10 Used Mercedes

Generally, Mercedes-Benz models are not synonymous with cheap maintenance, but here are 10 exceptions to that rule.

Mercedes-Benz is responsible for some of the most sorted luxury cars. Everything from the A-Class to the S-Class, and anything in between with a three-pointed star, comes with a certain degree of luxury and engineering with a reputation that precedes itself. Mercedes-Benz, ever since it invented cars, have been the pioneers of luxury vehicles. For instance, take any segment, and the respective Mercedes-Benz model will offer the most comfortable experience out of the established German trio. But buying a Mercedes-Benz is not an easy task in hand, especially for an average Joe who might be that much into cars. Although the world loves Mercedes for a lot of reasons, they also hate Mercedes when it comes to maintenance costs. Generally, as a thumb rule, it is known that Mercedes-Benz are more expensive to maintain than an average brand.

Parts do not come cheap and the electronics, if they go wrong, it is going to be a headache, and you might not be too far away from looking at a potential money pit. The average annual repair cost of a Mercedes-Benz model is $908. That said, all Mercedes-Benz models are not heavy on maintenance and there are some cars which have surprised with lower than average annual maintenance costs according to Repair Pal. So today, we look at 10 such used cars from Mercedes-Benz with the lowest annual maintenance costs:

The GLA 250 is one of the more affordable models from Mercedes' lineup. It is the entry-level SUV which competes with the Audi Q3 and the likes. Repair Pal states the 2019 -2022 GLA has an annual repair cost of around $987 which is actually higher than the average but still decent for a luxury car, especially a modern luxury car which has so many electronics and mechatronic systems on board. The GLA will be good used buy but also note that the AC compressor is one of the most expensive parts on this car that costs over $1000.

This might come across as a surprise, right? The big, bad G63 AMG with a thunderous V8 actually only needs $975 for annual maintenance and repairs, which is stellar considering the G63 is one of the fastest SUVs on the planet and an expensive luxury car. The gas mileage will be dismal, for sure, but this is one SUV that shouts presence and harks back to its past. Some of the common repairs needed are the alternator and wheel bearings, both costing more than $1000. Nonetheless, if you're looking for a super SUV that is easy on maintenance, look no further.

Related: 10 Reasons Why Millionaires Love The Mercedes-AMG G63

The Mercedes-Benz E 500 is a special car and one of the best sedans ever made. The fact that it was built by Porsche in Stuttgart makes it even more admirable today in the used car space. Prices are skyrocketing for this classic performance sedan with a beautiful naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 engine that pushes out over 385 hp, making it a performance icon of the 90s. It is surprising to see that the E 500 has a commendable annual repair cost of $905 which is the average for all Mercedes-Benz cars. Also, in contrast, parts are also priced lower than modern Mercedes models.

Related: The 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 E Was A High-Performance Wolf In Sheep's Clothing

The second W124 on this list is the 300D diesel sedan, which has an annual maintenance cost of $827. The W124 is one of the most reliable cars on the planet, and that is a result of Mercedes-Benz engineers over engineering these cars to last forever. There are W124s with over 500,000 miles on the odometer, and it is truly an iconic sedan and arguably the best E-Class ever. The 300D uses a straight-six diesel engine that just goes on and on. If you're out looking for one, make sure the air conditioning system is in a good shape, as that is one expensive side of this sedan.

The W212 generation E-Class is a fantastic looking sedan that ironed out all the reliability woes associated with the W211. This generation of the E-Class has been highly rated for durability and is one of the modern Mercedes-Benz cars to buy used today. According to Repair Pal, the W212 E350 gasoline V6 sedan only has an annual maintenance cost of $788 is below the average for all Mercedes cars. However, like other modern Mercedes models, the air conditioning system is a weak point and an expensive affair at $600 for a condenser overhaul.

The annual maintenance cost for the C250 W204 generation is $770 which is commendable for a modern sedan that uses modern electronics. But a main thing to note is that the C250 vehicles have 9 known recalls, with one major recall related to the driver airbag. And as for specifics that might need looking into, the emergency brake cable, and radiator fan assembly are some areas needing attention and these come in around $500 to $700. Other parts costs are on the reasonable side for the C250 sedan.

Although short-lived, the GLK is one of the most highly rated cars from Mercedes portfolio in terms of reliability. It has an annual average maintenance cost of $776 which is good for a luxury SUV like the GLK. It also has a reliability rating is 3.5 out of 5.0 and is ranked 5th out of 11 compact SUVs as well. The SUV has 2 potential repairs or problems, related to power steering pump, and oil seepage in cylinders, Other than that, it is a sorted SUV with good ratings. If you're buying a used one, do check the sunroof and how it works because replacing one would set you back by over $1000.

Another classic Mercedes sedan on this list is the much-loved 190E, which is also known as the Baby Benz. The 190E was the brand's attempt at an affordable sedan to take on the E30 3 Series. It is a brilliant sedan that was also overengineered, like many other Mercedes models from that golden era. The 190E only has an annual maintenance cost of $774, which is one of the lowest of any Mercedes-Benz models. Part of it due to the fact that the 190E is an old sedan with more mechanical parts than electrical parts, which are cheaper to fix these days.

Related: Petrolicious Takes Us Through The 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190 E 2.5-16 Evolution II

The 2013-2019 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 is a modern Mercedes-Benz sedan, and for it to have an annual maintenance cost of $736 is actually pretty commendable. The CLA is Mercedes' most affordable sedan, and it is great that this sedan is also easy on maintenance, making it a sound choice for someone looking for an affordable luxury sedan from Mercedes-Benz. There haven't been many problems reported with the sedan, although there are 24 known recalls. Out of some reported repair costs, the head gasket replacement is alarmingly expensive at $2024.

The Mercedes-Benz model with the lowest annual maintenance cost is the W204 C350 sedan with an annual maintenance cost of $724 which is way below the average. The W204 C250 also found its way into this list, and we can safely say that the W204 generation C-Class is a safe bet if you are looking to buy one used. All the reported repair costs on the reasonable side, but the engine mount and sunroof replacement can touch the $1000 mark. Overall, the C350 is a great sedan and one of the best modern Mercedes-Benz that you can depend on.

It has always been cars for Adithya that he drifted from his engineering career to become a full-time Motoring Journalist. He has over 5 years of experience working for a leading automotive publication (ZigWheels) in India as well as a prominent search engine (Bing). His hobbies largely revolve around anything that is associated with a touge.