What to Look For When Buying a Pre-Owned Car

Whether shopping locally or in another state, shopping for a pre-owned vehicle can be just as challenging as shopping for a new car. At Mercedes-Benz of St. Louis we work to make sure the process is as easy and hassle-free as it can be for you. Whether you’re shopping for a pre-owned Mercedes-Benz, or one of our other available makes, use or handy pre-owned car buying guide to help you out. When pre-owned car shopping, keep in mind that you should do the following:

• Research
• Budget
• Inspect
• Try it Out

Let’s take a look at the step-by-step process, courtesy of Mercedes-Benz of St. Louis.

Research: Where to Buy pre-owned Cars

You’ll have no problem finding pre-owned car dealerships around Clayton. The key is to find a trusted, hardworking dealership. Mercedes-Benz of St. Louis offers great trade-in value and a huge selection of pre-owned and certified pre-owned cars.

Budget: Mileage, Maintenance, and Cost

An important part of pre-owned car shopping is your budget. Everything from condition of the vehicle, potential maintenance needs, and the mileage of the car should be considered.

• There are cars and trucks that last upwards of 300,000 miles on one engine, but that’s only if they’re well cared for.
• High mileage cars will usually carry a lower price than comparable models with lower mileage, but they could require more repairs and maintenance.
• Factor in what your maximum budget is. Consider purchase price, as well as how much you’ll have to spend on potential repairs and maintenance in the near future.

Deciding which pre-owned vehicle is right for your Frontenac drives depends on a lot of factors, including savings and peace of mind. You can always opt for a certified pre-owned Mercedes-Benz to split the difference. Speak with our finance department if you have questions about what you can afford.

Inspect: What to Check When Buying a Pre-Owned Car

Now that you’ve found our dealership and properly budgeted, the next step is to inspect the vehicle for quality. So, what should you inspect on a pre-owned vehicle? Here’s a few key things to look at:

• Make sure headlights, turn signals, and taillights are working
• Check wear on tire treads Damage hidden by careful touch-ups instead of proper repairs
• Look for rust around the wheel wells and door edges
• Confirm any damage isn’t hidden by a touch-up rather than a proper repair
• Inspect upholstery for any damage or wear

It doesn’t take a seasoned mechanic to spot serious issues. Don’t forget to pop open the hood and look for any outstanding issues. Check the battery for corrosive build-up, and make sure everything looks clean and well kept.

Try it Out: Test Drive Before You Buy

Found the perfect model to drive home to Ladue? It’s time for a test drive to make sure it lives up to your standards. When you’re ready, simply reach out to us at (314) 647-2400 and schedule a test drive. If possible, take the car out and around the highway, not just local roads. Make sure it can withstand whatever driving conditions you’ll be going through. Don’t hesitate once you’ve found the model you want as pre-owned cars tend to go quickly from our lot.

Find Your pre-owned Car at Mercedes-Benz of St. Louis

You’ll find a wide range of Mercedes-Benz and non-Mercedes-Benz models in our pre-owned and certified pre-owned inventory. If you have any questions about a model that you’re interested in, don’t hesitate to contact us today. In the meantime, you can also view our pre-owned vehicles under $20k for an even better deal!