What To Do After Hitting 100k Miles
Without a shadow of a doubt, no car is built to last anyone’s lifetime. We rely on them so heavily throughout our days to protect us, get us places, and help us see the world that it simply isn’t possible. But, add onto that the cost of maintaining and repairing a luxury vehicle, and most are looking at a costly venture that may not be worth their time. So, what happens when you stumble upon a great deal on a Mercedes that has over 100,000 miles on it? Do you dive into the dream you’ve had as a kid and take the plunge? Consider a few of these practical issues first before making your decision.
IS A MERCEDES RELIABLE WITH SUCH HIGH MILEAGE?
While a Mercedes with mileage may not guarantee years of perfect riding and touring around, that doesn’t mean the car itself can’t be reliable. But, all of that falls back onto the maintenance schedule the vehicle has seen up until that point. With all of its advanced features and technology that have become the cornerstone of a luxury vehicle, there is a lot that can go wrong if the car hasn’t been properly tuned up throughout its life. How do you make sure of this? The blanket solution is to never buy a vehicle from someone you don’t know. If you want the best standing chance possible, go one step further and only purchase a used Mercedes from a reputable dealer. Make sure they have documentation on all of the repairs and maintenance that have happened on the vehicle up until the point of purchase. Having more information like that upfront will help you to make the best decision possible for your on-road lifestyle.
WHICH MAKE AND MODEL IS THE MOST RELIABLE?
That question depends on what you prioritize in a vehicle. Some Mercedes, such as the slightly older W203 C55 AMG made from 2005-2006, comes with a 5.4-liter V8 engine that has withstood the test of time over its V6 counterparts in other makes and models. However, the dated nature of the older systems in a Mercedes such as the one mentioned may turn most heads away. However, many magazines have rated the Mercedes E-Class model as the most efficient as well as the most reliable when it comes to lifespan and dependability. However, all of that is dependent upon maintenance history and whether or not the prior owner kept up with repairs along the way.
SO, SHOULD I BUY A USED MERCEDES?
Many may tell you that it isn’t wise. Between the hike in insurance that comes with luxury vehicles to the monthly payments all the way down to the constant upkeep that will require money out-of-pocket from the get-go, you have to make sure you’re financially equipped to handle a vehicle like this. Not only that, but repair parts for a Mercedes aren’t cheap. Coupling that with the fact that luxury vehicles depreciate starkly year after year, it may sound to many like a recipe for disaster. But, there is one fool-proof method that can bring you comfort while navigating the stress of purchasing a used luxury vehicle, and that is the auto maintenance history on the car. The more miles it has, the more important maintenance history is.
Purchasing a used vehicle always comes with risk. Tack that onto the idea of a luxury vehicle, and the risk only gets greater. So, make sure you’re covered. Crunch your finances, see how much you can afford to spend on upfront costs as well as repairs along the way, then use that as a hard line for purchasing. Make sure to tally up how much you can afford to spend monthly on repairs as well, because they will pop up sooner rather than later no matter the tune-up history. Planning is your friend with something like this. However, if you’re struggling with planning, call us up anytime at or visit any of our 13 Eurofed Automotive locations to pick the brains of our certified technicians and experts! We have auto repair shops scattered across Georgia in Alpharetta, Atlanta, Buckhead, Decatur, Duluth, and Snellville, along with locations in Austin, Texas; Charlotte, NC; and Jacksonville, FL! They can lend a guiding hand in order to help you make the best decision for yourself, your budget, and your lifestyle needs. Come see us today!
