Tips on Buying a Used Mercedes Benz

Lots of people will tell you that buying a used car is much like a lottery. Not so, if only you follow the four easy steps outlined below.

Trust No-One. This is not to say that your used Mercedes Benz reseller is necessarily lying to you, but that you should keep a critical and inquiring eye out on all the details of the car you’re considering to buy.

Ideally, the seller should offer to run a pre-purchase inspection themselves, reveal all findings of the inspection by showing you the written report and offer to cover the fixing expenses of any flaws to the vehicle not disclosed in the advertisement.

Ask for the inspection. Since we live in a world far less than ideal, and since a seller’s main purpose is to get rid of their used car as quickly and ‘painlessly’ as possible, you will probably not come across many sellers that offer to run the above-mentioned inspection. Should you find yourself in this situation, you definitely need to take care of the inspection yourself. 

Additionally, make sure you can trust the mechanic you’re getting the inspection at. Make sure they know the brand of car you’re having checked out and make absolutely sure that they are authorized to perform inspections. It is generally not advisable to go into a car repair shop recommended by the seller, since they will then find themselves in a conflict of interest and possibly strike a deal with the mechanic to conceal flaws on the car.

Ask for a cosmetic opinion. If you’re buying the car long distance, try to get the used car manager of the shop to come in and express their opinion on the car. Have them check the frame of the car, the uni body, to see if it has been previously repair and the paint on the car especially if you’re buying a vehicle advertised as ‘in excellent condition’. You will most likely need to pay extra for these bonus services. However, as explained above, think of this as an extra investment, meant to save you trouble later on.

Stay very, very safe. If you’re buying long distance, perhaps the most vulnerable purchase situation you could find yourself in, it’s important to make sure the seller is in physical property of the car. Ask for a copy of title, check the seller’s address and telephone number and always pay through a method that can be tracked down later, should any conflicts arise between you and the previous owner.