Quote:
Originally Posted by ksing44
I drove the 2006 CDI. It was an impressive vehicle, but I just couldn’t shake the bad feelings about signing up to pay the maintenance and repair bills. The difference in cost to purchase a slightly used 2006 CDI vs. a new 2010 Golf TDI is really not so great, but I don’t think I can bring myself to sign up for actually owning the Mercedes. It just makes me cringe thinking about paying thousands in maintenance and repairs.
If I hadn’t been down the road once already in a slightly used E-Class, I might be thinking that the cars are so well made that they last virtually forever without breaking, especially with a diesel. As it is, I know the cars don’t last any longer than other cars and they cost much more to maintain. You know the CDI I looked at already had quite a number of “Warranty” repairs listed on the documents. Edmunds seems to have that all very well calculated.
From Edmunds 5-year ownership Calculation
Based on15K miles/year, but I will drive 25K/ year so my cost will be considerably higher, especially in the Mercedes.
2006 CDI
Maintenance: $5,140
Repairs: $8,333
Total: $13,473/5 = $2694/year
2010 Golf TDI
Maintenance: $1,936
Repairs: $1,038
Total: $2974/5 = $594/year
With the Golf, there was also about a $2000 savings from decreased fuel consumption. My savings will be considerably more because I will be driving so many miles.
On the side of the 2006 CDI, I have to say the Mercedes is truly a different class of vehicle compared to the VW. As someone said in another post, it really may be too much car for me. There is nothing simple about the car when you get in for a drive. It feels wonderful, but to me it also felt suffocating from being overly complicated and overly opulent. The VW Golf TDI has a much simpler feeling, maybe more like a bicycle, but in a way that is very comforting. My old 1995 E320 has a simpler feeling about it too, although the reality is that even my 1995 E320 is a bit too complicated for a typical independent mechanic or handyman.
I have to admit I am disappointed about discovering that I will probably not buy another E-Class. I guess it really does come down to something as simple as being willing to pay to play. I guess I am just not willing to pay. Actually, it is a little humbling in a way, to face the fact that I don’t have so much money that I can feel comfortable throwing it away just so I can commute to work in a fancy car. The reality is that commuting 25K/year is just going to run any car I buy right into the ground. Even with my home paid for, my son’s paid-in-full college fund tucked away, and no other bills at all, I just don’t think I can bring myself to spend the extra money on the Mercedes.
Thank you all for helping me with your valuable insight about the cars.
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Of course the Mercedes-Benz will be costlier to maintain at the repair shop than a VW. That is to be expected. To me, comparing them as apples to apples is unfair. Other than both having diesel engines - they aren't even in the same universe.
Regarding price? Prices are all over the place on used CDIs and Bluetecs. There was a gorgeous, loaded, great color combo, one-owner off-lease 2008 Bluetec with 30K miles for $32,999 last week near me. That's less $$s than some are asking for a 2006 CDI! And I'm certain people have recently paid more for 2006 CDIs with the same miles on them as some available '07 and '08 Bluetecs.
For my money, I would seek a low-miles, low-priced 2008 Bluetec - they are to be had.