What Is Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-Owned?
How Mercedes models are certified, the benefits of CPO cars, and how to find the best deals.
Mercedes-Benz
Article QuickTakes:
Certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicles are a great way to get a newer car for less than the price of a brand-new one. Whether they’ve just come off lease or are a fresh trade-in, CPO cars go through rigorous inspections and are offered with manufacturer’s warranties — often with maintenance plans that are similar to those offered with new models.
With Mercedes-Benz, CPO vehicles offer a path into the luxury car or SUV you desire without the higher buy-in and quick depreciation of a new model. Here’s an overview of how Mercedes-Benz’s CPO program works and why it might be a good option for you.
Which Mercedes-Benz Models Are Eligible?
Mercedes-Benz has a list of requirements that a car must meet before it can be considered for the CPO inspection and testing process. The car must be less than six years old and have fewer than 75,000 miles on the odometer. The car must have been serviced according to schedule, which should be reflected in the required Carfax history report. Once a vehicle has checked those boxes, it’s on to inspection.
Inspection and Testing
The 165-point inspection checks over the structural and cosmetic integrity of a potential CPO car. Inspectors look for dings and scratches on the exterior and check the condition of the chassis. The condition of interior surfaces and finishes is checked, as is the functionality of all controls and buttons. The car’s electrical systems, fluids, filters, and lines are all checked. Even the first-aid kit is examined to see if it has ever been opened or if the expiration date has passed.
A road test is conducted to make sure the engine and transmission are running as they should. The brakes, steering, instruments, and systems such as cruise control are put through their paces as well. After the car is driven, there’s a check for any visible fluid leaks. Once the inspection is completed, any problems that might have arisen are sorted out. The vehicle is then thoroughly cleaned before being offered for sale as a certified pre-owned Mercedes-Benz.
Available Warranties, Maintenance Plans, and Special Offers
Depending on the age of the vehicle, any remaining time on the four-year/50,000-mile Mercedes-Benz New Vehicle Limited Warranty will carry over to a CPO model. All CPO Mercedes-Benz models include a one-year, unlimited mileage certified pre-owned limited warranty. (When applicable, the CPO warranty will kick in once the new vehicle warranty expires.) Buyers have the option to purchase up to two more years of warranty coverage, again with no mileage restrictions.
CPO cars up to eight model years old and with less than 80,000 miles are eligible for the Mercedes-Benz Star Maintenance Plan. Available in terms of two to three years or up to 110,000 miles, Star Maintenance can save drivers up to 30 percent on routine maintenance if it’s performed once per year or every 10,000 miles, whichever comes first.
It’s worth looking for special offers when shopping for a CPO Mercedes-Benz. You’ll often find deals on financing for select CPO models built within the three most recent model years.
