NationStates Jolt Archive

I'm trying to convince my mom to get a new car, a used Mercedes. Anyone know anything about their costs?

Are you talking about purchase costs or maintenance and repair costs?

does it matter what he's asking?

mercedes are expensive to buy, expensive to maintain, and expensive to repair

the only reason to have a mercedes is if you need to look foolishly prosperous

there are cars that are much cheaper and cooler. mercedes are for old communist dictators

Well, it does matter if she's serious about asking. Purchase prices vary depending on the market, but a quick look through Autotrader or E-Bay motors can give you a gauge of what the market is charging so you don't get shafted beyond reason. Maintenance costs vary from model to model, so you need to do more research there--there's probably a reason a particular model seems like such a steal.

Mercedes are generally solid cars, but in the last couple of years, they introduced a lot of unnecessary electronics, and they've been a little twitchy. I'd check it out closely.

Since you live in the US it will be more expensive to maintain also what year? Because I think Mercedez take deisel fuel and if it gets to cold it will turn to gell and the engine won't start.

Not all Mercedes are diesels, and maintenance, while more costly than a Ford, for instance, isn't all that much more considering the overall cost of the car, unless you live in a place with a dearth of Mercedes mechanics.

buy japanese, they just have a talent for making better cars for less money that are easier to fix and cheaper to run. I favour honda's myself but thats just my preference.

I'm trying to convince my mom to get a new car, a used Mercedes. Anyone know anything about their costs?

what type and what year?

what type and what year?

1996 E320

2000 E320

Are you talking about purchase costs or maintenance and repair costs?

Maintenance, purchase costs are wayyyyy to high for a new one.

does it matter what he's asking?

mercedes are expensive to buy, expensive to maintain, and expensive to repair

the only reason to have a mercedes is if you need to look foolishly prosperous

there are cars that are much cheaper and cooler. mercedes are for old communist dictators


I need a big sedan, I dont want an SUV, so why not a Mercedes sedan? They have a similar weight, are very safe, usually get alright gas milage, and I'll get a quality luxury car. And I wont even need to pay for it.

buy japanese, they just have a talent for making better cars for less money that are easier to fix and cheaper to run. I favour honda's myself but thats just my preference.

I consider myself patriotic. The only exception to buying an American car is a German car, either Mercedes or BMW.

1996 E320

2000 E320

i'd say niether
there both big money wastes
you'd be better off with a bmw 745 or 845

not an suv, but a large sedan? Doesn't leave you with much does it? Try a Nissan or Chevy... I just bought a Chevy malibu, it is cheap and large.

not an suv, but a large sedan? Doesn't leave you with much does it? Try a Nissan or Chevy... I just bought a Chevy malibu, it is cheap and large.

I dont want an SUV, I'm a young driver.

I prefer large Sedans. Safe and heavy.

I would say mercs are relatively reliable.. unless you are unlucky..

Also, make sure you research the car's history.. Who its previous owners were, its service schedule, breakdown history, etc.

As for prices, the 1996 E320, in excellent condition, like this one:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=2489589738&category=6335

costs, as mentioned, about 15k.. quite a penny, I'm afraid..

But you can find one that is not as new for 6-7 grand, I would guess.

As for the newer 2000 model, it would definately cost more.. prices range from 11 grand to 22 grand on eBay..

If I were you, I would go for a Jap car.. reliable, effecient, and cheap.. but you said you're "patriotic"...so meh.. :p

i'd say niether
there both big money wastes
you'd be better off with a bmw 745 or 845

Those are wayyyy to much to find for 8 years old or newer.

Can't beat a pre owned Cadillac (not a grand pa with hat model) or even an Impala SS.

I like Cadillacs. Impala SS's are too gangsterish.

i like this one

http://us.autos1.yimg.com/img.autos.yahoo.com/aic/scion_tc_sportcoupe_2005_385x192.jpg

http://www.oldautoclassifieds.com/uplimg/0bfc816df5fa5435a225060a6b9f5e1d-img1.gif

is that the 1996 or the 2000 model? and what is the price tag?

I would really go for a Honda. I like american cars but the simple facts. Hondas are better desinged and built. And they are alot cheaper to run and maintain.

is that the 1996 or the 2000 model? and what is the price tag?

1996
$10,900

Actually I called the dealer and it had sold. He's got a few other Mercedes' on the lot.

I would really go for a Honda. I like american cars but the simple facts. Hondas are better desinged and built. And they are alot cheaper to run and maintain.

2 words.

Jap

Crap.

They have never taken any responsibility for war crimes in China, Manchuria, Korea, and other places of occupation during WWII. Its been 100% denial.

http://www.vanmotor.com/used-car/99-C230.JPG

Another one. I think the one I want to look at is a 1998 with 75,000 miles on it.

Also, the one I want to look at is black.

2 words.

Jap

Crap.

They have never taken any responsibility for war crimes in China, Manchuria, Korea, and other places of occupation during WWII. Its been 100% denial.
Does that actually matter what there ancestors did?
Anyway.
Hondas ARE better built than most american cars and that is somthing you cannot deny because they are. Take the Honda Civic and Ford Focus.
The Honda Civic gets better Gas Mileage and has a better safety rating. And has the highest resale value in it's class. So the Japanese car has the American car beat in every possible way.
mercs are pretty good but you can get the same build qaulity for a lower price from nissian or Honda.
If you want some good cars. go VOLVO!

Does that actually matter what there ancestors did?
Anyway.
Hondas ARE better built than most american cars and that is somthing you cannot deny because they are. Take the Honda Civic and Ford Focus.
The Honda Civic gets better Gas Mileage and has a better safety rating. And has the highest resale value in it's class. So the Japanese car has the American car beat in every possible way.
mercs are pretty good but you can get the same build qaulity for a lower price from nissian or Honda.

The survivors of the Bataan death march were never compensated. I think that there are still WWII veterans living in both countries that remeber the war. The japs killed more civillians than the Germans and they killed more americans than the Germans. At least the Germans had the courtesy to declare war on us.

You need a longer attention span my friend.

Also, Japanese cars are not union built in America.

I dont think any Jap car can compare to the full size american cars, or even a midsize or larger SUV.

Oh really? How so? Enlighten Me!
http://www.auto-sfondi-desktop.com/Wallpapers_Honda_/Honda-Civic-Coupe/Honda-Civic-Coupe-04/Honda-Civic-Coupe-04_640.jpg
That thing gets 50 Miles to the Gallon. And is just as fast and roomy as any american car of that class. No american car can say that. And Civics have a record of being more durable and less likely to break down. Ford= Found On Road Dead.
The TITAN made by Nissan is just as good as any american pickup truck. And at a comparable price. So whats not to like.
I could go on.
Honda does have SUVs. While they are SLIGHTLY smaller than american SUVs they are more durable and reliable.
I can't wait for the Honda SUT.

Oh really? How so? Enlighten Me!
http://www.auto-sfondi-desktop.com/Wallpapers_Honda_/Honda-Civic-Coupe/Honda-Civic-Coupe-04/Honda-Civic-Coupe-04_640.jpg
That thing gets 50 Miles to the Gallon. And is just as fast and roomy as any american car of that class. No american car can say that. And Civics have a record of being more durable and less likely to break down. Ford= Found On Road Dead.
The TITAN made by Nissan is just as good as any american pickup truck. And at a comparable price. So whats not to like.
I could go on.
Honda does have SUVs. While they are SLIGHTLY smaller than american SUVs they are more durable and reliable.
I can't wait for the Honda SUT.

1. Of THAT class. A Cooper Mini is the safest in its class.

2. Have any jap propaganda about GMC?

3. Civics are not big enough to carry more than 2 people.

4. I am patriotic and I would buy an American truck if I was getting a truck.

5. You have been brainwashed into the globalist thinking, patriotism no longer matters to you.

6. I see a lot more old American sedans than Jap sedans.

1. Well duh. In THAT class. Take the Ford Focus. The Civic Beats the Crap out of it in everyway possible and it's almost the same price.
2. Wait What?
3. BULL. My dad has a 2000 Civic LX and it seats 5 People Cofterbley. Maybe a bit snug but you don't get any problems. Of crouse my GF tends to sit on my lap anyway :D
4. How does that make me not patriotic for not buying an American Truck? I am going to buy the best built truck with the opitions that suite ME! If an F-150 Is the Truck I want to buy I will buy it. If the upcomming SUT is the Truck I want/need I would buy a Honda SUT if it is a Titan I will buy it. It could come from russia for all I care. As long as it does a good job of what its supposed to do.
5. Just because I don't always want to buy american means I'm a traitor? Ok you just made so much sense (!), Besides I'd rather have a Valvo than anything else but they are way to much money.
6. Probably because there are simply a larger number of american cars in america in general but that does not mean they are the best.
7. My Dads old civic gave him 17 years of reliable service without EVER breaking down. He sold it with almost 200,000 miles on it. He got a brand new Civic in 2000 and already has 100,000 miles on it and it has never given him any problems how is this a bad thing?
8. I am buying a Civic for my 1st car does that make me some kind of traitor??

1. Well duh. In THAT class. Take the Ford Focus. The Civic Beats the Crap out of it in everyway possible and it's almost the same price.
2. Wait What?
3. BULL. My dad has a 2000 Civic LX and it seats 5 People Cofterbley. Maybe a bit snug but you don't get any problems. Of crouse my GF tends to sit on my lap anyway :D
4. How does that make me not patriotic for not buying an American Truck? I am going to buy the best built truck with the opitions that suite ME! If an F-150 Is the Truck I want to buy I will buy it. If the upcomming SUT is the Truck I want/need I would buy a Honda SUT if it is a Titan I will buy it. It could come from russia for all I care. As long as it does a good job of what its supposed to do.
5. Just because I don't always want to buy american means I'm a traitor? Ok you just made so much sense (!), Besides I'd rather have a Valvo than anything else but they are way to much money.
6. Probably because there are simply a larger number of american cars in america in general but that does not mean they are the best.
7. My Dads old civic gave him 17 years of reliable service without EVER breaking down. He sold it with almost 200,000 miles on it. He got a brand new Civic in 2000 and already has 100,000 miles on it and it has never given him any problems how is this a bad thing?
8. I am buying a Civic for my 1st car does that make me some kind of traitor??

1. Lets comapre midsize, and large SUV's. Lets even compare full size sedans. Jap crap is notorious for having small cars, all of their cars are smaller.

2. You had Jap propaganda for Ford. Have any acronyms for Diamler Chrysler or GMC?

3. In modern day America, no one likes to sit close to another person. I for one hate sitting with people in my Dads Explorer, it only has 2 rows of seats.

4. My point exactly, you have started to think that car choice is not part of patriotism, which in fact it is. Hell, I'd bet your one of those idiots that buys a magnetic American flag, or a pro-American bumper sticker and sticks it on the back of your FOREIGN CAR. If someones so proud to be an American, then why dont they buy a car from their country?

5. Volvos last much longer then Jap crap. Before my dad became patriotic, he had one that got 275,000 miles on it.

6. Using that logic, smaller TV's are better because there are more of them.

7. My parents cars, both 1996 Ford Explorers have never broken down.

8. Yes, rightly so. The reason I never have and never will drive Jap crap is because they killed more civillians than the Germans, and they killed more Americans than the Germans. I will however, buy German cars because their people and their government have taken responsibility for what happened during the years before and during the war. Thats something that the Japanese government has never done. Until that happens I will always consider people that buy Jappers (As I like to call them) unpatriotic.

If you want something big,and relatively cheap, go for a big american full size like a Ford Crown Victoria or Chev Impala LS. If luxury is a concern go for a Town Car or Sedan deVille. The latter two are bigger than the Mercedes, and the higher trim levels are probably just as luxurious. Ahh, but if you really want a nice German car,, go for a BMW 5 series, or the Mercedes

Btw, I stole my nation name off of a Mercedes billboard.Too cool to resist.

BTW,again, keep you hate crap to yourself or to another forum. I don't really like most Japanese cars either, but that's not because I'm mad at WW2.
Get over it.

1. Lets comapre midsize, and large SUV's. Lets even compare full size sedans. Jap crap is notorious for having small cars, all of their cars are smaller.

2. You had Jap propaganda for Ford. Have any acronyms for Diamler Chrysler or GMC?

3. In modern day America, no one likes to sit close to another person. I for one hate sitting with people in my Dads Explorer, it only has 2 rows of seats.

4. My point exactly, you have started to think that car choice is not part of patriotism, which in fact it is. Hell, I'd bet your one of those idiots that buys a magnetic American flag, or a pro-American bumper sticker and sticks it on the back of your FOREIGN CAR. If someones so proud to be an American, then why dont they buy a car from their country?

5. Volvos last much longer then Jap crap. Before my dad became patriotic, he had one that got 275,000 miles on it.

6. Using that logic, smaller TV's are better because there are more of them.

7. My parents cars, both 1996 Ford Explorers have never broken down.

8. Yes, rightly so. The reason I never have and never will drive Jap crap is because they killed more civillians than the Germans, and they killed more Americans than the Germans. I will however, buy German cars because their people and their government have taken responsibility for what happened during the years before and during the war. Thats something that the Japanese government has never done. Until that happens I will always consider people that buy Jappers (As I like to call them) unpatriotic.
1. Honda Accord it's SLIGHTLY smaller than most American Sedans. But also has more Horsepower. Sure there "full sized" Sedans are not as big or gas guzzling as there american counterparts but who cares? I'm going to buy the better built car. Which is Usally Japanese or German. American Car Companys make good cars. But i'd rather have somthing more durable and relible for a lower price.
2. Hows that Propaganda? It's a joke Found On Road Dead. It doesnt reallly mean anyting.
3. Thats an opinion and or a personal Perferace.
4. You do realize that most Hondas are made in america? For example. Accords are made in Ohio. I think they still make Civics in Japan but don't qoute me on that.
5. Volvos are by far the BEST cars you can buy in the mainstream market. Japanese or american cars don't even come close to them
6. Did I ever say Fords were bad cars? Nope. But there are better options out there.
7. Uh huh, My Dads Civic never broke down for 17 years whats your point? And his new Civic is "one of the best cars I've ever had"
8. The people who build and desing japanese cars were not even alive in WW2 so it's still them who killed all those people?
9.I'm leaning between a Ion Focus and Civic. and I plan to choose the Civic

BTW,again, keep you hate crap to yourself or to another forum. I don't really like most Japanese cars either, but that's not because I'm mad at WW2.
Get over it.


I'll get over it when they apologize. Their "honor" prevents them from doing so. However, if they were to lose market share to americans I'm sure they would all commit suicide or make some crazy Banzai charge.