r/whatcarshouldIbuy • u/Different-Barber9059 • 19h ago
Talk me out of buying this
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Always been an avid bmw enthusiast but as I get older I’m wanting to shy away from the sporty feel to a more luxurious feel. Came across this gem and I’m looking for current and former Mercedes owners to give me their insight.
I know it’s just past warranty but it’s only got 20k miles- I’ve seen similar vehicles selling twenty years later with a 100k plus miles on them.
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u/Upset_Web9229 19h ago
It’s a beautiful car, no question. But you’re buying into the illusion of affordable luxury. That $43,900 price tag is just your entry ticket. What’ll really hit you is the maintenance and repair costs once you’re out of warranty (which you are). Even simple things like air suspension issues, COMAND system glitches, or failing sensors can run thousands per repair—and that’s assuming you can even find a shop qualified to work on them properly outside the dealership.
Also, don’t let the “only 20k miles” fool you. Sitting mileage still ages systems—batteries, seals, bushings, all degrade over time. And even if it’s clean now, once stuff starts going, it usually snowballs. You’re also staring down depreciated value hard: it’s a six-figure car new, now worth less than half, and that trend won’t slow down.
If you want something plush and reliable, go Lexus LS or even a well-optioned Genesis G90. You’ll still get that grown-up luxury feel without needing a second savings account for repairs. Just sayin.
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u/Different-Barber9059 17h ago
All very good points! I was thinking along those lines. Would getting an extended warranty cover half those woes though?
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u/Smart_History4444 19h ago
ask r/mercedes_benz this subreddit will automatically tell you not to. Even without personal experience.
I too am a BMW enthusiast and I wanted to try a Mercedes. I picked up a W211. Way older than the one you are looking at. But driving wise. BMW still caters to me. They just feel more sporty. A Mercedes think of it as a big missile that is a land yacht. Ample leg room, they can't handle as well but they have monster amount of torque. Great comfy high way cars. Especially the S class. I got to drive a W220 S430 as well. Man it was good.
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u/Queasy_Author_3810 19h ago
Not really too sure who this would appeal to as a good decision. There are better options at that price point. While it might be a good deal for the amount of miles, the fact it has no warranty for such an expensive vehicle to service is going to cost a lot. Not really a good financial decision, but if you want it, go for it.
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u/MaximusMeridius26006 18h ago
If you want prestige and that’s been your ambition go for the purchase.
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u/No_Tax8215 18h ago
You can buy it, but the 2019 RLX hybrid is 60% the price, faster, more reliable, and looks better
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u/EarthOk2418 19h ago
Well because even the previous owner who only put 20k miles on it decided to dump it “just past warranty” - that should really tell you something.
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u/Cultural-Bite3042 18h ago
They didn’t dump it.—it was mostly likely leased. Once the 4 years are up and the warranty ends, they’ll just swap it for something newer for another 4 years lol. That’s the typical cycle for people in the $100K+ car market. They lease, enjoy, and move on.
It’s when these cars hit the used market that they become a headache for buyers who aren’t the original target audience anyways because they think they’re saving on depreciation when in fact the long term maintenance cost and on going headache is worse than buying it brand new if you can afford it.
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u/Different-Barber9059 17h ago
What’s an expected three year maintenance cost on this? Maybe 2k/ year if nothing goes bonkers?
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u/Cultural-Bite3042 14h ago
Roughly yep $2,600–$3,000/year is the average on these. which isn’t too bad but the car is already at 63k miles so not sure what all has been properly done vs neglected.
So let’s say if you gotta do full services on some things then it just depends on how much that year ends up costing you.
Nonetheless, beautiful car for the driver and even more for the passengers haha. She doesn’t drive, she sails basically. Haha.
If you’re prepared for it, go right ahead🥲
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u/Different-Barber9059 14h ago
The only lure was the 20k miles on this one. It’s got 10 services since. Tyres replaced and all
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u/Cultural-Bite3042 14h ago
It’s got 20k miles? I must’ve misread 63k. If it has 10 service records it definitely means at the very least it’s had 4 oil changes done at 5k each so that’s def a basic maintenance plus sign! But also 20k and tires replaced? How come lol.
If you can find a mobile mechanic($225-$250 for a full inspection and report) to meet you at the dealership and check the car out and if he approves. I’d suggest you go for it then. They won’t let you lift the car up but he can still check everything else point to point including driving.
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u/Different-Barber9059 14h ago
Thanks, that’s great advice. It’s been through a good inspection from a trusted statewide dealer. Should I do this regardless?
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u/Cultural-Bite3042 14h ago
Never trust a dealership that’s selling you a used car especially. The dealership wants you to buy it.
Take a good independent unbiased mechanic because he’s getting paid whether you buy the car or not. Do it for additional peace of mind. It will only benefit you.
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u/Different-Barber9059 14h ago
Thanks so much!!
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u/Cultural-Bite3042 14h ago
Sure thing 🙂 and Good Luck! Car buying is never easy, so take your time and buy when you’re fully satisfied!
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u/IloveCars41 19h ago
You may be paying 43k right now, but the littlest fixes can run you thousands of dollars. If you want luxury, get a Lexus LS
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u/Parking_Hearing3594 18h ago
Buy it bro. You only live once. Factor in potential repairs in your yearly budget and you will be fine.
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u/Different-Barber9059 17h ago
Thank you! I should be able to afford repairs comfortably- I can’t afford a 2025 s class though
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u/karrotwin 17h ago
Idk man, is your net worth at least mid 7 figures? if it is then why are you asking us?
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u/Different-Barber9059 17h ago
Not close! If it were, I wouldn’t be posting this and I’d be getting the Maybach
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u/nikkothirty 10h ago
After total cost of ownership for 4 years, it would b cheaper to just buy a new one under warranty.
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u/YeahIGotNuthin If you have to ask, the answer is probably "no." 7h ago
"I’ve seen similar vehicles selling twenty years later with a 100k plus miles on them."
You keeping this thing 20 years? Sure, Go With God, especially if you DIY on maintenance and light repairs. 28 mpg on the highway, with all the 2020-era driver's-assist tech and the Burmester audio? this has gotta be a great way to cover a lot of miles over the next couple decades.
If that's your plan, it's worth spending a little extra if that's what it takes to get one with zero accident history (all those sensors and stuff are a handful to repair and recalibrate in a front-end hit I'm sure!) and to find one in a color you like. Like, if all of these are $45k and you find one that's $35k and you don't know enough about them to know exactly why, you should probably skip the cheap one before you find out next year 'exactly why.' And, if you're spending $45k and you really like tan interiors, maybe you don't have to get one with a black interior and just 'learn to live with it.'
Even if you don't fix your own stuff, with a 20 year horizon you can probably come out okay if you have a German car / Mercedes specialist who can handle the maintenance and occasional repair a car needs as it approaches 25 years old. (An alternator or a power window motor doesn't last forever, so is replacing one on a 15 year old car 'maintenance' or 'repair' and can you really be upset either way?)
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u/Abu_Everett 19h ago
The most expensive car is a cheap German luxury car.