Cars that are as good as new

Take advantage of an approved used scheme and save yourself a fortune
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22 February 2013

There’s nothing like the fresh smell, pristine interior and immaculate paint of a new car. But why — in the apparently new Mercedes-Benz I’m driving — does the clock read more than 4,000 miles? It’s really the only clue that this sleek CLS 250CDI BlueEfficiency is in fact a used model.

Here’s why. Like other mainstream manufacturers, Mercedes-Benz buys back thousands of its own cars each year in part-exchange and puts them through a rigorous in-house process so they emerge as good as new, as part of the firm’s approved used scheme.

The schemes are great news for motorists who want a nicely presented, fully warranted car with all the back-up you get from a main dealer — but who don’t want new-car expense or that initial drop in depreciation, about 25 per cent in the first year.

I went through the process of choosing a car by logging into the Mercedes-Benz Approved-Used Search (used.mercedes-benz.co.uk). You tick an image of the model you want and input price, mileage, age and so on, conjuring a vast offering of cars.

First I searched for an E-Class estate, finding versions ranging from £13,000 for a 2005 E320 64,000-miler to £48,000 for a 4,000-mile E400 Sport. Then I spotted the sleek CLS saloon and found examples from around £14,000 for a 320CDI 50,000-miler, up to £57,000 for a 4,000-mile 350CDI.

I reserved the Palladium Silver Metallic CLS 7G-Tronic Plus 7-Speed Auto. Had I parted with real money for this car with a difference it would have cost £35,889, a bargain compared with buying new at £47,575 (£50,745 with options).

In the official handover process with Lynton Beattie at Mercedes-Benz World in Weybridge — where they talk you through your car in detail — it seemed indistinguishable from zero-mileage cars nearby. Powered by a 2,143-litre four-cylinder diesel, my second-hand find has a top speed of 150mph and shoots from 0-62mph in 7.5 seconds, via a smooth seven-speed box.

The lower approved used prices also mean buyers don’t have to make sacrifices on the options list either.

The long list of standard equipment includes bi-xenon headlights, parktronic (it parks the car for you), multi-function steering wheel, electric front seats and an adjustable steering column. There’s no skimping on security and safety either.

This CLS has “attention assist” to monitor drowsiness on long journeys, an Electronic Stability Programme and much more while under “communication” there’s MP3 capability, phone bluetooth function and a slick sat-nav. Options (adding £950) include a reversing camera, speed limit assist and an uprated car entertainment system.

Mercedes-Benz sells 30,000 used cars annually with an average price of £19,700 and — as this represents about one third of the firm’s business — they have to get it right. Each car goes through a mechanical, electrical function and safety check plus routine servicing. Every approved used Merc gets a 12-month unlimited mileage warranty, 12-month roadside assistance and a 30-day, 1,000-mile exchange plan.

The least expensive online is a 2004 A-Class 140 Classic with nearly 70,000 miles, at £3,670. The most costly is a 2008 SLR McLaren with 1,948 miles priced at £227,500.

“Manufacturers’ used approved schemes are a good way of avoiding new-car depreciation while ensuring you get all the back-up of a big name such as Vauxhall or Mercedes if something goes wrong. You can get fantastic quality at a good price,” says Matt Tumbridge, editor of UsedCarExpert.co.uk. “It’s more expensive than buying privately, and you must do your research as schemes do vary.”

Matt says while industry approved used prices look higher than car supermarket prices, they often work out about the same when you factor in if the car needs a major service or new tyres. But he urges caution. “Be careful in showrooms where there are lots of fantastic cars on sale; it’s easy to lose sight of your budget.”

He says the disadvantage of going to an approved used scheme such as Mercedes-Benz’s is that you are stuck with the previous owners’ specification choices. “But people often get it wrong when they spec up a new car on paper — and with a used car at least you can see what you’re getting in the flesh.”

Best of all though, by “buying” this pre-enjoyed car and saving £11,686, I’d save enough for an E-Class estate too. Or maybe some winter sun...

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