Mercedes aren't worth it thread...
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 345
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From: So Cal
2010 C300 & 2014 E350
Not sure what the difference is between a Lexus and Mercedes as far as repairs go. I have a MB C55 and an Lexus LS class, both are expensive. If you can't afford to make repairs on a luxury car you probably shouldn't buy one to begin with. With that said, I haven't had any real issues with either vehicle and I'm sure if I do I will be complaining extensively about it.
Whoever says they would rather have a Lexus because they're cheaper isn't paying attention to the cost of a new Lexus. If you compare pricing between a new MB and a new Lexus in the same class they're very similar.
Whoever says they would rather have a Lexus because they're cheaper isn't paying attention to the cost of a new Lexus. If you compare pricing between a new MB and a new Lexus in the same class they're very similar.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2012
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From: The Palmetto State
19 E63s, ‘24SQ8, wanting another gas guzzling V8
Then why are you reading it. Because this also part of the purpose of a forum. To brag about our cars! MB is better then Lexus, BMW, Audi, Hyundia, Cadillac, and even KIA. (Till you have to go to my local MB service center)
Member
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 241
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From: Rockville, MD
Why worry about what anyone thinks, we are all entitled to our own opinions. BMW, MB, or Audi are the top tier that all manufacturers try to beat. Infiniti & Lexus are very close behind in many ways, but the safety king is MB (although Volvo keeps trying).
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 26
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From: Central Oregon
2019 E450 4Matic Cabriolet, Dune Silver Metallic / Black Leather
I can't agree more. Buy what you like and like what you drive. It doesn't matter if it's a Mercedes or a Fiat. If you spend your life worrying about what others think of your choices, then you are setting yourself up for a life of misery.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 2,616
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From: Southeastern USA
2010 E350 Luxury Sedan, Engine 272 (V6)
Different strokes for different folks
There are about as many different reasons to purchase a specific car as there are car owners. On the whole, an entry level Toyota, Nissan, Honda, Hyundai, Mazda, etc. is a "better" buy than any luxury car. However, most people want more than that.
I cross shopped MB, Lexus, Lincoln, Genesis, Acura, Infiniti and Audi for a year before I decided on an MB. For ME, it was the best compromise of "luxury," comfort, performance, cost to own and status.
However, I recognize that the Asian makes have higher reliability than European makes, much higher in most cases. After warranty, this will factor directly into cost to own. Of course maintenance on all "luxury" makes is higher than on standard makes. Ex: Annual service on Toyota, Hyundai, etc. is about $100. On MB, it is $200 first year and $400 second.
I negotiated for a Lexus LS with usual premium package and they came down a whopping $1,500 on $65,000 car. MB dealer came down $8,000 on $56,000 E350 I ordered from Germany.
Bottom line is what you want on the car and how you feel about it when you drive it (and other people see you in it).
BTW, anyone who says the badge/name does not figure into the decision is deceiving themselves.
Happy Motoring!
I cross shopped MB, Lexus, Lincoln, Genesis, Acura, Infiniti and Audi for a year before I decided on an MB. For ME, it was the best compromise of "luxury," comfort, performance, cost to own and status.
However, I recognize that the Asian makes have higher reliability than European makes, much higher in most cases. After warranty, this will factor directly into cost to own. Of course maintenance on all "luxury" makes is higher than on standard makes. Ex: Annual service on Toyota, Hyundai, etc. is about $100. On MB, it is $200 first year and $400 second.
I negotiated for a Lexus LS with usual premium package and they came down a whopping $1,500 on $65,000 car. MB dealer came down $8,000 on $56,000 E350 I ordered from Germany.
Bottom line is what you want on the car and how you feel about it when you drive it (and other people see you in it).
BTW, anyone who says the badge/name does not figure into the decision is deceiving themselves.
Happy Motoring!
Last edited by El Cid; Jan 4, 2014 at 04:27 PM.
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Senior Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 284
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From: 2400 miles east of paradise.
1992 500E, 1994 E500, 2011 E550 and 2018 GLE350
Currently own Lexus and MB. They are both nice vehicles, but there is something about the MB that I enjoy driving more. On my second Lexus and currently own two Benz which are my third and fourth MBs. My maintenance costs on the Lexus were nothing more than oil changes, tires, and routine maintenance. Toyota builds a quality product, no doubt about it. Personally, I've never seen a Nissan that I liked other than RTX and that really isn't a great looking car IMHO.
Rule of thumb: A cheap Mercedes Benz is the most expensive car you can buy.
Rule of thumb: A cheap Mercedes Benz is the most expensive car you can buy.
Last edited by ilovemaui1; Jan 4, 2014 at 04:58 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2010
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From: Southern US
2010 E550, 273 Engine: 2012 S550, 278 Engine
Currently own Lexus and MB. They are both nice vehicles, but there is something about the MB that I enjoy driving more. On my second Lexus and currently own two Benz which are my third and fourth MBs. My maintenance costs on the Lexus were nothing more than oil changes, tires, and routine maintenance. Toyota builds a quality product, no doubt about it. Personally, I've never seen a Nissan that I liked other than RTX and that really isn't a great looking car IMHO.
Rule of thumb: A cheap Mercedes Benz is the most expensive car you can buy.
Rule of thumb: A cheap Mercedes Benz is the most expensive car you can buy.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 5,141
Likes: 1,293
From: Southern US
2010 E550, 273 Engine: 2012 S550, 278 Engine
You might want to check on that "safety king" as it might be opposite than what you say between MB and Volvo. Believe or not but the safety king used to be SAAB long time ago already and because of them Volvo had to become as good to be able to sell cars in Sweden.
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 29
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Currently own Lexus and MB. They are both nice vehicles, but there is something about the MB that I enjoy driving more. On my second Lexus and currently own two Benz which are my third and fourth MBs. My maintenance costs on the Lexus were nothing more than oil changes, tires, and routine maintenance. Toyota builds a quality product, no doubt about it. Personally, I've never seen a Nissan that I liked other than RTX and that really isn't a great looking car IMHO.
Rule of thumb: A cheap Mercedes Benz is the most expensive car you can buy.
Rule of thumb: A cheap Mercedes Benz is the most expensive car you can buy.
I love both for different reasons.
Maintenance wise, my Lexus wins hands down - 160k miles and drives like it just came off the lot. Not one single issue with it, ever. The e550 has not been as forgiven. It's been to the service center on numerous occasions and only has 45k miles.
Design and build wise, the E550 wins. It's just a gorgeous car, inside and out. Feels like it was built with solid materials. Get in the car, close the door, and hearing the way the door closes, feels like some sort of vacuum suction action and I'm now in my own world. Safe from the elements and noise of the external world. Ride quality is superior as well, once you go airmatic - you'll never go back. The GS lacks that "refined" touch and feel.
I can see how some people can say the MBs are over priced and not worth the money. Especially if they own a Lexus. I feel that way sometimes too. But when I'm in my E550 and in my own little world, it's worth it. Getting extra attention from the persona and prestige of a Benz doesn't hurt either.
If I had to only pick one, it would be a tough decision but the E550 would win. This decision would be made with 0% of how I'm perceived by driving a Benz...
Ok, maybe 10%
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2011
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From: Central Pennsylvania
2012 S350 Bluetec 4Matic, Diamond White, P2
I guess I am a true luxury car buyer....I don't give a rat's behind what anyone else thinks or drives. I buy for myself not for my co-workers. The OP really must have self-esteem issues.
