Why I bought a 26 year old Mercedes
The unique logic of choosing an old car over a new one
Why indeed.
I’ve been working with my therapist on mantras that reinforce my confidence in my unique way of looking at life. My point of view. My special brand of logic. And trusting them as real and true, insofar as reality is self-created. My inner voice is the only one I need validation from.
“I love and trust my inner compass. I love and trust the money. I love and trust the car. I live in trust and abundance.”
My purchase of a 26-year-old Mercedes-Benz E320 sedan touches on several very personal recurring themes, goals, and fears.
At base, it was a financial calculation. I could afford to buy it in cash, which means I have no monthly payment. A new or slightly used car would have required leasing or financing. I also learned in the process of looking at all my automotive options that insurance is much cheaper for a relatively cheap car and because because I own it outright, I can forgo collision coverage. The cost to fix any major damage of my own doing would likely surpass what I paid for the car in the first place. Knock on wood, I have a spotless driving record.
Money aside, I’ve always envisioned myself in an old Mercedes, ever since childhood. Countless relatives, friends, and acquaintances have had Mercedes throughout my life, and I’ve always loved driving, riding in, and admiring them. That I would ultimately buy at age 37 a car that was new when I was 11 is the ultimate full-circle cosmic vibration.
Caught!
In the late 1990s, Mercedes was still a purist brand with only four models (the C sedan, E sedan and wagon, S sedan and coupe, and SL roadster). Three new, niche models were introduced in 1998: The ML sport utility, the CLK coupe, and the SLK roadster. The corporate merger with Chrysler in 1998 kicked off a multi-decade process of brand growth and model diffusion/dilution that saw some of Mercedes’ weirdest outputs and inelegant designs. The R-class was one such model, a glorified 3-row minivan that didn’t last very long and didn’t sell well.
Luckily my March 1998-produced car still has “Daimler-Benz” on its door sticker, an indication of its status as one of the last models created under Bruno Sacco, Mercedes’ famed head designer of the late 20th century. His major works comprise what many enthusiasts consider to be the brand’s best years of cars. They’re the ones that still give me goosebumps—from the thunk of the doors to the precision of a single eccentric-sweep windshield wiper. Mercedes’ first generation SmartKey also debuted in 1998, itself a masterclass of ergonomic design and the precursor to today’s industry-standard keyless key fobs.
Speaking of cosmic vibrations, it’s a different experience to buy such an old car, with over 100,000 miles on its odometer, and accurately calibrate one’s sense of security and trust in it. It’s been extremely well-maintained and has records to prove so, but any car of such age and use inevitably comes with quirks and imperfections. I have to keep reminding myself that it’s no ordinary old car; it was engineered and built for longevity. The V6 engine is one of Mercedes’ most reliable and durable. And I bought the car not for a daily commute, but for weekend fun, errands, and maybe the occasional road trip. I work from home, so many days I don’t need to drive at all.
As I remarked to friends and family recently, I feel as though the stars aligned for this car to come into my possession. About a month ago I spoke into the ether: “I’m ready for a car.” While I’m passionate about walking, it has become increasingly treacherous. Plus, cruising in one’s car is a quintessential LA experience.
Then I began looking at all the options, including leasing a new electric Mini or financing a used Volkswagen Jetta. After much reflection, I concluded that what I really wanted—what really makes my heart sing—is an old Benz.
Eternally handsome design
Classic cars have grown in popularity over the years, and are especially present in Southern California, which has the ideal climate to avoid rust and mold. Prices have crept up recently, so I gave myself a budget and went in search of something suitable—affordable, clean, and properly taken care of. I found this particular vehicle on Facebook marketplace, from a seller with whom I had a few mutual connections.
The one I ended up with is meticulously clean, and has almost no broken or non-functioning parts. It drives nicely and shifts smoothly. It’s upholstered in real leather which still smells incredible, is fitted with factory window tint, and has Bose stereo speakers, but those are its only “bells and whistles” beyond the basic Mercedes-Benz package.
The fear part arrives when I consider all the things that are known to go wrong or break on the W210 (Mercedes’ internal designation code for this iteration of the E-class). Yet instead of being intimidated, as I was earlier in my life, I’m well prepared. The online knowledge base for enthusiast brands like Mercedes is incredible, and the local ecosystem of skillful mechanics is plentiful.
Debbie’s dream garage, Sunset @ Coronado St.
It’s hard to explain to non-LA friends and family just how ubiquitous the old Mercedes culture is here. Over the years walking through Echo Park and Silver Lake, I’ve spotted dozens of vintage Benzes in varying conditions, clearly still running.
Without a monthly payment, I can set aside $600-800 each month to fund repairs and maintenance. Plus, there’s something special about owning a car outright and relishing the sense of pride and responsibility that entails. I feel that now is the perfect time to begin my stewardship of an aging beauty. I’ll take care of her, develop our rapport, and extend my gratitude to her for transporting me safely and stylishly through the city.
I’ve decided to name her Debbie—a reference to Joan Cusack’s character in Addams Family Values. A “DEBBIE4” vanity license plate has been ordered. DEBBIE1, DEBBIE2, and DEBBIE3 were taken.
She has a covered garage to rest in, not far from the 1980s 450SL Mercedes roadster owned by my friend Kristi and the mid-2010s Mercedes ML350 owned by my friend Jordy.
With luck, Deb and I will be together for many years. It feels like a first love, but I imagine it won’t be the last. Stay tuned for DEBBIE5, and so on.
Lovely car, nice piece as usual