Purchasing a car is an exciting feeling. When the car in question is a Mercedes, then your happiness grows no bounds. Not all of us can afford a new Mercedes as the prices are sky rocketing. This is the reason why many people prefer to go in for used Mercedes. A used Mercedes also do not come cheap, so before purchasing one, you might need to inspect the vehicle yourself.

Buyer’s Beware

First and foremost, you need to set your budget and decide on what type of Mercedes model you are interested in. Based on your preference, you might need to search for Mercedes dealership showroom that sell used vehicles, if you live in and around Houston, then you can enquire about licensed Mercedes Benz Houston showrooms in your neighborhood. Such showrooms will have efficient and knowledgeable staff that can help you make the right decision on your Mercedes.

It is always better to check out the vehicle yourself. You might need to inspect the engine, tires, transmission of the vehicle before you make up your mind.

Take the Mercedes for a Test Drive

Now before test driving the car, ask questions about the vehicle to get a clear picture about the present condition. Questions like:

• Reason why the vehicle was sold
• Year of manufacture
• Ask for service records of the vehicle
• Ask for the mileage reports

Examine the car thoroughly. Some red flags include:

• Unusual smell coming from under the hood
• Smell of burnt oil
• Oil leaks
• Battery of the car not maintained properly
• Coolant leaks
• Cracked radiator
• Check for the oil levels of the car
• Examine the oil cap for deposits
• Noises and disturbances from the engine
• Look for scratches, rust or anything out of order in the vehicle

Cold start the car and check the smoke that comes out of it. If the smoke is black, then it is a sign that the vehicle is consuming a lot of fuel. Prolonged blue smoke indicates that there might be a problem with the vehicle regarding oil spills or leaks.

One of the best ways to inspect the whole vehicle for issues is to take the car out for a spin. Take in the feel of the steering and the seats while driving.

Conclusion

Make a list of the features of the car so that you can test them while driving. Look for reviews and ratings shared by existing customers. Make a checklist on what you want to check in the car.