I am looking at purchasing a preowned Mercedes S430 and there is inventory at both licensed dealers, as well as at independent dealers throughout the Los Angeles area. Ultimately I would prefer to go through a licensed dealer, but the deals are much better with an independent. Is there much more risk associated with an independent? If I have a mechanic evaluate the car from an independent dealer, am I buying with confidence, or with my fingers crossed? What should I look for in an independent if I go there? Or, what do I get by going with a licensed MB dealer? Many Thanks!
2006-11-27 07:08:21 · 3 answers · asked by Vinerider 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Buying & Selling
All dealers must be licensed to sell to the general public. Buying a Benz from a non-MB dealer can be a good deal, HOWEVER you should take it to an MB dealer and have them inspect the car. They can pull the maintenance history, verify that any recalls have been completed and check for any outstanding technical service bulletins. They will also inspect the vehicle and let you know what condition it is in. Don't forget to pull a Car Fax report as well.
2006-11-27 08:12:15 · answer #1 · answered by Bostonian In MO 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
People place too much faith in CarFax. That only reports what people have reported to it. Is anything visibly wrong, or is anything out of the ordinary driving it? Apparently not enough for "you" to notice without an expert pointing it out to you. I bought a 95 Maxima in May 94 (one of the first ones off the boat) and did $4000 damage to it about Jan/Feb 95. No structural damage, it still drove fine with the radiator dangling (electric fan) until repaired. Needed front facia and grill, hood and front fenders. It is now still going strong at 16 years old, and I doubt if anyone could detect that it has been in an accident. Although, that is because the body shop did a fine job and everything has aged together.
2016-05-23 12:44:49 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
ALL DEALER IN CALIF MUST BE LICENSE,GO GET THE BEST DEAL YOU CAN,AND BEFORE YOU PAY FOR IT ,TELL THE INDEPENDENT DEALER YOU WANT TO HAVE THE CAR CHECK OUT AT THE MB DEALER,............GOOD LUCK
2006-11-27 07:16:20 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋