With a brand new Mercedes, everything is, of course, in working order. But some of us would much rather enjoy the financial benefits of purchasing a used car, and who could blame you? Purchasing a used but well cared for Mercedes provides all the luxury without the price.
With a brand new Mercedes, everything is, of course, in working order. But some of us would much rather enjoy the financial benefits of purchasing a used car, and who could blame you? Purchasing a used but well cared for Mercedes provides all the luxury without the price.
In order to avoid making a decision you may regret later, be sure you are fully prepared and know what to look for. Here's a list of tips to set you on the right path.
Tips for Buying Your Mercedes
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Sellers Sometimes Stretch the Truth
It is important to understand that in some way, either large or small, many sellers lie. They may lie outright, telling you the car is in fine condition when it is not, or they may simply lie by omission, or leaving out details about the car's maintenance history or mechanical problems.
Either way, it's better to expect the possibility of a fib than to take the seller's word on every detail. Check out the facts for yourself whenever possible.
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Have the Car Inspected
This is the most important step of a used car purchase and so many people skip it. It is absolutely vital for you, as the buyer, to take charge of this potential deal. You should never even think of purchasing a car without having it properly inspected by a mechanic you trust. A mechanic will be able to tell you exactly what is wrong with it, if anything, and provide you with a list of Mercedes parts you'll need to purchase. This information will not only help you make your decision, but if the list of necessary Mercedes parts is long or costly, you'll have the ability to negotiate for a lower price.
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Cosmetic Inspections
While your main concerns might be mechanical and electrical problems, don’t forget the appearance of your Mercedes as well. Ask yourself the following questions: Is this the original paint? If not, why? Has there been damage to the car? Does the paint look faded or weathered? Are there rips or worn spots on the interior? Are the tyres worn unevenly? A cosmetic inspection (performed by you) may lead to questions that will reveal important facts about the car's history. Sounds like detective work, doesn't it? Buying a car does take a bit of that!
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Protect Yourself
If you are purchasing a Mercedes from a car dealer, the Motor Industry Code of Practice protects you in the event that the car is not fit for use. There are other steps you can take, however, to protect yourself, especially if you are purchasing from an individual instead of a dealer. Most important is to pay with a traceable method, such as with a credit card or through an online account.
If you are thinking of buying a used Mercedes, be sure you take the right steps to protect yourself. Understand that your seller may not be fully telling the truth and find out what Mercedes car parts you are going to need to replace before making the deal. If you follow these steps you'll know exactly what you're buying, what problems or repairs to expect, and you may even get a better deal than expected!
