The W201 is the favorite "entry level" used Mercedes, not only for the low market prices, but because it has that classic "diamond cut" styling by Bruno Sacco that took Mercedes from the mid 80's to the late 90's.

So, let's say a present buyer is about 19 or 20, they would have seen the W201 and similar looking W124 on the roads nearly their whole life, possibly set their brain cells about what a Mercedes should look like.

At the same time, they also grew up during the rise of small front wheel drive cars, with their own style of tuning. There's a subtle form of "peer group" assimilation, "east meets west" fusion thing going on. So, it's not unexpected to see these younger owners putting a modern spin on what they want their cars to look like.

Despite that, I've noticed that as they age and stick with the brand, there's a subtle shift in perception of what is proper and what it takes to maintain a classic. It's a good thing Mercedes sold over a million units of this chassis, there'll still be some in stock form for awhile.