Originally Posted by
pioneer4x4
Look up prices of a $80,000 Mercedes that is 15-20 years old, basically giving them away, same with any "luxury" car, and most "sports" cars. The problem is, cars are too good now. A 15 year old car is not worth much because over %50 of them are still excellent drivers, and there is %10 the demand for them. all the 7-10 year old cars are excellent condition, and are not much more money.
True, but I think the big problem with cars like ours is similar to the Mercedes or BMW cars that cost too much to repair. Most times, you cannot get out of a Benz dealer service dept for less than a grand. Shade tree guys are competing with that higher price structure, so even they are pricey. It ends up saving one very little if you are spending big money on an old car.
I have owned several nice Benzes over time, and when a small part like a heater control costs over $800.00 it sorta dawns on you after a while that you might as well buy a new one with payments.
Now, amplify that cost curve on our low volume little beauties which have no living parents, are easily totaled despite extra high insurance rates because . "they are so expensive to fix." And you get low retail value.
Or as some of us would admit,,,, Great but wonderfully cheap cars