@@timahawk3220 We do need people to buy new, after all :) People don't realize that driving a performance luxury car requires more maintenance. Regardless of the brand. This isn't a Camry.
I bought my fully loaded (except for the air suspension) 2019 E300 4matic when it was 4 years old with only 19,000 miles. I paid $30,000 for a car with a 3 year Mercedes Benz extended warranty that cost $81,000 new. So far (fingers crossed) no problems.
My 2006 Mercedes-Benz C230 is still an awesome car for me. I have over 200,000 miles on it. It has a manual transmission. I did just buy an alternator. The first battery from the factory lasted me 14 years. I'm on the original clutch. Only downsides so far are the shifter know is coming apart. The passenger door handle broke. CD player doesn't play CDs. That's it really after 18 years. When I bought it, I could have bought an Acura TL with navigation for the same money as the C230 without navigation or any other options.
This guy’s knowledge is so extensive the video had me in stitches. If ever I buy a second hand Merc I’d like him to come and negotiate a lower price with me.
I own 4 different MB and AMG products. I don’t mind the cost of service because I have access to 4 different MB speciality shops in my area. The prices are comparable and the quality of the service is impeccable, I always buy used, usually 3-4 years and avoid the depreciation hit. MB, BMW and Porsche the values are there, you just have to be an astute shopper and not be afraid to grab that special car when you can!
Welcome aboard! I really appreciate that. Words getting out to people that like to hear the truth and not the paid version. lol. Hope your weekend is going great. Cheers
If you are going to buy one, that is the way to do it. Wait 2 years, let the market value collapse and buy it, then add the warranty. The reason these fall quickly in value is the next buyer on the market will not be willing to pay 50k for a C Class, then turn around, spend 2k for a brake job. I had an SL550 a few years back, the standard brake job then was around $2300 (you are not going to turn the rotors on those cars), but if you had a problem with the suspension you could spend a fortune. The second owner of the car is the one who really accelerates the depreciation because once they spend $7k in suspension repair or even worse, getting a new transmission, they are ready to cut their losses.
People buy a new 100k car, spend money on regular maintenance (oil, filters, etc.) and then after 2 years sell if for 60k. They lose 40k. But a bigger tragedy apparently is getting a 100k car for a 60k and then spending 7k on fixing it.... I know my math. But most people prefer to spend 40k over 7k for that new car smell, I guess.... I am grateful for those people... :)
A Master Tech. at a major MB dealership said: " Too much engineering, too much money, too many failures..." !!!! The used one is worse!!! There's a main reason it's cheap, It will break your bank!!!! Sorry! Thanks for a good video.
@@asadb1990of course but for a luxury brand, I wouldn’t consider it even crying a little considering it is a luxury brand compared to the others. Thats why I focused on the Lexus and not the Toyota comment.
No one can argue that the MERC turbo 4cylinder while maybe not as inspiring as the 8 cylinders is a force to be reckoned with. Especially with the Dual Clutch set up. Mark understands how important that step in technology is.
Great video, good topic items. I will say, good independent shops that can work on MB's are still well under $200 CDN per hour. As for picking up a used MB, this was my logic on the 2016 C207 E Class coupe which is actually based on a C class of the era which has proved very reliable. E class level interior, and pillarless coupe is a nice addition, with the great build quality of the 2010-17 era of Benz.
Great choice on the car and the E class is wonderful. We almost bought a pillarless E class too whe. Shopping but the used one we found actually had a small accident history so we walked but I live the platform
If you don't care for your car, they say, "Pay it now, or pay much more later". M-B should have a slogan: "Pay much more now and pay and pay and pay later."
@@ECPP great question!! I have maintained American and European Mercedes Benz vehicles and I have noticed that American built versions deteriorate significantly faster than European versions! It could be a result of poor quality control! The fuel monitoring system on European models are also very different from American models. You always find European models doing 200k miles and are in pristine condition
Bought a 2012 s550 with 88500 on the clock in October of 22. Put 4000 miles on it in the 18 months of ownership.Had some minor issues with it but nothing to costly. I Have a good Indy to service the car. Charged 150 for oil change. Just drive it when I want to pamper myself. Was a corvette guy for 40 years. Much better way to enjoy a nice drive with the Mercedes.
I bought a mb SL550 roadster for a tiny fraction of what it costs new, put tons of miles on it and it was more reliable and less money in maintenance than a Nissan 370z I had.
I can see buying a slightly used Mercedes or BMW if it's a second car, not driven everyday. I have family that consistently buy new & used BMWs, but boy do they pay dearly for repairs & upkeep.
some guy in germany bought a 2023 mercedes c300 and was already 5 times in the shop in a 2 month period. transmission problems, check engine light and nobody knows why, infotainment failures, bad interior quality, the trunk door falling apart. he also said he'll never buy a mercedes again
I hired a C class at an airport terminal,Disappointed in the ride quality, harshness, hard uncomfortable seats and it was noisy cramped. I wanted to give it back after 3 days but EuroCars would not answer their phone.The S class might be better..but was unable to hire one
Mercedes had a bad rust issue from 1998-2003 afterwards they all had a galvanized body. The C class W205 4dr and wagon has an aluminum body except for the rear quarter and roof pillars where they are high-strength steel.
@@melissasmess2773 every car in the 70's had rust problems! Some were worse than others Toyota, Honda, Datsun Ford, Renault, Fiat, and anything British, they were all biodegradeable
Im surprised the presenter didn't know that his car is primarily aluminum and not prone to rust. I have the same car, imo It's well built and reliable. Ask for the old parts after service or work done, then compare the old parts to a Toyota equivalent. Then you understand why mercedes cost more.
@@shamarbovell4457 The presenter constantly says that the engines for the C class and other Mercedes are made by Renault. While some engines are made by Renault they are the small diesel and 4 cyl gas that are under 1.6L, none of which made their way to North America. The W205 is comprised of 48% Aluminum compared to 9% in the W204. Aluminum does not rust, but corrodes. Take a simple part like a door hinge from a Toyota and compare it to the MB version, one is a cheap stamped steel version, the other is a solid alloy part, same holds for suspension bits, the lower control arms are stamped steel and the MB is a solid piece of aluminum alloy or steel. Compare strut towers between makes. My Dad's Accord center console is so flimsy with incredible side to side movement. Toyota's are not void of issues, they rust more than all other manufactures, have tons of brake, power steering, a/c issues and cheap fittings all around the car. Doesn't the presenter's tag line "life is too short to drive boring cars"? Drive a Toyota Honda Hyundai or Kia and they are quite an uninspiring drive. You can buy cheap wine and still get the same buzz but certainly not an enjoyable drink
@YYZ-SRQ you're right! my 2003 E-class has just started to rust at the top middle section by the sunroof. Other than that, the car is still in immaculate condition with over 330k miles. All seats are still looking pretty new, with the exception of a very small tear on the left side of the driver's seat.
@8MunchenBayern8 I agree. My 2003 E class has over 330k miles, and to me, it drives better than my 2017 GLE. The E class is in such prestine condition that a few times, new MB owners actually think it's the new model since the cat is so shiny even with the original paint job.
Instead of buying cars, toys, boats and such during that time period, they would be ahead if they had put the cash into a simple index fund rather than a depreciating vehicle, toy or boat. One wonders why people are always poor. There IS the answer. Definitely buying a nice car gently used is a good deal if the car won't turn into a maintenance nightmare. Back then, the stock market tanked and would have been a great time to buy low. That is what I did and am well ahead of the game.
What if I bought a Mercedes and I’m still ahead? I’m not accumulating wealth for no reason. It’s to buy what I want and travel when and where I want. So many people talk about getting ahead and for what? I truly think most people don’t know. I for one don’t plan to leave my kids a dime.
A brand new GLB or GLC (not sure) was picked by the owner at MB dealer, it was failed in running on the second day and being driven back to the dealer which was stalled and stuck at the dealer entrance and unable to be started again. Two mechanics from the dealer then pushed this SUV back to the maintenance shop for follow-up actions. This incident was occured in 2023 which could be watched on the YT. Today MB quality and reliability are the jokes.
Things break in most of the cars that are 2003 or newer because that's the year that manufacturers started putting plastic parts in their engines to save money for themselves, not customers. Aluminum engine blocks with plastic parts makes no sense.
Mercedes, BMW, Land Rover, and now Tesla, all kings of depreciation. As someone who owns a W204 C350, I can tell you first hand that the “bank vault” build quality Mercedes was once known for is long gone my friend. A used Lexus is more likely to retain its value.
Cruise control or sport mode will warp my brake rotors but if you don't go to the dealer a brake job isn't bad. I bought Brembo rotors for about $260, China calipers for $75 each, don't remember the cost on the pads but parts about $500 for everything! It's a terrible system they built, keeps brake pads close to rotors, while using cruise control, warps rotors in about 20,000 miles. 2013 GLK350.
What about cheap E63S from 2017 to 2019 sold around Germany? I would love one but can't find much of a definitive answer on how worth they are. Especially with some saying it's better to get them out of warranty to have that liberty to get aftermarket parts or a trusted cheap mechanic for any repairs. Instead of paying inflated costs at dealerships for even basic maintenance.
Most luxury cars are sold for dirt cheap because it's stunted by the time it gets electrical/mechanical issues. Unless you're a mechanic yourself, it's a bottomless pit for the casual person...Then again, you might get EXTREMELY lucky, and it's just a granpa trying to get rid of a semi-new car because he doesn't need it anymore. But I'd suggest taking it to a trusted mechanic to give it a good check before handing the money.
Brakes maybe more expensive but have you felt and experienced the crappy brakes Toyota and Honda put on their cars? Super thin rotors and bargain basement single piston sliding calipers. Toyota and Honda rotors warp by just looking at them and when it comes to panic stops they don't instil any confidence. Having driven cheap single piston sliding calipers for most of my life I can tell you how much better the braking is in modulation, performance and feel from my 4-pot fixed calipers and worth every penny. Also thicker rotors are less likely to warp, but drive a Japanese or Korean car with their thin front rotors and solid discs in the rear you end up replacing them all the time after several panic stop as you eventually feel pulsation at highway speeds when braking
You are totally right and I have often mentioned about the flimsy brakes and suspension in the Toyota and Hondas. That’s where it matters, thebdriving experience
Why are you panic stopping so much, that you are trying to justify European brakes??? Why are you warping the rotors on a Honda??? I have A CRV, with 260k, on the original rotors. No problems. Oh yeah...just remembered why mine last, and yours dont. .....I'm just a better driver than you.
Although I have driven Lexus since 1995 (LS, SC, GS, RC), I did buy a Honda Accord Coupe, 1995 and drove it 178,000 miles. Never had to change the brake rotors, but had multiple brake jobs over the years. With mostly freeway miles, the vehicle started burning oil at about 75,000 and I was adding a quart about every 900 miles towards the end, always synthetic oil, changed every 5,000 miles. It was otherwise a very good vehicle but the leather and plastics went South just a few years after purchase. Lexus on the other hand for the past 29 years, has been fairly problem free. The cost of routine maintenance for the Lexus, has been very similar to Honda here in Los Angeles, California with independent service shops. My friends have all switched to Lexus from German cars and never looked back. Just saying.
I'm perplexed. You implicitly preach about driving not boring cars, sharing your field wisdom how to separate crap from worthy purchases etc., whilst covering the why-tos and why-nots of a specific car make and model and yet you've succumbed and neglected your own preachings by buying this merc here. So what's the message eventually has to be out of all of this? In the same video you're using words "me being a sucker", "a bang for the buck", "worthy purchase", "too expensive brakes", "crappy plastic" etc. and you still got the car - weren't you aware of those issues before buying this particular merc? or did you buy despite of them? This makes me question your preaching/teaching, because I am puzzled whether you disregard or actually are unaware of many issues you talk about specific car brands. By all means 40K is very expensive price for an used car, especially premium, yet you call it a bargain just because it got cheaper twice the price in just two years whilst simultaneously emphasising how crappy this and that of a plastic here and there - whilst calling it premium. What exactly is premium there? A salad of conflicting words. Is it a premium or crap after all? Is it your human nature that got the better of you and then you decided to make this video or was there a message lost in excitement somewhere? I've watched you for years and I can't tell whether you are really excited about this purchase or rather worried in the process of speaking to us and slowly realising the meaning of those words yourself (in other fields we call this effect of a rubber duck talk). TLDR:; earlier videos of yours were sort of treated by me as a professional expertise that i could rely on to make my purchase decision. Cheers! P.s. so far only a single dislike from me and it's because of clarity.
Ever car is a good deal for the right price I guess. The class, quality and performance is worth it for some. My family has had a Mercedes Benz since 1973.
@@melissasmess2773 That's true about those mercs which are a different breed entirely compared to today's stuff. Same can be said about bmw's shift as well.
Nice Car, but Mercedes expensive to repair. Huge labour and parts costs. It's a premium vehicle in NA but in Europe it's a regular car and still costs a fortune to service lol
Tacka vet jag min Suzuki grand vitara 2,5 v6 4x4 1999 🤣 funkar oerhört fint!!!!! Kall start i 38 minus det gick det också. Jag servar själv!!! Tar ca 30 min
I don’t think these cars will rust. Way too early to talk about rust. Give them 30-40 years maybe and you could see something. Also we the customer don’t pay for the F1 team. The F1 team is primarily sponsored by Petronas, Tommy Hilfiger and others which basically breaks even or makes a small profit in general But definitely good buying a low mileage Mercedes. I have one as well bought at half price
German petrol engines have serious mechanical defect like VVT, timing chain and cam shaft. Oil and coolant leak also makes owner into the money pit. They do not make a car for reliability. Additional profit need to be taken with huge service cost. Do avoid German car if you concern about maintenance. VW and Audi have less mechanical defect comoare to BMW and MB
Great cars when new. My mom loves Mercedes, she recently bought one of the latest GLC models and it’s beautiful. Great looking, packed to the gills with features and fast. And whenever she leaves the country for work, she usually drives it to my house and leave it with me to use. But every time she talks about getting a new car, I try to steer her away from Mercedes and to get something cheaper and more reliable. But Mercedes like BMW just has its hardcore buyers. Side note, she was looking at the new Corvette before the GLC. I did talk her out of that, I said you really want to be climbing out of that thing as much as you drive around? Look how low it is and the seats aren’t that comfortable compared to luxury. I would joke and say, so you’re buying me a Corvette because after a couple weeks you’re going to ask me to drive over and swap cars for awhile.
You're kinda exaggerating here. It is expensive to maintain but only because it's more preventive maintenance, and you need OEM parts. DIY it will save a ton.
Pretty car Mark..... However, under the hood Not so much!...To me LQQK's like PLASTIC / Fantastic Plastic and Turbos Do_Not marry well IMO!...So yes you bought at a better price However the Re-Sale will continue to plummet because People are becoming more educated....I once looked over at Euro drvers as gucci Learning New owners are simply Renting / Leasing and dumping in 2 to 3 years & REALLY never own anything so I now Jus' kinda shake my head as in Wow are those people Not intelligent New or used...Kinda sad!
I had a 2015 gla lease and I was always worried. I didn't enjoy it as much I breathed relief when I returned it in Dallas having picked it up at the factory. Also the condescending male crap at factory was a big turn off. I paid 40 euro to be instructed on the GLA bozo kept "looking for My husband" to explain the vehicle to him!!!
Same price for CPO lexis IS 350 or ES 350 with better reliability,20 k miles , 2021-22 $$ 35,000 , up to 7 years unlimited miles' coverage . I don't want to feel stressed that Mercedes have to sit in a dealership, and they try to figure out what is going on and use extended Mercedes warranty exemptions: that is not covered, it was not used properly , even if its covered, the issue may still not be fixed , many mechanics are not very professional ,don't have deep knowledge of issues at Mercedes dealerships . Lexus most likely , 99% don't need to even go to dealership for repairs within 7 years .
For decades, a Benz was a simple, reliable car. Very well built, but nothing really special. If you went to europe in the 70s...they were everywhere!! Just like a Chevy or Ford in the US. Somewhere along the line, they decided to market and promote Benz, as a much superior, and more desirable status symbol. And also doubled or tripled the price. Brilliant marketing, convinced americans that they would be "better, or viewed as sucessful" if they bought an expensive european car. Americans ate it up! Now, so many people have fallen for it....that Benz, Audi, BMW, Jaguar, and all of the italian car hype is real. Only to find out, the hard way, that these vehicles are no better than US cars. Then, throw in high quality japanese cars, and the "high end" vail is pulled back to reveal the truth. So now...the desirability of ANY car, is based solely on it's price. If you drive a Rover, etc...your a winner, and high value. But if you drive a Chevy, Ford, Honda or Toyota...you are deemed...less than... and a loser. It all comes down to marketing, jealously, and envy for insecure consumers. ....don't believe me????? I have a Rolex to sell you, also.
Thanks an Investment it is, a poor one, but one nonetheless. Assets vs liabilities and interestingly enough it’s an asset which is an expense as well plus due to that fact it is also a liability
@@pmeyer37 Had the same C class from 2004-20 never towed and the car was super reliable and no rust despite living in the rust belt (the car still lives today), and bought another 2020 C class and been excellent so far (4 years on the road). Can't say the same as the Acura I had from 1998-2004 what a piece of sh!t
It’s cheap because it’s expensive to maintain after 3 years of ownership.
But still nothing like a depreciation hit in the first 3 years of ownership...
Brought a benz that had two owners before me. Biggest mistake smh! Better off buying new
@@timahawk3220 We do need people to buy new, after all :)
People don't realize that driving a performance luxury car requires more maintenance. Regardless of the brand. This isn't a Camry.
@@timahawk3220why is that?
I bought my fully loaded (except for the air suspension) 2019 E300 4matic when it was 4 years old with only 19,000 miles. I paid $30,000 for a car with a 3 year Mercedes Benz extended warranty that cost $81,000 new. So far (fingers crossed) no problems.
You are still in the honeymoon phase lol
Mercedes, rarely breaks. But when it breaks it makes your soul hurt. Can't have a Mercedes and no back up option from my experience.
My 2006 Mercedes-Benz C230 is still an awesome car for me. I have over 200,000 miles on it. It has a manual transmission. I did just buy an alternator. The first battery from the factory lasted me 14 years. I'm on the original clutch. Only downsides so far are the shifter know is coming apart. The passenger door handle broke. CD player doesn't play CDs. That's it really after 18 years.
When I bought it, I could have bought an Acura TL with navigation for the same money as the C230 without navigation or any other options.
Thanks for sharing!
This guy’s knowledge is so extensive the video had me in stitches. If ever I buy a second hand Merc I’d like him to come and negotiate a lower price with me.
I own 4 different MB and AMG products. I don’t mind the cost of service because I have access to 4 different MB speciality shops in my area. The prices are comparable and the quality of the service is impeccable, I always buy used, usually 3-4 years and avoid the depreciation hit. MB, BMW and Porsche the values are there, you just have to be an astute shopper and not be afraid to grab that special car when you can!
Thanks for sharing
Bro I recently discovered your channel and I gotta say I love it. No sugar coating and very brutal honesty. Keep up the great work man!
Welcome aboard! I really appreciate that. Words getting out to people that like to hear the truth and not the paid version. lol. Hope your weekend is going great. Cheers
If you are going to buy one, that is the way to do it. Wait 2 years, let the market value collapse and buy it, then add the warranty. The reason these fall quickly in value is the next buyer on the market will not be willing to pay 50k for a C Class, then turn around, spend 2k for a brake job. I had an SL550 a few years back, the standard brake job then was around $2300 (you are not going to turn the rotors on those cars), but if you had a problem with the suspension you could spend a fortune. The second owner of the car is the one who really accelerates the depreciation because once they spend $7k in suspension repair or even worse, getting a new transmission, they are ready to cut their losses.
People buy a new 100k car, spend money on regular maintenance (oil, filters, etc.) and then after 2 years sell if for 60k. They lose 40k.
But a bigger tragedy apparently is getting a 100k car for a 60k and then spending 7k on fixing it....
I know my math. But most people prefer to spend 40k over 7k for that new car smell, I guess.... I am grateful for those people... :)
A Master Tech. at a major MB dealership said: " Too much engineering, too much money, too many failures..." !!!!
The used one is worse!!! There's a main reason it's cheap, It will break your bank!!!! Sorry!
Thanks for a good video.
Thank you for sharing and I do agree, things get worse with time
Its the whole thing of cry now or cry later. Toyota and lexus are pricier new or near new, you don't cry down the road when the car is super old.
@@asadb1990that’s why you wait and get a depreciated Lexus and no crying anytime 😊
@@ethanlee3244 depending on the age of the lexus, you still gonna cry a little.
@@asadb1990of course but for a luxury brand, I wouldn’t consider it even crying a little considering it is a luxury brand compared to the others. Thats why I focused on the Lexus and not the Toyota comment.
It’s not just about the purchase price, can you afford the maintenance
No one can argue that the MERC turbo 4cylinder while maybe not as inspiring as the 8 cylinders is a force to be reckoned with. Especially with the Dual Clutch set up. Mark understands how important that step in technology is.
Thanks so much and yes for sure. I appreciate the comment.
nice vid, i had a w205 mercedes c class 4matic 250. never had issues with it. nor high maintanance costs. drive it for 200.000 km. then sold it.
The independent repair shops in Florida are charging diagnostic fees now. $125 to $145
Yes it just adds to cost and annoys customers
diagnostic fee is $200 at my local MB dealership.
Great video, good topic items. I will say, good independent shops that can work on MB's are still well under $200 CDN per hour. As for picking up a used MB, this was my logic on the 2016 C207 E Class coupe which is actually based on a C class of the era which has proved very reliable. E class level interior, and pillarless coupe is a nice addition, with the great build quality of the 2010-17 era of Benz.
Great choice on the car and the E class is wonderful. We almost bought a pillarless E class too whe. Shopping but the used one we found actually had a small accident history so we walked but I live the platform
I'm keeping my Lovely Honda Accord.
If you don't care for your car, they say, "Pay it now, or pay much more later". M-B should have a slogan: "Pay much more now and pay and pay and pay later."
Haha yes there is some truth there
North American 🇺🇸 built models are of lower build quality standards than European versions! It is worth mentioning
Thanks for sharing. Why don’t think that is? Do you feel the parts are different? Production members are better? Anything else?
@@ECPP great question!! I have maintained American and European Mercedes Benz vehicles and I have noticed that American built versions deteriorate significantly faster than European versions! It could be a result of poor quality control! The fuel monitoring system on European models are also very different from American models. You always find European models doing 200k miles and are in pristine condition
North American assembled….. but still German Engineering
Bought a 2012 s550 with 88500 on the clock in October of 22. Put 4000 miles on it in the 18 months of ownership.Had some minor issues with it but nothing to costly. I Have a good Indy to service the car. Charged 150 for oil change. Just drive it when I want to pamper myself. Was a corvette guy for 40 years. Much better way to enjoy a nice drive with the Mercedes.
I bought a mb SL550 roadster for a tiny fraction of what it costs new, put tons of miles on it and it was more reliable and less money in maintenance than a Nissan 370z I had.
I can see buying a slightly used Mercedes or BMW if it's a second car, not driven everyday. I have family that consistently buy new & used BMWs, but boy do they pay dearly for repairs & upkeep.
Nope on BMW, had three, worst used car out there!
some guy in germany bought a 2023 mercedes c300 and was already 5 times in the shop in a 2 month period. transmission problems, check engine light and nobody knows why, infotainment failures, bad interior quality, the trunk door falling apart. he also said he'll never buy a mercedes again
Sounds like a bad experience .
I hired a C class at an airport terminal,Disappointed in the ride quality, harshness, hard uncomfortable seats and it was noisy cramped.
I wanted to give it back after 3 days but EuroCars would not answer their phone.The S class might be better..but was unable to hire one
Thanks for sharing. Yrs it’s not the most refined vehicle on the market
Mercedes had a bad rust issue from 1998-2003 afterwards they all had a galvanized body. The C class W205 4dr and wagon has an aluminum body except for the rear quarter and roof pillars where they are high-strength steel.
Our 1972 MB had rust problems, they always have had problems.
@@melissasmess2773 every car in the 70's had rust problems! Some were worse than others Toyota, Honda, Datsun Ford, Renault, Fiat, and anything British, they were all biodegradeable
Im surprised the presenter didn't know that his car is primarily aluminum and not prone to rust.
I have the same car, imo It's well built and reliable.
Ask for the old parts after service or work done, then compare the old parts to a Toyota equivalent. Then you understand why mercedes cost more.
@@shamarbovell4457 The presenter constantly says that the engines for the C class and other Mercedes are made by Renault. While some engines are made by Renault they are the small diesel and 4 cyl gas that are under 1.6L, none of which made their way to North America. The W205 is comprised of 48% Aluminum compared to 9% in the W204. Aluminum does not rust, but corrodes. Take a simple part like a door hinge from a Toyota and compare it to the MB version, one is a cheap stamped steel version, the other is a solid alloy part, same holds for suspension bits, the lower control arms are stamped steel and the MB is a solid piece of aluminum alloy or steel. Compare strut towers between makes. My Dad's Accord center console is so flimsy with incredible side to side movement. Toyota's are not void of issues, they rust more than all other manufactures, have tons of brake, power steering, a/c issues and cheap fittings all around the car. Doesn't the presenter's tag line "life is too short to drive boring cars"? Drive a Toyota Honda Hyundai or Kia and they are quite an uninspiring drive. You can buy cheap wine and still get the same buzz but certainly not an enjoyable drink
@YYZ-SRQ you're right! my 2003 E-class has just started to rust at the top middle section by the sunroof. Other than that, the car is still in immaculate condition with over 330k miles. All seats are still looking pretty new, with the exception of a very small tear on the left side of the driver's seat.
I paid $15,500 for a 7 year old GLK350 4Matic with 22,500 miles on it in 2020 from relatives estate. Score! 😛🥰
Yes that sounds like a big win
Like your great informative videos, keep up the good work 👍🏻. Thank you.
Thank you very much I try to bring value and a few laughs along the way. Cheers
Appreciate the info !
Any time!
I got rid of my Benz due to the excessive cost of maintenance........ And, I will Never buy another one. Not worth it..............
I remember back in 1996, I delivered Nissan parts and the stealership also sold Mercedes and I saw a Mercedes S600 for $104k
Huge money when now especially S and E classes but used is a massive bargain…..but pricey to maintain
Thank for sharing the logic of your interesting perspective on your new MB
At the MB price point the new MB should be extremely reliable.
They should be it are not
Unfortunately they are not reliable; especially the electronics.
A 2003 E Class is more reliable than a brand new one.
They are built for status not reliability. Lease for 3 years return get another one. MB don't care about a car that's out of warranty.
@8MunchenBayern8 I agree. My 2003 E class has over 330k miles, and to me, it drives better than my 2017 GLE. The E class is in such prestine condition that a few times, new MB owners actually think it's the new model since the cat is so shiny even with the original paint job.
The only things keeping me away from a Mercedes, are the diagnostic tools... If they make it hard to fix, then forget it.
2024 LAUNCH X431 for Mercedes Benz, $159 eBay!
Instead of buying cars, toys, boats and such during that time period, they would be ahead if they had put the cash into a simple index fund rather than a depreciating vehicle, toy or boat. One wonders why people are always poor. There IS the answer. Definitely buying a nice car gently used is a good deal if the car won't turn into a maintenance nightmare. Back then, the stock market tanked and would have been a great time to buy low. That is what I did and am well ahead of the game.
Letting your money work for you is always best if you can have your cash flow from investments pay for toys
What if I bought a Mercedes and I’m still ahead? I’m not accumulating wealth for no reason. It’s to buy what I want and travel when and where I want. So many people talk about getting ahead and for what? I truly think most people don’t know. I for one don’t plan to leave my kids a dime.
Eyes opened. Thanks 👍🏼
Cheers
A brand new GLB or GLC (not sure) was picked by the owner at MB dealer, it was failed in running on the second day and being driven back to the dealer which was stalled and stuck at the dealer entrance and unable to be started again. Two mechanics from the dealer then pushed this SUV back to the maintenance shop for follow-up actions.
This incident was occured in 2023 which could be watched on the YT.
Today MB quality and reliability are the jokes.
Thanks for sharing. I see the quality is not what it used to be
Things break in most of the cars that are 2003 or newer because that's the year that manufacturers started putting plastic parts in their engines to save money for themselves, not customers. Aluminum engine blocks with plastic parts makes no sense.
Mercedes, BMW, Land Rover, and now Tesla, all kings of depreciation. As someone who owns a W204 C350, I can tell you first hand that the “bank vault” build quality Mercedes was once known for is long gone my friend. A used Lexus is more likely to retain its value.
Why I got two Lexus
I believe you are right, but you know, the latest Lexus. Vehicles are now struggling with turbo engines and durability challenges there too
Cruise control or sport mode will warp my brake rotors but if you don't go to the dealer a brake job isn't bad. I bought Brembo rotors for about $260, China calipers for $75 each, don't remember the cost on the pads but parts about $500 for everything! It's a terrible system they built, keeps brake pads close to rotors, while using cruise control, warps rotors in about 20,000 miles. 2013 GLK350.
Yes there are some great deals out there
I love my CLA , 10 years old , no problems at all
The C300 and E350 are very reliable and very beautiful... ❤❤❤
Designed to visit the dealership bent over backwards on monthly basis.
I really like that color 😍😍😍
Thank you it is nice
What about cheap E63S from 2017 to 2019 sold around Germany? I would love one but can't find much of a definitive answer on how worth they are. Especially with some saying it's better to get them out of warranty to have that liberty to get aftermarket parts or a trusted cheap mechanic for any repairs. Instead of paying inflated costs at dealerships for even basic maintenance.
2 types of MB, it is broken down. or it is about to break down.
Exactly why i sold my 1999 SL500 with 45k miles. Sold it before the convertible top hydraulics failed
Make
Every
Roadster
Cough
Every
Dime
Engine
Aftermarket
Haha nice acronym
MercedeA?
Should be:
Every
Day
Engines
Stall
😂
and lot of plastic ,no space in front of engine is full , u cant put fingers in engine or hands forget it
Same for many V6 cars like Lexus but the core support comes off my MB
Most luxury cars are sold for dirt cheap because it's stunted by the time it gets electrical/mechanical issues. Unless you're a mechanic yourself, it's a bottomless pit for the casual person...Then again, you might get EXTREMELY lucky, and it's just a granpa trying to get rid of a semi-new car because he doesn't need it anymore. But I'd suggest taking it to a trusted mechanic to give it a good check before handing the money.
Yes there are many issues to deal with especially if you land a lemon. Most are not bad but a DIY skill does help to keep these affordable
Brakes maybe more expensive but have you felt and experienced the crappy brakes Toyota and Honda put on their cars? Super thin rotors and bargain basement single piston sliding calipers. Toyota and Honda rotors warp by just looking at them and when it comes to panic stops they don't instil any confidence. Having driven cheap single piston sliding calipers for most of my life I can tell you how much better the braking is in modulation, performance and feel from my 4-pot fixed calipers and worth every penny. Also thicker rotors are less likely to warp, but drive a Japanese or Korean car with their thin front rotors and solid discs in the rear you end up replacing them all the time after several panic stop as you eventually feel pulsation at highway speeds when braking
You are totally right and I have often mentioned about the flimsy brakes and suspension in the Toyota and Hondas. That’s where it matters, thebdriving experience
Why are you panic stopping so much, that you are trying to justify European brakes??? Why are you warping the rotors on a Honda???
I have A CRV, with 260k, on the original rotors.
No problems.
Oh yeah...just remembered why mine last, and yours dont.
.....I'm just a better driver than you.
Although I have driven Lexus since 1995 (LS, SC, GS, RC), I did buy a Honda Accord Coupe, 1995 and drove it 178,000 miles. Never had to change the brake rotors, but had multiple brake jobs over the years. With mostly freeway miles, the vehicle started burning oil at about 75,000 and I was adding a quart about every 900 miles towards the end, always synthetic oil, changed every 5,000 miles. It was otherwise a very good vehicle but the leather and plastics went South just a few years after purchase. Lexus on the other hand for the past 29 years, has been fairly problem free. The cost of routine maintenance for the Lexus, has been very similar to Honda here in Los Angeles, California with independent service shops. My friends have all switched to Lexus from German cars and never looked back. Just saying.
Is MB A200 petrol 2022 any good? Any owner a class from 2018 to 2023, please let me know if there is any trouble on it?
I'm perplexed. You implicitly preach about driving not boring cars, sharing your field wisdom how to separate crap from worthy purchases etc., whilst covering the why-tos and why-nots of a specific car make and model and yet you've succumbed and neglected your own preachings by buying this merc here. So what's the message eventually has to be out of all of this? In the same video you're using words "me being a sucker", "a bang for the buck", "worthy purchase", "too expensive brakes", "crappy plastic" etc. and you still got the car - weren't you aware of those issues before buying this particular merc? or did you buy despite of them? This makes me question your preaching/teaching, because I am puzzled whether you disregard or actually are unaware of many issues you talk about specific car brands. By all means 40K is very expensive price for an used car, especially premium, yet you call it a bargain just because it got cheaper twice the price in just two years whilst simultaneously emphasising how crappy this and that of a plastic here and there - whilst calling it premium. What exactly is premium there? A salad of conflicting words. Is it a premium or crap after all? Is it your human nature that got the better of you and then you decided to make this video or was there a message lost in excitement somewhere? I've watched you for years and I can't tell whether you are really excited about this purchase or rather worried in the process of speaking to us and slowly realising the meaning of those words yourself (in other fields we call this effect of a rubber duck talk).
TLDR:; earlier videos of yours were sort of treated by me as a professional expertise that i could rely on to make my purchase decision. Cheers! P.s. so far only a single dislike from me and it's because of clarity.
Ever car is a good deal for the right price I guess. The class, quality and performance is worth it for some. My family has had a Mercedes Benz since 1973.
@@melissasmess2773 That's true about those mercs which are a different breed entirely compared to today's stuff. Same can be said about bmw's shift as well.
Nice Car, but Mercedes expensive to repair. Huge labour and parts costs.
It's a premium vehicle in NA but in Europe it's a regular car and still costs a fortune to service lol
Would you know if they are built different in Europe?
Not if you don’t take it to the dealer.
In the used market, European models attract very high prices and quite a number crest 200k miles and still remain in near pristine conditions
My late father bought a brand new W126 Mercedes 420 SE back in 1990 .... The car out lived him, as he passed away at the age of 92 in 2012.
I like inline sixes that are normally aspirated! Mazda come to mind😎
I6s make a great power band. I had in my old 280zx too
Du är en av mina favoriter!!!!!!! Oerhört underhållande!!!!!!
Cheers
Your Mercedes is beautiful....love that color!
It is a beautiful car. I love the blue colour.
We agree! Thank you
Because you'll spend 5 times the cost of it in maintenance?
Mercedes will stay in my mind all my life 1992 models 300D my uncle rest in peace 🙏🙏🙏 good memories
No Thanks. Never Buy MB, a repair for the steering rack with repair kit, cost in Bolivia 8K+ USD, for a 2019 GLA 180.
Why would they have to change out a steering. Rack?
Tacka vet jag min Suzuki grand vitara 2,5 v6 4x4 1999 🤣 funkar oerhört fint!!!!! Kall start i 38 minus det gick det också. Jag servar själv!!! Tar ca 30 min
That sounds like a great daily driver
................. Always try to remember RELIABILITY is indeed the # 1 LUXARY
Quickly found out if the reliability is not there
I love my Mercedes Benz
I had an Audi. I loved it but the engine has alot of plastic in it for no reason
I don’t think these cars will rust. Way too early to talk about rust. Give them 30-40 years maybe and you could see something.
Also we the customer don’t pay for the F1 team. The F1 team is primarily sponsored by Petronas, Tommy Hilfiger and others which basically breaks even or makes a small profit in general
But definitely good buying a low mileage Mercedes. I have one as well bought at half price
That’s a great point and yes they do provide good value
My GLS450 was costing $1000 a month just for maintenance.
Whoa that’s steep. Why so much?
Tell us when you own a MB for a few year, yes it is for people that what to spend money no room for cheap...
We have owned it now for 4 years and other than a windshield and new Battery and a refasten of a couple loose body panels, it’s been great.
German petrol engines have serious mechanical defect like VVT, timing chain and cam shaft. Oil and coolant leak also makes owner into the money pit.
They do not make a car for reliability. Additional profit need to be taken with huge service cost.
Do avoid German car if you concern about maintenance.
VW and Audi have less mechanical defect comoare to BMW and MB
As a former Merc owner may I just say one thing "NEVER AGAIN"!
They aren't for the poors 😂
Great cars when new. My mom loves Mercedes, she recently bought one of the latest GLC models and it’s beautiful.
Great looking, packed to the gills with features and fast. And whenever she leaves the country for work, she usually drives it to my house and leave it with me to use.
But every time she talks about getting a new car, I try to steer her away from Mercedes and to get something cheaper and more reliable. But Mercedes like BMW just has its hardcore buyers.
Side note, she was looking at the new Corvette before the GLC. I did talk her out of that, I said you really want to be climbing out of that thing as much as you drive around? Look how low it is and the seats aren’t that comfortable compared to luxury.
I would joke and say, so you’re buying me a Corvette because after a couple weeks you’re going to ask me to drive over and swap cars for awhile.
the gen z engineers can take their thumps outta their you know what
Ouch
You're kinda exaggerating here. It is expensive to maintain but only because it's more preventive maintenance, and you need OEM parts. DIY it will save a ton.
I’m on edge of buying a CLA 45 AMG. I heard the CLA 35 AMG isn’t reliable at all
Just a Volkswagen wearing an evening gown. 😊
Wow, what a bargain. I will certainly consider getting one.
They are actually quite affordable as a used car. 2 year old Class for price of new Corolla
MONEYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY PIT!!!
Somewhat but honestly almost all new cars are luxury or non luxury
MY BOY BEARDY BOY GOOD VIDEO
Thanks a lot for stopping by. Cheers
A scratch on that plastic bumper will cost you $600 to fix.
Yes everything is big bucks these days
They sure aren’t cheap here in Australia
I know it’s pricey over there
C is for cheap..it also stands for something else!
Doesn't matter if you buy new or used...you better be making Mercedes Money to afford one!
money pits
Some of them are
Pretty car Mark..... However, under the hood Not so much!...To me LQQK's like PLASTIC / Fantastic Plastic and Turbos Do_Not marry well IMO!...So yes you bought at a better price However the Re-Sale will continue to plummet because People are becoming more educated....I once looked over at Euro drvers as gucci Learning New owners are simply Renting / Leasing and dumping in 2 to 3 years & REALLY never own anything so I now Jus' kinda shake my head as in Wow are those people Not intelligent New or used...Kinda sad!
You said Honda accord 20 times accord owners are pisssed 😂😂😂
Cheers
Why I drive 2013 Lexus.
That’s dirable
Damn for 35k I would honestly consider it. Also you HAVE to keep up with maintenance or else you are in for a world of hurt.
Yes that’s true in the maintenance but a DIYer can make it cheap to own
Thank God, you have extended warranty if not, you better have deep pockets for any German car
There is a lot to be said for boredom!
That’s fair
Mercedes hasn’t made a good vehicle since the 1970’s!
It’s been downhill for awhile for awhile
German cars are expensively engineered to break after 3 to 5 years.
Yes they seem to
they boss from factory want you to change maxmium cars in 10 years because put that matrials in benz cars
35 grand for that benz used spend the same amount of money on a Honda Toyota or Lexus you’ll have way more car
Way more car? Not sure about that. Longer lasting, sure
I had a 2015 gla lease and I was always worried. I didn't enjoy it as much
I breathed relief when I returned it in Dallas having picked it up at the factory. Also the condescending male crap at factory was a big turn off. I paid 40 euro to be instructed on the GLA bozo kept "looking for My husband" to explain the vehicle to him!!!
Still waiting for Mercedes AMG GT-R be cheaper!
Same price for
CPO lexis IS 350 or ES 350 with better reliability,20 k miles , 2021-22 $$ 35,000 , up to 7 years unlimited miles' coverage . I don't want to feel stressed that Mercedes have to sit in a dealership, and they try to figure out what is going on and use extended Mercedes warranty exemptions: that is not covered, it was not used properly , even if its covered, the issue may still not be fixed , many mechanics are not very professional ,don't have deep knowledge of issues at Mercedes dealerships . Lexus most likely , 99% don't need to even go to dealership for repairs within 7 years .
because is crap
Well…..
i cant and wont no more MB.sorry brothers.i ll just push my 1.9 z3 around town showing i have a car.😅
That’s fair the quality is not quite where they used to be
For decades, a Benz was a simple, reliable car.
Very well built, but nothing really special.
If you went to europe in the 70s...they were everywhere!!
Just like a Chevy or Ford in the US.
Somewhere along the line, they decided to market and promote Benz, as a much superior, and more desirable status symbol.
And also doubled or tripled the price.
Brilliant marketing, convinced americans that they would be "better, or viewed as sucessful" if they bought an expensive european car.
Americans ate it up!
Now, so many people have fallen for it....that Benz, Audi, BMW, Jaguar, and all of the italian car hype is real.
Only to find out, the hard way, that these vehicles are no better than US cars.
Then, throw in high quality japanese cars, and the "high end" vail is pulled back to reveal the truth.
So now...the desirability of ANY car, is based solely on it's price.
If you drive a Rover, etc...your a winner, and high value.
But if you drive a Chevy, Ford, Honda or Toyota...you are deemed...less than... and a loser.
It all comes down to marketing, jealously, and envy for insecure consumers.
....don't believe me?????
I have a Rolex to sell you, also.
Great summary. Marketing has indeed had a major impact.
Germanen standaards are no more
It is changing
It's an endless money pit. Buyer Beware...Do not be the second or third owner.
14:25. Car are not an investment they are an expense, amazing show case of ignorance.
Thanks an Investment it is, a poor one, but one nonetheless. Assets vs liabilities and interestingly enough it’s an asset which is an expense as well plus due to that fact it is also a liability
It's still a POS
Enjoy your Corolla
@@YYZ-SRQ Enjoy sitting next to your MB waiting for a tow truck
@@pmeyer37 Had the same C class from 2004-20 never towed and the car was super reliable and no rust despite living in the rust belt (the car still lives today), and bought another 2020 C class and been excellent so far (4 years on the road). Can't say the same as the Acura I had from 1998-2004 what a piece of sh!t
@@YYZ-SRQ Good for you mate, the best vehicle is paid for, with no reliability issues.
@@YYZ-SRQAcura, hard leather, hard shifts 🤨
lease it