I'm 33 (soon to be 34) and my experience mirrors that of G-Benz. New and late model used cars were just too expensive for teenagers and those younger than 21. I don't know anyone in my high school who owned one, and there were some kids from affluent families at my high school (I lived on the wrong side of the train tracks).

I bought the 65 chevelle el camino because it cost me $800.

David Klasse is right on about the 16-21 year old crowd being at the lower end of the food chain. Get real. You're in high school or fresh out of high school. Your making relatively low wages because your either new in the work force or going to college and working to survive, or maybe you're starting your new business and investing all of your time and money in your business. I worked 48 hours / week, went to college full time, and made just enough money to survive. I paid for college myself, paid for my rent, bills, car insurance, gas, etc. My income was never enough. I made about $1,600 / month and remember often having $40 left to my name and having to somehow eat for a week (3 meals a day) until the next paycheck. I never went hungry, although I made huge pots of stew or spaghetti and ate that for a week every night.

I don't begrudge anyone young for owning a new or used Mercedes. If you have the money to afford it yourself, I think you're the exception, not the rule. If you're getting help from your parents, I think that's great. I wish mine helped me.

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Paul S.

2001 E430, Bourdeaux Red, Oyster interior.
79,200 miles.

1973 280SE 4.5, 170,000 miles. 568 Signal Red, Black MB Tex. "The Red Baron".