# Used Mercedes or new Honda - Help me decide **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [November 3, 2002, 4:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/used-mercedes-or-new-honda-help-me-decide/135115 "2002-11-03T16:23:54Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![astro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/9dc877/32.png) [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Post date:** [November 3, 2002, 4:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/used-mercedes-or-new-honda-help-me-decide/135115/1 "2002-11-03T16:23:54Z")
I’m looking at a used, 4 door 1998 Mercedes 420E sedan with 40,000 miles in good condition (dealer asking 35,000) or a new Honda Accord V6 with leather (around 27,000 asking). I can’t really find any web info on a 420E (assume 430 E is same thing). Anyway, I’ve owned several (86,91,94) Honda Accords and been happy with them, but the Mercedes is intriguing. Are Mercedes (even used) worth the extra cash. Are 40,000 mile Mercedes still just babies? Any real world benefits to owning a Mercedes vs a Honda? ---
**Author:** ![t-keela](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/a3d4f5/32.png) [@t-keela](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/t-keela)\ **Post date:** [November 3, 2002, 4:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/used-mercedes-or-new-honda-help-me-decide/135115/2 "2002-11-03T16:28:59Z")
What’s the warranty on each? …gas mileage? Which one do you like the best? ---
**Author:** ![Mr.Blue\_Sky](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d26b3c/32.png) [@Mr.Blue\_Sky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Blue_Sky)\ **Post date:** [November 3, 2002, 4:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/used-mercedes-or-new-honda-help-me-decide/135115/3 "2002-11-03T16:30:01Z")
Go Honda. The repairs on the Mercedes (and there WILL be reapirs) will suck your wallet dry. Of course, Honda repairs aren’t cheap, but they do not approach the stellar reaches of the Benz. Not convinced? Call a Benz dealer/official repair center and get some prices on common items such as alternator replacement and so forth. ---
**Author:** ![t-keela](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/a3d4f5/32.png) [@t-keela](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/t-keela)\ **Post date:** [November 3, 2002, 4:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/used-mercedes-or-new-honda-help-me-decide/135115/4 "2002-11-03T16:30:41Z")
Oh, don’t forget to check w/ your insurance agent. That might be the real deciding factor! ---
**Author:** ![galen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/ecc23a/32.png) [@galen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/galen)\ **Post date:** [November 3, 2002, 4:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/used-mercedes-or-new-honda-help-me-decide/135115/5 "2002-11-03T16:47:08Z")
I would buy neither. I would buy a Camry. They are generally regarded as slightly better than Accords. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [November 3, 2002, 4:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/used-mercedes-or-new-honda-help-me-decide/135115/6 "2002-11-03T16:51:33Z")
I should point out that I have a grudge against Mercedes. In my observations, at least where I drive, Mercedes seem to be driven by a disproportionate number of people who are either jerks or clueless. I’ve had two Porsches, which is only relevant because they are German. They were very expensive to repair. They were also the most fun cars I’ve owned. I’ve ridden in Volkswagens, Audis and Mercedes. It seems to me that the older they get, the more problems they have. Sometimes it’s an expensive engine problem. More often it’s an annoying little thing like a switch that doesn’t work right. I haven’t seen these problems (much) in Japanese cars. But there is a certain _something_ about cars that are not quite as common as others. Sure, the roads are crawling with Mercedes and Porsches; but there are far more Hondas. It’s fun to drive something that’s even a little different. So, a vote for the Mercedes. But the Honda is likely to give you much less trouble over its life. When something does go wrong, it’s likely to be less expensive to fix. And the Mercedes already has 40k on the clock. So, a vote for the Honda. Is this a car you’ll want to keep for ever and ever? There are so many Mercedes around that it probably won’t become a “classic” until long after you’re dead – if ever. But there’s _something_ about driving an old car – witness my desire to get another 1966 MGB. Of course, the Mercedes you’re looking at won’t be old for a while. But if you’re just looking for reliable transportation and you plan to sell the car after a while, then the Honda is a better buy. It’s cheaper to buy, cheaper to maintain, it’s new, and if you’re not going to “collect” it then why buy the Mercedes? Are you looking for a “status” car? I bought the Porsches because they were fun. They never helped me to “get a girl” (but then, I never tried to use them for that) or to impress people. I got them for the sheer fun of driving them. Is the 420E a fun car to drive? Is it more fun than the Honda? If not, then get the Honda. Personally I would not be looking at either of them. My Cherokee tows my Willys (and towed my 911 when I had it), goes offroad on the Wilderness Discover Trail that the government so thoughtfully provided nearby, takes me camping, totes my kayak, takes me and my friends to lunch, and yes, even gets me to work and back. Except for the towing, the Mercedes or Honda can do that too. If I were looking for a car specifically to get me from Point A to Point B, there are other cars I’d consider. If I was looking for out-and-out fun on the roads, I’d go back to a sportscar. But given the choice between a new Honda for $9,000 less than an used Mercedes, and assuming I’m not “in love” with either of them, I’d choose the Honda. ---
**Author:** ![astro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/9dc877/32.png) [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Post date:** [November 3, 2002, 4:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/used-mercedes-or-new-honda-help-me-decide/135115/7 "2002-11-03T16:53:56Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by galen \* > \*\*I would buy neither. I would buy a Camry. They are generally regarded as slightly better than Accords. \*\* I looked at the Camrys several years ago in early 1995 when I bought my last Honda Acco0rd (94 ex), but they did not seem to have quite as much interior room for the driver as the comparable Accord. I’m 6’3" and 240 and the Camry seemed more cramped headroom and seat supportwise than the Accord. The Camry’s seemed kind of dowdy stylingwise (at that time) compared to the then current Accords ---
**Author:** ![I\_am\_Sparticus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/c68b51/32.png) [@I\_am\_Sparticus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/I_am_Sparticus)\ **Post date:** [November 3, 2002, 5:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/used-mercedes-or-new-honda-help-me-decide/135115/8 "2002-11-03T17:09:51Z")
I’ve been lusting for that very Honda. 240 hp. Whoo hoo! Oh, and I’ve been told it takes regular gas and has a timing chain, not a belt. ---
**Author:** ![bernse](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/a9a28c/32.png) [@bernse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bernse)\ **Post date:** [November 3, 2002, 5:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/used-mercedes-or-new-honda-help-me-decide/135115/9 "2002-11-03T17:34:29Z")
Honda. You’ve got a very real chance of driving that car for years with zero problems. You have almost no chance of doing that with a Benz. ---
**Author:** ![fizgig](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/f04885/32.png) [@fizgig](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fizgig)\ **Post date:** [November 3, 2002, 5:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/used-mercedes-or-new-honda-help-me-decide/135115/10 "2002-11-03T17:59:50Z")
My cardealer friend says BMW stands for “brought my wallet” when taking the things to the shop. I can only guess that Mercedes Benz stands for “massive bucks” at the repair shop. Besides, just think of the things you can do with that extra $13,000. If you want something that stands out a little more, how about an Acura or Lexus? ---
**Author:** ![SouprChckn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/5f9b8f/32.png) [@SouprChckn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SouprChckn)\ **Post date:** [November 4, 2002, 4:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/used-mercedes-or-new-honda-help-me-decide/135115/11 "2002-11-04T04:37:42Z")
I’d say get the car you want to buy. In the 30k price range, there are a number of cars out there to suit your every desire. Check the Honda S2000 or Subaru WRX. There’s a bunch of review/comparisons in a bunch of car magazines for just this price range. ---
**Author:** ![Urban\_Ranger](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/e9c0ed/32.png) [@Urban\_Ranger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Urban_Ranger)\ **Post date:** [November 4, 2002, 6:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/used-mercedes-or-new-honda-help-me-decide/135115/12 "2002-11-04T06:47:28Z")
I’d say the Mercedes-Benz is a status car and will cost you more money. ---
**Author:** ![emolson](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/5fc32e/32.png) [@emolson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/emolson)\ **Post date:** [November 4, 2002, 8:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/used-mercedes-or-new-honda-help-me-decide/135115/13 "2002-11-04T08:36:38Z")
Depends on what you want. Sensibility: Honda. Chicks galore: Benz. ---
**Author:** ![Early\_Out](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/6f9a4e/32.png) [@Early\_Out](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Early_Out)\ **Post date:** [November 4, 2002, 10:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/used-mercedes-or-new-honda-help-me-decide/135115/14 "2002-11-04T10:52:54Z")
If you like the high-end Honda, check out an Acura TL (Type S or not) before you plunk down your money. A bit more bucks, but I’ve got an 11-year-old Integra that still doesn’t have a single body rattle, no rust, etc. It’s been very reliable, and not terribly expensive to keep in good repair. I’d buy another Acura in a heartbeat. ---
**Author:** ![lieu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/c2a13f/32.png) [@lieu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lieu)\ **Post date:** [November 4, 2002, 4:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/used-mercedes-or-new-honda-help-me-decide/135115/15 "2002-11-04T16:56:04Z")
I’ve never had a Honda but I did have a couple of Datsun/Nissan Z cars, a '78 280 and '88 300. Fun but not real solid. I’ve got a 560 SL now. When a passenger rides with me, the first thing they usually say is “Wow, that’s what a car door shutting should sound like.” Then the 5.6 litre begins to hum and you can see their drool commence to flow. My little two seat convertible weighs roughly the same as a Tahoe. It’s acceleration is slightly better than that of a Camaro and it has a top end of around 150 mph. Steering is smooth and responsive. It’s just a pleasure to drive. I couldn’t give any less of a darn about status. It’s just a nice car and looks as good today as the day it was built 14 years ago. The suckers hold up exceptionally well. It is expensive whenever repairs are necessary but they’ve been very few and far between. Engine’s got 130K and it’s never been anything but purrfect. Because we have a child now, I’ll likely sell it soon to get something more practical… like a 420 E. ---
**Author:** ![Nymysys](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/f6c823/32.png) [@Nymysys](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nymysys)\ **Post date:** [November 4, 2002, 5:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/used-mercedes-or-new-honda-help-me-decide/135115/16 "2002-11-04T17:11:26Z")
As someone who chucked common sense to the wind and recently bought an older BMW, I am firmly in the used luxury camp. Yes, it’s more expensive, but it’s also more fun and I’m a lot more proud of my car than I would be had I bought something practical and staid. There goes my utterly impractical and girly two cents. I’m all about the accesories. 😉 735i, if you were wondering. ---
**Author:** ![t-keela](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/a3d4f5/32.png) [@t-keela](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/t-keela)\ **Post date:** [November 4, 2002, 5:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/used-mercedes-or-new-honda-help-me-decide/135115/17 "2002-11-04T17:37:30Z")
Hey **lieu** , nice car! I’ve admired the Benz coupes for years, another extra w/ M/B some models keep their value well. That particular 1988 560sl coupe is still valued at 30K depending on condition of course. If safety is a concern **astro** then oyu may want the M/B after all. Here’s a link to lieu’s car [http://clickit.go2net.com/search?cid=239171&site=srch&area=srch.noncomm.google&shape=textlink&cp=info.xcite&rawto=http://www.epinions.com/content\_75772563076](http://clickit.go2net.com/search?cid=239171&site=srch&area=srch.noncomm.google&shape=textlink&cp=info.xcite&rawto=http://www.epinions.com/content_75772563076) BTW 1988 560SL weighs in at 3780 lbs. while the '99 Tahoe hits tha scales at 4419lbs. accdg to [http://www.findarticles.com/cf\_dls/m3125/1\_71/62205042/p1/article.jhtml](http://www.findarticles.com/cf_dls/m3125/1_71/62205042/p1/article.jhtml) close enough lieu! think I’ll post before the hamsters get hungry…later~ ---
**Author:** ![UrbanChic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/9dc877/32.png) [@UrbanChic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UrbanChic)\ **Post date:** [November 4, 2002, 5:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/used-mercedes-or-new-honda-help-me-decide/135115/18 "2002-11-04T17:46:03Z")
Ooooh, nice Nym. I’m a luxury car gal, too. I say buy the Benz if you can afford the upkeep. JuanitaTech, former owner of a Benz 420 and current owner of an XJ6. ---
**Author:** ![Rocketeer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rocketeer/32/4437_2.png) [@Rocketeer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rocketeer)\ **Post date:** [November 4, 2002, 6:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/used-mercedes-or-new-honda-help-me-decide/135115/19 "2002-11-04T18:04:00Z")
**Thirty Thousand Bucks?!!??!???** Buy three used Miatas! ---
**Author:** ![t-keela](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/a3d4f5/32.png) [@t-keela](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/t-keela)\ **Post date:** [November 4, 2002, 6:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/used-mercedes-or-new-honda-help-me-decide/135115/20 "2002-11-04T18:04:00Z")
I’ve worked on my m-in-law’s Benz, so I’ll tell ya. yes the parts are expensive and yes the auto shops will put to ya if they can. But, there should still be a warranty available on the M/B. another thing, those Germans know something about mechanics because I’ve done a lot of small upkeep on her car and everything so far has been a breeze. It’s made where things CAN be maintained. Example, belt adjustments are simple. loosen one nut and there’s a bolt conveniently placed for adjustment. I had to tighten the transmission bands awhile back. Easiest car I’ve ever done. Drop the pan and an allen wrench adjustment is staring you in the face. Hell, everything is like that…changing burned bulbs, a snap…etc. PS…her '85 has over 200K and still runs like zooooooooom and is bluebooked for more than it originally cost. So, I don’t know here’s the links, you figure it out. Honda- > **[Expert Car Reviews | Consumer Guide Auto | consumerguide.com](https://consumerguide.com)** > > At Consumer Guide Automotive, we strive to make the complicated car-buying experience less daunting, all while helping you pick out the vehicle that’s best for you. As such, we hope you find this website to be the fastest and easiest way to begin the... Mercedes- > **[Expert Car Reviews | Consumer Guide Auto | consumerguide.com](https://consumerguide.com)** > > At Consumer Guide Automotive, we strive to make the complicated car-buying experience less daunting, all while helping you pick out the vehicle that’s best for you. As such, we hope you find this website to be the fastest and easiest way to begin the... Peace [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/used-mercedes-or-new-honda-help-me-decide/135115.md?page=2)