When i see a neglected, dirty, W123 or 126, i feel more proud than anything else. When driving with a friend in Chicago, driving my 123 sedan, we noticed a 123 wagon up ahead, it was sagging at the rear, a little rusty, and spuing tons of diesel soot out the tailpipe. But that old car sure did look proud driving down the road along with its owners who were more than twice my age. My friend commented "that its still running" and "more than likely has a ton of miles on it". I couldnt help to smile at the two in their wagon as i passed them.
I think the same thing when i see a neglected late 1970s Cadillac driving down the road. My god these were fine vehicles in their day, and just the fact that they are still running is a testament to their quality. So i dont get "upset" if i see a neglected Mercedes driving down the road, perhaps they are in a less fortunate economic situation, but i will say neglected or not, every person that i have seen is proud driving that old benz just as if it were a new one.