Is it really expensive to service used Mercedes?

Question

My husband and I are considering buying a used Mercedes. A local dealership has a great price on a 2001 model, but my husband is having second thoughts because he said we'll spend a lot of money when it breaks down because parts are so expensive. I said Mercedes are better made, so we won't have to worry about that so much. Any used Mercedes owners out there want to comment?

Answer 1

Your husband is right. You both have to beware of worn out parts that need to be replaced. Back in 1994, my late dad bought me a 1982 model 200 (W123). This is a rugged, reliable, modular car to own but I had to prepare myself to spend a lot on parts that wore out during my 7yrs of using it. The parts included Muffler, the rotary part of the Alternator (generator), rubber seals for the master-plunger (brake system), etc. The car was nevertheless fun to own/drive. Years later I replaced the car with a 1984 190E (W201). I spent a lot replacing the Recirculating-ball servo for the power steering. My mom sold it off when I left home (a good idea) before anymore parts died off. Mercs are good cars, I'm a fan of MercBenz forever. If you love an old model, get ready to spend cos its going to be "Operation Restore Glory". In my case it was kind of worth it cos now I do oil changes etc. all by myself @ home...cost saving...I learned a heck of a lot from my mechanics.

Answer 2

While I don't own a used Mercedes, I have worked in several automotive fields. Your husbands concerns are well founded, everything on a European luxury car is more expensive than on it's American or Japanese counter-parts. Mercedes are well made, but that doesn't mean that it breaks less. A machine is a machine, if well maintained and serviced by an honest mechanic, the car will serve you well, if not it will fail probably at the most inopportune time. Also, to save your self some money and find a good, trustworthy mechanic, you don't "need" a Mercedes trained tech, like I said a machine is a machine. OH.. and when you check-out the car, make sure it has it's tow hook! It should have an eye-hook in the trunk, which mounts into the bumper. Do Not Let Anyone tow that car without it, not using the hook can result in severe structural damage.

Answer 3

In general, parts on a Mercedes are no more expensive than any other car. In the past your argument would have been spot on. But in recent years, Mercedes has taken a lot of hits on quality and repairability. The electronics have been a big problem area...hard to diagnose, and therefore expensive to fix. For example, I recently had to spend $500 repairing the electronic controls on my rearview mirror. That's why the 2001 is so reasonable.

Answer 4

if you keep it well maintained and service regularly it will not cost as much in the long run. Mercedes lasts forever.

Answer 5

yes, it is very expensive i have a 01 slk and theres alot of problems with it and everytime i bring to the dealer to fix is always around 1 grand i suggest you buy it new save you more money on a long run

Answer 6

Yes, it is expensive to service & repair a Mercedes.
It cost me $450 to replace an alternator on one of mine
last year.....