refresher72

Guys,

I am looking at buying a 2007 GL450 with low miles from a private seller. He travels abroad alot and hence left his car mostly unused for the last 18 months with only 300 miles put on during that period. He clocked 40k miles in the first 3 years though. The car was dealer serviced first 3 years. Do you think there will be any problem with the car?. What should I look for during a pre buy inspection? Can somebody suggest a good, honest pre-buy inspection service in Dallas TX area?


Thanks
Gary

blittle

I drove a 2007 GL450 70,000 miles before trading on a 2011.......... there were some airmatic suspension tech/bulletin service issues that year, also there were issues with "camshaft adjustment solinoids" ... had to have both the right and the left replaced on mine. They said there were tech bulletins on the issue..... I had the trailer hitch package on mine and there was an outright recall done on that. Those were the only issues I had during 70k of ownership..... a great vehicle!

refresher72

Thank You blittle. My main concern is since it was garaged so long unused. What could go wrong with the car? I read about engine corrosion (DREADFUL), brake failure, fuel system issues.. etc.,,
Any advise

Fourdiesel

The only way anyone can tell about those issues is to have it gone over thoroughly by a competent mechanic who you trust. Most of what you mentioned is possible but it depends entirely on the storage conditions, humidity, etc. Only a good mechanic can tell and he will know exactly what to look at.

blittle

These are good vehicles..... 18 months is a long storage time ... But the quality of the systems is such that if those 300 miles were spread out over the 18 months I don't think you will have any issues....... If it were me and I purchased the vehicle.... I would take it to a dealer and pay the bucks for a transmission flush ( very important for this transmission ) all other systems should be fine. You could say to the owner....."before I buy this I would like to take it the dealer and just let them go over it so I know what may need to be taken care of" Maybe he/she would deduct the cost of the "once over" from the price of the vehicle. Good luck!

Becks Imports

Just call the nearest authorized MB dealer to the seller. Make an appointment for a pre-purchase inspection (PPI). They can also show you all the times the car has been to an MB dealer for service or repairs under warranty or out of warranty.

Do not buy this car (or any Benz) without a PPI, and make whatever deal you decide with the seller contingent upon a satisfactory PPI result. It's the best $175 or so you will ever spend.

Bruce