Which is more reliable, Lincoln or Mercedes?
In our inspections, Mercedes’ average condition stays above the “decent” threshold to around 92k miles. We don’t have that mileage read for Lincoln yet.
In our inspections, Mercedes’ average condition stays above the “decent” threshold to around 92k miles. We don’t have that mileage read for Lincoln yet.
Based on 36 Lincolns and 278 Mercedes vehicles. “Decent” means a condition score of 55/100.
Head to head
| Lincoln | Mercedes | |
|---|---|---|
| Cars inspected | 36 | 278 |
| Average condition | 61/100 | 62/100 |
| In good shape (60+/100) | 56% | 56% |
| Repainted or replaced panel | 78% | 77% |
| Structural repair found | 3% | 1% |
| Fault codes recently cleared | 19% | 20% |
Green = the better number of the pair. Condition reflects the mix of cars that came to us — age, price, model — so treat small gaps as a tie.
How they score
How long do they stay good?
Good cars by mileage
▬ Lincoln▬ Mercedes▬ all cars
Good cars by age
▬ Lincoln▬ Mercedes▬ all cars
Share in good shape (scoring 60+/100) by mileage and by age when we inspected them (each dot ≥5 cars; a band under 20 cars follows the nearby bands, so a run above the all-cars line stays above it, and a band of 20 or more uses the rate we measured; where a band has too few cars, the line follows the trend between the bands on either side; rolled-back odometers excluded from the mileage curve). Dashed grey = all cars we check.
Most common faults
Oil leaks · Engine
64%
Fuel trim out of range · Engine
33%
Active error codes · Electronic equipment
33%
Low coolant / cooling system issues · Engine
28%
Tires condition & wear · Brakes and tires
22%
Oil leaks · Engine
64%
Active error codes · Electronic equipment
49%
Tires condition & wear · Brakes and tires
39%
Fuel trim out of range · Engine
36%
Electronic components issues · Engine
19%
Trajectory by generation
Lincoln
Not enough Lincolns at the 5–10 year checkpoint yet to draw a generation trend.
Mercedes
▲ Newer Mercedes vehicles are holding up better
Share in good shape when inspected at the same age (5–10 years, age-adjusted), by model-year generation; dashed = all-brand average. All brands →
FAQ
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What are the most common problems with used Lincolns and Mercedes vehicles?
On Lincolns we flag oil leaks (64%), fuel trim out of range (33%), active error codes (33%). On Mercedes vehicles: oil leaks (64%), active error codes (49%), tires condition & wear (39%).
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How many Lincoln and Mercedes vehicles have you inspected?
36 Lincolns and 278 Mercedes vehicles — 314 real pre-purchase inspections. Updated Nov 11, 2026.
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Should I still get a pre-purchase inspection?
Yes. Badge averages don't sort the good car from the tired one. We still find repainted panels on 78% of Lincolns and 77% of Mercedes vehicles, and recently cleared fault codes on 19% / 20%.
Buying a used Lincoln or Mercedes? Get a pre-purchase inspection before you pay.
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Based on 314 inspections · updated Nov 11, 2026
