Checking out a used M-B
12-14-2005, 05:37 PM
#1
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Checking out a used M-B
A couple of non-Mercedes car dealers near us have some 2004 E500's wagons for sale that I'm interested in.
If I like the condition of the cars once I see them, I'd want a mechanic to check out the car before I buy. Do Mercedes dealer service departments usually do this type of thing for a fee? Can they also give me a history of warranty items for which the car has been to a Mercedes dealer? Also, what type of info does Carfax give you -- just # of prior owners and salvage title (or not), or is there more detailed info?
Thanks.
If I like the condition of the cars once I see them, I'd want a mechanic to check out the car before I buy. Do Mercedes dealer service departments usually do this type of thing for a fee? Can they also give me a history of warranty items for which the car has been to a Mercedes dealer? Also, what type of info does Carfax give you -- just # of prior owners and salvage title (or not), or is there more detailed info?
Thanks.
12-14-2005, 06:17 PM
#2
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2010 ML550, 2010 E350 4M, 1966 Corvette Convt C2
Most dealers will do a pre purchase inspection for you. Carfax in my mind is a waste from the standpoint that they only show reported damage. If they show damage thats good but its what they do not show that you should be wary about. The dealer should be able to pull a service history of the car from MB's system assuming it was maintained by a dealer. Keep in mind that if it was traded to an MB dealer they cherry pick the good ones for sale in their used dept. If it was a lease return the dealer network has first dibs on it before it goes to a wholesale auction most likely where the dea;er you are talking to got the car. In that case he does not know any more about it than you, no matter what he says
12-14-2005, 11:25 PM
#3
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I'd recommend either an official dealer or the shop you plan to get the car serviced at for the PPI. I have not found an E that I want to get checked out yet, but it shouldn't be more than a couple hundred bucks if it's similar to other vehicles I've had checked out. I like the Carfax - the main thing I'd want from it is to find out if the title has been branded salvage (in my search I've found one that the ebay'er didn't disclose) and if the mileage seems reasonable (I've also found one that the mileage didn't check out). Worth the $25 for my time if anything else.
Good luck!
Good luck!
12-14-2005, 11:33 PM
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'05 E320 CDI, '08 BMW X5 4.8i, '11 Duramax 2500HD
just avoid early build dates (6/03 and older).. if you can. The sticker of the build date is on the drivers door panel, at bottom.
Also, check that the SBC recall(s) have been done, or if not get them done as soon as you buy.
also, either get a MB Starmark used car, or buy from a 3rd party.. avoid "used car lots" and brokers as they're usually cars that came from an auction and frankly may have "issues"
MB cars are always cream of the crop, as are the the well maintained 3rd party cars for sale by owners out there that have kept meticulous records.
Also, check that the SBC recall(s) have been done, or if not get them done as soon as you buy.
also, either get a MB Starmark used car, or buy from a 3rd party.. avoid "used car lots" and brokers as they're usually cars that came from an auction and frankly may have "issues"
MB cars are always cream of the crop, as are the the well maintained 3rd party cars for sale by owners out there that have kept meticulous records.
Last edited by CE750; 12-14-2005 at 11:35 PM.
12-15-2005, 08:24 AM
#5
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Thread Starter
Thanks, and one more question
Can NAV be added to a 2004 as a dealer accessory the same way as in a 2006?
Last edited by Long Islander; 12-15-2005 at 11:04 AM. Reason: Adding to it
