Buying S560 from Non Mercedes Dealership
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 247
Likes: 27
2013 S550, 2009 E320, 2013 ML350 Bluetec
Buying S560 from Non Mercedes Dealership
Still in the search for a clean low mileage S560 and found a few that have everything I want, BUT are located 400 miles away and are being sold by used car dealerships which scare me as I’d rather buy from a MB dealer.
How good is a PPI from the nearest MB dealer? If all looks good can I still add on to warranty on a 2020 S560 if mileage is under threshold?
Thanks for any useful information!
How good is a PPI from the nearest MB dealer? If all looks good can I still add on to warranty on a 2020 S560 if mileage is under threshold?
Thanks for any useful information!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,823
Likes: 792
From: Pacific Northwest
2001 S600 V12 Sold, 2011 Jaguar XFR Sold, 2017 S550 4-Matic, 2018 S63 AMG Sedan
There are pros and cons to doing it either way. Normally, you'd pay a little more for the car at a MB delaership or at a place like Carmax. But, you'd have the option of buying a CPO from the dealership. But outside of going with a CPO, there really is NO benefit from a dealership purchase. And as many people have talked about on this forum, MB dealers aren't any better than other dealers at reconditioning a car for resale, at least from a mechanical standpoint. And the CPO warranty is just that, a really nice warranty. BUT...their inspection process is a joke!! Ask me how I know...or not, I don't want to ruin your day.
If you buy from an independent dealer or non MB dealer you'll probably get a better price. And you can still go to MB and get the warranty, or go the aftermarket warranty route. I chose to go outside of MB for my car and I'm still on the fence about the warranty, but probably will pull the trigger and buy it soon.
If you buy from an independent dealer or non MB dealer you'll probably get a better price. And you can still go to MB and get the warranty, or go the aftermarket warranty route. I chose to go outside of MB for my car and I'm still on the fence about the warranty, but probably will pull the trigger and buy it soon.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 247
Likes: 27
2013 S550, 2009 E320, 2013 ML350 Bluetec
There are pros and cons to doing it either way. Normally, you'd pay a little more for the car at a MB delaership or at a place like Carmax. But, you'd have the option of buying a CPO from the dealership. But outside of going with a CPO, there really is NO benefit from a dealership purchase. And as many people have talked about on this forum, MB dealers aren't any better than other dealers at reconditioning a car for resale, at least from a mechanical standpoint. And the CPO warranty is just that, a really nice warranty. BUT...their inspection process is a joke!! Ask me how I know...or not, I don't want to ruin your day.
If you buy from an independent dealer or non MB dealer you'll probably get a better price. And you can still go to MB and get the warranty, or go the aftermarket warranty route. I chose to go outside of MB for my car and I'm still on the fence about the warranty, but probably will pull the trigger and buy it soon.
If you buy from an independent dealer or non MB dealer you'll probably get a better price. And you can still go to MB and get the warranty, or go the aftermarket warranty route. I chose to go outside of MB for my car and I'm still on the fence about the warranty, but probably will pull the trigger and buy it soon.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 601
Likes: 273
From: NYC
S63, GLE580, BV250
I agree with Carlos, no real benefit to having it purchased from an MB dealership as their "inspection" isn't really as thorough as you think it is.
Additionally, if its a 2020, it's possible you still have a short period of the new car warranty still in effect (depending when it was initially purchased), you could call MB with the vin number to inquire on the new car warranty expiration date. Have your mechanic give it a good look over if you need to take advantage of the remaining coverage, then start shopping for extended warranty options.
Before the expiration of my GLE's warranty, I had my mechanic give everything a detailed once over and spotted a small leak. Turned out to be an motor mount, I made an appointment for two days before new car expiration and the dealer changed out all the motor mounts and completed an alignment.
As for extended warranty. Touch base with Highline-autos.com who is a sponsor on the forums here and offers excellent warranty options at rates lower than you would find at a dealer.
Additionally, if its a 2020, it's possible you still have a short period of the new car warranty still in effect (depending when it was initially purchased), you could call MB with the vin number to inquire on the new car warranty expiration date. Have your mechanic give it a good look over if you need to take advantage of the remaining coverage, then start shopping for extended warranty options.
Before the expiration of my GLE's warranty, I had my mechanic give everything a detailed once over and spotted a small leak. Turned out to be an motor mount, I made an appointment for two days before new car expiration and the dealer changed out all the motor mounts and completed an alignment.
As for extended warranty. Touch base with Highline-autos.com who is a sponsor on the forums here and offers excellent warranty options at rates lower than you would find at a dealer.
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 457
Likes: 253
From: SD
Various
If it's out of factory warranty, and you do buy from a non-MB dealer 400 miles away, which is no big deal as others have said, make sure their typical 30 day warranty will be covered at your local MB dealer or any shop local to you.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,823
Likes: 792
From: Pacific Northwest
2001 S600 V12 Sold, 2011 Jaguar XFR Sold, 2017 S550 4-Matic, 2018 S63 AMG Sedan
After the dealer CPO purchase I got rid of that car and purchased another. The car was in Georgia and I live in Seattle so I used Car Pro inspections to perform the PPI, It was thorough but not cheap. I think I paid around $450 for the most thorough inspection they would do. It did include a test drive and they sent me 100+ pictures. You should definitely have a PPI performed ahead of time.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 247
Likes: 27
2013 S550, 2009 E320, 2013 ML350 Bluetec
After the dealer CPO purchase I got rid of that car and purchased another. The car was in Georgia and I live in Seattle so I used Car Pro inspections to perform the PPI, It was thorough but not cheap. I think I paid around $450 for the most thorough inspection they would do. It did include a test drive and they sent me 100+ pictures. You should definitely have a PPI performed ahead of time.
Trending Topics
SPONSOR
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 1,567
Likes: 475
From: Scottsdale, Arizona
2001 E55AMG
Thanks for the shout out @vincheung , @dpayne7571 You can feed me vehicles you are considering and I can send you over pricing and coverage options to keep in your back pocket while you search. You can reach me at tgibson@highline-autos.com or (855) 924-1333.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 573
Likes: 179
From: Half Moon Bay, CA
2016 S550e, 2005 Nissan Xterra 4x4, 1984 300ZX
I bought a CPO from a dealership 400 miles away, SF to LA and I flew down to get the car with the idea that if the car wasn't perfect then I would just fly home (my family lives in LA so I could have stayed the night. Mercedes Benz of Callabasas was horrible from the get go, BUT the car was at the end what I wanted so I bought it. That was after the car was completely dirty inside and out, I told them that until I saw the car after the 1.5 hour detail I was not going to sign but we got paperwork started. Then they couldn't find the second key, the mats (that is part of CPO) and the charger (comes with 550e) and the manual, which they claimed to never find and a YEAR later I found in the package with the charger after spending $100 on a copy. The experience stunk, the finance guy was a hard driving salesman and at the end of the day I finally got the hell out of there with 2 years extra warranty (I got 1 repair for $1500 out of that) and I did come out way ahead of the up-front 3 year maintance package (for $4800 for both). I had to fight to decline wheel protection, paint protection, bla bla bla bla bla...so for me first Mercedes, most expensive car I had ever bought (I am have $$ but I never buy expensive cars) and the experience was terrible.
But today I love the car and obviously wouldn't ever go back there again, so moral of the story, if you trave 400 miles, big deal, do a 1 way rental car or fly like I did if it aint'r right head home...but a dealershpi doesn't assure a great experience
But today I love the car and obviously wouldn't ever go back there again, so moral of the story, if you trave 400 miles, big deal, do a 1 way rental car or fly like I did if it aint'r right head home...but a dealershpi doesn't assure a great experience
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2022
Posts: 409
Likes: 211
From: Atlanta, GA
2020 S450 4Matic, 2022 GLS450 4Matic, 2015 C300
If you buy from a non-Mercedes dealer, even while still under factory warranty, some dealers will NOT work with you to purchase and Mercedes Extended Limited Warranty, but there are some who will (you can buy out of state). If you don't actually use the ELW, and sell the car before the end of the ELW, you should receive a refund. I bought my ELW out of state (Jeff Jackson, MB of Louisville), and when I traded it in for my new to me CPO, the dealer gave me a form to send back to the dealer who sold me the ELW, and I recently received a refund check, as I have never claimed against the ELW.
Member
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 172
Likes: 45
From: Houston, TX
2017 S550 coupe, 2013 E550 coupe, 2008 Tahoe
i have been wondering how much magic sky costs to replace and if CPO covered it. I could never get a straight answer. Glass not covered by CPO but electronics are. This is glass with electronics integrated into it. Did you have to fight to get it fixed?
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 247
Likes: 27
2013 S550, 2009 E320, 2013 ML350 Bluetec
Dealer just told me the CPO started when I bought the car. Lol. This car was built on 10-19-18 being sold my a MB dealer who just offered it for CPO. I thought the 4 year warranty ran out after 4yrs from the build date and a dealer can only CPO a car in those 4yrs?
I bought a CPO S550 and it paid for itself within the 1st when a 4matic shock went out.
I bought a CPO S550 and it paid for itself within the 1st when a 4matic shock went out.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,823
Likes: 792
From: Pacific Northwest
2001 S600 V12 Sold, 2011 Jaguar XFR Sold, 2017 S550 4-Matic, 2018 S63 AMG Sedan
The original factory warranty goes from the in service date, meaning the day it was purchased, not the build date. And the maximum mileage for a Mercedes Benz CPO car is 75K, maximum age is 6 years.
Here's what the website says:
Here's what the website says:
It meets our strict eligibility requirements.
Not just any vehicle qualifies to be Certified Pre-Owned. To be considered, dealers must ensure vehicles meet following requirements:- Less than 6 years old
- Less than 75,000 miles
- Serviced according to schedule
- Includes a CARFAX® Vehicle History Report
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 247
Likes: 27
2013 S550, 2009 E320, 2013 ML350 Bluetec
The original factory warranty goes from the in service date, meaning the day it was purchased, not the build date. And the maximum mileage for a Mercedes Benz CPO car is 75K, maximum age is 6 years.
Here's what the website says:
Here's what the website says:
It meets our strict eligibility requirements.
Not just any vehicle qualifies to be Certified Pre-Owned. To be considered, dealers must ensure vehicles meet following requirements:- Less than 6 years old
- Less than 75,000 miles
- Serviced according to schedule
- Includes a CARFAX® Vehicle History Report
These dealer doc fees and non-tax fees they jack up are insane and enough to make you want to walk away!
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2023
Posts: 344
Likes: 160
From: Maysville, KY , est'd 1767
Mercedes S560
Thanks. Learned from dealer today since this car is out of original warranty, but is a cpo then coverage starts the day I buy it and I still have 2yrs I can extend at additional cost.
These dealer doc fees and non-tax fees they jack up are insane and enough to make you want to walk away!
These dealer doc fees and non-tax fees they jack up are insane and enough to make you want to walk away!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,823
Likes: 792
From: Pacific Northwest
2001 S600 V12 Sold, 2011 Jaguar XFR Sold, 2017 S550 4-Matic, 2018 S63 AMG Sedan
Still in the search for a clean low mileage S560 and found a few that have everything I want, BUT are located 400 miles away and are being sold by used car dealerships which scare me as I’d rather buy from a MB dealer.
How good is a PPI from the nearest MB dealer? If all looks good can I still add on to warranty on a 2020 S560 if mileage is under threshold?
Thanks for any useful information!
How good is a PPI from the nearest MB dealer? If all looks good can I still add on to warranty on a 2020 S560 if mileage is under threshold?
Thanks for any useful information!
Loks nice and nicely equipped, but Carfax says it's black, even though the car is white, and there was a MAJOR service done in December. Maybe a reason to not buy it.
