So far this year $ 405.00 USD on a 99 SL 500 with 57,000 on the clock, I drive 5,000 miles per year, daily driver, just change the oil $85.00 USD for OEM filter and 9 QTS. of Mobil 1; 0W40. The first year of ownership I spent over $ 3000.00 USD, that was 2 years ago that's including a set of Micheling Pilot Sport A/S.

$405 is great for an SL.
Hope it stays that low for you.

I can live with $1000 - $1200 per year. I think that is reasonable.

Ocean View granted thats only over the last 2 years since I have owned it. Well when you buy a tired W126 and want to to be in top condition thats what it costs. Lots of parts are worn out and they all cost $100. However I am an extreme example, although not that extreme several other members with these old cars are not far behind me.

__________________
1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

Oh yeah, low profile tires will chew up your budget in a hurry. I thought the money I shelled out for Dunlops was expensive, until I looked at prices for 17" and 18" tires! Those are decisions that should probably go into decision-making to buy a car, but once you commit to it, I think you just have to accept it as a fact of life. (Or go back to 16 inch wheels.)

If I were spending $4-5k per year, I would consider a new car, but even at that rate you have to figure what you're losing through depreciation. I mean, I'm spending what I consider a lot of money fixing my 300E, but at least the car's paid off. So what I spend on expendables and repairs is the true cost of ownership for me.

Although, I guess if I leased the car, then I wouldn't pay for depreciation either. But then I'd wonder what I'd do when the lease was up.

I think you're missing the point. I'm sure he would get a new MB if he wanted one.

Well I wouldn't buy a new MB yet, I can't afford to shell out $52k for an E320CDI. But I could get a pretty nice W140/W210 if I wanted to. I may, granted a much newer lower maintaince car would be nice. Something I could drive for 4-5 years putting as little as possible into it. It is amazing how much W140 you can get for $10k these days... If diesel continues to comand a hefty premium over 91 octane...

__________________
1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

You're no fun.

No really I think replacing an oil pan gasket is a great (and slick ) way to spend a Sunday morning!

__________________
1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

Well, some aspects of the "old car experience" are more fun than others.

True nothing has the character of an old MB. The new ones lack soul.

__________________
1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

I think depreciation has nothing to do with whether the car is paid off or not, and whether it is leased or not.

They all depreciate, though at varying rates depending on the makes/models/conditions/ages/markets etc.

Well ok, maybe some cars are rare exceptions that they're worth more old than new.

Have you driven any of the AMG cars?
I think you may change your mind.

If you don't understand, we can't explain it.

Oh OK, I guess the only way to understand is to get an old 80's or early 90's model, spend $4-$5K per year on maintenance and spend every free weekend under the hood.
If that is what it takes, I say no thanks. LOL

I do enjoy my MB and I do think it is worth it to spend about $2000 per year to maintain it.
That is why I still have mine and visit these forums.

Like I said, I can't explain it.

BTW, it's also OK to get a 60s or 70s model, spend $4-$5K per year on maintenance and spend every free weekend under the hood.