They do not respect these cars (if used) in LA
New is better, to the normal "I wanna be seen inna Mercedes mentality" I bought many cars at that price with that mileage. Example, 300CE with perfect maintenance record 264,000miles, $2,500, 380SL beautiful perfect $4,500 with 2k sound system and Loriser wheels, and cheaper, W111 coupes $1,100, W109 4.5 (free), W109 6.3 $3,000, on and on, Check out Auto Trader in Southern California. Europeans are shipping these cheap cars out daily through Long Beach / San Pedro harbor.
Check this $500 deal FS: 280 C W123 1979 so. cal.
How about a beautiful 560SEC for $4,500?
I'm going to check a 350SL next week on LA
My Swiss friends are coming over in July to buy, same with the Norse guy.