Buying a used car is like high-stakes gambling. If you’re lucky you can win big – paying less for a near-new car.

Buying from a stranger through a classified ad could mean ending up with a car that hasn’t been properly looked after, or paying more than it’s worth.

But what if there was a way to stack the odds in your favour? Well, there is. It’s called Mercedes-Benz Certified.

When used is as good as new

Buying a brand-new Mercedes-Benz certainly comes with its benefits, but for a variety of reasons (be it budget or preference) buying a pre-owned car is a great option.

Research shows that up to three million used cars are sold in Australia every year, so picking the right one can be a bit like picking a needle from a stack of needles. This is where Mercedes-Benz Certified comes in.

This program is Mercedes-Benz Australia’s way of ensuring that when you buy a pre-owned Mercedes-Benz you’re buying one that’s in the best condition possible. The brand attracts thousands of used models every year through its dealerships, and with Certified it has created a platform to make buying them easier and safer for you.

Not all used cars are created equal

How does Mercedes-Benz guarantee that? We’re glad you asked.

When a Mercedes retailer acquires a used vehicle for the Certified program, it immediately undergoes a 100-point safety and mechanical check to ensure its in good condition. The vehicle’s service history is also analysed and any work that needs to be done is carried out using genuine Mercedes-Benz parts.

Peace of mind

Most used cars carry inherent risk, because once you hand over your money and sign the paperwork, there’s no going back. If you break down one week later, the person who sold it to you is laughing all

Not with Mercedes-Benz Certified. Having passed inspection, Mercedes-Benz gives all Certified models a two-year factory-backed warranty. Plus, all cars come with 24/7 roadside assistance, so if anything does go wrong, you’re covered.

New car choice, used car prices

Once a car is deemed good enough for resale, it’s listed on Mercedes-Benz Australia’s Certified website, which has a comprehensive database of all pre-owned vehicles listed for sale in Australia. 

At the time of writing there were more than 1600 pre-owned and demonstrator vehicles listed for sale through the Certified program. From A-Class to X-Class and everything in between – even the awesome AMG GT – are available for you to browse and buy. 

What’s the catch?

There’s no obvious catch to the Mercedes-Benz Certified program, but you should expect to pay slightly more for a car through the scheme than if you bought privately.

However, when you factor in the hurdles a car must overcome to meet the Certified standard, and its warranty and roadside assistance, any extra you may pay up front will even out over time. 

So next time you find yourself in the market for a used car, remember you can stack the odds in your favour.