greg’s exacting standards!  The total build cost came to around £40,000 and Astwoods then provided an insurance replacement valuation of £40,000 for the car.

Once home, Greg and Karen christened her “Nessie” and started to use her in earnest.  To help with this, they fitted a roof-top tent (no longer with the car), and toured Europe.  Nessie performed strongly – an excellent tow car, comfortable on long journeys, quick enough to keep up with the traffic, and with plenty of room for the dogs in the back.

Eight years later, and Greg and Karen are finding that they are just not using Nessie very much any more, only covering a few thousand miles at most each year now.  So the time has come for Nessie to move on and find new adventures with a new owner.

I’ve not driven the car far, but even on a short journey its pulling power and comfort impressed me.  It truly feels like it can go anywhere – well, it probably can – and yet you could sit in the very comfortable seats for many hours when touring without ruining your back!

Land Rover Defender Ownership in General

There aren’t many icons of British Motor History – the Mini, the E-Type Jaguar, and this, the Land Rover Defender.  It can, of course, trace its roots back to 1948, and continued in production until finally ceasing in 2016.

The 110 Defender is the five-door long-wheelbase version.  It has legendary off-road ability, and a hugely loyal fan base.  Ownership of a Defender is more than just owning a car – you are the custodian of a slice of automotive history.  On the road, they are a bit of an art form to drive – the steering is a bit vague compared to modern cars, the long-travel suspension is bouncy, and there is plenty of wind, road and engine noise – and yet where this might be wearing or undesirable in most cars, in the Defender it just adds to the charm and road presence.  It’s a drive like nothing else – but hey, you can continue that drive wayyyy beyond where almost every other vehicle will come to a halt.  In this example, that is further buoyed up by modifications such as the Safari Snorkel and sump guard, enabling deep-water fording (although apparently it has never done that!).  Equally, the 5-tonne winch has never been used… although they specified it, Greg and Karen sensibly took the decision afterwards that if they needed the winch to get them out of trouble, then they probably shouldn’t have been there in the first place!

This version uses the 300 Tdi engine – 4-cylinder, direct injection, turbocharged diesel.  That diesel engine produces 111bhp and develops 265 NM torque.  Performance stats are a bit arbitrary here – it’ll cruise happily at 70mph on the motorway, and it develops its torque low down to enable it to climb mountains.  That’s probably all you need to know tbh! I did find one online source that suggested a maximum speed of 85mph, a time of 18.6 secs to 60 mph, and around 28mpg – but take that lot with a pinch of salt.  The official trade sites don’t make any claims for the cars, hardly surprisingly.  And if it’s not fast enough for you, then two seconds spent on google will find a myriad of performance upgrades that you can explore.

Out on the road, this Defender drives very well – according to my mechanic (who is also a Land Rover fan) this one is much, much better than they normally are!!  It pulls strongly, goes through the gears cleanly, and the seats are comfortable and supportive. 

There are stories of these engines going to legendary mileages – over 1 million miles – and 300,000 miles is commonplace.  So at less than 114k, this one has bags of life left in it.

Bear in mind, though, that despite its appearances, this vehicle is more than 25 years old.  Personally, I have a number of classic cars, and so I’m well used to the concept of there always being something that can be fiddled with, or fettled, or replaced, or repaired – you probably never get to the end of the list… but that’s not what it’s about.  It’s about the whole ownership experience, of knowing that you’re the custodian of this one for a period, before it goes to someone else – because it will probably never ever die. 

Specification of this example

Any references to the original specification of this car are probably pretty arbitrary, since Astwoods rebuilt almost every aspect of it in 2017.

It’s also hard to try and capture all the specification of this example, but I’ll have a go:-
The 300TDI engine, 5-speed manual transmission, and four-wheel drive train is largely “stock” specification, but supported by twin-main battery conversion. It also has power steering, and an updated 175 Amp alternator and an intercooler.
The interior is fitted with Exmoor Trim half-leather seats front and rear, giving high-backs and head restraints.  The front seats have pump-up lumbar control, and are heated too.  All seats recline.
The interior also benefits from supplementary air conditioning, a separate leisure battery which powers numerous 12v charging points, a double-DIN radio unit with integrated colour satellite navigation, Bluetooth and USB inputs.  The boot area is fully carpeted, but then fitted with an ultra-heavy duty rubber mat on top, and a dog guard/parcel guard.  Under the boot floor is a lockable multi-compartment pull-out security drawer.
The long-wheelbase 5-door body is supplemented by a huge, heavy duty FrontRunner roofrack (frankly, it’s the mother of all roofracks!).  The front is fitted with a TigerShark TS11500 5-tonne winch with wire rope and remote operating handset, and a heavy duty bull bar, and the rear with a FrontRunner access ladder, and a tow-bar with seven-pin electrics.  A Safari snorkel air intake is fitted.

This car’s condition

I normally pass a comment here that the car’s condition is commensurate with its age and mileage.  That doesn’t really apply to this Land Rover!!  At twenty-six years old and with 114k miles on the clock, you would be expecting it to be pretty tired – but obviously that’s not the case here following its rebuild in 2017.

The British Racing Green paintwork remains smart and glossy, set off by the black-painted checkerplate to the sides of the bonnet and along the sills.  Inevitably, there are some light scratches and a couple of minor dents – but nothing of any significance.  Both rear doors are showing some signs of corrosion – or maybe it’s a reaction of the aluminium to steel framing beneath it?  But it wouldn’t be difficult or expensive to rectify this if you felt it necessary to do so.

The interior is in very good condition – the seats are all fine, and very comfortable!  The underbonnet area is clean and tidy.

The recorded mileage of just over 113,000 is believed to be correct – but there are never any records passed across from the MoD, so there is nothing to evidence its first 93k. Since taking ownership, Greg has had the Land Rover regularly serviced and well maintained, and there are invoices present to evidence this.  In preparing it for sale, I asked my mechanics to check through the vehicle thoroughly – this resulted in a fair bit of work, including replacing a sluggish starter motor, completing a full service and lubrication/greasing, and replacing the temperature sender unit.

There is no record of the cambelt having been replaced; whilst I strongly suspect that Astwoods would have completed that as part of their refurbishment work in 2017, this cannot be confirmed. 

The MoT is due to expire in September 2025. 

The Defender has also been fully valeted and Experian Data Checked (like HPI) and is clear other than noting that Greg had previously run the car on a private numberplate. 

In preparing the vehicle for sale, however, a discrepancy was noted on the chassis number recorded on the v5 – two digits had been reversed.  This has now been corrected, and a new v5 issued with the correct chassis number.  However, this has led to some repeated discrepancies on MoT issue – some with the correct chassis number and some with the two digits reversed – however all the certificates are present with the car, as detailed below.

Equipment and Features
> Finished in British Racing Green paintwork, with black half-leather Exmoor interior trim> 2,500cc 4-cylinder turbocharged fuel-injection diesel engine, producing 111bhp and 265Nm torque
> 5-speed manual gearbox, with high/low range and differential lock for effective 4wd off-road driving
> Power Assisted Steering (PAS)
> Aftermarket air conditioning
> Double-DIN radio unit, with integrated colour satellite navigation, Bluetooth, and USB input
> TS TigerShark11500 SuperWinch with 5 tonne (11500lb) capacity, fitted with wire rope and remote operating controls
> Two keys
> Tinted windows
> Exmoor Trim half-leather front seats, with pump-up lumbar control and heated front seats
> Three individual Exmoor Trim half-leather reclining and folding rear seats, all with head restraints, the outer two fitted with 3-point seat belts and the centre seat with a lap belt
> LED Front Headlamps
> Front spot lights
> Rear fog lamp
> Uprated 175amp Alternator
> Heated rear window
> Rear wash/wipe system
> Heavy duty FrontRunner roof rack
> Safari Snorkel air intake
> Front “bull bar”
> Rear steps and FrontRunner roof ladder
> Rear mounted spare wheel with Swing wheel carrier
> Rear tow ball with 7-pin electrics
> Full carpeting throughout, with fitted tailored front rubber overmat, and ultra heavy duty mat to load compartment
> Lockable multi-drawer pull-out tray under boot floor
> Multiple 12v charging points
> Dog/Parcel guard
> Twin main battery conversion
> Separate vehicle leisure battery powering rear-mounted 12v charging points
> Integrated vehicle immobiliser

History and Documentation
> The current mileage is showing as 113,800 miles which is believed to be correct, but cannot be warranted due to the lack of documentation from the RAF.  The 20k miles completed since 2017 is warranted, and supported by MoT and servicing documentation
> The Defender comes with its V5 registration document.  It was declared manufactured in June 1999, and first registered to Astwood 4×4 on 3^rd March 2017.  Greg then took ownership of it on 15^th March 2017 and has owned it since.
> The current MoT expires 22^nd September 2025.  It was issued 22^nd September 2024 at 113,678 miles with no advisory items.   
> The MoTs since 2017 are all present with the car and show as follows:-
  93,269 miles;  02/03/2017 – No advisory items
100,358 miles;  23/03/2018 – No advisory items
104,613 miles;  21/03/2019 – One advisory for a slight engine oil leak
107,000 miles;  23/03/2020 – Advisories for corrosion to coil springs, wear to brake discs, slight play in the rear wheel bearings, and a slight oil leak
107,939 miles; 01/04/2021 – Advisories as above, plus some corrosion inside front wheel arches
109,844 miles; 07/04/2022 – Advisories for slight oil leaks, corrosion to coil springs and underside of vehicle
111,641 miles; 19/04/2023 – No advisory items
113,678 miles; 23/09/2024 – No advisory items
> Every MoT certificate is present with the car
> The car has been Experian Data Checked (similar to HPI), and the buyer will receive a copy of the report – which shows no problems, and notes that is has been held on a private registration plate during Greg’s ownership
> There is no servicing book, and no service records relating to the time when the Land Rover was with the RAF.  Since its recommissioning by Astwood 4×4, Greg has kept all the servicing receipts, the main items of which are as follows:-
104,612 miles; 28/02/2019 – Service
 109,000 miles; undated but end 2021 – Full service`
 111,635 miles; 13/04/2023 – Service
 113,718 miles; 17/02/2025 – Full service

Bodywork and Interior Condition
> As you can see from the photos, the bodywork is in very good condition.  There are no nasty scuffs or rusty patches.  There are a few touched-in stone chips, and a couple of shallow dents, and some corrosion in the bottom of each of the rear doors – but the whole car presents very well – especially for one that is 26 years old!
> The interior is equally in very good condition throughout.  It’s utilitarian, of course – so not much by way of luxury – but the Exmoor Trim seats and carpeting are all in good condition.

Mechanical Condition and Wheels/Tyres
> The Land Rover has covered just under 114,000 miles.  It goes very well indeed – and runs, steers, stops and goes round corners just as you would expect.
 > All the interior warning lights come on and go off as they should.
> The road wheels are 17” “Wolf” steel wheels, with no kerbing damage or scuffing.   
> The road tyres are a matched set of chunky top quality BF Goodriich All-Terrain T/A tyres, in 265/75 x16 size.  “Normal” tyres come with about 7mm of tread when new – but judging by the spare, these come with twice that! 
One front tyre has about 10mm of tread, and the other about 11mm of tread.  The rears each have 12mm of tread, and the rear-door mounted spare looks unused and has 14mm of tread.
> The jack and tools are all present

Summary

All in all – this is a great opportunity to acquire one of these iconic go-anywhere 4×4 “proper” Land Rovers, with a specification designed to facilitate either local work or long-distance touring.  It’s been well maintained, and the bodywork and interior are all in very good condition.  The Exmoor Trim seating is much more comfortable than the standard Land Rover offering, and the addition of creature comforts such as air conditioning makes all the difference.
For anyone looking for a well-specced, good historied classic LWB Land Rover, this has to be on your short-list – especially given the huge saving over its cost when rebuilt 7years ago! Those “in the know” will recognise the benefits of the FrontRunner roof rack, TigerShark winch, Safari Snorkel, the uprated Alternator, and the rest of this carefully selected kit list!

If you have any questions, please mail me or call me on 07917-234897.  Any inspection or accompanied test drive is welcomed by appointment.

A note about Warranties

We go to exceptional lengths to assure the mechanical condition of any car that we sell.  Whilst we are agents for WarrantyWise, they will not offer a standard policy to cover a vehicle of the age of this Land Rover.
A classic vehicle warranty is available on individual tear– please ask for details.

Immaculate condition throughout two-owner car, with full service history, just serviced, cambelt just changed, new MoT, fully valeted, with great specification including automatic transmission, panoramic glass windscreen, colour satellite navigation, Apple CarPlay and mirrorlink compatibility, dual zone climate control, cruise control with speed limiter, massaging front seats, parking sensors all round, electric windows front and rear, electric powerfolding mirrors, and 17” alloy wheels!  This is a great opportunity to acquire a full-size family hatchback in great condition!

In the details below, you’ll find full details of the specification, vehicle history, and a thoroughly detailed condition report.
Twenty-two large-format photos also below!

The Back Story

This Citroen Picasso has been owned for the last seven years by John – my father-in-law.  Sadly, John has recently passed away, and hence his much-loved car is now for sale.

John had bought it from a local dealer when it was just under a year old as a Citroen Select Approved Used Vehicle.  John has since run it on his own private registration plate, but it’s now back on to its substantive registration.  He was drawn to it by the great colour (glossy Ruby Red Metallic) and high specification, coupled to its excellent condition. 

Being in his late 70s when he bought it, John has treated the car carefully – “never raced or rallied!” – and it has rarely carried more than one passenger.  It’s primarily been used for local shopping runs and for visiting their friends and relatives, and I can’t think of an occasion where it has even been heavily loaded.

In his ownership, John added another 28k to the 17000 miles that were on the clock when he bought it – so it now shows just over 45000.  As a former engineer, John was also fastidious about maintenance, so it has an excellent service history, which I have completed for him now prior to sale, with a full service, two new tyres, and an early change of cambelt and water pump.

I’ve given the car a couple of good test runs, and it impressed me on the road.  It drives like new, with smooth changes from the automatic gearbox and no squeaks or rattles.  The panoramic glass windscreen stretches way back into the roof, providing a bright and airy interior.  It’s a big car, although it doesn’t feel it when out on the road – and despite its size, the 1.6 litre BlueHDI diesel engine pulls strongly, providing plenty of power and acceleration.  

Citroen C4 Picasso Ownership in General

The Citroen Picasso maintains Citroen’s long-standing reputation for eye-catching styling, class-leading engineering, and outstanding interior space and comfort.  It’s a big car, but the lithe styling treatment hides that well, and on the move the car shrinks round you to be easy to position on the road.  Of course, Citroen and Peugeot are now part of the same organisation, so many components are shared across the family of French models; this helps to keep down the costs of development when new, and the price of spare parts when required. 

When launched in 2013, this second generation Picasso certainly moved the game on; despite the design being 12 years old now, it still looks futuristic and innovative – both outside and inside.  It utilizes a new platform compared the first generation, and this gives a significantly larger cabin space – around 5 square metres! – and the high roofline, slim screen pillars and panoramic windscreen all further contribute to a particularly airy cabin with loads of light.

This is the five seat model (for the seven-seat version, you need the Grand Picasso) – and every seat slides, and adjusts for back-rest angle, so every passenger can get super-comfy.  Rear passengers get trays in the rear of the front seats, so they can position tablets, books or games etc for long journeys.  Front seat passengers get trays under the seats, and a vast array of storage spaces.  The fabric seats are comfortable and supportive, and passengers don’t get jostled despite the car’s high stance on the road.  The boot is huge too – even before you start folding the rear seats.

This second generation Picasso was introduced in 2013 and ran through to 2018 – so this example is towards the end of the production run.  Prior to 2013, there was, of course, the Xsara Picasso, and after 2018, the range was rebranded as the SpaceTourer. This is the BlueHDI “Feel” model – which combines the highly efficient 1.6-litre 16-valve direct-injection turbocharged diesel engine (introduced in 2015) with the Aisin-sourced 6-speed automatic (a huge improvement over the earlier ET6G Citroen automatic gearbox which was roundly criticized for its jerky changes and slow reactions).  That diesel engine produces 118bhp and develops a substantial 300NM torque, which pulls the car up to 60mph in under 11 secs, and on to a maximum speed (where legal, of course!) of 117mph!  It’s packed full of economical wizardry, including start/stop, which all works together to give some frankly astonishing fuel economy figures in a car of this size:- 74.3mpg on the combined cycle and 80.7mpg on the extra urban cycle…!  It’s Euro Emissions 6 standard (so it is London ULEZ compliant), and with CO2 emissions of just 100g/km means that road tax is free too (currently, at least!) 

Out on the road, the Picasso drives very well – it is comfortable and assured, accelerating with confidence, handling well and cruising smoothly too.  Road noise is all well insulated from the cabin, so your journey is all calm and quiet!  It’s incredibly well equipped too – and this car clearly benefits from the assurance of the low mileage, fresh service, new MoT, new cambelt and valet.  All of those benefits also come before you consider those outstanding economy figures.

Specification of this example

This C4 Picasso is fitted with hugely economical yet powerful 1560cc 4-cylinder 16-valve turbocharged diesel injection engine.  It develops 118bhp and a huge 300NM torque.  It gets up to speed comfortably, and maintains it without a problem out on the open road.  The six-speed automatic transmission with paddle-shift override works very well, with smooth and responsive changes.

After 2016, Citroen rationalized its range into Touch, Feel and Flair – so Feel is the mid-specification – although you wouldn’t really know it, as it has pretty much everything that you could think of! Dual Zone Climate control air conditioning, Citroen DAB infotainment system with integrated Apple Car Play/Android Auto and Mirror Link, Bluetooth radio and phone, 17” multispoke alloy wheels, parking sensors front and rear, colour satellite navigation, electric front and rear windows, electrically adjustable, heated and powerfolding door mirrors, cruise control with speed limiter, massaging front seats with lumbar control, height adjustable front seats, keyless start, stop/start system, electric parking brake, automatic lights, automatic wipers and remote central locking.  There’s also a whole host of safety features, including air bags all round, traction control, ISOFIX rear seat mounts, seat belt pre-tensioners, ABS, Brakeforce distribution, tyre pressure warning system, immobilizer, alarm, locking wheel nuts etc.

This car’s condition

I normally pass a comment here that the car’s condition is commensurate with its age and mileage.  That doesn’t really do this Citroen justice.  At eight years old and with 45k miles on the clock, you would be expecting to see some signs of use – but this example really is so clean that you are very hard pressed to do so.  It looks like it is just out of the new-car showroom.  Its overall condition is outstanding throughout, and it certainly catches the eye with that funky styling and Ruby Red Metallic paintwork. There’s literally one or two light stone chips and one bird poo mark to the paintwork to show its age.  The alloy wheels all have some minor corrosion, but there’s no kerbing or scuffing damage.

The recorded mileage of just over 45,000 is absolutely warranted to be correct. The first owner kept the car for about 10 months, and used it well, covering just under 17,000 miles in that time.  John then bought it as a Citroen Select Approved Used Vehicle, and has kept it ever since.  Its been carefully and thoroughly maintained throughout John’s ownership, and never let him down.  It has been serviced each year, so there are eight stamps in the book evidencing John’s annual mileage of about 4000 each year.

As the last service that John had completed was in February 2024, I’ve had a new service completed by my mechanics.  At this service, the mechanics noted that the rear tyres were wearing low, so a new pair of Nexen tyres (to match the front ones) were fitted, and the tyres rotated so that the new ones are on the front.  The cambelt is also recommended for replacement at ten years – so I have also had that replaced together with the water pump, so there should be no major items of expense coming up for some time ahead.

The MoT history shows no problems – other than at the first MoT in February 2020 when an oil leak was noted.  The car had gone in for a service only a couple of months and 300 miles previously, and knowing John as I did I would be pretty sure that he would have taken the garage seriously to task over this!! It comes as no surprise that the fault is then rectified with no charge showing on the invoice!  Ever since then, the car has always passed the MoT first time with no advisory items.  Like the service, the MoT was due in February 2025, so I have had a new one completed early. 

Given this attention to maintenance detail, as you would expect, the Picasso goes, performs, steers, stops etc just as you would want and expect it to do.

The Picasso has also been fully valeted and Experian Data Checked (like HPI) and is clear other than noting its previous private numberplate (again, as you would expect).  The owner’s handbook is present, together with the service book and a stack of servicing receipts. Like all our cars, the Citroen also comes with a 100-pt mechanical and functional inspection report.

The Motoring Press view

Giving it an excellent rating of 4.0 stars out of 5, Parker’s Car Guide praises its space-age looks, driving credentials, practicality and economy, and comments:-

“There’s no doubting that the latest-generation Citroen C4 Picasso stands out from the crowd. The five-seater MPV has morphed into a futuristic looking machine, with a particularly eye-catching headlight treatment. 

Citroen C4 Picasso practicality levels don’t disappoint.  Underneath that striking skin it’s built upon a brand-new platform which enables more space for luggage and passengers than the previous C4 Picasso. The doors open to a wide 65-degree angle to aid access and the three individual rear seats can be tilted forwards or folded completely. There’s no shortage of interior storage pockets and cubby holes. They’re scattered throughout the cabin, with compartments in the floor for rear passengers, reasonably commodious door bins front and rear and a couple of drinks can holders ahead of the gearlever.  Automatic cars also get an extra removable cubby box between the two front seats.

The most striking feature of the C4 Picasso’s interior is the dual digital screen layout. The essential instruments are contained within a huge central 12-inch screen on top of the dashboard. Many of the car’s main functions – air-conditioning, sat-nav (if fitted) and Bluetooth are controlled via a seven-inch touchpad mounted lower down in the middle of the dash. A series of switches, also touch sensitive, surround the pad and act as shortcuts to functions.  As well as making the interior appear high-tech and modern, the thinking behind the touchscreen is that it reduces clutter but the busy layout on the two screens themselves and the large number of buttons on the steering wheel mean that it’s debatable whether this has been achieved. Overall, the interior is styled with similar flair to the exterior and overall fit and finish feels very good. The large wrap-over windscreen lets plenty of light in and forward visibility is excellent too, aided by the split windscreen pillar design.

Citroen C4 Picasso comfort levels are one of the car’s strengths. The seats are comfortable.  Rear passengers are well catered for with three individual seats, all of which can be slid forwards and backwards to aid knee room, rather than a fixed bench. There’s plenty of headroom for tall passengers and you’ll fit three adults alongside each other without too much discomfort.

Reconfigured suspension means less body-roll and the ride quality is very good. Both road and wind noise are impressively well contained, too – the Picasso is a very quiet machine at motorway speeds. Naturally, handling isn’t the primary attribute you would buy a people carrier for but the Picasso makes a fairly decent fist of things in the corners. The steering is nicely weighted, the car turns in keenly enough and feels assured at normal road speeds.  Relatively small overall dimensions and an impressive turning circle make it easy to park and to thread through urban traffic.

Improved aerodynamics and an enormous weight saving of 140kg compared with its predecessor have improved the Picasso’s emissions and economy across the range. Independent body Euro NCAP has awarded the Picasso a five-star overall rating for safety. It scored 86% for adult occupant protection and 88% for child occupant protection in crash testing.

It’s a worthy addition to the compact people carrier class. It drives very well on the road and it has all the practicality you’d expect of a people carrier”.

Equipment and Features
> Finished in Ruby Red Metallic paintwork, with grey and slate blue patterned cloth interior trim> 1,560cc 4-cylinder turbocharged fuel-injection diesel engine, producing 118bhp and 300Nm torque
> 6-speed EAT6 Automatic gearbox, with paddle-shift override and manual option
> Power Assisted Steering (PAS)
> Dual Zone Climate control air conditioning
> Citroen touchscreen infotainment multi-media system, with colour display screen, integrated Apple Car Play, Android Auto and Mirror Link, RDS-DAB Radio with USB and auxiliary input socket, integrated Bluetooth music, roof-mounted bee-sting aerial, steering-wheel mounted radio controls, and integrated anti-theft protection
> Integrated Bluetooth radio and phone system
> Multi-spoke 17” alloy wheels
> Colour-screen satellite navigation
> Electric front and rear windows with one-touch operation on all windows
> Electrically adjustable, heated door mirrors with automatic powerfolding
> Front and rear parking sensors with interior graphical display
> Cruise Control with speed limiter
> Anti-lock braking system (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
> Active intelligent emergency brake assist
> Traction Control / Electronic Stability Control
> Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
> Electric parking brake
> Remote control central locking, with two full remote controls
> Tinted windows
> Panoramic windscreen
> Three rear seats, each fitted with 3-point seat belts, head restraints and ISOFIX seat mountings
> Individually folding rear seats
> Height and reach adjustable steering wheel
> Front seats with adjustable massaging function
> Lumbar adjustment to front seats
> Height adjustable driver’s and front passenger’s seats
> Driver’s, Front Passenger’s, side and seat airbags
> Front and rear fog lamps
> Daytime running lights
> Automatic lights and automatic wipers
> Keyless Start
> Start/Stop system
> Trip computer with mileage since reset, average mpg, distance to empty, average speed, and current mpg
> Picnic trays and map nets to rear of front seats
> Pull-out trays underneath front seats and storage bins in the rear floor
> Heated rear window
> Rear wash/wipe system
> Removeable front cubby box
> 12v charging point
> Tailored front and rear floormats
> Twin cupholders
> Integrated anti-theft alarm

History and Documentation
> The current mileage is showing as 45,300 miles which is warranted as correct.
> The Picasso comes with its V5 registration document.  It was first registered 15^th February 2017, and transferred to its second keeper (John) on the 31^st January 2018.  It has had just the two owners.
> The current MoT expires 20^th December 2025.  It was issued 21^st December 2024 at 45,247 miles with no advisory items.   
> An MoT history printout shows the following MoTs:-
  27,695 miles;  18/02/2020
  29,461 miles;  03/02/2021
  32,335 miles;  14/02/2022
  36,713 miles;  25/01/2023
  41,814 miles;  12/02/2024
  45,247 miles;  21/12/2024
> Every MoT certificate is present with the car
> The car has been Experian Data Checked (similar to HPI), and the buyer will receive a copy of the report – which shows no problems, and notes that is has been held on a private registration plate during John’s ownership
> The car has been serviced eight times. The service book has all services recorded, as follows, and most of them are also documented by the servicing receipts:-
  16,670 miles;  01/12/2017  – Citroen Main Agent
  21,549 miles;  03/12/2018 – Ford Main Agent (who John bought the car from)
  27,353 miles;  20/12/2019 – Ford Main Agent
  29,370 miles;  14/12/2020 – Ford Main Agent
  32,170 miles;  29/12/2021 – Citroen Main Agent
  36,713 miles;  25/01/2023 – Citroen Main Agent
  41,814 miles;  12/02/2024 – Independent Garage
  45,238 miles;  18/12/2024 – Independent Garage (my mechanics) incl. Cambelt replacement
> The owners handbook and book pack are all present.

Bodywork and Interior Condition
> As you can see from the photos, the bodywork is in outstanding condition.  There are no nasty scuffs, dents or rusty patches.  There are a few touched-in stone chips and a single bird-poo mark, but that’s all – and the whole car presents very smartly and frankly looks almost new.
> The interior is equally immaculate throughout, with no damage to the seats or carpets, assisted by the black carpet floormats

Mechanical Condition and Wheels/Tyres
> The car has covered just over 45,000 miles.  It goes very well indeed – and runs, steers, stops and goes round corners just as you would expect
 > All the interior warning lights come on and go off as they should
> The road wheels are multi-spoke 17” alloys; one has a kerbing scuff to the rim, which has been touched in, and two have some minor surface corrosion under the lacquer – but none are yet at the stage of needing to be refurbished
> The road tyres are a matched set of good quality Nexen NFera SU1 tyres, in 205/55 x17 size.  The front tyres are new (and so have 7mm of tread), and the rear tyres are evenly worn with about 4mm of tread remaining.  The spare wheel is a space saver type, fitted with an unused Continental 125/85×16 tyre
> The locking wheel nut key, tools and towing eye are all present

Summary

All in all – this is an outstanding opportunity to acquire a spacious, modern family hatchback in immaculate condition.  The Citroen Picasso is a justifiably frequent sight on our roads – and for good reason.  It is well known for its space, versatility and comfort, and this later example with the snazzy styling inside and out just hits all the right buttons.   Couple that with this example’s smart Ruby Red paintwork, impeccable service history, new MoT, new cambelt, thorough valet, excellent equipment levels, free road tax and quite incredible fuel economy, and it’s hard to think of a reason not to buy it!

If you have any questions, please mail me or call me on 07917-234897.  Any inspection or accompanied test drive is welcomed by appointment.

A note about Warranties

We go to exceptional lengths to assure the mechanical condition of any car that we sell.  Cars are generally much more reliable than was the case in the past – but they are ever increasing in complexity and should the unthinkable happen, repair costs can be high.  Many buyers prefer us to keep the price of our cars low, so we do not include a mechanical breakdown warranty as standard.  However, we are agents for the industry-leading warranty provider – Warranty Wise (Warranty Provider of the Year 2024 for the fourth year running!).  If you wish to do so, you can optionally purchase a top-notch very comprehensive WarrantyWise Platinum vehicle warranty for this Citroen C4 Picasso, covering 100% of the repair cost on all major components, at labour rates of up to £75ph, at a cost of £399 for 6-months, £579 for 12-months, or £999 for 24-months.  It will cover repair costs up to £5000 for any individual claim, and up to a combined maximum of the purchase cost of the vehicle.   
Lower levels of warranty cover are available at lower cost if preferred.
Please click on “our services” above for more details.

Immaculate condition throughout two-owner car, with full service history, just serviced, cambelt changed (on age), new MoT, fully valeted, with great specification including climate control, touchscreen infotainment system with Apple Car Play/Android Auto, electric front windows, electric and heated mirrors, rear parking sensors, cruise control, heated front seats, front fog lights and 16” alloy wheels!  This is a great opportunity to acquire an ultra-low-mileage small hatchback in perfect condition!

In the details below, you’ll find full details of the specification, vehicle history, and a thoroughly detailed condition report.
Nineteen large-format photos also below!

The Back Story

This Skoda Fabia has been owned for the last six-and-a-half years by Sue – a family friend.  Unfortunately, due to advancing years and failing health, Sue is no longer able to drive, and I was pleased to be able to buy this car into stock from her, and to now offer it for sale.

Sue had bought it from a Skoda dealer after seeing it for sale when on holiday.  Sue fell in love with its eye-catching Race Blue paintwork and its high specification.  Just six months old, it was showing about 1500 miles on the clock when Sue bought it.  Since then, Sue has used the car very lightly, only adding about another 1500 miles a year – so it is currently six-and-a-half years old and yet still has less than 11k miles recorded.  It’s always been a second car in the household, with any substantial journeys being completed in husband Patrick’s Jaguar.

I’ve given the Skoda a good test run, and it impressed me very much – obviously, at this age and mileage, it drives like new.  Don’t be concerned at its relatively small 999cc 3-cylinder engine – this car zips along and performs very well out on the road.  Despite its diminutive size, the engine is turbocharged, and develops 94bhp and 160NM torque – so the car will reach 60mph in something like 10secs and will go on to a maximum speed of 115mph!

Skoda Fabia Ownership in General

The Skoda Fabia has a terrific reputation on the used car market – not just for the legendary Skoda build quality and reliability, but also for its driving characteristics.  Skoda, of course, are part of the Volkswagen-Audi group, with many components shared across the different makes and models; this is no bad thing – it means the components are both well-made and well proven.  It shares its underpinning platform with the VW Polo and Audi A1 – all of which share its reputation for great ride comfort and sporty handling.  Skodas are built in the Czech republic, where lower labour costs give great value for money, despite adherence to the VW build quality standards.  As a result, the Skoda Fabia offers a highly competent driving package, coupled with a very high specification, despite a sales ticket-price that is much lower than the equivalent Polo or Audi A1.  Again, like the Polo or A1, the interior is a bit more traditional than the equivalent Fiesta, but it is very comfortable, smart and very well-equipped, and there’s plenty of room for everyone.

This third generation Fabia was introduced in 2015 and ran through to 2021 – so this example from 2018 is right in the middle of the production run.  This is the 1.0TSI 5-door model, fitted with a 999cc turbocharged 3-cylinder petrol engine, producing 94bhp and 160Nm torque.  That’s quite some output from a small engine, and with the small body size of the Fabia it gives it a very nippy 0-60mph time of 10.3 secs and a top speed of 115mph, so it is perfectly happy either running around town or out on the open road or motorway.  It feels plenty quick enough in any environment, and the thrummy three-cylinder engine gives the car a distinctive character as it whizzes about.  It’s outstandingly economical too – running on the Euro Emissions 6 standard (so it is London ULEZ compliant) with almost incredible figures of 72.4mpg on the Extra Urban and 64.2mpg on the combined fuel test!  Road tax is £190 per year.

Out on the road, the Fabia feels capable well beyond its size and motoring segment.  It is comfortable and assured, accelerating with confidence, handling well and cruising smoothly too.  It’s incredibly well equipped too – and this car clearly benefits from the assurance of the ultra-low mileage, fresh service, new MoT and valet.  All of those benefits also come before you consider the outstanding economy figures.

Specification of this example

This Fabia SEL is fitted with the economical yet very powerful 999cc 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol injection engine.  It develops 95bhp, which is plenty to swiftly whizz this car along.  It gets up to speed comfortably, and maintains it without a problem out on the open road.  The five-speed manual transmission works very well, and the clutch is light and progressive.

There’s plenty of interior space, the seats are comfortable, and the equipment level on this SEL model is what you might expect from the class above.  Climate control air conditioning, Skoda Bolero infotainment system with integrated Apple Car Play/Android Auto and Mirror Link, Bluetooth radio and phone, 16” alloy wheels, rear parking sensors, electric front windows, electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors, cruise control, heated front seats, height adjustable front seats, keyless start, stop/start system and remote central locking.  There’s also a whole host of safety features, including air bags all round, traction control, ISOFIX rear seat mounts, seat belt pre-tensioners, ABS, Brakeforce distribution, tyre pressure warning system, front assist, immobilizer, locking wheel nuts etc.

This car’s condition

I normally pass a comment here that the car’s condition is commensurate with its age and mileage.  Well, with just 10,400 miles on the clock, you’d expect this to be pretty well perfect – and you wouldn’t be disappointed!  Its condition isn’t commensurate with its age – it’s coming up for seven years old, but looks like it is just out of the new-car showroom.  Its condition is outstanding throughout.  It’s finished in eye-catching Race Blue Metallic, set off by the smart 16” alloy wheels.  There’s literally one or two light stone chips and marks to the paintwork, but that’s all.  The wheels are perfect too – with no scuffing, kerbing or scratching damage. 

The recorded mileage of just over 10,000 is absolutely warranted to be correct.  The first owner only kept the car for the first six months, and only covered about 1500 miles in that time – I do wonder if it may have been a demonstrator.  Since they bought it, Patrick and Sue have spared no expense on maintaining the Fabia in peak condition; they have had the car serviced each year – despite the negligible annual mileage – and always at their local Skoda main agent.   This is held at Skoda on an electronic service record, but the servicing receipts have been kept with the car, which I have recorded in a substitute service book for ease of reference.  As if the full servicing wasn’t enough, Patrick and Sue also ensured that the cambelt was replaced in May 23 – a prudent step given the age of the belt, even though it had only covered 9,800 miles.  The MoT history is also exemplary, with just one recorded issue where the washer bottle was empty! 
As the next service and MoT interval were so close, my mechanics have now given the car another service check over and oil change, and I have also now had a new MoT completed, which it passed with no advisory items (as expected). 
Altogether then, there are six recorded services, including two changes of brake fluid and the additional replacement of the cambelt.  There is also a receipt for a replacement battery in June 2024 – doubtless a reflection of the sporadic and low usage of the car.
As you would expect at this mileage, the Fabia goes, performs, steers, stops etc just as you would want and expect it to do.

The Fabia has also been fully valeted and Experian Data Checked (like HPI) and is clear (again, as you would expect).  The owner’s handbook is present, together with a substitute service book and several servicing receipts. Like all our cars, the Fabia also comes with a 100-pt mechanical and functional inspection report.

The Motoring Press view

Giving it an excellent rating of 4.0 stars out of 5, Parker’s Car Guide praises its driving credentials, high equipment levels, generous practicality and low running costs, and comments:-

“When it comes to value-for-money motoring the Skoda Fabia is hard to beat – that’s not to say that it’s the cheapest supermini on sale, but when you consider the space and equipment on offer, you do get a lot for your money.

Largely based on the previous-generation Volkswagen Polo, the Fabia is perfect for the cost-conscious world we live in. With a wide range of engines, VW Group quality and sharp styling, the Czech has seen the popularity of the Fabia grow, and the result is that it’s challenging the Ford Fiesta and Vauxhall Corsa at the top of buyers’ wish lists.

The exterior dimensions of the Skoda Fabia are about average for the class, and in fact nose-to-tail it’s now 8mm shorter than the previous model. The third-generation Skoda Fabia marks a big improvement over the previous generation model – there’s an extra 90mm in its width, while the roof sits 31mm closer to the ground. The result is a sharp-looking car that looks squat and wide, and quite sporting, especially with larger wheels.  The cabin space is impressive, with plenty of width, and enough room for full-size adults to avoid rubbing shoulders up front. The rear bench is usefully accommodating too, with plenty of headroom and good legroom available.  Behind you’ll discover the 330-litre boot, which is almost as large as that found in cars from a sector above, which can be easily converted into a 1,150-litre space by collapsing the rear seats. It’s usefully shaped too, with a wider hatch opening than before, helping with larger items.

When tested in 2014, the Skoda Fabia scored the full five stars for its overall safety rating. The report paid particular attention to the Fabia’s adult and child occupant safety, with maximum points scored for the protection provided to the 1.5-year-old dummy during dynamic crash tests.

Sitting behind the wheel of the Fabia is a largely pleasant experience thanks to the car’s tried-and-tested Volkswagen Group platform and switchgear.  The dials and infotainment display are clear and easy to understand, yet still look stylish enough if that’s what you’re after. The Fabia’s infotainment uses an older layout to the one in the Superb and Octavia, yet, oddly, it’s arguably easier to use. That’s because the touchscreen is supplemented with a number of physical shortcut buttons on either side allowing easier navigation of the menus. Soft-touch plastics and other materials are in evidence throughout the cabins of higher-spec Fabias, but the general theme is of a solid, functional cabin.

The Fabia’s handling setup is biased more towards comfort than its ability to hurtle down country lanes. That means there’s a well-judged ride quality on all models.  The entry-level 1.0-litre MPI version is cheap to buy and run but quite slow in most situations; upgrade to the 1.0 TSI (turbocharged) motors and performance improves markedly. The 95hp iteration produces 160Nm of torque and is good for a 0-62mph time 10.3 seconds, while top speed comes in at 115mph. While such figures aren’t ground-breaking, it offers usable real-world performance capable of comfortable motorway cruising should the need arise.  City driving (and parking) is also a breeze thanks to good visibility, a tight turning circle and light steering, while motorway cruises benefit from the car’s overall stability.

All Skoda Fabias are cheap to run; servicing from Skoda garages is cheaper than it is from Volkswagen equivalents too, despite the vehicles sharing many of the same parts. Skoda Fabia reliability should be excellent, with the car using tried and tested VW Group components that have been in production for a good few years now. There’s not much in the way of flashy tech, or complicated hybrid/pure electric powertrains that could go wrong and be expensive to fix, either. In fact, the Fabia has the impressive distinction of not having a single recall in its production run since 2015 – a feat that very few models more than three years old can boast. 

If you’re after a cheap, honest small car the Fabia remains an accomplished option. The 95hp 1.0-litre version will likely be all the Fabia you’ll ever need. It’s not punitively expensive to run and has enough performance to mean it won’t feel out of place on a fast-moving motorway. For the best value for money, seek out an SE L model or higher”.

Equipment and Features
> Finished in Race Blue Metallic paintwork, with charcoal patterned cloth interior trim
> 999cc 3-cylinder turbocharged fuel-injection petrol engine, producing 94bhp and 160Nm torque
> 5-speed manual gearbox
> Power Assisted Steering (PAS)
> Climate control air conditioning
> Skoda Bolero touchscreen infotainment multi-media system, with colour display screen, integrated Apple Car Play, Android Auto and Mirror Link, RDS-DAB Radio with USB and auxiliary input socket, integrated Bluetooth music, roof-mounted bee-sting aerial, steering-wheel mounted radio controls, and integrated anti-theft protection
> Integrated Bluetooth radio and phone system
> 5-spoke 16” alloy wheels
> Electric front windows
> Electrically adjustable, heated door mirrors
> Rear parking sensors
> Cruise Control
> Heated front seats
> Anti-lock braking system (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
> Front Assist
> Traction Control
> Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
> Remote control central locking, with two full remote controls
> Tinted windows
> Three rear seats, each fitted with 3-point seat belts, and with head restraints and ISOFIX seat mountings to the outer two seats
> 60/40 split folding rear seat
> Height and reach adjustable steering wheel
> Height adjustable driver’s and front passenger’s seats
> Driver’s, Front Passenger’s, side and curtain airbags
> Front and rear fog lamps
> Daytime running lights
> Automatic lights
> Keyless Start
> Start/Stop system
> Trip computer with mileage and time since reset, average mpg, distance to empty, average speed, and DriveGreen assessment of economical driving
> Map pockets to rear of front seats
> Heated rear window
> Rear wash/wipe system
> Height adjustable front central armrest with integrated cubby box
> 12v charging point/cigarette lighter
> Tailored front and rear original equipment floormats
> Roof mounted sunglasses holder
> Twin cupholders

History and Documentation
> The current mileage is showing as 10,380 miles which is warranted as correct.
> The Fabia comes with its V5 registration document.  It was first registered 5^th March 2018, and transferred to its second keeper (Sue) on the 21^st September 2018.  It has had just the two owners.
> The current MoT expires 17^th December 2025.  It was issued 18^th December 2024 at 10,379 miles with no advisory items.   
> An MoT history printout shows the following MoTs:-
  7,086 miles;  03/03/2021
  8,540 miles;  01/03/2022
  9,665 miles;  02/03/2023
10,107 miles;  04/03/2024
10,379 miles;  17/12/2025
> The car has been Experian Data Checked (similar to HPI), and the buyer will receive a copy of the report – which shows no problems.
> The car has been serviced six times. Those completed at the Skoda main agent are held on their electronic system, but there are receipts to document them.  For ease and convenience in future, a substitute service book has all services recorded, as follows:-
  3,596 miles;  01/03/2019  – Skoda Main Agent
  6,131 miles;  02/03/2020 – Skoda Main Agent, includes air conditioning service
  7,085 miles;  03/03/2021 – Skoda Main Agent, includes brake fluid change
  8,539 miles;  01/03/2022 – Skoda Main Agent, includes spark plug replacement
  9,665 miles;  02/03/2023 – Skoda Main Agent, includes brake fluid change
  9,826 miles;  25/05/2023 – Skoda Main Agent – Cambelt replacement
10,363 miles;  16/12/2024 – Independent Garage (my mechanics)
> The owners handbook and book pack are all present.

Bodywork and Interior Condition
> As you can see from the photos, the bodywork is in outstanding condition.  There are no nasty scuffs, dents or rusty patches.  There are a few touched-in stone chips, but that’s all – and the whole car presents very smartly and frankly looks almost new.
> The interior is equally immaculate throughout, with no damage to the seats or carpets, assisted by the black carpet floormats fitted from new

Mechanical Condition and Wheels/Tyres
> The car has covered just over 10,000 miles.  It goes very well indeed – and runs, steers, stops and goes round corners just as you would expect at this mileage – in other words, like new!
 > All the interior warning lights come on and go off as they should.
> The road wheels are 5-spoke 16”alloys; they are all undamaged with no scuffs or scratches
> The road tyres are a matched set of good quality Dunlop SP Sport Maxx tyres, in 215/45×16 size.  The front tyres are evenly worn with about 5mm of tread remaining, and the rear tyres are also evenly worn with about 6mm of tread remaining.  There is no spare wheel as an inflation kit is provided instead
> The locking wheel nut key, towing eye and inflation kit are all present

Summary

All in all – this is an outstanding opportunity to acquire a small modern hatchback in immaculate condition.  Frankly, if the speedometer didn’t say so, you would struggle to believe that this car has covered even the recorded 10,000. 

A bit like Mary Poppins, this car is “practically perfect in every way” – the Skoda Fabia is universally acknowledged to be one of the very best small cars available on the market, and one of the most reliable cars of any class or size …. couple that together with this example’s impeccable service history, new MoT, thorough valet, excellent equipment levels, and peppy, responsive 1.0-litre turbocharged engine, together with outstanding fuel economy, and it’s hard to think of a reason not to buy it! It’s even in the best colour!

If you have any questions, please mail me or call me on 07917-234897.  Any inspection or accompanied test drive is welcomed by appointment.

A note about Warranties

We go to exceptional lengths to assure the mechanical condition of any car that we sell.  Cars are generally much more reliable than was the case in the past – but they are ever increasing in complexity and should the unthinkable happen, repair costs can be high.  Many buyers prefer us to keep the price of our cars low, so we do not include a mechanical breakdown warranty as standard.  However, we are agents for the industry-leading warranty provider – Warranty Wise (Warranty Provider of the Year 2024 for the fourth year running!).  If you wish to do so, you can optionally purchase a top-notch very comprehensive WarrantyWise Platinum vehicle warranty for this Skoda Fabia, covering 100% of the repair cost on all major components, at labour rates of up to £75ph, at a cost of £289 for 6-months, £389 for 12-months, or £749 for 24-months.  It will cover repair costs up to £5000 for any individual claim, and up to a combined maximum of the purchase cost of the vehicle.   
Lower levels of warranty cover are available at lower cost if preferred.0
Please click on “our services” above for more details.

Outstanding condition two-owner car, with thorough service history, just serviced, long MoT, fully valeted, with great specification including 4-speed  automatic gearbox, air conditioning, Colour Satellite Navigation, RDS-radio with CD player and aux input, electric front windows, electrically adjusted and power-folding door mirrors, and 16” alloy wheels!  This is a great opportunity to acquire a low-mileage small automatic hatchback in terrific condition!

Here’s a great opportunity to acquire a cost-effective example of this highly desirable Mazda hatchback, with automatic transmission, in excellent condition throughout!

In the details below, you’ll find full details of the specification, vehicle history, and a thoroughly detailed condition report.
Twenty-three large-format photos also below!

The Back Story

This Mazda 2 Automatic has been owned for the last seven-and-half years by Laura – a family friend.  Recently, Laura decided to change up to a newer electric-powered car; I was happy to be able to help her with that, and to take this Mazda in part-exchange.

Laura had bought it from the local Mazda main agent back in 2017, when it showed just over 15,000 miles on the clock.  The car has always been a second car in Laura’s household, with Laura using it primarily for local journeys in her role as a district health worker, and for running the children about.  That helps to explain its low mileage – since buying it, Laura has added just a further 33,000 miles to it, so it is now offered with just 48,000 warranted miles.

I collected the car from Gloucester, and have also given it a good test run down to Bristol and back – so I’ve now covered well over 100 miles in the car.  During these journeys the Mazda has impressed me – it drives very well, delivering a good turn of speed combined with great handling, comfort, space and versatility.

Mazda 2 Ownership in General

The Mazda 2 has a terrific reputation on the used car market – not just for that legendary Mazda build quality and reliability, but also for its driving characteristics.  It’s based on the same platform as the contemporary Ford Fiesta – which is no bad thing!  As such, it still rides and handles very well, yet gains that Mazda build quality.  The interior is a bit more traditional than the equivalent Fiesta, but it is comfortable, smart and well-equipped, and there’s plenty of room for everyone.

The Mazda 2 was originally introduced way back in 2003 before a new model was launched in 2007.  That second generation – of which this is one – ran until 2015, so this one is quite late in the production run.   This is the 1.5-litre 5-door model, fitted with a 1,498cc 4-cylinder petrol engine, producing 101bhp and 133Nm torque.  This gives it a very nippy 0-60mph time of 11.5 secs and a top speed of 105mph, so it is perfectly happy either running around town or out on the open road or motorway.  It feels plenty quick enough in any environment – although the 1.5-litre engines can get a bit noisy at higher revs.  It’s highly economical too – running on the Euro Emissions 5 standard (so it is London ULEZ compliant) with figures of 53.3mpg on the Extra Urban and 44.8mpg on the combined fuel test!  Road tax is £210 per year.

Out on the road, the Mazda feels capable beyond its size and motoring segment.  It is comfortable and assured, accelerating with confidence, handling well and cruising smoothly too.  It’s well equipped too – and this car clearly benefits from the assurance of the low mileage, fresh service, and valet.  All of those benefits also come before you consider the outstanding economy figures.

Specification of this example

This 2 Tamura is fitted with the economical yet powerful 1.5-litre 4-cylinder naturally aspirated (i.e non-turbo) petrol injection engine.  It develops 101bhp, which is plenty to whizz this car along very acceptably.  It gets up to speed comfortably, and maintains it without a problem out on the open road.  The four-speed automatic transmission works very well, and changes are very smooth.

There’s plenty of interior space, the seats are comfortable, and the equipment level on this Tamura Nav model is what you might expect from the class above.   Air conditioning, colour-screen touch-sensitive satellite navigation, electric front windows, electrically adjustable, heated and powerfolding door mirrors, smart 16” alloy wheels, high quality RDS-radio and CD-player audio system with steering wheel controls, height adjustable driver’s seat, remote central locking, and that automatic gearbox. There’s also a whole host of safety features, including air bags all round, traction control, ISOFIX rear seat mounts, seat belt pre-tensioners, ABS, Brakeforce distribution, immobilizer, locking wheel nuts etc.

As well as ticking every option available (metallic paint, traction control, satellite navigation), this example has also benefitted from new with the Original Equipment floormats throughout (still in great condition) and a fitted load compartment protector.

This car’s condition

It’s finished in Aluminium Silver Metallic, set off by the smart 16” alloy wheels.  Given its age and mileage, it’s in outstanding condition.  There’s a few light stone chips and marks to the paintwork, but it’s all consistent with its age and mileage and there aren’t any unsightly dents or scuffs.  The wheels have all suffered from some minor kerbing damage, but not enough to justify repainting them.  The whole car remains very smart and presentable, as shown in the photos.

The recorded mileage of just under 48,000 is absolutely warranted to be correct.  The first owner had the car serviced each year – despite the low annual mileage.  This is held at Mazda on an electronic service record, which I verified by calling the local dealer; they gave me the details of these services, which I have recorded in a substitute service book.  Laura didn’t really focus on servicing, given the low mileage that she was covering, so only had the Mazda serviced once more – in April 2022 at 40,962 miles.  This followed an MoT failure due to wear in the front brakes and worn wiper blades – so these were rectified and the car given a service at the local garage.  I have now given the car another full service, so it has got five services now recorded, of which the first three were at Mazda main agents.  These are all detailed below.  The Mazda has an MoT through to April 2025, which is clean with no advisory items.  As you would expect at this mileage, the Mazda goes, performs, steers, stops etc just as you would want and expect it to do. It also has a chain-driven camshaft, so there is no cambelt replacement to be worried about either!

The Mazda has also been fully valeted and Experian Data Checked (like HPI) and is clear (again, as you would expect).  The owner’s handbook and guide to the satellite navigation system in present, together with a substitute service book and a few servicing receipts. Like all our cars, the Mazda will also come with a 100-pt mechanical and functional inspection report.

The Motoring Press view

Giving it an excellent rating of 4.0 stars out of 5, Parker’s Car Guide praises its driving credentials and standard equipment levels, and comments:-

“The second-generation Mazda 2, sold in the UK from 2007 to 2015, was a smaller and lighter car than its predecessor, very much in tune with the pared-back philosophy that also inspires the Mazda MX-5 roadster.  Based on the same platform as the contemporary Ford Fiesta, the Mk2 Mazda 2 is also good to drive and shouldn’t be an expensive second-hand car to buy, run or fix.   The petrol models have a great reliability record and the potential to keep going for yonks; generally Mazda builds dependable vehicles, and the 2 is no exception.
The Mazda 2 safety systems performed extremely well in Euro NCAP crash tests at the time, scoring a maximum five stars for adult protection. All cars get dual front airbags, ABS (with emergency brakeforce distribution), a trio of three-point rear seatbelts, two Isofix child seat anchor points and a Thatcham Category 1 alarm.
Although it feels a little narrow from the driver’s seat, the 2’s interior is especially comfortable and user-friendly. The steering wheel only adjusts for height (not reach), but the seat height can be changed, which means most people should be able to find a comfortable driving position. Visibility is excellent too. Although there are thick windscreen pillars, these are angled in such a way that they don’t obstruct the view.  The layout of the buttons and switches is simple, clear and easy to use on the move. Top models have steering wheel-mounted controls, making it easier to change radio station or adjust the volume on the move. Mazda 2 comfort levels are surprisingly high. With good ride comfort and decent head and legroom, the 2 is comfortable for all on board. There’s space for three children or two adults in the back with adequate space.
If you want to make the most of the Mazda 2’s nippy handling, the 101hp 1.5-litre petrol is the better bet. Mazda 2 running costs work out pretty well. All the engines return good fuel consumption for their size, while low CO2 ratings help to keep road tax down. Mazda servicing is generally reasonable and insurance costs are in-line with similar models.  Mazda 2 emissions are nice and low. The 2 bucks the trend of small cars getting bigger and heavier. It’s almost 100kg lighter and 40mm shorter than the car it replaced. It translates into much lower emissions and better fuel economy.
We reckon a used Mazda 2 of this generation will make a sound purchase, especially if you’re after a simple runabout with a bit of zip about the driving experience. Being based on the Ford Fiesta means plenty of parts compatibility, which might help with costs, but even if you stick to Mazda dealer prices, the Mazda 2 Mk2 should be cheap to run. This is a nice, affordable small car”.

Equipment and Features

> Finished in Aluminium Silver Metallic paintwork, with charcoal patterned cloth interior trim
> 1,498cc 4-cylinder fuel-injection petrol engine, producing 101bhp and 133Nm torque
> 4-speed Automatic gearbox with Hold function
> Power Assisted Steering (PAS)
> Air conditioning
> Mazda branded Alpine C860 touchscreen multi-media system, with colour screen Satellite Navigation, RDS-Radio with auxiliary input socket, single-CD player, roof-mounted bee-sting aerial, steering-wheel mounted radio controls, and integrated anti-theft protection
> Integrated Bluetooth radio and phone system
> 10-spoke (5x ‘V’ pattern) 16” alloy wheels
> Electric front windows and one-touch operation on the driver’s window
> Electrically adjustable, heated door mirrors with power-folding
> Anti-lock braking system (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
> Traction Control
> Remote control central locking, with two full remote controls
> Tinted windows
> Three rear seats, each fitted with 3-point seat belts, and head restraints and ISOFIX seat mountings to the outer two seats
> 60/40 split folding rear seat
> Height adjustable steering wheel
> Height adjustable driver’s seat
> Driver’s, Front Passenger’s, and twin side airbags
> Rear fog lamp
> Trip computer with current mpg, verage mpg, distance to empty, average speed, exterior temperature, speed alarm
> Heated rear window
> Rear wash/wipe system
> 12v charging point/cigarette lighter
> Tailored front and rear original equipment floormats
> Plastic bootliner load protector

History and Documentation

> The current mileage is showing as 47,808 miles which is warranted as correct.
> The Mazda comes with its V5 registration document.  It was first registered 17^th April 2014, and transferred to its second keeper on the 9^th May 2017.  It has had just the two owners.
> The current MoT expires 10^th April 2025.  It was issued 11^th April 2024 at 45,675 miles with no advisory items.   
> An MoT history printout shows the following MoTs:-
15,346 miles;  30/03/2017
20,287 miles;  12/04/2018
25,150 miles;  29/03/2019
31,941 miles;  12/05/2020
37,070 miles;  11/05/2021
40,962 miles;  29/04/2022
43,288 miles;  05/05/2023
45,675 miles;  11/04/2024
> The car has been Experian Data Checked (similar to HPI), and the buyer will receive a copy of the report – which shows no problems.
> The car has been serviced five times. The first three are held electronically at Mazda, but a substitute service book has those recorded, as follows:-
  6,444 miles;  10/04/2015  – Mazda Main Agent
11,926 miles;  04/04/2016 – Mazda Main Agent
15,346 miles;  30/01/2017 – Mazda Main Agent
40,962 miles;  April/2021 – Independent Garage
47,711 miles;  25/11/2024 – Independent Garage (my mechanics)
> The owners handbook, service guide, satellite navigation guide, and book pack are all present.

Bodywork and Interior Condition

> As you can see from the photos, the bodywork is in outstanding condition.  There are no nasty scuffs, dents or rusty patches.  There are a few touched-in stone chips, one or two light scratches and a couple of trolley dents – but it still presents very smartly and in excellent overall condition for its age and mileage.
> The interior is equally very good throughout, with no damage to the seats or carpets, assisted by the black carpet floormats fitted from new

Mechanical Condition and Wheels/Tyres

> The car has covered just under 48,000 miles.  It goes very well indeed – and runs, steers, stops and goes round corners just as you would expect
 > All the interior warning lights come on and go off as they should.
> The road wheels are 10-spoke 16”alloys; all of them have minor kerbing marks to the rims, but not badly enough to warrant repairing and repainting them
> The road tyres are a mixture of makes in 195/65×16 size.  The front tyres are a matched pair of Falken Ziex tyres, with between 4mm and 5mm of tread.  One rear tyre is a Prestivo with 5mm of tread and the other is a Sumitomo with around 6mm of tread – both budget brands.  There is no spare wheel as an inflation kit is provided instead
> The locking wheel nut key and tools are present

Summary

All in all – this is an excellent opportunity to acquire a small modern hatchback in outstanding condition.  Frankly, if the speedometer didn’t say so, you would struggle to believe that this car has covered 48,000 miles – it looks very smart throughout and drives just as it should.  The Mazda 2 is universally acknowledged to be one of the very best small cars available on the market, and one of the most reliable cars of any class or size …. couple that together with this example’s good service history, long MoT, thorough valet, excellent equipment levels, and peppy, responsive 1.5-litre engine, together with outstanding fuel economy, and it’s hard to think of a reason not to buy it!

If you have any questions, please mail me or call me on 07917-234897.  Any inspection or accompanied test drive is welcomed by appointment.

A note about Warranties

e go to exceptional lengths to assure the mechanical condition of any car that we sell.  Cars are generally much more reliable than was the case in the past – but they are ever increasing in complexity and should the unthinkable happen, repair costs can be high.  Many buyers prefer us to keep the price of our cars low, so we do not include a mechanical breakdown warranty as standard.  However, we are agents for the industry-leading warranty provider – Warranty Wise. If you wish to do so, you can optionally purchase a comprehensive WarrantyWise Silver vehicle warranty for this Mazda 2, covering 100% of the repair cost on all major components, at labour rates of up to £75ph, at a cost of £219 for 6-months, £299 for 12-months, or £549 for 24-months.  It will cover repair costs up to £2000 for any individual claim, and up to a combined maximum of the purchase cost of the vehicle.   
Please click on “our services” above for more details.

Excellent condition throughout, with just 78k miles from new; just serviced, fully valeted with great specification including electric windows, Parrot Bluetooth phone kit, CD-player, trip computer etc etc, and just £35 per annum road tax!  Cambelt replaced within the last 2000 miles.

In the details below, you’ll find full details of the specification, vehicle history, and a thoroughly detailed condition report.
Eighteen large-format photos also below!

Everybody loves to drive a small Fiat!  40-odd years ago, my very first car was a small Fiat.  My mother learned to drive in an original Fiat 500 and now – well into her 80s – she also has one of these new-model 500s.  They are fun to drive at any age, and are just so trendy, smart and cute! 

The ultra-low running costs – with low insurance, excellent fuel economy and just £35 per year road tax – make these Fiats highly desirable, either as a new-driver’s first car, or as an extra car in a busy household, or for the elderly – in fact, anyone looking to keep to a budget!

I took this Fiat 500 into stock from the mother of a family friend.  Also well into her 80s, Beryl herself bought this Fiat back in 2022, having fallen in love with its looks and snazzy interior.  A couple of years later, though, with failing eyesight, Beryl has decided to give up driving – and so I bought this Fiat 500 from her to now offer for sale.  To be fair, I have had this car in stock for some time – I bought it in in May 2024, but have been busy with other cars coming and going, and this one just kept getting pushed to the back of the queue until I had time to deal with it…. By which time, the MoT had expired, which is why it has now also got a recent MoT to its credit!

The new-model Fiat 500 is very evocative of the original model, yet is also bang up-to-date with its features and technology.  It’s a masterful blend of tradition and modern functionality.  It retains all the city-friendly driveability and nippiness of the original 500s, with direct and sharp steering and handling, and has plenty of power to cope with motorway driving too.  This example has the four-cylinder 1,242cc 8v petrol engine, which delivers 69hp and 102NM torque through a five-speed manual gearbox to the front wheels.  This gives it that nippy handling, and a decent 0-60 time of 12.5secs and on to a maximum of 101mph (where legal, obviously!).  It’s not exactly road-burning, but that’s not really what this is designed for.  It IS designed to dart around town, and to cope with occasional journeys further afield, and it does that very well indeed!  It performs well on the road, accelerating smoothly and keeping up with the traffic with ease.  It’s also highly efficient and economical, achieving 49.6mpg on the Urban cycle and around 66mpg on the Extra Urban circuit.  It’s Euro-5 compliant too, and 113g/km emissions results in a road tax of just £35 per annum.

The 500 has been on sale since 2008, and this example, dating from late 2010, is one of the original series.  Sadly, there is little history with the car, but a trade vehicle check shows that it has had four previous owners including Beryl herself.  The first owner owned it until January 2015, so about five years old, when it shows as having covered 38,000 miles.  The second owner added quite a few miles, keeping the car until August 2018 and adding a further 26k miles (up to total 64k) in the next three years.  The third owner then covered just another 12,000 miles, up to a total of 76,000, in the period until Beryl bought it in 2022.  Since then, it has covered just another couple of thousand, currently showing just over 78,000 recorded miles.

Fiat 500 trim levels are numerous (and sometimes confusing) – this example is the Pop trim level, which brings all the essentials within its equipment roster – 15” multispoke alloy wheels, electrically adjusted mirrors, electric front windows, remote central locking, DAB Radio with Aux input and CD-player, rear fog lamps, trip computer and City steering.  It also has a good quality Parrot hands-free phone and Bluetooth kit fitted.  There’s all the right safety and environmental kit too, such as ABS, Seatbelt pretensioners, Stability Control, Driver, Passenger, and Side Airbags, ISOFIX mounting points to the rear seats, and engine start/stop…I thought this was supposed to be a basic City car!!?  Altogether, a pretty impressive roll-call of equipment and features!

This example is finished in glossy and smooth Bossa Nova White, and it looks very smart too, set off by the 18-spoke 15” gloss-black painted alloy wheels.  Inside, the smartness continues, with undamaged seats in a two-tone red and white design, and full carpeting, all in great condition.  It all comes together in a chic, smart combination – and what’s even better is that it is in great condition…. There’s a couple of small trolley-dents, some condensation in one rear light cluster, and some touched-in kerbing marks on the wheels – but there’s nothing of any great concern and it all looks smart and well-presented

The recorded mileage of just over 78,000 looks to be correct, and is evidenced by the MoT printout from new, which shows the mileage gradually increasing throughout its fourteen year life.  Without a decent service history, though, it can’t be confirmed.  There’s a service receipt from 2016 (at 53,000 miles), when it was also MOT’d at the same date and mileage.  When Beryl bought it in 2022, the garage that she bought it from did a full service, and, crucially, also replaced the cambelt – so that will be good for some time yet.  When I took the car into stock, back in May 2024, my mechanics completed a full service, including changing the oil and filter and replacing the spark plugs too.  Subsequently, I had an MoT completed in October – which was passed with one advisory for light surface corrosion on the rear axle; the car went back out to my mechanics, who have cleaned this off and repainted it.
The 500 has also been fully valeted and Experian Data Checked (like HPI) and is clear (again, as you would expect).  There are no manuals present with the car.

Parker’s Car Guide comments:-

“Fun and characterful retro looks, frugal engines with low running costs and a bright and cheerful interior are the main reasons why the Fiat 500 has been consistenty popular among car buyers since this three-door city car was relaunched in 2008.  That’s a long time to be on sale and while there was a major overhaul for the car in 2015 with tweaks to the styling and interior, the 500’s engine range and trim level line-up have been adjusted throughout the car’s lifespan to keep it fresh. All models come with an efficient engine range with low running costs and a quirky interior. Much of the modern Fiat 500’s appeal lies in its retro looks that hark back to the 1950s original. Fiat has carefully updated these looks to retain the essence of the original while making the car bigger on the inside to give it a bit of practicality.
The appealing look of the 500’s exterior extends to the inside, with a distinctive dashboard, retro touches and plenty of character.  The gear lever is dashboard-mounted, meaning even smaller drivers will find it falls very easily to hand, which is great for manoeuvres and also frees up some foot room lower down.
The agile handling and compact size of the Fiat 500 make it ideal as a city car. The small size does make the 500 a good car for country lanes, where its narrow dimensions let it slip through gaps more readily, while visibility is excellent…thanks to a large area of glass, as well as flat sides, small overhangs and a raised driving position.
Running a Fiat 500 won’t cost you an awful lot, no matter the model you end up buying. While prices are reasonable to start with, it holds its value well and the engines are largely frugal.   Although not overly strong, the 1.2-litre petrol engine was perky enough at low speeds, but needed stretching to 5,500rpm in order to hit its peak power. Not one for boy racers then, but it’s perfectly usable around town

Should you buy a Fiat 500? 

Yes, if you’re on a budget and want a cool image. Don’t think that just because the basic design dates back to 2008 that it’s an old and unappealing car – far from it. The Fiat 500 still looks fresh.  Don’t worry too much about reliability – this one is proving exceptionally dependable in the long-term.
For city-dwelling drivers, the 500 is hugely relevant, and a surprisingly capable 2+2-seater city car that looks and feels cheerful to drive. Considering its reasonable price, the 500 is a bargain.
Exceptionally popular – and it’s not hard to see why”

Out on the road, the 500 is nippy and fun to drive.  It accelerates well, corners sharply and cruises smoothly.   The four-seat interior is airy and has a cool and funky vibe to it, enhanced by that bold red and white interior colour scheme.  All the controls work well, and this one looks very smart too, finished in its glossy white paintwork and contrasting black alloy wheels. 

As with all our vehicles, the Fiat comes with a 100-point inspection report covering all items of functionality and a mechanical inspection conducted by our service agents. 

If you wish to do so, you can also optionally purchase a comprehensive WarrantyWise Bronze vehicle warranty covering 100% of the repair cost on all major components, a claim limit of £1000 per claim, and a £75 per hour labour rate.  This would cost £199 for 6-months, or £249 for a year or £479 for 24-months.  Please click on “our services” above for more details.

Equipment and Features
> Finished in Bossa Nova white paintwork, with red and white cloth interior trim
> 1,242cc 4-cylinder 8-valve petrol engine, producing 69bhp and 102Nm torque
> 5-speed manual gearbox
> Power Assisted Steering (PAS) with City function to boost assistance
> 18-spoke Gloss-Black painted 15” alloy wheels
> Integrated Fiat multimedia audio unit, with separate auxiliary and USB-inputs, DAB-RDS radio, single-CD player, and roof mounted ‘bee-sting’ aerial
> Parrot MKi 9200 integrated Handsfree and Bluetooth kit
> Electric front windows, with one-touch operation
> Electrically operated door mirrors
> Anti-lock braking system (ABS), with Electronic Stability Control
> Remote control central locking, with one full remote control keys and one non-remote fixed-blade spare key
> Engine Start/Stop
> Tinted windows
> Two rear seats, each fitted with 3-point seat belts, head restraints and with ISOFIX seat mountings
> Height adjustable steering wheel
> Map pocket to rear of passenger’s seat
> Driver’s, Front Passenger’s, and side airbags
> Rear fog lamp
> Trip computer with average speed, average fuel consumption, distance to empty, trip distance, current mpg, and elapsed time functions
> Heated rear window
> Rear wash/wipe system
> 4-speed heater fan
> 12v charging point
> Tailored front and rear floormats

History and Documentation
> The current mileage is showing as 78,109 miles.
> The Fiat comes with its V5 registration document.  It was first registered 18^th December 2008 and shows a total of four previous owners, including the latest keeper
> The current MoT expires 7^th October 2025.  It was issued 8^th October 2024 at 78,099 miles, with one advisory item for corrosion to the rear axle.  This has since been addressed.
> The car has been Experian Data Checked (similar to HPI), and the buyer will receive a copy of the report – which shows no problems.
> There is a substitute service book, which documents the receipted service from October 2016 (52892 miles), the service completed when the last owner purchased the car in July 2022 (76819 miles) – when the cambelt was also replaced, and the service completed by my mechanics in May 2024 (78062 miles)

Bodywork and Interior Condition
> As you can see from the photos, the bodywork is in excellent condition.  There are a couple of tiny trolley dents, and some condensation inside one rear light cluster, but other than that it’s pretty well immaculate.
> The interior is similarly excellent, with no damage to the seats or carpets, assisted by the floor overmats front and rear.

Mechanical Condition and Wheels/Tyres
> The car has covered just over 78,000 miles.  It goes very well indeed – and runs, steers, stops and goes round corners even better than you might expect
 > All the interior warning lights come on and go off as they should.
> The road wheels are multi-spoke black-painted 15” alloys; there are some minor kerbing to some of the wheels – but this has been neatly touched-in, and doesn’t justify having the wheels refinished at this stage
> The road tyres are a bit of a mix of budget makes, but all have plenty of tread.  The front tyres are a matched pair of Maxxis Victra 510 tyres, with between 6mm and 7mm of tread; one rear tyre is a Sailwin Antares and the other is an Autogreen, both of which have between 5mm and 6mm of tread.  The spare is a Pirelli space saver tyre, with 2mm of tread.
> The towing eye is present, together with all the tools

So – to review – this is an opportunity to acquire an very good condition, low-mileage example of this funky, retro and cute small hatchback.  Its design still looks fresh and modern, and the smart White paint and stylish contrasting multi-spoke alloys still look great.  It’s been recently serviced and MoT’d, and the cambelt has covered less than 2000 miles.  It has all the essential equipment, including electric windows, CD-player and Bluetooth phone kit, coupled with safety kit such as air bags all round. 
The Fiat 500 is a highly desirable choice on the used car market, and this example with its full valet, HPI-check, and just £35 per year road tax makes a very compelling case for itself, as well as offering great value for money too.

If you have any questions, please mail me or call me on 07917-234897.  Any inspection or accompanied test drive is welcomed by appointment.

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Excellent condition full-size 4×4, with extensive service history, recent service, long MoT, fully valeted, with great specification including 7-speed automatic gearbox with paddle shift, full leather interior with contrasting piping, dual-zone climate control, cruise control with speed limiter, colour satellite navigation, 6-disc CD changer, 20” alloy wheels, headlamp washers, parking sensors all round, reversing camera, heated seats etc etc… Nearly £50k list price when new! This is a great opportunity to acquire a top-spec luxury off-roader in terrific condition!

In the details below, you’ll find full details of the specification, vehicle history, and a thoroughly detailed condition report.
Twenty-eight large-format photos also below!

The Back Story

I’m a great fan of Mercedes… I’ve had several myself and have found them to provide an almost unbeatable combination of comfort, equipment, versatility and reliability.  It was an easy choice then to buy in a top spec ML AWD to meet the requirements of a long standing customer, and send it off on one of the world’s longest test-drives!!

OK – to put that into a bit more context!! In December last year, I was asked to look out for a full-size highly competent all-wheel-drive vehicle for friends-of-friends.  This would be the fourth time that I’ve helped out this English family (Donna and husband Daryl) – who now live in Australia.  Daryl is a former ski-instructor, and periodically they come over from Australia for an extended break; they tour round visiting family and friends in the UK, then drive to Austria – in the depths of winter – for a couple of months of non-stop ski-ing.  Then they drive back to the UK, whiz round relatives again, and then fly home.  My role is to sell them a car for this Grand Tour, and then buy it back at the end of the trip, and offer it again for sale – hence why the ML is now back with me and available for sale.

On this occasion, the ML covered nearly 5000 miles during their trip, touring round Europe.  It did so impeccably, and coped wonderfully with deep snow, freezing temperatures etc.  It cruised effortlessly and comfortably on the motorways, took all their possessions and equipment, and proved to be the ideal choice of vehicle for them – this is the second time they have taken a Mercedes ML from me, after the previous one looked after them so well.

This example – the ML 300 CDI Grand Edition – was first registered in October 2011.  Its first owner kept it for just ten months, and put about 9000 miles on the clock. The second owner looks to have then kept the car for only another few months, but the third owner kept it through to May 2015 when it changed hands with about 29,000 miles.  The fourth owner then ran the ML for over six years, selling it on in August 2021 with around 56,000 miles on the clock.  The next owner then kept the car another six months, until March 2022, adding only another couple of thousand miles, when selling it to the sixth owner – in Washington, Tyne & Wear – who kept it until Donna and Daryl bought it in December last year with just under 73k miles on the clock.  It now shows a little under 78k miles, and with seven former keepers altogether.

Mercedes ML Ownership in General

Make no mistake, the ML is a big car – it has enormous road presence, and you feel insulated from the hustle of normal motoring when you sit in it.  You sit high up, with a commanding view of the road ahead, and with an environment of peaceful calm, coupled with the ability to cope with almost any road or weather conditions.  The ML seems completely unflappable, with the power to cope with anything that gets thrown at it.  It will cruise happily, quietly and comfortably for hours on end, or act almost like a sports car, or suggest that it can yomp across open fields (not that I’ve tried that!).  And despite all that, at its heart it is a Mercedes, which brings legendary build quality, solidity and reliability. 

As you might expect from such a large, powerful car, it isn’t the most economical, and the road tax is also pretty eye-watering – but you are getting a heck of a lot of car for your money!

The ML was originally introduced way back in 1998 – the first generation model running through to 2004, when this second generation model was introduced. This version ran through until 2012, when the final version was launched, which ran through to 2015.  This example is one of the last of the second generation models, benefitting from the post-2008 facelift. 

This is the ML 300 Grand Edition CDI BlueEfficiency model, fitted with a V-6 cylinder 3.0-litre turbodiesel engine, producing 204bhp and a crushing 500Nm torque.  This gives it a very acceptable 0-60mph time of under 8- secs and a top speed of 130mph, so it is perfectly happy flattening the countryside, cruising down the motorway or autobahn, or pulling up outside a swanky hotel or restaurant.  Despite all that power, it’s surprisingly economical, with figures of 36.2mpg on the Extra Urban and 31.0mpg on the combined fuel test!  It’s Euro 5 compliant on the emissions, and road tax is a pretty shocking £710 per year….best not to ask really!

Out on the road, the ML just feels hugely capable; it is comfortable and assured, accelerating with confidence, handling well and cruising smoothly too.  It benefits from a huge equipment roster too, to make you feel even more pampered too – and this car clearly benefits from the assurance of the low mileage, recent service, long MoT, full valet and transferable warranty.

Specification of this example

This ML is fitted with the hugely powerful, yet economical 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel engine.  Here, it develops 204 bhp and 500 NM torque, which is plenty to overcome the physical size and weight of the car and still enable it to accelerate like a sports car!  0-60 comes up in under 8 seconds… and cruising at almost any speed is not a problem.  The interior is huge – one of the main reasons that Donna and her family love the cars so much.  There is masses of space for all the family, the seats are super-comfortable, and even when five-up, the boot space is equally massive. 

The Grand Edition model equipment level also goes on for almost ever  – justifying the near £50k price tag when the car was new twelve years ago!  Dual-zone climate control, remote powered tailgate, electrically adjusted powerfolding mirrors, automatic lights and wipers, full black leather interior with contrasting piping, side running boards, parking sensors all round with rear colour reversing camera, headlamp washers, heated electrically adjustable seats, dual zone climate control, downhill descent control, cruise control with speed limiter, colour screen satellite navigation, 6-cd changer with video player, 20” diamond cut alloy wheels with mud & snow tyres etc etc.  And that’s before you consider the super-silky-smooth 8-speed automatic gearbox, with column change and Tiptronic steering wheel mounted controls.

The Grand Edition was a limited edition version produced by Mercedes for just over a year, and costing around £3k over the standard models.  The Grand Edition specification includes blue-tinted thermal insulation glass all-round, dark-tinted headlamps and LED technology for the daytime driving lights and sporty, darkened tail lights. Aluminium roof rails and an extensive chrome package with an AMG radiator grille and underguards at the front and rear round off the additional exterior features.  Optionally, as in the case in this example, unique 10-spoke (5x’Y’) 20” alloy wheels could also be specified.
Inside, the man-made leather is fitted with contrasting piping seams, there is Poplar wood trim, and dark-coloured headlining.

This car’s condition

It’s finished in Obsidian Black Metallic, set off by the very imposing 20” diamond-cut alloy wheels.  Overall, the car is in outstanding condition – the paintwork is smooth, glossy and has a deep shine to it, and it all looks stunning. There’s no damage of any significance to the bodywork at all – no dents or scuffs, just a few light stone chips and scratches consistent with the age and mileage.  Three of the wheels have some very light kerbing marks and some delamination of the lacquer, but it’s minor and, in my opinion, doesn’t yet justify any repair.

The recorded mileage of just under 78,000 miles is absolutely warranted to be correct.  The Mercedes has had eight services recorded – the first five by Mercedes Main Agents and the three subsequent ones by independent garages.  These are all detailed below. 

The ML also has an MoT through to the end of November 2024, which is clean with no advisory items.  As you would expect, it goes, performs, steers, stops etc just as you would want and expect it to do.  Like all Mercedes, it has a chain-driven camshaft, so there is no cambelt replacement to be worried about either!

The Mercedes has also been fully valeted and Experian Data Checked (like HPI) and is clear (again, as you would expect).  All the owner’s handbook, electronic service record and subsequent service book, COMAND Sat nav and audio handbook etc are present with the car. Like all our cars, the Mercedes also comes with a 100-pt mechanical and functional inspection report.

The Motoring Press view

Giving it an excellent rating of 4.0 stars out of 5, Parker’s Car Guide praises its stylish looks, outstanding diesel engines, interior quality and commanding driving position, and comments:-

“The styling is understated and elegant, the interior is comfortable and attractive, plus it drives well – both on and off-road – the whole package oozes subtle sophistication. There are some cracking engines too, including a whisper-quiet V6 diesel.
Compared to the previous M-Class, the interior is vastly improved. The driving position is excellent and the seat offers great side and lower back support along with multiple adjustment. Although it’s a familiar sight on the American market, the ‘stick-selector’ auto gearshift may not be familiar to UK buyers. It’s on a stalk by the steering wheel while manual changes can be made with buttons behind the steering wheel. Quality is excellent and the upmarket interiors give it a suitably classy feel.  A well packaged interior means five adults can travel in comfort. The ride is smooth, the seats supportive in the right areas and there’s plenty of head and legroom for all passengers. Superb sound insulation – and improved engine technology – means that the diesels remains quiet, even under heavy acceleration. 
Fuel consumption from the diesel V6 is average (30mpg in everyday driving) for a car of this size.  Mercedes-Benz’s reputation for high quality engineering and quality has taken a knock in recent years. However, the M-Class seems to show the firm is back on track. The plasticky interior of the old 1998-2005 car has been replaced by one that feels much higher quality. On motorways it cruises comfortably and there’s enough power from all engines for easy overtaking. Its sharp steering, responsive brakes and excellent body control means that it can make quick progress on B-roads.  Its off-road ability is surprisingly good and it should be able to tackle everything that an average buyer can throw at it. It’s user-friendly to use too – electronics deal with slipping wheels, lack of traction and descending hills, so it’s difficult to go wrong.”

Equipment and Features
> Finished in Obsidian Black Metallic paintwork, with charcoal leather interior trim, piped cream
> 2,987cc V6-cylinder fuel-injection turbodiesel engine, producing204bhp and 500Nm torque
> 7-speed Automatic gearbox with column mounted “stick change” and steering wheel mounted paddle shift control
> Power Assisted Steering (PAS)
> Dual-Zone climate control
> Mercedes COMAND Audio system, with RDS radio, 6 in-dash CD changer, Video player, auxiliary external media input, Bluetooth phone connections, steering-wheel mounted radio controls, and integrated anti-theft protection
> Colour screen inbuilt satellite navigation system
> 10-spoke (5x’Y’) 20” diamond cut alloy wheels
> Cruise control with Speed Limiter function
> Electric front and rear windows with one-touch operation on all windows
> Electrically adjustable, heated door mirrors with power-folding
> Anti-lock braking system (ABS) and Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
> Downhill Descent Control
> Power Operated tailgate
> Remote control central locking, with two full remote controls
> Front and rear parking sensors and colour reversing camera
> Tinted windows
> Headlamp washers
> Automatic headlights and automatic wiper controls
> Electrically adjusted and heated front seats, with adjustable lumbar control and height adjustment to each
> Three rear seats, each fitted with 3-point seat belts, and head restraints and ISOFIX seat mountings to the outer two seats
> 60/40 split folding rear seat
> Height and reach adjustable steering wheel
> Driver’s, Front Passenger’s, side and curtain airbags
> Day running lights
> Front and Rear fog lamps
> Multifunction trip computer
> Heated rear window
> Rear wash/wipe system
> 12v charging point
> Side running boards
> Twin integrated roof rails
> Removeable boot liner
> Retractable rear parcel shelf/load cover
> Tailored front and rear Original Equipment carpet floormats, and secondary rubber floormats
> Warning triangle

History and Documentation
> The current mileage is showing as 77,802 miles which is warranted as correct.
> The ML comes with its V5 registration document.  It was first registered 24^th October 2011, and transferred to its second keeper 22^nd August 2012.  The third owner registered it on the 7^th November 2012, and kept it until 29^th May 2015.  The fourth owner then ran the car until the fifth owner registered it on the 18^th August 2021, and the sixth owner on the 4^th March 2022.  Donna and her husband registered it on the 10^th December 2023.
> The current MoT expires 24^th November 2024.  It was issued 25^th November 2023 at 72,757 miles with no advisory items.   
> An MoT history printout shows the following MoTs:-
25,500 miles;  15/10/2014
29,243 miles;  29/05/2015
35,063 miles;  20/05/2016
40,120 miles;  13/05/2017
46,593 miles;  23/06/2018
50,054 miles;  01/06/2019
53,708 miles;  28/05/2020
55,114 miles;  24/05/2021
57,026 miles;  22/02/2022
68,702 miles;  21/02/2023
72,757 miles;  25/11/2023
> The car has been Experian Data Checked (similar to HPI), and the buyer will receive a copy of the report – which shows no problems, but advises that the car has been registered on five different personalized number plates
> The car has been serviced eight times, with details as follows:-
10,099 miles;  22/08/2012 – Mercedes Main Agent, Electronic service record
16,898 miles;  16/08/2013 – Mercedes Main Agent, Electronic service record
29,243 miles;  02/06/2015 – Mercedes Main Agent, Electronic service record
35,514 miles;  14/06/2016 – Mercedes Main Agent, Electronic service record
46,258 miles;  30/05/2018 – Mercedes Main Agent, Electronic service record
56,574 miles;  05/10/2021 – Independent Garage, service invoice
68,807 miles;  24/02/2023 – Independent Garage, service invoice
72,582 miles;  05/09/2023 – Independent Garage (my mechanics), stamp in substitute service book
> The owners handbook, COMAND audio and sat nav guide, and book pack are all present.

Bodywork and Interior Condition
> As you can see from the photos, the bodywork is in excellent condition. 
> There are no areas of dents or scuffs, and the whole car looks stunning.
> Inevitably at this age and mileage, there are a small number of light stone chips and light scratches – but it remains in outstanding condition for its age and mileage.
> The interior is like new, assisted by the Original Equipment black carpet floormats, and secondary rubber floormats, fitted throughout

Mechanical Condition and Wheels/Tyres
> The car has covered just under 78,000 miles.  It goes very well indeed – and runs, steers, stops and goes round corners just as you would expect
 > All the interior warning lights come on and go off as they should.
> The road wheels are 10-spoke 20” diamond-cut alloys; three of them have minor kerbing scuffs – in two cases, to a single spoke on each wheel, and in the third some scratching to the rim – and some delamination of the wheel lacquer, but not enough to warrant repairing and repainting them
> The road tyres are all excellent quality M&S (Mud and Snow) tyres in 265/45 x 20 size.  The front tyres are a pair of Vredestein Quatrac 5 tyres with between 4mm and 5mm of tread, and the rear tyres are a pair of Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 tyres. With 5mm of tread. The spare wheel is a space-saver wheel, fitted with an unused Dunlop tyre with 4mm of tread
> The locking wheel nut key, jack and tools are present

Summary

All in all – this is an excellent opportunity to acquire an outstanding condition top quality luxury 4×4.  Frankly, if the speedometer didn’t say so, you would struggle to believe that this car has covered nearly 78,000 miles – it looks stunning throughout and drives very well indeed.  Mercedes generally have an excellent reputation on the used market, for their top quality construction, comfortable and cossetting interior, performance and reliability.  This ML is no exception, and one look at its extensive equipment roster and original £50k price tag tells you what you need to know!  Couple that with this example’s extensive service history, long MoT, thorough valet, and hugely powerful 3.0-litre V6 Turbodiesel engine, together with amazing fuel economy for its size and weight, and it’s hard to think of a reason not to buy it!

If you have any questions, please mail me or call me on 07917-234897.  Any inspection or accompanied test drive is welcomed by appointment.

A note about Warranties

We go to exceptional lengths to assure the mechanical condition of any car that we sell.  Cars are generally much more reliable than was the case in the past – but they are ever increasing in complexity and should the unthinkable happen, repair costs can be high. 

We go to exceptional lengths to assure the mechanical condition of any car that we sell.  Cars are generally much more reliable than was the case in the past – but they are ever increasing in complexity and should the unthinkable happen, repair costs can be high.  Many buyers prefer us to keep the price of our cars low, so we do not include a mechanical breakdown warranty as standard.  However, we are agents for the industry-leading warranty provider – Warranty Wise. Due to the age of this Mercedes, the highest level of WarrantyWise warranty available for purchase is the Bronze level cover.  This covers 100% of the repair cost on all major mechanical components, at labour rates of up to £75ph.  This would cost £349 for 6-months or £449 for 12-months.  It will cover repair costs up to £1000 for any individual claim, and up to a combined maximum of the purchase cost of the vehicle.