No, the most expensive car is an old Ferrari. But both cars can be troublesome if you walk in blind.

Read my thread about the 83 126 under diesels. Buying a car without records can cause financial suicide and deep grief and remorse (if not a divorce) if you arent mechanically inclined and/or are blinded by the marque insignia.

As with any purchase, even a new Rav4, and unless your a mechanic, you are at the mercy of the shop/dealership who will service your choice. If you live an area with several indy Mercedes shops, or Toyota dealers, lucky you. If you have only one and he's a problem, and you cant fix the car yourself, your screwed. Toyota, Mercedes, Ford, makes no difference, you need good service.

Records should be complete, extensive, have no gaps, and service should be stellar. You want a car that recieved 3000 mile oil/filter changes with high quality high grade oil, not 8000K ones with Pennzoil 5W-30. The car should have everything working, run perfect, drive perfect, look perfect, and pass a PPI with flying colors.

You will pay a premium for a good used car, and they will be sold instantly, making them hard to find, and harder to grab. But if you can find one, and can service it, an older Mercedes in prime condition can be as good as any new car. Find an nice 124 diesel wagon, and with some mods you'll see 40 MPG. But even a gas one isnt bad, tuned right and driven easy you might see high 20's.

It is difficult however, to discount safety or put a price on it, either one. If I had to pick one to get hit in, I would rather my kid was in a Mercedes or a big heavy SUV. Even an old 123 is a very substantial vehicle that offers a great amount of safety, even by todays standards. But a 124, with ABS and belt tensioners, short of all the side and rear airbags of more modern cars, is pretty cutting edge as far as safety, they were far ahead of most at that time.