My road to an Eos purchase. From scammers to a friendly seller.

ViccePik said:

Hi Everyone,

Since you have all been very helpful already, I wanted to share my story about purchasing my first Eos.

Ever since my stepfather had one when I was a kid, I was intrigued by this car. It's a timeless model with beautiful finished looks, its snazzy, it can be a business car, it can be a pleasure car. Enfin, it's a type of car that has always struck my imagination. As soon as I got my license, I started driving lease cars out of my company. First a Volco XC90, then a Mercedes CLA 180 Shooting Brake AMG. Both absolutely amazing cars, but 2 major issues:

1. Huge monthly costs
2. After 5 years, you have to give back the car and you've spent a F%&*load of money.

It was time for a change. I live together with my girlfriend and we're thinking of buying a home. Therefore the big monthly expenses are not helping our chance at a large loan for a house. Therefore, it was time to buy a used car. At the moment, I'm 26. I own a business in Video production and online marketing. So I need a car that doesn't shout: "Hey look, I'm charging you too much to pay for my personal expenses" (which was an issue with the AMG). But it should also not be a car that's usually driven by larger women with red spikey hair and a 'spicy attitude'. (you know the type). So the search was on.

While driving in my Stepfather's BMW 4401 convertible in holiday in Spain (which was also A LOT of fun as you can see), it suddenly clicked. I remember being in his Eos back in 2008 and having a blast. It's a car that looks like it can be either 15 years old, or 2 years old. It's a hard top, it's a VW (cheap-ish maintenance in comparison to my previous cars and overall reliable cars) and it's just a really f*&*n fun car! So I started doing research on specific things to look at when buying an Eos. Even before being a member here, you guys REALLY helped me with getting properly informed. For this, my thanks is very great!

I knew I wanted the 2.0 200Hp DSG automatic from 2008. The age of the car is also important to me, because here in the Netherlands, you get a huge tax break as a business owner, when you purchase a car that's over 15 years old (youngtimer arrangement).

So there I was, running through the internet and tried to find my way to my first Eos. After looking seriously at about ten of them, I finally found one worth going to visit. Only one problem, the car was (literally) on the other side of the country. A three hour drive and I have little time during weekdays. The car was listed at a car dealership there, so I called the owner to get some information about the car.

The seller explained to me that the car had a complete new engine. They replaced it, so everything was new. To me, that sounded great, but also a little fishy. So I asked for the snake in the grass. He said to me:

"Well son, since you're coming from far, I will be totally honest with you. The car has the 'usual' leakage issues."
I was prepared for this. There's an Eos specialist near me that does the yearly roof maintenance for a couple hundred euros. The seller then ensured me that there were absolutely no other issues. I specifically asked him about the state/function of the roof, the airco unit, the brakes and the DSG. He explicitly told me that the car was in top condition. It was for sale for 9750.

Since it was so far and I am way to gullible when it comes to smooth salesmen, I contacted a company to have the car professionally examined. It's a great concept. You pay €300 and the check every centimeter of the car.

Well ladies and Gentlemen, am I happy that I did not drive 3 hours to get there. Literally everything that could have been broken on that car, was broken. The roof didn't open correctly, the brakes and tires were worn out, the airco unit didn't work, the readout had countless electrical issues, the starting-engine didn't work, there was an issue with the windows when entering the key into the ignition..the list goes on. An Absolute scam! It turns out the BPM (price for importing a car to NL) was only €75,-. The examiner also said that the 'new engine' was not a new engine at all. He told me it looked like they just replaced the head gasket and tried to sell it as new. This all looks like they just imported a total-loss Eos to the NL and tried to push it for a high price.

A lying car salesman. Talk about clichés.

Then the search continued. Suddenly when I was on holiday, I got a notification that a new Eos got available online. This time, the seller (private seller) was around the corner from my home, but I was nowhere near there.

I called the seller and was met with an incredibly honest-sounding and friendly person. Almost like talking to my dad. He owned the car for about 5 years, but didn't drive it much. He bought a new VW for his daughter, so this car was getting too expensive as a fourth car. He told me about the issues: The rims were damaged, the speakers don't work anymore, and the car was very late for a big service and needed the belt needed replacement. The car was listed for €8200, but the man told me he wanted to have €7550 for it at least.

So, I called the professional examiners again, because this was a chance I couldn't let go. After informing the seller about this, I was delighted to experience the FIRST time that a seller was enthusiastic about the examination. He thought it was a brilliant idea that he'd never heard of and was very curious about it. This was a big green flag for me.

For anyone wondering, the examination can be found here.

Turns out, everything the man said was truthful. Another great thing is that the roof apparently had a FULL revision last year at the exact roof specialist I was talking to while trying to buy an Eos. So I knew this was good. So I made a deposit of €1000,- and went over.

My gut feeling was right. What an incredibly friendly man. Based on the examination and the confirmation that a large service was needed, we agreed on an even price of €7000,- so I could invest some money in the maintenance. The seller even helped me with a great affordable mechanic. He gave me a large service, an airco service, all fluids replacement and a new belt for €900,- (normally, a full service alone is about €1500,-).

And DAMN was I awe struck with the performance. The tires were worn, so I knew I needed to replace them. But everything in this car just feels right. Great chairs, a lot more options than I expected and that 200 hp kicks in lovely. I though I would need some time to adjust from my Mercedes, but I was wrong. This car feels great and has the exact right amount of representation that doesn't scare off my clients.

So I got me some new tires and balanced the car out right away. Based on advice of a car-lover friend of mine, I got the Michelin 225/40 ZR 18, pilot sport 5. I CANNOT recommend these tires more. The difference a change of tires made was absolutely unbelievable.

The only things I need to do for this car now are:

1. I need to replace the thermostat because I think it stays open. The car only gets up to temp when I drive low speeds. Once on the highway, it doesn't get past 70C*.
2. I need to replace the audio module and maybe also the speakers (you guys are already helping me with that in the ICE thread)
3. I need to do the yearly roof service.

Then, the season can start!

For now, I am absolutely and extremely happy with my new car, that I actually own myself. I can't believe it. Looking at the fact that I was completely broke, just 3-4 years ago and now I am at the point that I can actually purchase a car instead of leasing it.

Thanks again for all the help and information. I'm looking forward to years of fun with this amazing car.
To end the post, here are some pics of my new machine and me happy with the roof down:

View attachment 25215 View attachment 25216

Click to expand...

ViccePik said:

Hi Everyone,

Since you have all been very helpful already, I wanted to share my story about purchasing my first Eos.

Ever since my stepfather had one when I was a kid, I was intrigued by this car. It's a timeless model with beautiful finished looks, its snazzy, it can be a business car, it can be a pleasure car. Enfin, it's a type of car that has always struck my imagination. As soon as I got my license, I started driving lease cars out of my company. First a Volco XC90, then a Mercedes CLA 180 Shooting Brake AMG. Both absolutely amazing cars, but 2 major issues:

1. Huge monthly costs
2. After 5 years, you have to give back the car and you've spent a F%&*load of money.

It was time for a change. I live together with my girlfriend and we're thinking of buying a home. Therefore the big monthly expenses are not helping our chance at a large loan for a house. Therefore, it was time to buy a used car. At the moment, I'm 26. I own a business in Video production and online marketing. So I need a car that doesn't shout: "Hey look, I'm charging you too much to pay for my personal expenses" (which was an issue with the AMG). But it should also not be a car that's usually driven by larger women with red spikey hair and a 'spicy attitude'. (you know the type). So the search was on.

While driving in my Stepfather's BMW 4401 convertible in holiday in Spain (which was also A LOT of fun as you can see), it suddenly clicked. I remember being in his Eos back in 2008 and having a blast. It's a car that looks like it can be either 15 years old, or 2 years old. It's a hard top, it's a VW (cheap-ish maintenance in comparison to my previous cars and overall reliable cars) and it's just a really f*&*n fun car! So I started doing research on specific things to look at when buying an Eos. Even before being a member here, you guys REALLY helped me with getting properly informed. For this, my thanks is very great!

I knew I wanted the 2.0 200Hp DSG automatic from 2008. The age of the car is also important to me, because here in the Netherlands, you get a huge tax break as a business owner, when you purchase a car that's over 15 years old (youngtimer arrangement).

So there I was, running through the internet and tried to find my way to my first Eos. After looking seriously at about ten of them, I finally found one worth going to visit. Only one problem, the car was (literally) on the other side of the country. A three hour drive and I have little time during weekdays. The car was listed at a car dealership there, so I called the owner to get some information about the car.

The seller explained to me that the car had a complete new engine. They replaced it, so everything was new. To me, that sounded great, but also a little fishy. So I asked for the snake in the grass. He said to me:

"Well son, since you're coming from far, I will be totally honest with you. The car has the 'usual' leakage issues."
I was prepared for this. There's an Eos specialist near me that does the yearly roof maintenance for a couple hundred euros. The seller then ensured me that there were absolutely no other issues. I specifically asked him about the state/function of the roof, the airco unit, the brakes and the DSG. He explicitly told me that the car was in top condition. It was for sale for 9750.

Since it was so far and I am way to gullible when it comes to smooth salesmen, I contacted a company to have the car professionally examined. It's a great concept. You pay €300 and the check every centimeter of the car.

Well ladies and Gentlemen, am I happy that I did not drive 3 hours to get there. Literally everything that could have been broken on that car, was broken. The roof didn't open correctly, the brakes and tires were worn out, the airco unit didn't work, the readout had countless electrical issues, the starting-engine didn't work, there was an issue with the windows when entering the key into the ignition..the list goes on. An Absolute scam! It turns out the BPM (price for importing a car to NL) was only €75,-. The examiner also said that the 'new engine' was not a new engine at all. He told me it looked like they just replaced the head gasket and tried to sell it as new. This all looks like they just imported a total-loss Eos to the NL and tried to push it for a high price.

A lying car salesman. Talk about clichés.

Then the search continued. Suddenly when I was on holiday, I got a notification that a new Eos got available online. This time, the seller (private seller) was around the corner from my home, but I was nowhere near there.

I called the seller and was met with an incredibly honest-sounding and friendly person. Almost like talking to my dad. He owned the car for about 5 years, but didn't drive it much. He bought a new VW for his daughter, so this car was getting too expensive as a fourth car. He told me about the issues: The rims were damaged, the speakers don't work anymore, and the car was very late for a big service and needed the belt needed replacement. The car was listed for €8200, but the man told me he wanted to have €7550 for it at least.

So, I called the professional examiners again, because this was a chance I couldn't let go. After informing the seller about this, I was delighted to experience the FIRST time that a seller was enthusiastic about the examination. He thought it was a brilliant idea that he'd never heard of and was very curious about it. This was a big green flag for me.

For anyone wondering, the examination can be found here.

Turns out, everything the man said was truthful. Another great thing is that the roof apparently had a FULL revision last year at the exact roof specialist I was talking to while trying to buy an Eos. So I knew this was good. So I made a deposit of €1000,- and went over.

My gut feeling was right. What an incredibly friendly man. Based on the examination and the confirmation that a large service was needed, we agreed on an even price of €7000,- so I could invest some money in the maintenance. The seller even helped me with a great affordable mechanic. He gave me a large service, an airco service, all fluids replacement and a new belt for €900,- (normally, a full service alone is about €1500,-).

And DAMN was I awe struck with the performance. The tires were worn, so I knew I needed to replace them. But everything in this car just feels right. Great chairs, a lot more options than I expected and that 200 hp kicks in lovely. I though I would need some time to adjust from my Mercedes, but I was wrong. This car feels great and has the exact right amount of representation that doesn't scare off my clients.

So I got me some new tires and balanced the car out right away. Based on advice of a car-lover friend of mine, I got the Michelin 225/40 ZR 18, pilot sport 5. I CANNOT recommend these tires more. The difference a change of tires made was absolutely unbelievable.

The only things I need to do for this car now are:

1. I need to replace the thermostat because I think it stays open. The car only gets up to temp when I drive low speeds. Once on the highway, it doesn't get past 70C*.
2. I need to replace the audio module and maybe also the speakers (you guys are already helping me with that in the ICE thread)
3. I need to do the yearly roof service.

Then, the season can start!

For now, I am absolutely and extremely happy with my new car, that I actually own myself. I can't believe it. Looking at the fact that I was completely broke, just 3-4 years ago and now I am at the point that I can actually purchase a car instead of leasing it.

Thanks again for all the help and information. I'm looking forward to years of fun with this amazing car.
To end the post, here are some pics of my new machine and me happy with the roof down:

View attachment 25215 View attachment 25216

ViccePik said:

Hi Everyone,

Since you have all been very helpful already, I wanted to share my story about purchasing my first Eos.

Ever since my stepfather had one when I was a kid, I was intrigued by this car. It's a timeless model with beautiful finished looks, its snazzy, it can be a business car, it can be a pleasure car. Enfin, it's a type of car that has always struck my imagination. As soon as I got my license, I started driving lease cars out of my company. First a Volco XC90, then a Mercedes CLA 180 Shooting Brake AMG. Both absolutely amazing cars, but 2 major issues:

1. Huge monthly costs
2. After 5 years, you have to give back the car and you've spent a F%&*load of money.

It was time for a change. I live together with my girlfriend and we're thinking of buying a home. Therefore the big monthly expenses are not helping our chance at a large loan for a house. Therefore, it was time to buy a used car. At the moment, I'm 26. I own a business in Video production and online marketing. So I need a car that doesn't shout: "Hey look, I'm charging you too much to pay for my personal expenses" (which was an issue with the AMG). But it should also not be a car that's usually driven by larger women with red spikey hair and a 'spicy attitude'. (you know the type). So the search was on.

While driving in my Stepfather's BMW 4401 convertible in holiday in Spain (which was also A LOT of fun as you can see), it suddenly clicked. I remember being in his Eos back in 2008 and having a blast. It's a car that looks like it can be either 15 years old, or 2 years old. It's a hard top, it's a VW (cheap-ish maintenance in comparison to my previous cars and overall reliable cars) and it's just a really f*&*n fun car! So I started doing research on specific things to look at when buying an Eos. Even before being a member here, you guys REALLY helped me with getting properly informed. For this, my thanks is very great!

I knew I wanted the 2.0 200Hp DSG automatic from 2008. The age of the car is also important to me, because here in the Netherlands, you get a huge tax break as a business owner, when you purchase a car that's over 15 years old (youngtimer arrangement).

So there I was, running through the internet and tried to find my way to my first Eos. After looking seriously at about ten of them, I finally found one worth going to visit. Only one problem, the car was (literally) on the other side of the country. A three hour drive and I have little time during weekdays. The car was listed at a car dealership there, so I called the owner to get some information about the car.

The seller explained to me that the car had a complete new engine. They replaced it, so everything was new. To me, that sounded great, but also a little fishy. So I asked for the snake in the grass. He said to me:

"Well son, since you're coming from far, I will be totally honest with you. The car has the 'usual' leakage issues."
I was prepared for this. There's an Eos specialist near me that does the yearly roof maintenance for a couple hundred euros. The seller then ensured me that there were absolutely no other issues. I specifically asked him about the state/function of the roof, the airco unit, the brakes and the DSG. He explicitly told me that the car was in top condition. It was for sale for 9750.

Since it was so far and I am way to gullible when it comes to smooth salesmen, I contacted a company to have the car professionally examined. It's a great concept. You pay €300 and the check every centimeter of the car.

Well ladies and Gentlemen, am I happy that I did not drive 3 hours to get there. Literally everything that could have been broken on that car, was broken. The roof didn't open correctly, the brakes and tires were worn out, the airco unit didn't work, the readout had countless electrical issues, the starting-engine didn't work, there was an issue with the windows when entering the key into the ignition..the list goes on. An Absolute scam! It turns out the BPM (price for importing a car to NL) was only €75,-. The examiner also said that the 'new engine' was not a new engine at all. He told me it looked like they just replaced the head gasket and tried to sell it as new. This all looks like they just imported a total-loss Eos to the NL and tried to push it for a high price.

A lying car salesman. Talk about clichés.

Then the search continued. Suddenly when I was on holiday, I got a notification that a new Eos got available online. This time, the seller (private seller) was around the corner from my home, but I was nowhere near there.

I called the seller and was met with an incredibly honest-sounding and friendly person. Almost like talking to my dad. He owned the car for about 5 years, but didn't drive it much. He bought a new VW for his daughter, so this car was getting too expensive as a fourth car. He told me about the issues: The rims were damaged, the speakers don't work anymore, and the car was very late for a big service and needed the belt needed replacement. The car was listed for €8200, but the man told me he wanted to have €7550 for it at least.

So, I called the professional examiners again, because this was a chance I couldn't let go. After informing the seller about this, I was delighted to experience the FIRST time that a seller was enthusiastic about the examination. He thought it was a brilliant idea that he'd never heard of and was very curious about it. This was a big green flag for me.

For anyone wondering, the examination can be found here.

Turns out, everything the man said was truthful. Another great thing is that the roof apparently had a FULL revision last year at the exact roof specialist I was talking to while trying to buy an Eos. So I knew this was good. So I made a deposit of €1000,- and went over.

My gut feeling was right. What an incredibly friendly man. Based on the examination and the confirmation that a large service was needed, we agreed on an even price of €7000,- so I could invest some money in the maintenance. The seller even helped me with a great affordable mechanic. He gave me a large service, an airco service, all fluids replacement and a new belt for €900,- (normally, a full service alone is about €1500,-).

And DAMN was I awe struck with the performance. The tires were worn, so I knew I needed to replace them. But everything in this car just feels right. Great chairs, a lot more options than I expected and that 200 hp kicks in lovely. I though I would need some time to adjust from my Mercedes, but I was wrong. This car feels great and has the exact right amount of representation that doesn't scare off my clients.

So I got me some new tires and balanced the car out right away. Based on advice of a car-lover friend of mine, I got the Michelin 225/40 ZR 18, pilot sport 5. I CANNOT recommend these tires more. The difference a change of tires made was absolutely unbelievable.

The only things I need to do for this car now are:

1. I need to replace the thermostat because I think it stays open. The car only gets up to temp when I drive low speeds. Once on the highway, it doesn't get past 70C*.
2. I need to replace the audio module and maybe also the speakers (you guys are already helping me with that in the ICE thread)
3. I need to do the yearly roof service.

Then, the season can start!

For now, I am absolutely and extremely happy with my new car, that I actually own myself. I can't believe it. Looking at the fact that I was completely broke, just 3-4 years ago and now I am at the point that I can actually purchase a car instead of leasing it.

Thanks again for all the help and information. I'm looking forward to years of fun with this amazing car.
To end the post, here are some pics of my new machine and me happy with the roof down:

View attachment 25215 View attachment 25216 Hi mate really glad you are enjoying The eos! Have you have a great time with it and good luck on the fuel consumption!😀

Click to expand...

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LilRedEos said:

Congratulations on the SCORE buying your Eos, and huge kudos on how smartly you went about it. This is such a great and informative post, and very compelling story. (I wish there were resources here in the states like what you found in the NL for evaluating a used car professionally. I am having a very hard time finding trustworthy car professionals in NY, particularly with Eos expertise. )
Many years of happy Eos driving, and I hope your house purchase will also be as successful and intelligent. (I bet it will!)

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