Why Not To Buy a Luxury Car Like Mercedes

Catrina C
Mar 6, 2021

A Mercedes-Benz is a dream car for some, but the reality is that the luxury car industry isn’t always what it seems. Luxury vehicles aren’t always of a higher quality.

Learn why not to buy a luxury car like Mercedes.

Scotty Kilmer explains that you should avoid luxury cars like Mercedes, because:

  • The ashtray’s bad design
  • They’re expensive to maintain
  • They have too much unnecessary technology
  • Poor gas mileage
  • Poor code recognition
  • Too many buttons
  • Low resale value

#SavageScotty is a YouTube personality and auto mechanic with decades of experience. Read on in this article to learn more about why he thinks you should avoid a Mercedes as your next vehicle.

Learn Why Not to Buy a Luxury Car Like Mercedes

Poor Ashtray Design

When your ashtray fills up in a Mercedes, it’s simply difficult to clean it out. It is hard to reach, let alone wipe clean.

Expensive Maintenance

For just a fuel filter and engine oil change, #SavageScotty shows a bill for over $900! The dealer wanted another $4,000 to $5,000 to fix problems with the vehicle, but he mentioned that he, as an outside mechanic, could do it for a lot less.

Unnecessary Technology

Often, the German manufacturer adds technology that isn’t essential. Case in point: There are 16 spark plugs for the eight-cylinder engine. That means it will cost twice as much if you have to change the spark plugs.

Poor Gas Mileage

The Mercedes in the video gets only 11.9 mpg, a shockingly low fuel economy for any vehicle, let alone a luxury car. The engine isn’t efficient despite the claims that it is thanks to the technology.

It Throws Codes for Minor Issues

When you’re troubleshooting your vehicle, getting codes telling you that the trunk light is out or that your windshield washer fluid pump might be bad isn’t what you want.

Buttons, Buttons, Buttons!

If you like gadgets, you may like the number of buttons in the vehicle, but there are literally buttons everywhere. They’re on the wheel, the dash and other areas, too. Many people don’t even know what they do.

The Resale Value Is Low

Since Mercedes vehicles cost so much to repair, the resale value is often low. Even people who think they’re getting a deal may find that they spend much more as they work on repairs and maintenance.

If you can afford thousands of dollars during a lease, then this might be a good vehicle for you.

Check Out Other Luxury Models at Vehicle History

A Mercedes might not be the right vehicle for you, but if you want to compare your options, check them out at Vehicle History. Doing your research now will help you avoid the heartache and headache of a bad buy.

Owner Reviews

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accountCircle Tracy C on June 4, 2021
2003 Mercedes Benz c240 review.
The 2003 Mercedes Benz c240 is overall a very reliable vehicle and I am very pleased with it. The performance is great, it has an engine that is very powerful for the price of the car at the time. It is also a very comfortable and roomy car. However, I did not rate it five out of five for several reasons. Please note that this car is now pretty old, and this may be the cause of these reasons. First, the paint all over the car started chipping away. The outer clear coat slowly came off over the years, making the car look very run down and old. The leather seat also started to rip (only on the driver side, as I do not usually have passengers). It has spots where you can see the insides of the seat, which is a white fill material. At times, the car has trouble locking. When I press "lock" on the key, the lock on the door will lock and automatically unlock again. If I get lucky, the lock sometimes stays in place. This is very frustrating because the car does not allow you to lock it from the inside. It is been a pain going out now, because there's a chance that I would not be able to lock my door. The door handle has also come undone, and the control to open and close the window also came undone, although it still works. This may be an old car, but my family has owned cars for longer than this one and did not experience any of these issues.
accountCircle Wendy D on August 27, 2021
A smooth-riding, reliable 2005 Mercedes Benz S500 with minor electrical problems
My vehicle performs well when driving. It is very reliable. There is a lot of internal comfort - lots of leg room at the back and it rides smoothly on the road. It currently has some electrical failure that happened suddenly. The doors and trunk closures do not work. The body has started rusting. After this last winter there is more evidence of rusting along the bottom of the doors. Some rust bubbles also appear on the sides of the vehicle. I am diligent at maintaining the servicing with my mechanic and the vehicle has never failed me on the road.
accountCircle Ryan W on March 8, 2021
2005 Mercedes-Benz C-Class 1.8L quality and reliability for a reasonable price.
It is an amazing vehicle. Legendary mercedes-benz quality and reliability. Supercharged 1.8 liter 4 cylinder engine. Great gas mileage plus the automatic transmission makes driving easier in stop-and-go traffic and on hilly roads. Awesome ride and comfort with the rear wheel drive. Sport suspension makes the car handle like a dream. Leather interior. Power seats. Navigation system. Great sound system. All in all, a quality vehicle for a reasonable price.
accountCircle Theresa B on July 19, 2021
2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 4.3L. Sunroof included. Silver trimming.
Great on the road, it cost a lot to fill the gas tank. Uses premium gas. It takes 7 gallons of oil which can run up the cost for an oil change. I love the size and the features of heated seats. It has a deep trunk and comes with all the tools equipment for changing a tire. Also has a back window shade that can be lifted on or off.
accountCircle Gaby M on May 9, 2021
2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class CLA 250- the most reliable vehicle.
It's a great car, the services are a bit expensive but I don't ever have any mechanical problems, I just take it in for the yearly oil change. I also have roll flat tires and they've been reliable since ive gotten them. I would definitely recommend this car to anyone looking for a reliable vehicle.
accountCircle Brenda G on April 7, 2021
Mercedes s500 2004 main issues
Very comfortable, feels like you're sitting on a couch. The main issue that I've had is the computer system in the car. My car ran out of oil and it didn't warn me but it'll warm me for tire pressure being low, another thing that started happening is the air conditioner works randomly
accountCircle Alicia T on May 9, 2021
2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class CLA 250 4 door sports car.
Repairs and regular maintenance are pricey. Oil change will cost at least $125. Very nice car. Great on gas and uses premium only. I get about 30 mpg which is excellent. Sporty and fast car. Has 4 doors even though it is a small car. All leather interior and large moon roof.
accountCircle Virginia A on April 10, 2021
2006 Mercedes-Benz C-Class excellent vehicle.
My vehicle is a luxury car and it has an excellent performance, it is very comfortable and reliable. It makes excellent mileage per gallon, I purchase this vehicle new and still looks like new. It is equipped with electronic stability and traction control system.
accountCircle Ron b on August 3, 2021
2006 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is one of the better ones ever made in my opinion. Not many vehicles can function with 400k miles on it. It's extremely durable.
I like that my vehicle is very durable and reliable. I have had it for 12 years and it has over 400k miles on it. I do not like that It's not as fast as it used to be. I also do not like that I have to add oil to it every month either.
accountCircle Catherine D on March 28, 2021
2003 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is extremely well built to withstand accidents.
This Mercedes drives well, is roomy and is built to withstand accidents that others are not able to get through. The worst problem is the price of parts. Wowza, they are pricey!
accountCircle Vic A on July 28, 2021
2002 Mercedes-Benz S-Class make sure you have a warranty
It's a good car, reliable, and drives smooth. Only issues is parts are expensive, can't take your car to a regular mechanic. Dealer charges over market value for repairs.
accountCircle Sam S on April 24, 2021
2004 Mercedes-Benz S-Class reliability is very high and it gets good gas mileage for its size.
Reliable daily driver, no maintenance surprises. Very comfortable, especially on the highway. Gets better MPG than expected, 28 MPG HWY.
accountCircle Jeff G on April 26, 2021
2006 Mercedes-Benz S-Class runs very well and for a long time. I put a lot of miles on my Mercedes and it runs fantastic.
It is very reliable it hardly ever has to go in to be fixed. When it has to be fixed it is fairly expensive. It is great on gas.
accountCircle Dj S on August 8, 2021
Lots of things malfunction on my 2002 Mercedes-Benz S-Class and its around only 100k miles.
This model s class had so many problems I probably would never buy another Mercedes ever, although love my car other than that.
accountCircle Daniel A on July 4, 2021
2006 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is a nice car, but you have to be ready for the hefty maintenance cost.
Nice luxury ride, spacious inside, great color. Maintenance is a bit pricey, only can be worked on at the dealership mostly.
accountCircle Tyler B on May 4, 2021
2007 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is fast smooth and quiet while reasonable on fuel. I dislike the high maintenance cost and high insurance.
While I love it this being my third mercedes ownership can be a headache. I will never own anything but this brand for life.
accountCircle Vincent C on May 3, 2021
2003 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is fun to drive and very useful.
I like the style and comfort of the vehicle, as well as its performance. I dislike the cost of repairs on the vehicle.
accountCircle Nia P on July 15, 2021
2002 Mercedes-Benz S-Class has lasted up to 143,000 miles.
It's a luxury car that drove and performed well at Its peak. It's old now and is causing a lot of headaches.
accountCircle Emerald V on April 25, 2021
2001 Mercedes-Benz S-Class has lots of room for seating and for storage.
I like the luxury and comfort. Dislike the cost of parts for repairs. Maintenance is far too expensive.
accountCircle David N on April 16, 2021
2002 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is expensive to maintain.
It is expensive to maintain. Even minor repairs are expensive. It works best when it is finally tuned.
accountCircle Garrett P on March 14, 2021
2005 Mercedes-Benz C-Class 2.6L, best cars to own
Average of 26 mpg highway and 20 city. Mercedes is the best of the affordable luxury cars around.
accountCircle Gary M on April 7, 2021
2001 Mercedes-Benz S-Class safety rating. Nothing is more important than your life.
The luxury that it affords. Con: dislike maintenance costs.
accountCircle William K on July 15, 2021
2007 Mercedes-Benz S-Class costs a mint to upkeep.
Love it. Always have. Repairs are killing me though.
accountCircle Jerry R on July 14, 2021
2004 Mercedes-Benz C-Class great gas mileage on a car that is stylish and very fast
Gas mileage is great, very fast car, low maintenance
accountCircle c p on March 21, 2021
2004 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Fast and Luxury, Very Comfortable
Expensive to maintain and breaks down a lot.
avatar Catrina C
Catrina C. is a former auto auction block clerk and current freelance automotive industry writer. She enjoys writing, taking long trips in her Ford and providing solid automotive advice.
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