04 Dec 06
The easiest option is to pitch up at a Mercedes-Benz Direct outlet to look at the several hundred models in stock. There are eight centres, all owned by Mercedes, and the idea is to give you complete purchasing peace of mind at what is in effect an official used Merc supermarket.
The cars have all done less than 100,000 miles, and all come with 12 months' warranty. As with used cars sold at any Mercedes dealer, the car is checked by a trained technician and you get the full roadside assistance package. The advantage of using a Direct outlet is that there's more choice and potentially more competitive prices.
Independent Mercedes specialists flourish because their prices are slightly lower and in some cases their technicians are even more expert than those at official dealers. Best of all, they are more likely to supply the higher-mileage but still immaculate cars that the Mercedes network loses interest in.
Then of course there are the private sellers who have in many cases run an E as part of their business. It's important to make sure that these cars don't have any outstanding finance; good taste in cars doesn't guarantee financial probity. Check the history through the servicing dealer, and be suspicious if there are lots of previous owners in case this has been one of those problem E-Classes.
