Depreciation hits these kinds of cars the hardest, and it didn’t help that the Merc’s odometer showed nearly 110,000 miles
- This 2011 Mercedes-Benz E550 4Matic sedan just sold at auction for $8,750.
- The sedan comes mostly unmodified and shows 109,600 miles on the odometer.
- It has also received more than $45,000 in maintenance over the past nine years.
Some cars are just money pits dressed in leather and chrome, and yet they keep luring people in. Cachet, performance, and design have a way of blurring common sense, even when the long-term costs are flashing like a check engine light.
Also: $70,000 Rolls-Royce Phantom Had A $79,000 Bill From One Service
While studies indicate which cars are truly reliable and which aren’t, some just models have a reputation that’s nearly impossible to shake. In some cases, though, it’s impossible to deny that maintaining certain types of cars is just a very expensive proposition.
Take this 2011 Mercedes-Benz E550 4Matic, for example. Over the course of just nine years, it racked up more than $45,000 in maintenance and repairs. And yet, someone still scooped it up at auction for just $8,750. That’s the kind of decision that either ends with a bargain or a really long to-do list.
Premium Power, Premium Problems
No doubt, this was a very desirable car when it came out and still draws attention today. Under the hood is a 5.5-liter V8 that delivers 382 horsepower (284 kW) and 391 lb-ft (529 Nm) of torque. It also features 18-inch wheels, high-performance brakes, an Airmatic air suspension, a panoramic sunroof, and leather upholstery. Of course, all of this stuff sounds great, but it’s also why cars like this tend to depreciate quickly.
Lots of owners are unwilling to maintain these cars once their warranty coverage runs out. Maintenance often ends up deferred, and cars can become decrepit shells of themselves. That’s not what happened here, though. To their credit, one of the previous owners took exceptional care of this car and it cost them an exceptional amount to do so. Specifically, over $45,000 in just nine years.
Photos Cars&Bids
Let’s say we go back just five years for the sake of simplicity. This particular car has had front brakes complete with rotors replaced twice, the transmission flushed, new tires, new wheels, a new starter, a new battery, new front struts, new oil filter housing seals, new drive belts, new engine and transmission mounts, new axle shafts, a differential flush, new air filters, new TPMS sensors, a new alternator, and several oil changes.
More: This Special Mustang Took A $52,000 Hit After Just 75 Miles
In total, they appear to have spent $45,500 before ultimately selling this Mercedes last December. The buyer at the time replaced a camshaft position sensor, did one more oil change, and put it back up for sale on Cars&Bids.
Whether or not they’ll make a profit is anyone’s guess. But one thing is clear: this car wasn’t neglected. Someone put in the time and money to keep it running right, and now it’s found a new home for a fraction of its upkeep history.
Photos Cars&Bids
#Spent #45K #Keeping #Mercedes #Alive #Sold
