El Cid

USA Today had an interesting article reporting that last year, people 50 and over spent $87 billion on cars vs. only $70 billion for all those under 50. Spent it on new cars and on their cars.
Apparently the purchase power of the over 50's, especially the boomers, is going to increase exponentially over the next 20 years.
Once the markets return to normal, and they will, all that money in CD's, IRA's, 401(k)'s, etc. will start coming out.
Several of my over 60 friends purchased new cars in the past year, as did I.
Don't want to start a batlle of the ages, but it is a demographic group that should not be ignored and has always been a prime one for M-B - and it's dealers' service departments.

NYCGLK

Of course, older folks are the ones who have money...most twenty year olds live pay check to paychek. I actually expected the gap to be wider than this.

BenzE350

What are the demographics on this forum - who is under and over 50?

I'm over.

hyperion667

under

SalTheMan

23

GCLane

I might buy a new car if they made something I'd Want..
I'll keep my old 190E

JhonnyLever

21!!

reckrab

over

hyperion667

haha, some young bucks out there with the new benzes!
fighting off the chix? it turns tons of heads.......but I'm a married man, lol.......

K-A

A bit under 30 here. Makes sense that the "older" demo has more cash, and can afford to buy more, and nicer cars.

Dema

I think car makers took it in consideration, at least new 5 series is more luxury than sport car. It has many complains from younger population, however BMW seems concerned only making max $. E350 also has delayed in more powerful engine upgrade since older people are not interested in power. So we are younger population are seriously suffering from baby boomers getting old man cars.

Arrie

I'm almost there but still under 50.

Another thing here is that I own my car, i.e. I 100% paid for it (2011 E50 P2).

I think ownership difference should be mentioned here, i.e if leased, paid of or financed...

220S

I had just turned 16 when my Dad bought me my first Benz.







Then I woke up from my dream and had to run to catch the bus......


But I still have a long way to go before 50 ever finds me.

I paid for a new AMG in full. I hate paying bills of any sort (mainly 'cause I usually forget to do it.) I work hard and with periods of 'time on and time off' but get rewarded well when 'on.'

I have zero debt. And money saved to weather the storm. But cars are a big waste of money. I could have been a happy crack addict for a lot less.

Still, life's okay.

reckrab

LOL Yes, I suffer every time I drive my E350! It's a tough job, but someone's got to do it.....

BenzE350

I'm guessing the demographics of MB owners in general are significantly different than MB members on this forum.

A lot of 50+ owners (and women) have no interest in joining a forum to discuss their cars.

K-A

Count me in as suffering as well. My poor well being is being sacrificed every time I enjoy a cozy and comfy long distance ride, due to those old farts demanding such treatment!

Can't wait 'till the teens start dictating what I drive! Neon lights, rock hard suspension, OEM fart cans, and lack of sound deadening materials galore!

BenzE350

They already are to some degree...that is why most cars now have iPod connectivity and COMMAND/iDrive/MMI type computer interfaces.

El Cid

One point the article made was that the younger generation has had tremendous influence on car design and offerings over the past years and that fewer cars are being designed for the over 50 demographic. Example is one opinion expressed in the article was that Cadillac's newest offerings were not made to appeal to over 50 demographic. I'm sure there are quite a few over 50's who like the CTS.
Not trying to start an argument, but thought it was interesting article that may show future of some cars.
I'm sure M-B is paying close attention to this for both the cars and getting them serviced by dealerships rather than DIY.

97W202

20

OAG

Well over 50 but have owned (as in paid for in cash) many luxury vehicles. Worked my way up to the MB and think I will stay here a while.

Speedriven1

Under.

NYCGLK

under 50 by 50%...own with hard earned cash

ash_cpe

Away under 50, had my first Benz "w124" when i was 20.

OK55

Almost there myself. Must point out, however, that though the over 50s do the bulk of the buying, the under 50s (their children) do influence the choice substantially...!
Brgds

ipp

This is a internet forum, might affect the demographics a bit...