I have own my E350 Coupe since new. It was regularly serviced at the dealer till about a year ago. New battery, trans fluid replaced, brakes decent, new tires 10,000 miles ago. However, I feel that going forward the maintenance will get more costly and leasing a new car (never done it before) without the headache of worrying about maintenance and repair might be a better deal? Also, finding good reliable MB independent garage around here can be a pain. I just happen to like the style of this car, thus, have been keeping it up, I normally traded my car in for a new one when they hit five years.

MP

This sounds like a personal decision kind of situation. If it were me.....I'd probably wait to see what the future offers GL!

Mine has almost 150,000 miles with few problems. I will say that the torque converter went out and was replaced under warranty. Even if I had had to pay for it it would have been $2500. Much less than a new car.

If you like the car, keep it and see what happens. If not get a new one. Just remember the wise sages from car talk when asked if it would be cheaper to just get a new car rather than fix the old one

”Unless your car is on fire it’s always cheaper to get it fixed rather than buy a new one”


And as far as leasing Dave Ramsey the financial guy calls them "fleeces” because you lose so much money

I'd keep it and see what happens. No need to jump the gun.

Agreed: don't lease.......er, uh rent a car.

Are you mad? The 3.0 engine is good for at least 200k.

It is only just run in. Keep it

Thank guys, start having problem with (per the dealer/stealer) transmission mount.
Break and tail light, back up light on the trunk lid (inner left - driver side).

These are supposedly easy to fix but I am not mechanically inclined.

Not so keen into leasing unless you're thinking short-term

I would never give up a paid off car to get into a rental. Assuming the car is not going to need more in repairs than the value I would keep it and drive it. When the time comes and you need another car just buy a CPO.

And that is the question, is the repair going to become a major factor and would cost more than the car is worth? There is no way to know, but eventually a major overhaul is going to be needed regardless of how well you have been taking care of the car. Plus the inconvenience of having to take the car in for repairs.
Something to think about.

I'd hold unto it. EV vehicles will eventually be the staple; hopefully with lower maintenance as well as operating costs. I would not buy a new gas or diesel car; wait for the EV's.

If and when eV's do take over I wonder how that will effect the ownership cost of maintaining an ICE car Also, having a qualified mechanics that actually know how to work on ICE's? Seems the mechs that work on OLDER cars are dying out and being replaced with guys that only know how to 'plug' the car in to get a computer readout. Ahh the future~