"We've got you covered" I will see about that how true is this when I pass the service dept.
So, here's my little story. I was almost close to buy Pre-owned Star Certified C300 from the dealer recently. So close, I was about to give them the void cheque. I did the test drive. surprisingly, I missed the feel of the luxury touch when I sit inside the C300 2014. Low mileage and low interest financing. I thought it was a good deal, low mileage, low APR financing plus the " Peace of mind" warranties. But I just found this "Star certified warranty" is becoming a hoax among themselves. Service dept told me directly, there is nothing much in the Star certified, not even the powertrain, But Mercedes website specifically mentioned , powertrain and "many components" are covered by star certified for 24months. When all is done, I went to the financing dept for pre-approving my loan and I have been told, I should upgrade to ELW for $2020 as star certified only covers powertrain. This brochure is sent by the sale consultant to convince me more to buy this car.
There are more about pre-owned star certified, if they truly stand by their words. Each vehicle should be inspected thoroughly respecting 150 point Inspection.
How your Mercedes-Benz achieves Certified status.
150-point Inspection.
Engine Test
From the intake to the exhaust, everything from belts and plugs to the ignition and emission systems is tested to make sure it is up to factory standards.
Highlights include:
All Emission Control Systems in Place & Functional. Read out DTC’s – repair as nec.
Spark Plugs
Fuel Injection System; Verify Lamda Reading
Ignition System; Including Routing of Ignition Wires
Air Cleaner/Filter
V-Belts and Poly-V-Belt
Heating & Ventilation Dust
Fluids
Engine oil, coolant, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, washer fluid and more are thoroughly checked and topped up or flushed and replaced as necessary.
Highlights include:
Engine Oil
Transmission Oil
Rear Axle Oil
Transfer Case and Front Axle Oils
Engine Compartment/Antifreeze Protection
Power Steering Fluid
Brake Fluid & Clutch Fluid
Windshield Washer Fluid(s)
Level Control Oil, ABC
AdBlue Fluid level & leak check
Electrical Systems
All electrical components, from the headlights to the tail lights and in between, the fuses, sound system, heated seats and rear window sunshade (if so equipped) get checked.
Highlights include:
KM Check; Indicators in Instrument Cluster
Dash Instruments, Clock, Illumination & Dimmer Control
Exterior Rear View Mirrors
Exterior Mirror Fold Back & Parking (tilt down) Functions
Interior Rear View Mirror
Automatic Dimming Rear View Mirror Function
Rear Entertainment System Function
Night Vision System Function
CD Changer/Player
Bluetooth Function
Linguatronic Function
Heated / Ventilated / Massaging / Orthopedic Seats Function
Rear Window Defroster (Check Operation)
Rear Window Sunshade
Cornering Headlamps Swivel Function - Bi-Xenon
Undercarriage/Drivetrain
The steering, suspension, brakes, wheels, tires and driveshafts are checked to make sure they meet our standards.
Highlights include:
Drive shaft Flex Discs, Couplings & Center Support Bearing(s)
Exhaust System /Connections / supports
Parking Brake and Cables
Tire Wear (Incl. Spare)
Brake Lines
Remote Trunk Release
Tailgate Closing Assist
Sliding Roof Function, Drains and Headliner
Inspect Glass Roof for Scratches Corrective Action
Steering / Vehicle Handling / Centered Steering Wheel
Appearance Standards
A Mercedes-Benz Star Certified Pre-Owned vehicle is as free of dings, rips, scratches, and scuffs as we can make it, and we check the finish inside and out.
Highlights include:
Floor Mats
Carpet
Upholstery
Buttons Knobs & Vents, Instrument Panel
Glass & Mirrors
Wood & Chrome Trim
Moisture & Odor
Dents & Scratches
Examine Paint
Examine & Clean Chrome
Glass & Mirror Housing
Grille
Trim & Moldings
Door Edges, Frames
Scuffs & Scratches
Cuts & Gouges
Wash & Polish
Safety, Security and Solidity
All of the systems designed to ensure your protection, from seat belts to the alarm system, are thoroughly inspected.
Highlights include:
Body Structure Inspection
Mechanical Locking with All Keys at All Points
Power Window Operation from All Points (Incl. Lockout)
Seat Belts – Condition/Operation
Roll Bar, Condition & Operation
Soft Top/ Hard Top & Seals; Condition /Operation
Check Fluid Level & Hydraulic Connections on applicable models
Front Seat Belt Extenders; Coupe and Cabriolet
Rear Headrest Retraction (up & down)
On Road Evaluation
An expert on-road assessment by factory-trained technicians is the final test to make sure the engine, transmission, steering, ride, handling and braking are up to factory standards, and instruments and control systems receive the same careful scrutiny.
Highlights include:
Instruments (Speedometer / Odometer / Trip Meter, etc.)
Navigation System Function (Start Route Guidance)
Steering / Vehicle Handling / Centered Steering Wheel
Braking System Performance, Parking Brake Operation
Automatic Climate Control: Cooling Performance/ Function/ Regulation/ Display
Rear Automatic Climate Control Function / Regulation / Display
Distronic / Distronic Plus Function
Blind Spot Assist Function
Lane Keeping Assist Function
Function of Dynamic Driving Seats (while driving)
Function of Parktronic/Park Assist
Rear View Camera Function
Vibration & Noise (Drivetrain / Wheels)
Transmission Shifting – (Upshift/ Downshift Quality & Kickdown)
Source:
http://www.mercedes-benz.ca/content...s/home/vehicles/certified_pages/benefits.html
The current car was almost due for B service. When I inquire about it, they told me I should bring the car and pay $600 plus taxes. Make sense if this has to be done after 10,000 kms-15,000 kms but not after few weeks buying this car. B service should have been clear during the 150 inspection points as it's part of the star certified program. It's like you are buying a refurbished based on the ads/promises plus the 24 months warranty. Whole inspection process looks like a 1 week labor job to me. If all of these are not inspected as promised, it's not a " Star Certified Car".
Make sure you verify "star certified warranty" before you buy it. Many things are hidden. Quite a hiccup for the "Best or nothing" sell.
@Canada Stig @Mike Tee @DEVOURS @vanctour