Nice report, but how much less was it than a car payment over the past five years? Assuming a $1,500 down and $271 per month, what could you have purchased new(er) in 2007?

Honestly, I don't know the answer, but some factors I would consider would be how a 2005-2007 vehicle in the low to moderate price range would stack up against a W124 from the 90's.

MTI,

Out of curiosity I was going to check the PV of 271/mo for 60 & 72 month loans at various rates. My HP19B battery is dead.:
Seat of my pants though, I'm thinking that's not going to get you too much. And to fix a newer used or low end new car will be more costly than the M103or M104 W-124 that he has, don't you think.

Yes, my limited mental calculations indicated that it would be an economy sedan of some sort, but since there would still possibly be an existing vehicle warranty and likely no need for the level of replacement/rebuild of the older MB.

Here are some sub-$20K MSRP cars from 2007: Mitsubishi Lancer GTS, Honda Civic, Hyudai Tiberon GT, Honda Accord, Scion tC, Mazda 3s, Nissan Altima 2.5, Chevy Cobalt SS and G5 GT, Ford Mustang V6 and the Subaru Imprezza 2.5i. Certainly not "classics" and some pokey ones, but not a bad grouping either.

The W124 has "youngtimer" classic styling, great build quality and if properly maintained will serve at least another generation. The newer cars, perhaps, but the odds are against them.

For the most part, I agree.


Will those cars afford you as much protection in the event of collision as a 124? More?

They have "oldtimer" styling too, especially the coupe. Turned onto a local roadway behind an 88 300SEL Turbodeisel on Saturday. Guy driving must have told his daughter in the rear seat there was an old MB on his tail. She turned around for a look-see. Twice. Cute andy yes, a "youngtimer"