Is a Mercedes a good buy or just a Status Symbol
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02 mercedes C320 sedan
Is a Mercedes a good buy or just a Status Symbol
Hello I'm 27 and i just bought my very first Mercedes Benz a 2002 C320 with 135,xxx on the dash and I love it so far but always have that doubt in my mind should I bought another type of car based on maintenance cost on a Luxury car. I traded in my 99 ford expedition for this car because my dream truck is a MB G class love that truck ever since I've seen one in person.
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Joined: Sep 2011
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From: Austin, TX
2005 C230K(sold), Mk7 Jetta
You may or may not have made a mistake, depending on how well it's been maintained by prevoius owners, your mechanical ability and/or the amount of spare cash you have from buying a cheap merc
The problem is, those shops charge huge money just because it's a luxury car despite the fact it is sometimes easier to work on.
Also, some electrical components are super expensive to "fix" because they can only be replaced by dealer (electronic ignition system, etc). But I heard some people get the whole ECU/EIS/TCU whatever bundle from a salavge car and that is obviously wayy cheaper.
The problem is, those shops charge huge money just because it's a luxury car despite the fact it is sometimes easier to work on.
Also, some electrical components are super expensive to "fix" because they can only be replaced by dealer (electronic ignition system, etc). But I heard some people get the whole ECU/EIS/TCU whatever bundle from a salavge car and that is obviously wayy cheaper.
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Joined: Sep 2011
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From: Austin, TX
2005 C230K(sold), Mk7 Jetta
I have a different engine, yours is supposed to be more bulletproof.
But the age shows itself, the small rubber parts are starting to deteriorate. E.g. I replaced both steering tie rod bellows boots due to them practically disintegrating last year... On my list are the upper front strut mounts because one of them is worn and knocking.
But that is at almost 150k miles now.
When looking at other cars on the road, every other one is like a complete bucket of rattles and squeaks
I guess the bottom line is (hopefully you won't need that too often) don't hurry to go to the dealer for repairs. See if a local mom-pop shop can help you for less.
But the age shows itself, the small rubber parts are starting to deteriorate. E.g. I replaced both steering tie rod bellows boots due to them practically disintegrating last year... On my list are the upper front strut mounts because one of them is worn and knocking.
But that is at almost 150k miles now.
When looking at other cars on the road, every other one is like a complete bucket of rattles and squeaks
I guess the bottom line is (hopefully you won't need that too often) don't hurry to go to the dealer for repairs. See if a local mom-pop shop can help you for less.
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Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Westwood, NJ
2004 Civic Si. FWD for the Win!
If you're in a desert, it's not bad. However, for everywhere else, a 2002 is a pretty bad purchase, honestly, if you're looking to keep it for a long time.
Two main reasons are rust and the electronics (2001-2002s are horrendous). Though if it works fine now and there's no obvious rust, it should be fine for 6-12 months.
Two main reasons are rust and the electronics (2001-2002s are horrendous). Though if it works fine now and there's no obvious rust, it should be fine for 6-12 months.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2011
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From: Austin, TX
2005 C230K(sold), Mk7 Jetta
My experience has been, as to costs: Best case $100-300 per year in maintenance and little things, worst case the sky is the limit. But if you plan to unload it in a short time you can tolerate some stuff and let the next owner deal with the headache
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2012
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From: San Francisco, CA
2005 c230SS
If you plan to pay a dealership or high end auto mechanic for repairs, then yes owning a luxury car generally will cost you more -- parts and labor prices are higher for the more luxury cars due to the wealthier clientele.
However if you DIY and buy parts from reputable aftermarket dealers and get the right brands, the cost difference will be minimal.
Add in the noticeable higher build quality of the luxury car, and you will happy that you bought it.
However if you DIY and buy parts from reputable aftermarket dealers and get the right brands, the cost difference will be minimal.
Add in the noticeable higher build quality of the luxury car, and you will happy that you bought it.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 10,067
Likes: 11
From: Westwood, NJ
2004 Civic Si. FWD for the Win!
If you plan to pay a dealership or high end auto mechanic for repairs, then yes owning a luxury car generally will cost you more -- parts and labor prices are higher for the more luxury cars due to the wealthier clientele.
However if you DIY and buy parts from reputable aftermarket dealers and get the right brands, the cost difference will be minimal.
Add in the noticeable higher build quality of the luxury car, and you will happy that you bought it.
However if you DIY and buy parts from reputable aftermarket dealers and get the right brands, the cost difference will be minimal.
Add in the noticeable higher build quality of the luxury car, and you will happy that you bought it.
Let's be honest - even at RM European or AutohausAZ, Mercedes parts are more expensive than most American or Asian marques, and a little more than BMW/VW. You're partially right about the labor, but IMHO, that's a factor of the clientele as well as the PITAness in general of working on Benzes.
As far as the higher build quality, I'm at work, and can't laugh too loudly. Unless you're talking about post-refresh W203s, and even then, there are some baffling issues to me.
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2012
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From: San Francisco, CA
2005 c230SS
I own a Mercedes, 96 Honda Accord, 2005 Toyota Sienna, and 2006 Toyota Matrix. For me the Honda has been the most difficult to find reasonable cost parts for, primarily because there are no good aftermarket manufacturers for their rubber parts. (Toyota has been the best, with the local dealership offering internet ordering at 25-30% off retail price and local pickup to avoid shipping costs.)
Ex: Front motor mounts on the mercedes were $80 each. On the Honda two of the four mounts are $200+ each, no reputable aftermarket option. LCA on the Mercedes ~$100 each. Honda LCA ~$150 ... plenty of crappy aftermarket for $25-50, but not reputable.
Sorry, instead of build quality I meant "design quality". The Mercedes is a much beefier car all around -- more/thicker layers in body panels, suspension, covers, doors, console, etc. It just seems much more solid.
Ex: Front motor mounts on the mercedes were $80 each. On the Honda two of the four mounts are $200+ each, no reputable aftermarket option. LCA on the Mercedes ~$100 each. Honda LCA ~$150 ... plenty of crappy aftermarket for $25-50, but not reputable.
Sorry, instead of build quality I meant "design quality". The Mercedes is a much beefier car all around -- more/thicker layers in body panels, suspension, covers, doors, console, etc. It just seems much more solid.
Last edited by jkowtko; Jan 6, 2016 at 11:51 AM.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 10,067
Likes: 11
From: Westwood, NJ
2004 Civic Si. FWD for the Win!
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 63
Likes: 3
From: Minnesota
2004 C320 4matic sedan
My C320 has been an endless project, so I would not recommend one unless you are mechanically inclined and like to tinker. I have not found parts to be too expensive when bought online. When everything is working it really is a nice car.
I would not buy a car for just a year as the sales tax and registration fees add to the cost. Also it takes me a year to fix all the problems with a 10 year old car and I'd like to enjoy it for awhile!
I would not buy a car for just a year as the sales tax and registration fees add to the cost. Also it takes me a year to fix all the problems with a 10 year old car and I'd like to enjoy it for awhile!
Last edited by dmac5356; Jan 7, 2016 at 10:58 AM.
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C200 kompressor
Depends
Yes, I agree with the last post. An older model will require you to either be mechanically minded or else become so.
In saying that, these cars give a fantastic drive, and at around 10% of new price for this vintage, it really is great value for money.
I have done a lot of work on mine, I would suggest always cost new parts from the dealer first.
Giving the vin and knowing what you need can get you trade price/ better deals just by making life easy for the parts person.
Second hand parts are everywhere for these cars now also, so It does not have to cost the world to keep it going if you do a little leg work/ research beforehand.
In saying that, these cars give a fantastic drive, and at around 10% of new price for this vintage, it really is great value for money.
I have done a lot of work on mine, I would suggest always cost new parts from the dealer first.
Giving the vin and knowing what you need can get you trade price/ better deals just by making life easy for the parts person.
Second hand parts are everywhere for these cars now also, so It does not have to cost the world to keep it going if you do a little leg work/ research beforehand.
