Buy from Carmax?
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 34
Likes: 1
2013 GL550
Buy from Carmax?
As my search continues for pre-owned '13 or '14 GL550, I have found few that are listed on Carmax. Most of them are base models, but want to keep options open if something comes up that I like (and is non rental) I would like to jump on it quickly.
Just want to see if anyone had any experience purchasing from carmax? It would be great if you provide any insights. And what should I be looking for when I check the vehicle out.
They provide a vehicle history report and claim to say "its better" than carfax. Im not sure if I buy that one, even carfax is only as good as the data it get and its not complete.
TIA,
John
Just want to see if anyone had any experience purchasing from carmax? It would be great if you provide any insights. And what should I be looking for when I check the vehicle out.
They provide a vehicle history report and claim to say "its better" than carfax. Im not sure if I buy that one, even carfax is only as good as the data it get and its not complete.
TIA,
John
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 6,130
Likes: 1,117
A gaggle of MB's
Frankly - for your 1st Mercedes - especially a recent model GL - there is genuine value and peace-of-mind on Mercedes Certified.
If a recent model GL is being sold by CarMax - frankly there is a reason for that - and again - there is genuine value in a Unlimited Mileage Mercedes Certified Warranty
If a recent model GL is being sold by CarMax - frankly there is a reason for that - and again - there is genuine value in a Unlimited Mileage Mercedes Certified Warranty
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 34
Likes: 1
2013 GL550
Frankly - for your 1st Mercedes - especially a recent model GL - there is genuine value and peace-of-mind on Mercedes Certified.
If a recent model GL is being sold by CarMax - frankly there is a reason for that - and again - there is genuine value in a Unlimited Mileage Mercedes Certified Warranty
If a recent model GL is being sold by CarMax - frankly there is a reason for that - and again - there is genuine value in a Unlimited Mileage Mercedes Certified Warranty
Thank you for the suggestions. I understand the value (and peace) of purchasing a CPO from Mercedes dealer. But what Im finding out is that the vehicles at dealership are routinely priced higher by $3k-$4k-$7k-$10k when compared to edmunds used cars values for comparable vehicles.
I understand that there is a premium you pay for buying CPO from a dealer, but instead of spending $3k-$4k-$7k and getting CPO, should I instead buy from a non-MB dealer and spend $3k on Mercedes 7/100k ELW. Especially if Im getting the comparable car for a cheaper price (assuming I do my due diligence to check everything)?
Just thinking out loud...would love to hear others so that I can become more educated.
best,
John
Member
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 247
Likes: 17
From: Chicago, IL
2015 - GL 550
Hello Fab,
Thank you for the suggestions. I understand the value (and peace) of purchasing a CPO from Mercedes dealer. But what Im finding out is that the vehicles at dealership are routinely priced higher by $3k-$4k-$7k-$10k when compared to edmunds used cars values for comparable vehicles.
I understand that there is a premium you pay for buying CPO from a dealer, but instead of spending $3k-$4k-$7k and getting CPO, should I instead buy from a non-MB dealer and spend $3k on Mercedes 7/100k ELW. Especially if Im getting the comparable car for a cheaper price (assuming I do my due diligence to check everything)?
Just thinking out loud...would love to hear others so that I can become more educated.
best,
John
Thank you for the suggestions. I understand the value (and peace) of purchasing a CPO from Mercedes dealer. But what Im finding out is that the vehicles at dealership are routinely priced higher by $3k-$4k-$7k-$10k when compared to edmunds used cars values for comparable vehicles.
I understand that there is a premium you pay for buying CPO from a dealer, but instead of spending $3k-$4k-$7k and getting CPO, should I instead buy from a non-MB dealer and spend $3k on Mercedes 7/100k ELW. Especially if Im getting the comparable car for a cheaper price (assuming I do my due diligence to check everything)?
Just thinking out loud...would love to hear others so that I can become more educated.
best,
John
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 2,364
Likes: 451
From: The Palmetto State
19 E63s, ‘24SQ8, wanting another gas guzzling V8
Carmax has good cars. Just do your research on it.
Example. I wanted to get rid of a Tahoe I had years ago, trade in dealership wasn't offering much, so I took it to carmax. There was nothing wrong with my tahoe. I was selling it because I needed more towing abaility, needed it fast, and didn't have time to wait on me to try and sale it. Carmax can save you money, but they can hurt you too. But any car can do that.
Another example. I purchased a new Mercedes (I will not name the specific model) and paid sticker because it was he first one to hit the ground in my area. It was a pain in the rump and stayed in the shop .........a lot!! New or used can bite you.
Now the VMI (vehicle master inquiry) is a good idea. If you don't have a contact in the dealership service department, take a box of doughnuts, maybe 2 boxes, and ask if someone will look up the vehicle history for you. Explain to them what you are doing and that you might be bringing it to them for service. I've never had them tell me no. Sometimes they have even given me the print out with the previous owners name on it. Not that you need that though.
Or go to the MB website and look for a used one there and you might can find a decent one still under factory warranty.
In the end though, I would try to get it with a MB warranty because if something serious goes wrong, it is easy to get fixed at a MB dealer. And they file the paper work and there is usually no money oUT of your pocker or waiming to get reimbursed. Unless........I find that great deal somewhere that does not offer a MB waranty.
That's just my $.02! (And experience) Good luck.
Example. I wanted to get rid of a Tahoe I had years ago, trade in dealership wasn't offering much, so I took it to carmax. There was nothing wrong with my tahoe. I was selling it because I needed more towing abaility, needed it fast, and didn't have time to wait on me to try and sale it. Carmax can save you money, but they can hurt you too. But any car can do that.
Another example. I purchased a new Mercedes (I will not name the specific model) and paid sticker because it was he first one to hit the ground in my area. It was a pain in the rump and stayed in the shop .........a lot!! New or used can bite you.
Now the VMI (vehicle master inquiry) is a good idea. If you don't have a contact in the dealership service department, take a box of doughnuts, maybe 2 boxes, and ask if someone will look up the vehicle history for you. Explain to them what you are doing and that you might be bringing it to them for service. I've never had them tell me no. Sometimes they have even given me the print out with the previous owners name on it. Not that you need that though.
Or go to the MB website and look for a used one there and you might can find a decent one still under factory warranty.
In the end though, I would try to get it with a MB warranty because if something serious goes wrong, it is easy to get fixed at a MB dealer. And they file the paper work and there is usually no money oUT of your pocker or waiming to get reimbursed. Unless........I find that great deal somewhere that does not offer a MB waranty.
That's just my $.02! (And experience) Good luck.
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 800
Likes: 1
From: Southern California
2014 GL 450
I bought my 2014 GL450 in September of 2015 by looking through the MBUSA website for pre-owned vehicles. It took me several months, but I finally found one about 400 miles from home. It was worth the drive. The KBB value was actually a tad higher than what I paid for the car at the dealership, plus got 1 year free extended warranty & purchased another year. I'm covered until September 2020.
I looked at Carmax as well and didn't find any suitable GL's that had a warranty period other than factory.
I looked at Carmax as well and didn't find any suitable GL's that had a warranty period other than factory.
