Mercedes Benz cars are some of the most well-known luxury vehicles in the world. This brand has been around for a long time and produces a range of models. If you are considering a Mercedes Benz for your next car, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. Purchasing a vehicle is an important decision, so researching, asking questions, and verifying information about any cars you consider is imperative. Doing this work ahead of time is the best way to make sure you get quality and value for money. Read on to learn more about the main things you should consider before signing up for a Mercedes Benz.
The History of the Brand
Every motor brand is unique, with a unique history and story behind it, and the Mercedes Benz is no different. Owning a car of any make is similar to being introduced into another family, so you need a bit of background information about what this brand is all about, what it stands for, and what it's best known for.
The Mercedes Benz brand was founded in 1926. Its headquarters are in Stuttgart, Germany. As of 2018, the company had sold over 2.3 million vehicles to the global industry and was the largest premium car seller worldwide. Besides the headquarters, the Mercedes Benz cars' manufacturing and assembly occur internationally in multiple production factories.
Mercedes-AMG GmbH or AMG is a subsidiary of Mercedes-Benz AG. AMG specialises in producing high-performance vehicles. It originally produced racing car engines. AMG models can be distinguished from other Mercedes Benz models. For one, they have a stronger and more aggressive look. Their performance is high, and they have better stability and handling. There is also a lot more carbon fibre used to produce then than other models. That comes at a price, however.
AMG engines are the most expensive in each Mercedes-Benz class. You're going to want to read more about these AMG high-performance engines. Most current AMG engines are built using a unique philosophy known as "one man, one engine." This takes place at the AMG plant in Germany.
Mercedes Benz produces a range of vehicles, including passenger, light commercial, and heavy commercial ones. There are over 20 models available, and the engines vary in power, capabilities, and features. Some of the well-known ones include the C-Class and the E-Class. Be sure to read more about what each model offers and what distinguishes it from other luxury vehicles.
The Top Considerations When Buying a Mercedes-Benz
Every make is known for different things. Some of the common things that distinguish various car makes include high quality, poor quality issues like defects and recalls, long life-span, ease or difficulty to maintain and find spare parts, luxury, high-tech features, and the like. If you're interested in becoming part of the Mercedes Benz family for the first time or are upgrading your current Mercedes, then it's good to be aware of some of the great and not-so-great facts about these cars.
If you are considering Mercedes Benz engines, there are at least six important considerations you should make. These are things like whether to buy a new or used one, the financing options, what car model to buy, maintenance concerns, insurance, and finally, the long-term prospects. Read on to get into each of these factors in a little more depth.
New or Used
If you need a car, there are two main options available. You can buy it brand new, or you can buy it used or pre-owned. This is probably one of the biggest decisions you are going to have to make before you can drive a new-to-you Mercedes Benz home. Many factors can affect this decision. These are the cost considerations, personal preferences, vehicle source, among other things.
There are definitely many pros and cons of buying new Mercedes Benz engines and buying a pre-owned car. Let's take a look at some of these.
Pros and Cons of Buying Brand New Mercedes-Benz Engines
With this option, you are the first owner. There are many benefits of this besides the great feeling of being the only one to have driven and used the car. Another benefit of buying a new car is that you get to use it in its best condition. It has had no scratches, accidents, faults, and the mileage is still in its factory settings. You also get to buy these engines from a trusted and authorised dealer.
There is also a downside to buying a brand Mercedes Benz. For one, you are going to buy this car at its highest price. This make is a premium one, so you can expect to pay something considerable. Depending on how you plan to finance this and your own financial position, this may or may not be a good idea. Cars depreciate quickly with use, and after you have used them for a few years, the value drops considerably. Should you decide to sell your used Mercedes Benz after a few years, you may see a massive reduction in price from what you originally paid.
Pros and Cons of Buying a Used Mercedes-Benz Engines
On the other hand, if you're thinking of buying a used Mercedes Benz, one of the main pros is the lower price you can expect to pay compared to if you had purchased the vehicle new. Pre-owned Mercedes Benz vehicles often have low mileage and can be in good condition, making them a good investment.
There are several cons of buying a used Mercedes Benz, so you must look at each one of these to make sure that you get the best value for money on your next one. A used car might have been through a lot, depending on the previous owner, how long they had the car, and how much care they paid attention to their cars. It could look well and good on the outside, but there could be some underlying quality problems that could only be detected by a trained eye.
Another problem with a used Mercedes Benz is that the repair and maintenance parts can be costly once the car's warranty period is over. For this reason, many believe that when you want a Mercedes Benz, buying the best or nothing at all are the only two options. It can also be difficult to verify the authenticity of the seller.
There are, however, many ways around some of these challenges with buying a used Mercedes Benz, so you don't need to worry. Whether you decide to purchase a car new or pre-owned, you can get a good vehicle if you follow the tips presented in this article and take your time when selecting the car.
What to Know Before Buying a Used Mercedes?
Here are some other important considerations you should make if you opt for the used Mercedes Benz route.
Source
Buying a new Mercedes can be a lot easier because you don't have to look too hard to find a car. When you visit a recognised local Mercedes Benz dealer, you know that the business has dotted all the i's and crossed all the t's. They are licensed and approved by Mercedes Benz to sell their luxury vehicles. This also means that they carry the brand promise and great customer experience that you can expect from a high-end car manufacturer.
However, when you buy a used Mercedes-Benz, you might not get all of this, depending on where you purchase from. There are many types of sellers for used vehicles. Some might be reputable dealers, specialising in great quality pre-owned Mercedes Benz that come with all the due diligence done and documented for you. Other dealers are not as thorough or formal, so you might not get the same guarantee and great service that comes with the bigger dealers. Another option when looking for a used Mercedes Benz is to buy from an individual.
Many people choose to use this method, and it can often work out very simple and straightforward. The best option is to work with someone that you know personally or have been referred to. Even if you don't know the person selling the used Mercedes Benz, however, you can still come away with a good deal. All you have to do is make sure you find out all you can about the car, get an inspection by an auto repair expert, and lay your hands on the vehicle history report.
It's also a good idea to consult an expert or take them with you when meeting and dealing with an individual seller you have met online or through other selling platforms. Who you buy the car from matters.
Car History
A used car has something that a new one does not have- a history. Whether the car is several years old or even 1 year old, a lot could have taken place with the previous owner or owners. For one, car accidents can cause major damage to the body and engine. A used Mercedes Benz might also have developed some engine problems over time. Perhaps it even had an engine overhaul, replacement, or extensive work done on the body.
There are some things you may never know about a used car unless you are proactive about finding them out. It is a good idea to ask the current owner about the car's problems, if any. You can also enquire about any notable facts in the car's history that they can share. While it's best practice for them to disclose the engine and body problems of the Mercedes Benz they are selling, you can't always take their word for it.
You must get a hold of the vehicle history report to fill in all the gaps that you may have never known. As far as the car's history is concerned, it's also a good idea to find out how many years the current owner has had the car. For each year that the vehicle is in use, it depreciates naturally. You can even check why they have decided to sell.
Car Inspection
On a similar note of getting a vehicle history report, before you buy a used Mercedes Benz, you should have an inspection service done by an auto repair specialist. They can examine the car's engine, exhaust and transmission system, body, and all other parts of the car that you might not know as well. During the inspection, they may pick up on any current problems that were not revealed by asking the owner and from the history report.
Mileage
Another thing that used Mercedes Benz cars have that new ones don't is mileage. This is the tally of how many kilometers the car has been on the road. The higher the mileage, the more the Mercedes has been used. Different car makes ages differently, but if you want to purchase a used Mercedes Benz, you need to know a bit about the mileage. One important fact you should be aware of is the mileage at which a typical Mercedes starts having problems. You also need an idea of what is considered high mileage for a Mercedes Benz.
Car owners who have clocked over 155,000 drive miles receive a Mercedes-Benz Classic High Mileage Award. A Mercedes Benz with mileage above 100,000 miles or 150,000 miles is more likely to have problems. You may also want to read up more on what kind of mileage to expected from the different Mercedes Benz models available. While mileage isn't the only thing you should look at, it's a good indicator of what you might expect as a new Mercedes Benz owner.
Usage and Care
To wrap up this section on buying a used car, you must note one more important thing. The way the car was used and taken care of affects its lifespan and the type of problems it has. For example, a car could have been with one owner for several years with very low usage. Say they worked from home and only drove it a couple of times a week. While the normal depreciation is expected, you cannot compare this to another owner who drove it daily and went on many long-distance trips. Even if they only had the car for one year, the wear and tear are going to be very different because of how they treated it.
Car care and maintenance are also somethings you're going to want to find out about by asking or through the car inspection. If the owners made sure to drive their cars to the dealer or auto repair shop for service after the recommended drive distance, then you can expect such cars to be in much better condition than ones that received service only once a year, if at all. Make sure you've read up on how often service is recommended. You may need this information on hand.
Cost and Financing Options
Now that we have looked at the most important consideration when buying a Mercedes Benz, it's time to go through some other very important points to help you make the right decision. When buying anything new, you can't ignore the cost. Mercedes Benz cars are luxury vehicles, so they do not come cheap. Whether you buy new or pre-owned, you're going to have to make a viable plan to finance your purchase.
A car may be both a functional purchase and a luxury one, depending on what car it is, your particular situation, and your intentions. When it comes to a major purchase like getting Mercedes Benz, you have to make a sound financial decision that you are not likely to regret a few years down the road.
There are a few ways to finance a new car. You may decide to make a cash purchase. This is always a great option if the funds are available. You complete the purchase in one go and don't have any recurring loan and interest payments to worry about. Another option is to obtain financing where you pay a deposit and recurring monthly installments for a certain length of time. With this option, there are some interest payments associated with the loan as well.
Before you buy a Mercedes Benz, find out the cost of the various models in both new and used versions. Decide what your budget is and stick to it. You don't want your car payments to affect your budget and other financial obligations. Even if you can afford it easily at this present moment, you need to look at the long-term picture and check that you have accounted for unexpected financial needs.
The Car Model
When you are set on buying a Mercedes Benz, you're going to have to pick a particular model and class. As mentioned already, there are many model and class options available in this make, whether you want something like a light personal vehicle or something larger and more heavy-duty. Find out about some of the models, what features they have, and check if they meet your requirements.
When picking a Mercedes model or class, there are many features you might want to check on. Safety features, past quality issues, power-train size, and technology features are all examples.
Here is a bit more information you're going to want to know if you decide to buy two popular cars from categories like the Mercedes Benz C-Class and E-Class. You can also decide if an AMG option works better for you.
Mercedes Benz C-Class
This category includes compact executive sedan/saloon, as well as Estate, Coupé and Cabriolet body style models. The C-Class first came out in 1993.
Mercedes Benz E-Class
The E-Class model from Mercedes Benz includes executive sedan/saloon as well as Estate, Coupé and Cabriolet body style options. The "E" in E-Class stands for the German word "einspritzung. " This means that the car engine is made for petrol fuel injection. You can also find electric models and plug-in hybrids in this class.
Repair and Maintenance
On number four, you have to think about the repair and maintenance requirements when you decide to become a Mercedes Benz owner. These cars may require a large capital investment, but that's not all you are going to pay. There are also recurring costs of upkeep and maintenance. All cars require expenses like fuel, oil, regular maintenance service, and occasional minor and major repairs. Most of these are standard and are easy to factor into your budget. When it comes to vehicular repairs, however, these often crop up unexpectedly. Naturally, used cars are going to need so much more maintenance work than newer ones.
Before you purchase a Mercedes Benz, be sure to read up on the maintenance requirements of the models you are considering. For new and like-new Mercedes Benz cars, the dealer can take care of many of these standard services because car service is covered in the warranty. When the car has been around for some time and the warranty period is over, you are going to have to pay for the repair and maintenance work out of pocket, unless some of it is covered by your insurance.
Used Mercedes Benz cars are known for being quite expensive to repair and maintain out of pocket, and this is why the pre-owned models come at a much cheaper cost than expected. So, if you do buy a Mercedes Benz, and a used one, make sure you are aware of the costs of maintenance, especially post the warranty period. You should also read up on the car insurance and warranty documents to check how many years the warranty is for and the terms and conditions. For AMG, you can expect more expensive care requirements.
The unfortunate thing is that many people never read the fine print regarding other car care expenses outside of the purchase price. If you're not aware of the warranty conditions and what service and repair work is covered and for how many years, you may well be doing yourself a great disservice.
Insurance
You cannot drive a car in Australia without insurance, and doing so is considered an offence. Insurance is another recurring cost that comes with ownership. A Mercedes Benz is a high-value item, so you need to find out the best type of insurance. You need coverage in the case of accidents and any other incidents. Talk to your insurance agent about the best plan for an expensive car. You can also get recommendations from the dealer, or read up on your own.
When you find an insurance policy, read through the details to know what is covered and not covered. Is car service and repair covered? You need to have the answer ahead of time.
Long-term Considerations
The final consideration you should make when buying a Mercedes from a dealer or individual seller is really a summary of all the other points mentioned above. Whether the car is new or used, the cost, the history and previous usage of, the model, the maintenance and the insurance payments all affect your long-term enjoyment of the Mercedes Benz and its useful life.
Getting a Mercedes Benz isn't just about how much you are going to enjoy it once you can drive it home on the day of buying. It's a sizeable investment, so you have to check that it's still going to be worth it in one year or a few years down the line. Cars are handy, but depending on the type, they can become a major liability. Make sure you like what you are getting into and that financial, maintenance, and functionality of the Mercedes Benz are still going to be a plus for you and your lifestyle after it's a year old. A good quality one is reliable and durable. This means lower repair costs.
Closing Thoughts on Buying Mercedes Benz Cars
One of the best things about a Mercedes is the luxury it offers. You can't go wrong if you are looking for a premium model to take home for your use. AMG and Mercedes Benz cars are great to buy as new, but you run into some specific challenges when buying a used one. This is why, very often, the price of a used Mercedes Benz is considerably lower for used cars. These vehicles are expensive to repair and maintain when the warranty period has passed. So, make sure you pay attention to the quality of the used vehicle that you buy. Cheaper is not always better, and it may be better to go for the best-or-nothing approach.
A used AMG or Mercedes Benz is ideal. You can enjoy it in its best condition from Westside Auto, and you know that if you purchase one of our projection plans the warranty covers will give you the peace of mind needed for many years. Whether you settle for the more common Mercedes Benz models or chose an AMG class, the points covered in this article can help you choose and plan wisely. It's best to think through these before finalizing any financing or purchasing.
