jzinckgra

My wife is considering a used 2016 GLC300 (see link below) to replace her 2010 Venza. I've owned a couple Audi's recently A4, S4) and really like the German cars. We went and test drove the GLC and it is in near mint cond. Carfax indicates one minor accident (left rear). Other than that, we noticed map lights didn't work (odd) and plastic housing just underneath steering wheel on left side was popped out and didn't really want to pop back in. Minor issue. Finally, while driving down the highway, the steering wheel was offset to one side and not straight. Dealer said they could fix it.

My questions have mostly to do with the price compared to others regionally. At $31,995, the price is very good with only 24,500mi and nearly loaded. Only one year warranty left. In comparison, other GLC300s of the same model year are going for 3-4000 more, however some of those are certified, so I understand the price difference. However, we are a bit skeptical about the car since it has sat on the dealer lot since Sept when it was traded in. I asked the dealer, somewhat stupidly why it's been sitting so long and he just said sometimes that's how it goes for some cars. I should note that this car is being sold at a Volvo dealer, not Mercedes, and interestingly it does not come up on cars.com. I don't know why. My wife got a lemon subaru once and that was a nightmare. Not saying the car is a lemon, but map lights that don't work, plastic sticking out, crooked steering wheel makes us a bit hesitant.

In any case, here is the link: http://portlandvolvo.vinmanagersites...px?id=57590964

slk55er

Forget it. Look for a CPO car from a MB dealer with a warranty extended 1 year past the original warranty and unlimited mileage. I've purchased 4 CPO cars and have never been disappointed.

jzinckgra

Are you suggesting this because of the high repair cost once out of warranty? Part of the attraction is the price. Could always add extended warranty later. Also, the CPOs only add one year beyond manufacturer and unlimited mileage? Paying an extra 2-3,000 for an extra 12 months seems pretty expensive, but I realize Benz isn't cheap

slk55er

No, the extended warranty with unlimited mileage is an added benefit over the assurance provided by MB that the vehicle is solid.

From your description of problems that you already consider "suspicious", particularly the offset steering wheel, I'd move on. Really -- it sounds like a good chance of front-end damage. Have you seen the CarFax report?

Suggest you continue your search for a CPO car. In the long run, five years from now, a couple of thousand dollars will be lost in the noise and well worth the peace of mind and extended warranty if you need it.

chassis

jzinckgra

Thanks guys. My wife has good intuition and she wasn't feeling good about it.