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Used Mercedes-Benz buying guide


Mercedes-Benz
GLC300
2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class GLC300 001 make pages
Mercedes-Benz
C300
2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C300 4MATIC 001 make pages
Mercedes-Benz
GLA250
2022 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class GLA250 001 make pages
Mercedes-Benz
GLE350
No image available
Mercedes-Benz
GLB250
2024 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class GLB250 4MATIC 001 make pages
Mercedes-Benz
CLA250
2022 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class CLA250 001 make pages
Mercedes-Benz
E350
2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E350 001 make pages
Mercedes-Benz
A220
2022 Mercedes-Benz A-Class A220 001 make pages
Mercedes-Benz
GLS450
No image available
Mercedes-Benz
E300
2019 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E300 001 make pages
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Mercedes-Benz reliability rating (by RepairPal)

3
Average
RepairPal gave Mercedes-Benz an overall reliability rating of 3 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Average. This rating ranks Mercedes-Benz 30th out of 34 among all car brands. This rating is based on an average across all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.

Cost

RepairPal reports that the average total annual cost for repairs and maintenance on all Mercedes-Benz models is $770, compared to an average of $579 across all the models RepairPal considered in its dataset. This includes both scheduled maintenance and unscheduled repairs.

Frequency

According to RepairPal, Mercedes-Benz owners bring their vehicles into a repair shop for unscheduled repairs an average of 1.5 times per year, compared to an average of 1.1 times across all the models RepairPal considered in its dataset.

Severity

RepairPal reported that the probability of a repair being a severe or major issue is 14% across all Mercedes-Benz models, compared to an average of 13% for all the models RepairPal considered in its dataset.

Mercedes-Benz customer ratings

About Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz was one of the world's first automakers and will be celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2026. After nearly a century in business, Mercedes-Benz is known for reliable luxury vehicles. The brand has an "above average" rating from RepairPal.1 Mercedes-Benz currently sells 32 different models in the U.S., ranging from three-row SUVs to two-seat convertible coupes, and everything in between. The brand also has six models of electric vehicles, including SUVs and sedans. No matter which Mercedes-Benz you choose, expect to find upscale touches and solid engineering. 

What CarMax customers like   

  • Ride and Handling 

  • Styling 

  • Power 

What CarMax customers don’t like   

  • Cost to Maintain 

  • Fuel Economy 

  • Technology and Entertainment 

View our Mercedes-Benz inventory

Mercedes-Benz FAQs

With proper maintenance, a Mercedes-Benz could last 150,000 to 200,000 miles or more. In fact, how a car has been maintained is even more important than how many miles it has. Understanding the service history on the Mercedes you're considering buying can give you peace of mind in purchasing a higher-mileage vehicle. 

Overall, Mercedes-Benz is a brand with above-average reliability, according to RepairPal data, scoring 3.0 out of 5.0 stars for reliability. Some Mercedes-Benz models are considered even more reliable, like the E350, which scored 3.5 out of five stars, according to RepairPal data.

Each car sold through CarMax has undergone a 125+ point inspection before becoming CarMax certified. This is different from purchasing a certified pre-owned certificate from the maker but assures that the vehicle has no flood or frame damage, or salvage history

Mercedes currently sells 32 models in the U.S. market. They include six electric SUVs and sedans; in addition to coupes, sedans, wagons, and SUVs. There are even more used models available; take a look at our inventory to see which might suit you. 

The S-Class is considered the best-in-class Mercedes-Benz. The 2025 S-Class sedan comes standard with luxury features including an opulent interior, advanced driver-assist features, and a Burmester surround-sound system. 

Mercedes-Benz S550
2022 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class GLA250 001 make pages

1. Mercedes-Benz GLA250

CarMax owner rating

Price range*
$13,599—$41,998
Estimated combined MPG
28 MPG
RepairPal reliability rating
4 out of 5
2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class GLC 300

2. Mercedes-Benz GLC300

CarMax owner rating

Price range*
$16,998—$50,998
Estimated combined MPG
26 MPG
RepairPal reliability rating
4 out of 5

Compare used Mercedes-Benz models

Mercedes-Benz C-Class vs E-Class

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Mercedes-Benz E-Class both offer the quintessential Mercedes-Benz experience. It likely will come down to the importance of style, prestige, and affordability. The C-Class offers a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and available AWD. While the smaller and more affordable of the two, the C-Class is surprisingly spacious inside and offers a tech-forward interior. The E-Class is a legendary vehicle, with versions of this car being sold under the Mercedes-Benz name for more than 50 years. It offers a smooth six-cylinder engine that makes acceleration effortless. If you have a bit more budget, the E-Class is likely to deliver exactly what you'd expect from Mercedes-Benz ownership. That said, the C-Class does a good impression of its larger siblings if you want the Mercedes-Benz experience with a lower budget. To see how both these sedans stack up against their competitors, check out our Luxury Sedan Comparison.

If you are still torn, try out our model comparison tool to help you find the right fit for your needs.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class vs S-Class

If you want a luxurious sedan, you'll be hard-pressed to find better options than the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Mercedes-Benz S-Class. The E-Class offers a spacious, high-tech interior, a six-cylinder engine, and available AWD. The S-Class is Mercedes-Benz's flagship sedan, offering limo-level luxury in the rear seat, a powerful turbocharged V8 engine, and every imaginable luxury feature you could imagine. The cost difference is significant, so consider the costs of used models to find the one that best fits your budget.

Our model comparison tool can also help you find the right fit.

Mercedes-Benz GLA vs GLB

Mercedes-Benz offers two compact SUVs: the GLA and the GLB. The GLA is a more compact SUV that would be great for city commuters or those who frequently fit into tight parking spots. The GLA also offers more performance-oriented powertrains than the GLB. The GLB is the larger of the two, and you get much more cargo space than the GLA. The GLB is also available with a third-row seat, but it's best saved for children only, as it is quite small. If you are focused on commuting and appreciate driving dynamics, the GLA is likely the better fit. If you need extra cargo or passenger space, the larger GLB is worth a look.

If you are still undecided, try our model comparison tool.

Mercedes-Benz GLC vs GLE

The Mercedes-Benz GLC and Mercedes-Benz GLE are two of the most luxurious SUVs available on the market, but how do you choose between the two? The GLC offers a tech-forward interior with many available luxury features, but it's a little short on space when compared to the GLE. The GLE also has a more luxurious finish, more cargo space, and an optional third row. Cost-conscious buyers who don't need extra cargo or passenger space will likely be satisfied by the capable GLC, but for those who want a higher-end SUV with space to spare, the GLE is the better choice.

Our model comparison tool can be helpful if you still need help deciding.

Mercedes-Benz GLE vs GLS

The Mercedes-Benz GLE and Mercedes-Benz GLS are two of the largest SUVs offered by Mercedes-Benz, but there are some key differences. The GLE offers a step-up from Mercedes' smaller models, with a high-end interior full of luxurious features and cutting-edge technology. The GLS, on the other hand, is a much more spacious vehicle for passengers. Its interior is notably more high-end, as are its available powertrains. If you are not frequently putting passengers in your third row, the GLE will likely check the boxes you need from a luxury SUV. The GLS is the right choice if you're after a more luxurious option or frequently carry more than five passengers.

If you are still torn, our model comparison tool may help you decide.

Ready to find your used Mercedes-Benz?

RepairPal reliability ratings

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features. RepairPal Reliability Ratings are provided by RepairPal and CarMax is not responsible for their accuracy. These ratings are based on RepairPal Reliability data as of August 2023. Learn more about RepairPal reliability ratings

Unless otherwise noted, information related to these featured vehicles comes from third-party sources, including manufacturer information. We make every effort to provide accurate information, but please verify before purchasing. Product and company names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of third-party entities. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by these entities. We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you. 

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are provided by RepairPal and CarMax is not responsible for their accuracy. These ratings are based on RepairPal Reliability data as of 3/18/2025. Learn more at repairpal.com/reliability. 

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Various factors may impact towing capacity, including weight of passengers, cargo, and options/accessories.

* Price excludes state and local taxes, title, registration, tags, and any optional products or services. Price assumes that final purchase will be made in the State of GA, unless vehicle is non-transferable. Vehicle subject to prior sale. Applicable transfer fees are due in advance of vehicle delivery and are separate from sales transactions. Limited warranty is 30 days. See store for details. We make every effort to provide accurate information, but please verify before purchasing.

We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.​

Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.

Unless otherwise noted, information related to featured vehicles comes from third-party sources, including manufacturer information. Product and company names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of third-party entities. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by these entities.​ By clicking on any video links, you will be taken to a third-party site maintained by YouTube, Inc.

We make every effort to provide accurate information, but please verify before purchasing.