Why are used Mercedes really cheap

[steppinthrax]

I've heard quite a bit about the older diesel mercedes engines and their lifespan. 400K miles on a diesel engine for example. I notice people will sell 96 and 98s for 7K or 8K. Having rel low mileage. I was told though mercedes is a high maintendance car as far as expense to repair. I that true?

 

[mwmorph]

Mereceds reliability has dropped off since way before. Diesels will always be reliable almost no matter to brand but its the other things that will get you. Transmission, electrical, suspension.

 

[Demon-Xanth]

It's the same thing with Jaguars. Nobody wants a used one.

 

[Arkaign]

Yep. The Mercedes brand generally attracts people who only buy new cars to begin with, and don't keep them very long (2-3 years is average, I bet). And used car buyers generally are looking for bargain cars, which Mercedes, even if you get a great deal, you're still dealing with very high maintenance costs. Everything costs more for a Mercedes pretty much. Don't get me wrong, they have some wonderful cars for what they are, but totally on the same page as the BMW/Audis, they're going to kill you with maintenance costs.

 

[dud]

Lack or reliability + High Cost of Ownership = Lack of Demand and therefore lower resale prices