Mia
Mercedes has been around since 1926 and since then, has built some of the finest examples of German engineering, each requiring years of research and development. However, just like any other piece of mechanical equipment, a Mercedes still needs regular maintenance, will eventually break down like any other regular car, and repair costs may be daunting for some. Of course, you can always use a Mercedes-Benz repair manual to keep repair shop bills under control, but that’s a whole other story.
Still, the real question here is whether the cons overpower the pros and whether or not the Mercs cars are actually the way to go.
Let’s discuss.
Pros
Performance
The Deutsch giant is all about performance and equips its models with sophisticated drivetrains and powerful engines. They may not be the quickest, sure, but the fastest cars on the planet also don’t offer seats with a massaging function.
Still, every Mercedes-Benz product is a perfect blend of power and elegance, which doesn’t mean they are necessarily slowpokes. For instance, the latest 2021 Mercedes-Benz S580 4Matic can hit 0-60 mph in just 4.0 seconds — not a small feat for such a big car.
Moreover, in most Mercs, the engine and transmissions’ excellent coordination provides power when needed, and the exceptional handling provides a seamless driving experience, even at high speeds.
Luxury
Mercedes-Benz is synonymous with luxury and produces cars as premium as it gets. As a result, it’s no surprise that it’s the best-selling luxury car brand in the world.
Whether it’s an exquisite leatherette interior, comfortable heated seats, or even a champagne cup holder, the company leaves no stones unturned to provide the poshest experience to its customers.
The ambient mood lighting, plush carpets, premium upholstery, and interactive infotainment system make it an ideal choice among buyers interested in the very best money can buy. When buying a Mercedes-Benz, you are not just getting a car; you are paying for an experience in itself.
Safety
The German automaker also makes some of the safest cars on the planet. On average, almost all the models in its lineup have received the highest ratings from the Euro NCAP or the IIHS. For instance, the Mercedes A-Class and S-Class have consistently retained their position among the top 10 safest cars on the market.
To achieve such an impressive feat, Mercedes use an array of safety features, including lane assist, automated emergency braking, stop-and-go, infrared cameras, radar, and robust mechanical-controlling computer programs to make sure the occupants are safe at all times.
Service
If you have ever walked into a Mercedes-Benz dealership, you already know the company offers world-class service and caters to the individual needs of its customers. All Mercedes-Benz dealers provide a seamless experience, are staffed with highly trained professionals, and are equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure.
All you have to do is show up, relax and let the experts take care of your vehicle. Mechanics working for the automaker have years of technical expertise and are supplied with Mercedes-Benz shop manuals so that every repair is pitch-perfect every time.
Of course, you can also get your hands on one of those repair manuals and repair your car on your own. eManualOnline provides quality repair manuals at a fraction of the cost of a single visit to the dealer — that’s a lot of money in your pocket right there!
Cons
Complex Engineering
No need to mention, Mercedes-Benz cars aren’t your average Ford and Toyota. Most Mercedes-Benz vehicles are equipped with highly-sophisticated tech features and overengineered mechanical components, making them a nightmare to work on. The complicated array of interconnected systems is especially challenging to take apart, diagnose and reassemble.
Repair shops employ specialized mechanics and tools to take care of your car. The problem mainly arises when you try to fix things yourself. If you are new to DIY, we would highly recommend trying your hand on entry-level cars before doing complex overhauls on your expensive ride.
In all cases, relying on a Mercedes-Benz auto repair manual is always your best bet. Start with basic services as simple as an oil change and gradually move into more extensive repairs, always following the step-by-step instructions from the manual.
Costly Repair
It is no secret that Mercedes-Benz cars tend to be heavy on your pockets when it comes to maintenance and repairs. Namely, you should expect expensive replacement parts and labor charges most times you take your ride to a repair shop. Significant repairs such as fixing the transmission or the air suspension system can cost you thousands of dollars.
Most owners buy a Mercedes-Benz without considering the maintenance cost, which is definitely not a good idea. Owning an expensive German luxury vehicle requires a significant amount of planning and expertise — and money.
Hence, you should get to know your purchase first. Try getting your hands on a trusted Mercedes-Benz repair guide, and check whether you can handle some of the repairs on your own or not. Doing so will help you cut labor expenses and make you more knowledgeable about your vehicle in general.
Lastly, create a long-term financial plan that will help you sustain the operating costs of your purchase. After all, owning an expensive German car hot enough to make your friends and co-workers jealous is a bit useless if you need to leave it parked in your driveway because it just won’t run.
Instant Depreciation
Luxury cars like Mercedes depreciate much faster than regular ones — even a five-year-old Mercedes could sell for less than 50% of the original price. Flagship sedans like the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and S-Class can depreciate 20% in the first year alone, and considering the high asking price, we are talking about significant money here. Part of the reason is that they are commonly leased, causing a massive influx of pre-owned versions on the market, while customers looking to buy high-end cars are usually not looking to buy used that much.
Furthermore, buying a used Mercedes is also a risky move as everything might not be covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. Even worse, the warranty period will most probably be expired on used models and you’ll have to pay for repairs out of your pocket.
On the plus side, if you want a taste of German luxury, a mint condition S-Class with less than 50,000 miles on the counter can cost as low as $50,000 — half the price of a new one. Increase the miles, and it becomes even more affordable.
Expensive Parts
It’s no secret that Mercedes-Benz parts can cost an arm and a leg. After all, you can’t expect a $100,000 vehicle’s components to be priced similarly to Kia or Fiat.
According to a survey, owners spend an average of about $600 annually just to procure replacement parts for their Mercedes. To give you a better perspective, even something as simple as a hybrid battery cable can cost you over $150. Expect to pay even more for a water pump or brake pads. Just spark plugs for a C320 come with a $200 price tag, while a window switch can be priced as high as $500.
However, despite the high price, Mercedes parts are high quality and do stand the test of time more than other brands.
Last Words
There is no escaping the fact that owning a Mercedes-Benz is a wholesome experience, both in a good and a bad way. You’ll definitely enjoy every trip — the comfort will be second to none, and the tech inside will keep you entertained for hours. However, you’ll also be paying much more for maintenance and repairs than you would with an economy brand or even other luxury automakers like Lexus.
Still, you can’t have high-luxury material possessions without emptying your pocket, which holds true for every industry. Owning a Mercedes-Benz certainly has its price, but it also brings delight that few other cars can provide. So, the final decision is always up to the individual; it’s on you to decide if you are ready to pay for the finer things in life!
