Purchasing a used car can be a daunting process, and recently, I ventured down that path myself, specifically for a second-hand Mercedes Benz. Instead of opting for a shorter-term lease on a newer model, I decided to renew the certificate of entitlement (COE) on an older Mercedes. My reasoning was to avoid the uncertainty of COE prices in a few years. While I wished the COE was cheaper, it felt like a reasonable compromise at the time. Initially, I considered a 2-3 year balance car, thinking I could just drive it and scrap it if issues arose – depreciation would be around $13,000-$15,000. However, I realized that significant repairs could negate any savings from scrapping, making me reluctant to let go even with problems.
So, based on my recent experience, here are some crucial points to consider when buying a used Mercedes Benz:
Verifying Mileage and Service History
One of the first things buyers look for is low mileage. However, be aware that low mileage can be misleading. Finding a Mercedes Benz with a complete service record from an authorized dealer like Cycle & Carriage (C&C) is ideal, but quite rare. If you can find one, consider it a jackpot. If not, look for service receipts from reputable external workshops provided by the previous owner, though even these aren’t foolproof.
Always check the glove compartment for the service booklet. Early services are almost always done at authorized workshops and recorded in the booklet. I inspected two cars during my search. One showed 70,000km mileage, but its service history indicated 45,000km within the first four years. Unless the owner was frequently overseas, this suggested the car should have closer to 100,000km by its 10th year. This car had no service records beyond the initial period. The second car had 90,000km mileage but with service records showing 30,000km in the first four years, and the owner had kept all receipts. I chose the higher mileage car, and interestingly, when I had both cars inspected by my trusted workshop, the lower mileage car surprisingly showed more wear and tear issues.
The Importance of a Workshop Inspection
Always insist on a pre-purchase inspection at a workshop you trust. If the dealer refuses, be prepared to walk away. This is non-negotiable. A thorough inspection can reveal hidden problems that are not apparent during a visual check or a short test drive.
Test Drive Before Finalizing
Even after a workshop inspection and on the day you are taking ownership, remember to thoroughly test drive the car. This should include both driving in a car park to check for low-speed issues and on an expressway to assess performance at higher speeds. In my case, the day I picked up the car was rushed, and I overlooked a proper test drive. During my first drive afterwards, I noticed a whirling sound and immediately informed the dealer. They claimed to have resolved it after taking it to their workshop and even having my workshop re-inspect it, which came back clear. However, the moment I reached 80km/h after collecting the car, the noise returned. Initially, the suspension seemed fine during the test drive and workshop check, but on the day of collection, a squeaking sound became very noticeable after just 30 minutes of driving. When I contacted the dealer, they deflected responsibility, citing my workshop’s clearance. The lesson here is clear: always test drive the car yourself before taking it over and be ready to reject it if any issues arise.
Leveraging the Service Booklet
Going back to point one about service booklets, these can contain valuable information. Often, the service booklet will include the previous owner’s contact details. If you want to be extra cautious, discreetly take a picture of this information when the salesperson isn’t paying attention. Later, you can send a polite message to the previous owner. If they are cooperative, they might provide additional insights into the car’s history and any potential issues.
Number of Previous Owners
Besides mileage and service history, consider the number of previous owners. I personally aimed for a car with only one previous owner. My thinking was that a car with fewer owners might be easier to resell when the time comes, as being the second owner is generally more appealing than being the third or fourth.
By keeping these points in mind, you can navigate the used Mercedes Benz market more confidently and hopefully avoid some of the pitfalls I encountered.
