Q1: Can you provide an overview of the used car market in your geography?

A: As we are positioned right in the middle of Melbourne's 15 strong Mercedes-Benz dealer network we have both many challenges and opportunities in an extremely aggressive market space. Over the last few years we have relied heavily on trade-ins and ex-factory stock to retail to market as opportunities to source vehicles are limited outside of those windows.

Q2: What type of checks do you do on the used cars (MB/non-MB)? Mechanical? Paperwork/history?

A: For our Mercedes-Benz product under 10 years of age and under 120,000kms we provide a 100 point certified check of the vehicle to ensure we meet the Mercedes-Benz certified standard for sale. We also conduct a full body, wheels, dent and interior inspection to ensure the vehicle is presented to MBM lot preparation standards.

Q3: What is the demographic like for used car buyers in your market? Are they younger customers or any other characteristics?

A: With the variety of makes and models on offer we see first car buyers all the way through to the self-defined ‘last car' purchase clients.

Q4: What are the most frequently asked questions when customers come to your used car showroom?

A: Our customers are always interested to know about the warranty offered and service history to the vehicle, once these are overcome then price and cost of ownership is the next question.

Q5: Is there a most popular model/series?

A: W205 C class is where we see the majority of interest from our customers, the C200, C250 and C300. We also sell a lot of good quality SUV product.

Q6: What are the key benefits that clients get when they purchase used cars from LSH Auto?

A: The comfort and confidence they are dealing with LSH Auto, the largest MB dealer group in Australia with the largest range of Certified vehicles for sale, aligned with our brand values of Trust, Integrity, Team work, Relevance and Social responsibility. A focus on providing a unique experience to all customers is key.

Q7: What is the trade-in market like in your catchment? Do people prefer to trade-in or to sell their previous car independently?

A: We trade-in the majority of vehicles valued but do have customers who either wish to dispose of the vehicle themselves of pass it onto family or friends.

Q8: Can you please share what is the current situation of used car financing, aftermarket and aftersales compared to new cars?

A: Pre-owed financing is traditionally lower than the new car finance rate with a dealership penetration of around 30%. This is compared to new cars at near 50%. It's similar with aftermarket performance relative to new vehicles certified pre owned results are $120 per vehicle compared to new cars at $390 per vehicle YTD. However, we are always seeking ways to continually improve

Q1: Can you provide an overview of the used car market in your geography?

A: The used car market in Queensland is very competitive, particularly in the luxury segment, as the market size is smaller than the southern states. With the market remaining steady for the last few years, dealers have been retaining more of their trade in stock to ensure they maximise opportunities. This has led to stock being difficult to source, leaving us to focus on our ability to trade.

Q2: What type of checks do you do on the used cars (MB/non-MB)? Mechanical? Paperwork/history?

A: On our Mercedes-Benz product every vehicle needs to meet a certain standard in order to enable us to offer a 2 Year Certified warranty which is factory backed. Our technicians perform a 100 point inspection and the vehicle needs to have excellent service history from authorised dealers for it to pass our standards. All non Mercedes-Benz vehicles receive a similar inspection, however, our focus here is for the safety of the vehicle to be uncompromised.

Q3: What is the demographic like for used car buyers in your market? Are they younger customers or any other characteristics?

A: The demographic for used car buyers in Brisbane is wide ranging. From young buyers looking for their first car to business owners and retirees, the one thing they all have in common is they are looking for value for money.

Q4: What are the most frequently asked questions when customers come to your used car showroom?

A: As pre-owned vehicles are an excellent value proposition, and we are dealing with customers with a budget, we are frequently asked questions around vehicle price and cost of ownership. Information such as service history and work which we have carried out to ready the vehicle for sale are very important to customers so we need to ensure sales people have access to that information quickly.

Q5: Is there a most popular model/series?

A: The new generation compact car range has always been popular, with low kilometre, well specified models selling very quickly. The current shape C Class range is also a high-volume seller.

Q6: What are the key benefits that clients get when they purchase used cars from LSH Auto?

A: When clients purchase a pre-owned vehicle from LSH Auto they still expect to receive a new car experience, which is what we provide. From an immaculately presented vehicle to a comprehensive hand over to the client, customers receive a first class experience. The key benefit to clients, however, is the fact that every vehicle has been thoroughly inspected by trained technicians and has received a two year factory backed warranty which no other retailer can provide.

Q7: What is the trade-in market like in your catchment? Do people prefer to trade in or to sell their previous car independently?

A: Obtaining stock is continually a challenge for used car dealers in our region. For this reason, dealers are willing to pay a premium for good quality used vehicles which in turn creates strong trade-in values. Quite often customers can trade in their vehicles for an amount close to what they can sell them for independently making the transaction far more seamless and convenient for the customer.

Q8: Can you please share what is the current situation of used car financing, aftermarket and aftersales compared to new cars?

A: Creating opportunities in finance, aftermarket and aftersales for pre-owned vehicles is certainly more challenging than that of new cars. Finance rates and offers on these vehicles are not as competitive as that on new cars and the style of buyer, being more budget conscious, means they are often willing to use savings rather than finance. Aftermarket is an area which depends on the age of the vehicle with customers less willing to add these products as the car gets older. Aftersales are also encouraging customers with older vehicles to service with us through competitive pricing and offers including membership of our specific LSH Auto Iridium Club.

Q1: Can you provide an overview of the used car market in your geography?

A: We are in a very buoyant area of prestige vehicle sales. We have doubled our volume in the last 5 years.

The used car operation at Mercedes-Benz Sydney is located in the new Auto Alley of Sydney. Our goal is to provide the best used vehicle experience through LSH Auto.

Q2: What type of checks do you do on the used cars (MB/non-MB)? Mechanical? Paperwork/history?

A: We check all mechanical, safety and cosmetic items. Good service history is also important. We recondition cars better and beyond any other Pre-Owned operation.

Q3: What is the demographic like for used car buyers in your market? Are they younger customers or any other characteristics?

A: We have a wide range of demographics. Anywhere from 18-year old’s to 70+.

No specific demographics. The Mercedes-Benz brand appeals to all walks of life.

Q4: What are the most frequently asked questions when customers come to your used car showroom?

A: What is the history of this vehicle ?

Has it been in any accidents?

What is the best price you can do?

Q5: Is there a most popular model/series?

A: The A Class and GLA Class are very popular with the younger buyers.

The C Class is always a crowd favourite.

Q6: What are the key benefits that clients get when they purchase used cars from LSH Auto?

A: They get the assurance they are buying the best example on the Pre-Owned car market. The vehicles are reconditioned to exceptional standards. We offer industry leading aftersales service including the opportunity of our customers to join our exclusive Iridium Club. Our Goal is to provide the best possible experience for all customers and clearly differentiate ourselves in the market.

Q7: What is the trade-in market like in your catchment? Do people prefer to trade in or to sell their previous car independently?

A: Lately, people trade-in vehicles more often as we are all very time poor and look for convenience. It is a seamless process for customers.

Q8: Can you please share what is the current situation of used car financing, aftermarket and aftersales compared to new cars?

A: Pre-Owned vehicle finance is on a steady incline. We have gone from finance penetration of 20% to now 35-40% in the last 12 months. The low interest rates combined with our knowledgeable and professional finance team significantly contribute to the positive growth.