YourMercedes-Benz Dealer Blog

If you are in the market for your next car, you may not have thought of buying a used car. You may have certain preconceptions about the used car market that make you hesitant. A Certified Pre-Owned Mercedes, however, helps to minimize the risk. From a 2007 J.D. Powers study, here are five facts to keep in mind about certified pre-owned vehicles.

The manufacturer’s certification assures quality
In order to become certified, a vehicle is put through numerous tests. All of the car’s major features, from the engine to the tires, must be in excellent shape. The car is reconditioned as necessary to maintain these high standards. Therefore, you can be certain that you are not buying someone else’s problem.

A Certified Pre-Owned Car allows you to buy more car for the money
In general, a CPO car is more expensive than a non-certified used car. However, it is much less expensive than purchasing the same car brand new. Therefore, you will be able to purchase a more luxurious vehicle with more options for the same price that you would have paid for a less-ideal new car.

CPO programs often offer exclusive benefits
At any given time, we may offer various incentive programs with the purchase of a Certified Pre-Owned Mercedes. Come down to our local dealership or visit us on the Web to find out what exciting programs we are currently offering.

A manufacturer-backed warranty on your Certified Pre-Owned Car
When you purchase a Certified Pre-Owned Mercedes, you are purchasing peace of mind. With a warranty that is fully backed by Mercedes-Benz, you will be covered even if you move out of our local area. You will be able to receive warranty support from any authorized Mercedes-Benz dealership; in whatever area you happen to find yourself in.

Avoiding costly depreciation
As you may already know, a new vehicle loses thousands of dollars in value the moment it is driven off the lot. Purchasing a Certified Pre-Owned car allows you to avoid this costly depreciation.

If you are looking for your next car, it might be worthwhile to consider a Certified Pre-Owned Mercedes. The price may be slightly higher than that of an uncertified used car, but the peace of mind will be well worth the investment. A CPO car will be significantly less expensive than a new car, allowing you to find the vehicle of your dreams at a price you can afford.

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According to a recent survey by UK car supermarket Motorpoint, two thirds of drivers in the UK would buy a car that is certified as “green” in order to avoid a higher road tax. This marks a major shift in opinion from earlier studies which demonstrated that buyers are unwilling to pay more for environmentally friendly technologies.

In order to be certified as “green,” a car must meet a number of strict criteria regarding emissions and other environmental criteria. Historically, these cars have carried higher price tags because of the increased costs of production. Therefore, new UK laws that punish drivers of cars with high emissions may account for much of the turnaround. Showroom taxes, road taxes and tripled congestion charges in London are just a few of the ways in which environmentally unfriendly cars are set to be taxed.

The new system of taxes makes the relative cost of environmentally friendly cars much lower. Nonetheless, a third of drivers are willing to pay the increased charges in order to drive the vehicle of their choice despite its effects on the environment.

If you are interested in an environmentally friendly Mercedes vehicle, the popular Mercedes C-Class was the first car in its market segment to be awarded a green certificate. The new Mercedes Fortwo is also poised to set trends as a leader in green engineering, offering brand new technology and numerous benefits to the consumer as well as the environment.

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Nodding off at the wheel is a frighteningly common scenario. Nearly one-third of all automobile accidents are attributable in some way to driver tiredness. Whether on a long road trip or simply driving home from a late night event, you may have experienced the effects of tired driving. The short, gray days and endless nights of winter can compound the problem.

Debuting in 2009, Mercedes-Benz vehicles’ new Attention Assist system is designed to combat tired driving. The brand new technology will use a network of sensors placed strategically around the car to monitor driver behaviors. Information that is gathered includes acceleration patterns, weaving, use of floor pedals and even the driver’s body position in relation to the steering wheel.

The data is compiled and compared to a stored profile of the driver’s normal driving style. The current conditions, time of day, wind speeds and other environmental data are also taken into account. If a discrepancy is found, which might indicate that the driver is nodding off, both an audible warning and a dashboard light are triggered. Although the system was designed to address the problem of tired driving, the system actually monitors irregular driving patterns, regardless of their cause. Additional potential new uses include determining when the driver has had too much drink or is under the influence of drugs.

The new technology is being developed by a panel of experts including scientists and psychologists. Extensive real-world testing is being performed, involving over 400 participants and 330,000 miles of roadways. Feedback from the participants is being incorporated as the design is fine-tuned.

The Attention Assist system is currently in the final phases of development. Although the system will not debut until sometime in 2009, it is never too early to start thinking about this safety feature that could literally save your life. For more information, stop in at one of our local dealerships.

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Instead of just purchasing a used vehicle from a dealer based on price, there are several other things you should do before deciding on the right car for you at the best price for your wallet.

1. Visit a few of the used car dealers in your area. Find some cars that appeal to you and make a note of them. You can bring a notebook along with you and write down the make, model, year, vehicle identification number and mileage of the ones that you like that fit within your budget.

2. Take those notes home and research the cars. Websites like Kelley Blue Book and Edmunds have data about gas mileage and resale values as well as reviews from other drivers. You can also learn the vehicle’s suggested price when purchasing through a licensed dealer.

3. Narrow down your options based on your research.

4. Visit the Carfax website and do a search on the vehicle history of the cars you’re considering. The history provides important details about the vehicle, including any major accidents and the number of previous owners.

5. Go back to the dealer(s) with the information you have. Take your choices for a test drive to find the most comfortable one.

6. Make a decision and negotiate a deal with the sales specialist.

If you decide to purchase a certified Mercedes, though, you can skip several of these steps. Because the “certified” label means that a vehicle has been inspected and meets the manufacturer’s rigorous standards, you can be sure of its reliability and excellence. Visit our local Mercedes dealership today and find one that exceeds your expectations.

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The Mercedes R-Class has yet to find its niche. The vehicle is a brilliant idea, designed to carry up to seven passengers along with a great deal of luggage. The chassis was borrowed from the Mercedes M-Class, providing a secure and comfortable ride. However, it could be argued that the R-Class tried to be too many things at once and never quite reached the expected sales figures in any one category.The 2008 version is expected to address those concerns. The new 2008 Mercedes R-Class is designed with numerous options, allowing each purchaser to select those features that are best for him. Choose from a 4+2 or a 5+2 seating configuration. Select a short wheelbase version if you prefer smaller cars that are easier to park, or choose the roomy long wheelbase if you need the extra storage room.

It is not only in seating and storage capacity that 2008 R-Class purchaser will find extensive options. Do you prefer a gasoline engine or a diesel? Rear wheel drive or four wheel drive? These are just some of the questions you will need to ask yourself when deciding on your new R-Class .

Of course, no matter which R-Class you select, you can be sure that the highest Mercedes standards are maintained throughout. Standard equipment includes the THERMATIC climate control system, complete with an air pollutant filter, as well as a large glove box containing Auxiliary connections for entertainment devices.

Optional equipment reflects Mercedes’ dedication to luxury. Perhaps you would enjoy an electrically heated steering wheel, a reversing camera for additional safety, or a full on-board entertainment system for the children.

The Mercedes Benz R-Class has been carefully redesigned to offer flexibility for every purchaser. No matter what your needs or desires, the R-Class may offer a vehicle for you. So why not stop by our local dealership to test out the R-Class for yourself?

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According to a study by EurotaxGlass, used car buyers are searching for quality vehicles that have less than 60,000 miles on them. Is there a reason for this trend?

Researchers for the European publication compared mileages and trade-in prices for more than 200,000 vehicles. In a not-so-surprising finding, they found higher mileages resulted in increased depreciation rates. More surprising is the fact that the largest decreases in value occurred for three-year-old vehicles with between 60,000-100,000 miles on the odometer.

Researchers used a three-year-old car with about 40,000 miles as a standard vehicle for comparison This is the typical mileage for a car of that age. They found that the value for the exact same vehicle dropped about four percent if the car had 50,000 miles on the odometer rather than 40,000.

Once the odometer reached 60,000 miles, though, the value dropped about five percent for each increment of 10,000 miles thereafter. For instance, the total depreciation for a vehicle with 80,000 miles would be about 17 percent more than the same vehicle with only 40,000 miles on it.

Surprisingly, cars that reach the 100,000-mile mark tend to depreciate much slower than the ones with only 60,000 miles. According to the Managing Editor of EurotaxGlass, this is because the owner isn’t afraid of “instant devaluation.” For each 10,000 miles after 100,000, the vehicle only drops in value by about three percent. After 200,000, it only drops by two percent for each increment of 10,000 miles.

Here’s another surprising fact: cars with less than 40,000 miles on the odometer do not always hold the best value. For each 10,000 miles less than 40,000 miles, the trade-in value only improves by about two percent.

With a certified Mercedes, you can get the best luxury vehicle for your buck. Only the best Mercedes-Benz vehicles with less than a certain number of miles earn the coveted “certified” label.” As a result, you can be sure of their long-term value and reliability.

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Great news for Catholic Mercedes lovers! The latest Popemobile is none other than a custom Mercedes G-Class. According to a recent story in Edmund’s, the new Popemobile is open-top and painted in a color called “Vatican mystic white.”

The new Popemobile’s open top design was a surprise to some, as Pope Benedict XVI had undergone a situation in June in which a German man attempted to enter the Popemobile during a public address. Nonetheless, the Pope was not deterred from his preference for open vehicles. The plan is to use the new Mercedes Popemobile in Wednesday public appearances.

The vehicle’s interior is white, nicely offset by a set of stairs lined in red that provide access in the rear. The design was over two years in the making, developed in close association with the Vatican. Mercedes-Benz vehicles have been an important part of the Pope’s fleet of cars since 1930, when the first Mercedes Popemobile was delivered to Pope Pius XI.

Although it is the most public representation, the new Popemobile is not the only Mercedes in the current fleet. Also available at the Pope’s disposal are several M-Class and S-Class vehicles of special production design. Since the 1981 assassination attempt on Pope John Paul II, the Pope’s cars have been specially fitted with bulletproof glass and other protections.

The Popemobile is currently the only available G-Class with an open top, and at this time there are no plans to put such vehicles into regular production. However, if you are interested in purchasing your own (closed-top) version of the Popemobile, why not stop in at our local dealership? You may find that a G-Class is a great investment for your family.

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Mercedes-Benz may be a luxury car company, but that does not mean that the company is uncaring.

According to Sej Motau, Mercedes-Benz Divisional Manager for Corporate Affairs, Mercedes is constantly striving to find sustainable solutions for environmental problems. Proving that this is not the mere lip service of a global corporation, Mercedes has signed an agreement to purchase green power from the Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality in South Africa.

Green power is electricity that is generated through renewable energy sources. Although it is more expensive to purchase, green power is a necessary component in solving the world’s energy crisis. It is hoped that over time, global power needs will become increasingly reliant on renewable energy sources.

Although the City of Tshwane was the first in the area to join the Green Power initiative, Amatola Green Power, who produces the green electricity, is also in discussions with other municipalities including Cape Town, the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality and the eThekwini Municipality. South Africa is facing an extreme energy crisis, with coal resources expected to last only approximately 300 years.

Mercedes has long been a supporter of renewable energy and environmental concerns. All Mercedes-Benz vehicles are designed with an eye towards reducing the environmental effects of automobiles in both manufacturing and operation. Mercedes has been a part of numerous conservation projects and initiatives as well, for a period of well over 50 years.
If you are interested in purchasing a vehicle from a company that is truly dedicated to reducing its environmental impact, why not consider Mercedes-Benz? Come on down to our local dealership to take a test drive and learn more about Mercedes conservation efforts.

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If it’s true that most drivers are happy to get 100,000 miles out of their vehicles, then this Mercedes owner was five times as happy.

After driving his 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 SDL for more than 500,000 miles, Sam Woody decided it was time to upgrade. That’s right, his Benz got more than half a million miles on it before he decided to call it quits.

The West Chester native bought the luxury vehicle while he was still in the Air Force. He’s the only person who owned the vehicle since he bought it new in 1987. At the time, it was a state-of-the-art vehicle, and he paid more than $40,000 for it.

But the memories Woody has with the car are priceless. At the time, he worked in Fairborn and drove the Mercedes to work everyday. A year later, he was transferred to St. Louis, Missouri. His wife stayed in West Chester at the time to continue teaching. Woody drove home every weekend with the Mercedes-Benz to visit his wife. That’s how a big chunk of the miles were accumulated, he says.

“It never let me down,” Woody said about the car. He made sure to perform the scheduled maintenance procedures: oil changes, flush and fill, and so on.  If he heard the slightest noise, he’d take it to the mechanic and get it checked out right away. Apart from a few minor repairs and the normal wear and tear, nothing major went wrong with the car in 20 years.

But it was time to trade it in. Mercedes-Benz has made some astonishing improvements in driver comfort and safety since Woody bought the 1987 model. He wanted to experience the new GPS and the other features that he’d been missing out on all these years. Hopefully, he’ll get another 528,696 miles out of this one, too.

It just goes to show that you can get a great deal on a certified Mercedes, and it’ll last you for years to come. Simply take care of it with regularly scheduled maintenance procedures and the car will return the favor.

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Have you ever felt stressed out while you’re driving? With increasing traffic and more cars on the road each year, anxiety is a typical feeling for many drivers today. But researchers have found that some drivers feel less anxiety than others. What was one of the factors that contributed to a lower anxiety level?

Researchers linked reduced stress to drivers who sit behind the wheels of Mercedes-Benz automobiles. You might think that Mercedes drivers would feel more stress as they don’t want anything to happen to their luxury vehicles. But that just simply isn’t the case.

One of the core values of the Mercedes-Benz brand is to instill a feeling of confidence and well-being in the drivers of those products. A recent study showed that the automaker has been successful in accomplishing that objective . Drivers of Benz vehicles experience less psychosocial stress during their trips than drivers of other vehicles. With the overall concept and sophisticated technology, drivers have smaller workloads when driving. As a result, they experience less stress.

Daimler Chrysler conducted the study, which involved 20 car drivers in identical road conditions. Each driver drove a different car. The Mercedes-Benz driver drove one of the company’s new S-Class models, and other drivers had similar competitor’s models. Researchers closely monitored each driver’s stress by empirical indicators, mainly the heartbeat rate. They also conducted psychoanalytic interviews with the drivers before they left on the trips and again five hours later when they came back.

The results ultimately showed that the Mercedes-Benz driver had a six-percent lower heart rate when compared to the other drivers. That means the driver’s heart beat five fewer times per minute!

Do yourself a favor and get behind the wheel of one of the relaxing Mercedes-Benz vhicles today. You’ll not only enjoy its luxury but also possibly improve your health.

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