I’m considering a 2024 EQB 250+ purchase that has 4k miles on it. I understand that not everyone has had a good experience, but I’m trying to understand the recall issue. The VIN does not come up on current recall, but have seen others post that all 2022-2024 vehicles will eventually get recalled. I’m trying to understand the risk and the dealer has basically told me not to worry (which isn’t reassuring). Appreciate any insight!

 

it's under factory warranty so no worry at all

 

As one who has an unfortunate EQB (which goes back to Mercedes 45 1/2 hours from the time I am writing this, but who's counting), the risk probably isn't greater than any other EV. I would just not charge it over 80% just in the remote case of spontaneous combustion prior to changing the battery. Then Mercedes couldn't blame you for not following the guidelines.

It is probably an excellent deal and it is simply a case of whether you like the vehicle. I am accustomed to a more "luxurious" Mercedes and it does not have the luxury, fit and finish of an E class. But if you are buying an EV rather than leasing, used is the way to go.

Does the Carfax look clean?

 

Not all 2024 EQB models that were subject to the recall. Those manufactured later in 2024 do not have that HV battery issue. My EQB 300 is not part of the recall. 9 months of ownership as of this week (picked up from the dealer with 532 miles on it and no prior owner) and so far, except for the replacement of the radio under warranty, it works well. My only "complaint" is the range, which we knew was limited when we leased it. That said, with the newer replacement GLB with EQ tech coming out next year, the resale value of the EQB models will be far worse. The EV tech is advancing rapidly, so I am glad we did a 2 year lease. The 2024 model had some slight improvements over the '22 and '23 models.

is the used model you are considering a Certified PreOwned model from a MB dealer? That would be preferable if buying used.

 

Thank you for the comments! I had a down payment on one from an MB dealer and then they said it was on the recall list so they couldn’t sell it. I found another one from a used luxury dealer and they just don’t know enough about the car to be helpful. Would prefer to get it from MB dealer, as you noted. It’s a lemon buyback but the carfax only says “electric drivetrain” and a software patch fixed the screen. Hard to tell if that points to larger issues. I’m between this and just waiting for newer EVs next year like Rivian R2.

With range already a little lower than other cars, I don’t really want to buy a car that we can only charge to 80%. Appreciate the insight and welcome any other thoughts

 

How does it affect your auto insurance coverage if you buy a documented lemon buy-back? I would want to understand that aspect better.

 

And Mercedes said fixing this that or the other module and a software update fixed the car. It didn't. The owner of that vehicle was lucky to succeed in the lemon law case. I do not know why my attorney failed but he said that MB found some kind of loophole.

I know that mine will go to auction since the dealer is not only prohibited from selling it they have serviced the vehicle enough to know they don't want it. The only good thing is that Mercedes has the 3-month lease forgiveness so I leave for the dealer in 2:15 from now, but who's counting. I hope my GLC350e plug-in is better. Wanted an iX but wife will not allow another all electric.

Pass on it.

 

When you purchase a Certified PreOwned car from a MB dealer, you get an extension of the normal warranty. Plus, you can purchase an extended MB warranty if it is still under factory warranty. I have done that, and even when you end up selling the vehicle before the end of the purchased extension you can get a partial refund. I did that with my GLC300.

I know that the pricing may be attractive on a lemon buy back but I don't believe you have the opportunity to extend the warranty beyond the normal factory warranty thru MB on those. I would ask the dealer. I would not buy one without the chance to extend the warranty in case issues developed during the original warranty.

If it is a lemon law model that you are considering, check the carfax to see if it was owned by someone in California as their lemon laws are such that multiple issues can trigger an easier lemon law process in that state .

And with regard to a Rivian, my only suggestion is that you do a deep dive on their support, and further, avoid the first year a model is released from any manufacturer unless you are leasing it.

 

I realize you are probably looking at a super low price on a lemon, but I'd suggest skipping the 250 regardless or price. Too slow, and you'll be missing some of the fun of having an EV. The 300 or 350 will give you a better EV experience. While my 300 is not fast like my EQS, it is still plenty quick and quicker at lower speeds than most ICE vehicles so I can zip in and out of traffic with ease. Lemons can be great deals but you are locked in forever with the car--which is fine if you plan to have it for years. Also, imho I'd target a 2022 or 2023 as you will end up with a brand new battery next year, essentially giving yourself a new car.