(NewsUSA) - Anyone who's kept a crisp, clean Babe Ruth rookie card tucked away for safe keeping knows about the benefits of purchasing a classic item -; it retains value over time and can provide a significant return on the original investment.

Whether searching for a prized oil painting at an auction, looking for antique furniture at an estate sale or purchasing a luxury automobile through a certified pre-owned program, more people every day are finding value in classic, high-quality products.

One example is a high-performance car such as a Mercedes-Benz. Seventy-four percent of all Mercedes-Benz vehicles sold in the United States are still on the road today -; a testament to what constitutes enduring value and quality.

Finding a classic isn't always about buying something brand new. Whether you're searching for a top-of-the-line watch, jewelry or an automobile, it makes sense that the best-known brands make some of the best pre-owned products.

However, finding a quality pre-owned vehicle can be tricky. Here are a few tips that can help make this process easier:

* Do your research.

A wealth of information about pre-owned vehicles is available on the Internet, from pricing the blue book value at Web sites like www.kbb.com to getting vehicle history reports from outlets like www.carfax.com.

* Review products in person. After a little background research, it's important to follow up with an in-person visit. Using the information that you found online, in the newspaper or by word of mouth, carefully examine the interior and exterior of your potential vehicle.

Don't forget to look underneath the hood and under the car. Take the vehicle for a test drive, and be sure to leave the radio off so that you can listen to the engine.

* Make sure the car is inspected by a professional. Before you write that check, have your mechanic inspect the vehicle. Or, for additional peace of mind, consider purchasing your new car through a certified, pre-owned program such as the one offered by Mercedes-Benz.

Through it, vehicles must meet stringent criteria and pass a rigorous inspection process -; including a bumper-to-bumper inspection of the appearance and mechanics of the car.Making sure your vehicle has received a thorough inspection will save you time and money.

"Because only select vehicles are eligible for the program, our clients are finding that using the Certified Pre-Owned program is an excellent way to experience the performance, safety and style of Mercedes at a price similar to some new, non-luxury vehicles," said Niles Barlow, General Manager of Pre-Owned & Fleet Operations, Mercedes-Benz USA.

Finding a timeless classic, such as a luxury automobile, at a significantly reduced cost can be highly rewarding. For more information on certified, pre-owned vehicles, visit www.mbusa.com.