Why are old Mercedes so cheap?

The funny thing about fancy cars like Mercedes is that their used prices usually drop faster than you’d think, especially compared to common ones like Toyotas. It all depends on the exact model, though.

Let’s take the 1990s Mercedes C-Class W202, like the one in the picture above. You can snag a decent one in Indonesia for less than USD 7,000. Now, I’m not talking about the high-performance C63 or any other top-tier Mercs—just your classic, reliable W202. These cars aren’t expensive because they’re not for everyone. They require a certain appreciation for their unique qualities and a bit of DIY know-how. So, they appeal to a smaller, more dedicated fan base.

Compared to a Japanese econobox, a used E/S-Class from the same year might seem like a steal at under $10,000. However, the cost of ownership is a different story. These German luxury cars require a different level of care and maintenance compared to more basic vehicles. Sadly, some older Mercs and BMWs end up neglected by their owners, potentially due to the misconception that they’re “cheap” simply because of their age. This can lead to a less-than-ideal ownership experience for subsequent buyers, even if the initial purchase price was attractive.

I agree that older Mercedes and BMWs are easier on the wallet to maintain compared to their newer counterparts, though they still aren’t…