I often see a local early 2000s (newest body style) S 500 sedan that is seeing some poor care. The car looks like it has never seen a car wash, very dirty windows, wheels are literally black with brake dust and if I recall- a little dog rides on the rear shelf package. Has anyone else ever seen a nearly new Mercedes treated like this? Perhaps this is just her "work" car?

On occassion I see a late 90's M3 that's been treated badly, but rarely an MB, except for old 450 SLC's, they seem to get the bad treatment.

Actually today was an MB extravaganza. Everywhere I turned I saw an old MB, 70's to 80's, in good shape, and a 450 SEL sedan for sale that was well cared for bu had been rear ended, sadly. I also saw an older BMW 635 CSI for sale, 142K at 7.5K., black on black, pretty good shape.

I noticed these new S-classes such as the 2000 year in bad shape. Most of these are company cars or leased and nobody cares. The E's seem the be the best taken care of and C's but here and there you see some crappy ones.

Its a shame. Those that you see abused are only bought to be shown as a status symbol. A freind of mines mom just got a new C230 sedan.....in the 6 months she had it, it got washed once. The rims are done already and she always talks how she wants to keep the car forever! Im like rrright lady.

__________________
99 C43
98 S420
99 C230K
01 C240

Contributory negligence must also be placed on the sub par materials used on the W220.

__________________
Jonathan
1998 S600
2001 E430
1994 E320
1991 560SEL
1994 Turbo R

They probably have money and just don't give a crap. It is just a car, I bet it is just turned in every 2 years or so. On way to tell "real" money is if the beat a high end car. Park it in tight spots, curb the wheels etc.

__________________
1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

So poor materials make people treat their cars poorly? I guess that explains ricers...

Yes, she definitely has money. However, she obviously does not spend any money on clothing, as she is often dressed in tattered clothing, shoes with holes, etc. Perhaps all of her earnings goes toward the payments?

No, on the aggregate people treat cars the same year over year, it just is more noticable on the W220 vs. the W140 b/c of the lower spec materials.

__________________
Jonathan
1998 S600
2001 E430
1994 E320
1991 560SEL
1994 Turbo R