Thoroughly inspect these critical areas when evaluating a used Mercedes-Benz SUV:
Exterior
- Body Panels & Paint: Check for consistent paint color, texture, and gaps on all doors, hood, and tailgate. Inspect closely for signs of repainting, overspray, or rust.
- Body Damage & Alignment: Look for misaligned panels, dents, or creases indicating potential collision repair. Inspect wheel wells and underbody for scrapes.
- Lights & Glass: Verify all exterior lights (headlights, taillights, indicators) function correctly. Check windshield and all windows for cracks, chips, or delamination.
- Tires & Wheels: Assess tread depth and wear patterns (uneven wear suggests alignment issues). Inspect wheels for curb damage or bends. Spare tire condition.
Interior
- Upholstery & Trim: Inspect leather/suede/fabric seats, dashboard, door cards, and headliner for excessive wear, tears, stains, or cracking plastics.
- Odors: Be alert for persistent musty, moldy, or smoke odors indicating potential water leaks or neglect.
- Controls & Electronics: Test ALL functions: infotainment (COMAND/MBUX), HVAC (all vents/modes), seat adjustments/memory/heating/cooling, steering wheel controls, windows, sunroof, locks, mirrors, ambient lighting.
- Instrument Cluster: Check for warning lights (start engine; they should extinguish after startup) and any error messages. Verify odometer reading.
- Pedals & Carpets: Check pedal rubber and carpet condition; lift mats to feel for dampness or water stains indicating leaks.
Under the Hood
- Fluid Levels & Condition: Check engine oil (color, smell), coolant (color, level), brake fluid (level), power steering fluid (if applicable). Look for discoloration or debris.
- Leaks: Inspect engine bay, around the oil pan, transmission, differentials, and suspension components (especially ABC systems if equipped) for fluid leaks.
- Belts & Hoses: Look for signs of cracking, fraying, or excessive wear on serpentine belts and coolant hoses.
- Battery: Check age (sticker) and for corrosion on terminals.
Test Drive
- Engine: Note startup smoothness (no excessive cranking). Listen for unusual noises (ticking, knocking). Check power delivery and responsiveness throughout the RPM range.
Transmission: Test for smooth, timely shifts in both automatic and manual modes (if equipped). Pay attention to low-speed engagement, harsh shifts, or hesitation.
Steering & Handling: Verify steering is precise without excessive play or vibration. Ensure the vehicle tracks straight. Listen for clunks or groans over bumps.
Brakes: Test stopping power firmly at various speeds. Feel for vibrations, pulling, grinding noises, or a spongy pedal.
Suspension (Critical for AirMatic/ABC): Listen for air compressor running excessively, uneven ride height, sagging corners (after sitting), or harsh ride over bumps. System should adjust smoothly.
Noises: Listen for rattles, squeaks, drones, or wind noise at various speeds and road surfaces.
ADAS Features: Test cruise control (Distronic), blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, parking sensors, and camera systems if equipped.
Post-Drive Inspection
- Undercarriage: Look for fresh leaks (oil, coolant, transmission fluid, differential fluid, brake fluid) after driving.
- Exhaust: Check for excessive smoke (blue/oil burning, white/coolant, black/fuel) and listen for abnormal sounds.
Documentation & Verification
- Service History: Demand detailed records showing regular maintenance per Mercedes-Benz schedule (oil changes, filters, brake fluid flushes, transmission service, spark plugs). Proof of major repairs is essential.
- Vehicle History Report: Obtain a comprehensive report (Carfax/AutoCheck) verifying ownership history, accidents, title status (clean/salvage), and odometer accuracy.
- VIN Check: Verify VIN plate/sticker matches documentation and is intact on the dashboard, door jamb, etc.
- Pre-Purchase Inspection (PPI): Mandatory. Hire an independent, qualified mechanic specializing in Mercedes-Benz. A Mercedes-Benz dealer PPI offers the most specific expertise. They will scan for fault codes, perform system diagnostics, and identify hidden problems.
- Key Check: Verify both master keys are present and fully functional.
