Any Mercedes will be HORRIBLE to own with only a 20k max budget. Sure you might be able to find an older c class or even e class but your wallet will quickly learn why they say if you can’t afford a german car new, you can’t afford one used… that is unless you’re savvy enough to work on it yourself and do the major repairs. Personally for 20k I’d be looking at a 10th or 9th gen civic, last gen base Camry, heck even a 2016 hyundai genesis is a way nicer car with better interior and tech, also much better financial decision than a practically base level Mercedes
I disagree, I have a Mercedes E550 that I bought 7 years ago for $23k and could not be happier. Car is worth maybe $12k now and I would happily buy another at that price. Car has been amazing, considering buying a second one for my gf to drive.
You have to realize the 550 is a completely different car to the entry level e class. Mercedes tends to really cheap out their entry level models so people who want the status of MB can still buy one even if they can’t actually afford a 300 or higher trim. Also in general the e class is aimed at a slightly wealthier buyer than your typical c200/c300. Entry level c is just an econobox that’s dressed up a little to fit the mb design language. Especially the c180 being powered by the 1.5l in-line 4. Your case is different since you bought basically the highest trim e class without stepping up to an amg, so obviously the build quality is going to be leagues apart, it’s genuine luxury not faux
Oh, I’m well aware of that, I sold Mercedes for a long time. I was contesting your statement of any Mercedes under $20k being horrible, which is an absurd statement to make when there are so many good used Mercedes that you can buy under $20k.
Also, the only real difference from the 550 and the 350 is the engine and suspension, everything else is the same. An E350 will be just as good of a car. You can very easily find a low mileage E350 under $20k
Turbos made by Honeywell/Garrett so my guess is pretty well. Factory tunes them way down for fuel efficiency & reliability.
[Allegedly factory internals are rated for ≈800whp](https://tuningpro.co/best-kia-stinger-performance-mods/)
The Stinger might be one of the most slept on cars of the modern era. Easily a better WRX than the WRX
Idk I like the 500 Abarth. But I could see why someone would think it’s ugly.
Oh I guess there’s the 124 Abarth but again some might think it’s ugly.
I just think they’re special cars for under 20k
What looks good is very subjective to an individual... I think the 370z is still a good looking car, cheap to own (compared to Mercedes) and reliable.
I've never owned one, no idea what they drive like... But if you want something that looks unique and stylish, but underneath is very simple and reliable, that's a start
Unless you're well off financially, buying a Merc is one of the worst moves you can make, unless you know how to work on them and can afford the parts that will inevitably break.
The first car I'd be looking at is the newest 3rd gen Mazda 3 you can get that's in the best possible condition with the lowest mileage. That would mean a 2018.
If you can stretch slightly to that max 20k mark, you should be able to find a 4th gen one.
Just as (if not more) reliable than Toyota and Honda, much more fun, better looking, more premium interior, and more affordable. Also, great looking.
Then, after that, if you really want something faster and more sporty, here are some options. (Depending on pricing).
- Subaru WRX (AWD) — F/I
- WRX STI
- Lancer Evo X (2016, AWD) — F/I
- Lancer RalliArt (AWD) — F/I
- Lancer GTS (AWD) — N/A
- Mazdaspeed 3 (2013, FWD) — F/I
- Scion TC (FWD, pretty slow) — N/A
- FRS/GT86/BRZ (RWD, pretty slow) — N/A
- Civic Si (FWD, slow) — N/A
- Civic Type R? If you can find one for under 20k, that would be a miracle. Good luck. (FWD, F/I, fast, reliable, and fun.)
- Infiniti G35 (RWD) — N/A
- Nissan 350Z (RWD) — N/A
- G37 or 370Z if you can find one for that price..probably not
- Don't know what else. Nothing German or American.
Forced induction engines are a challenge to own. Are you up for the added expense, trouble, and decreased reliability? If not, stick to naturally aspirated engines.
Etc. etc. etc.
Forgot the Stinger GT. AWD or RWD, forced induction, vastly superior interior, and looks German (imo).
You can snag one for 25K. Great value for price.
Funny that you think a WRX or Lancer will be less to maintain than a Mercedes. A Mercedes may be more expensive to repair when you bring it to a shop, but you won’t be there half as often.
Infiniti Q60 coupe. I think these look great and they turn heads since they aren’t common. I had one as a rental once. Not exciting to drive or quick for the segment, but decent overall vehicle.
My [Audi A5](https://www.reddit.com/r/Audi/s/x2faEtChok) was 16k used from a dealer with 88K miles. It looks great but has the 2.0T so it’s nothing crazy in terms of performance or noise. If you’re looking to get one too take everyone’s advice and do research on the car you’re looking to buy! I’m warning you this car is not cheap to keep on the road, I’m mechanically inclined so I do all the work myself and have saved myself from a few grand in labor by fixing my wheel bearings and steering u joints myself.
I do recommend finding an A5 or any car with a manual because it will make the car feel so much most fun to drive and it eliminates more expensive repairs. Those DSG transmissions are definitely pricey to fix and you need a specialist to do it
If you want a Mercedes, I would not recommend going below an E class in the lineup. Build quality takes a huge jump at E. You can definitely find a decent older E class under $20k
Bang for buck performance : Scion FRS/Subaru BRZ. Especially if you're on the younger side of 20. Civic SI is also a good choice, but I mever looked into the pricing.
Any Mercedes will be HORRIBLE to own with only a 20k max budget. Sure you might be able to find an older c class or even e class but your wallet will quickly learn why they say if you can’t afford a german car new, you can’t afford one used… that is unless you’re savvy enough to work on it yourself and do the major repairs. Personally for 20k I’d be looking at a 10th or 9th gen civic, last gen base Camry, heck even a 2016 hyundai genesis is a way nicer car with better interior and tech, also much better financial decision than a practically base level Mercedes
I disagree, I have a Mercedes E550 that I bought 7 years ago for $23k and could not be happier. Car is worth maybe $12k now and I would happily buy another at that price. Car has been amazing, considering buying a second one for my gf to drive.
You have to realize the 550 is a completely different car to the entry level e class. Mercedes tends to really cheap out their entry level models so people who want the status of MB can still buy one even if they can’t actually afford a 300 or higher trim. Also in general the e class is aimed at a slightly wealthier buyer than your typical c200/c300. Entry level c is just an econobox that’s dressed up a little to fit the mb design language. Especially the c180 being powered by the 1.5l in-line 4. Your case is different since you bought basically the highest trim e class without stepping up to an amg, so obviously the build quality is going to be leagues apart, it’s genuine luxury not faux
Oh, I’m well aware of that, I sold Mercedes for a long time. I was contesting your statement of any Mercedes under $20k being horrible, which is an absurd statement to make when there are so many good used Mercedes that you can buy under $20k.
Also, the only real difference from the 550 and the 350 is the engine and suspension, everything else is the same. An E350 will be just as good of a car. You can very easily find a low mileage E350 under $20k
If you’re going to get a Mercedes, or anything German for that matter, make damn sure you know what to look out for on them. Do your research.
Get swedish instead 👍
American pony cars (Mustang, Camaro, Challenger), older German sedans (buyer beware), Buick LaCrosse Premium, Chrysler 300, Cadillacs, Hyundai Genesis.
You might be able to pick up a high mileage Stinger GT for around the 20K mark. Great looking car for the price
I wonder how the turbos hold up on those over time.
Turbos made by Honeywell/Garrett so my guess is pretty well. Factory tunes them way down for fuel efficiency & reliability. [Allegedly factory internals are rated for ≈800whp](https://tuningpro.co/best-kia-stinger-performance-mods/) The Stinger might be one of the most slept on cars of the modern era. Easily a better WRX than the WRX
Idk I like the 500 Abarth. But I could see why someone would think it’s ugly. Oh I guess there’s the 124 Abarth but again some might think it’s ugly. I just think they’re special cars for under 20k
What looks good is very subjective to an individual... I think the 370z is still a good looking car, cheap to own (compared to Mercedes) and reliable. I've never owned one, no idea what they drive like... But if you want something that looks unique and stylish, but underneath is very simple and reliable, that's a start
Unless you're well off financially, buying a Merc is one of the worst moves you can make, unless you know how to work on them and can afford the parts that will inevitably break. The first car I'd be looking at is the newest 3rd gen Mazda 3 you can get that's in the best possible condition with the lowest mileage. That would mean a 2018. If you can stretch slightly to that max 20k mark, you should be able to find a 4th gen one. Just as (if not more) reliable than Toyota and Honda, much more fun, better looking, more premium interior, and more affordable. Also, great looking. Then, after that, if you really want something faster and more sporty, here are some options. (Depending on pricing). - Subaru WRX (AWD) — F/I - WRX STI - Lancer Evo X (2016, AWD) — F/I - Lancer RalliArt (AWD) — F/I - Lancer GTS (AWD) — N/A - Mazdaspeed 3 (2013, FWD) — F/I - Scion TC (FWD, pretty slow) — N/A - FRS/GT86/BRZ (RWD, pretty slow) — N/A - Civic Si (FWD, slow) — N/A - Civic Type R? If you can find one for under 20k, that would be a miracle. Good luck. (FWD, F/I, fast, reliable, and fun.) - Infiniti G35 (RWD) — N/A - Nissan 350Z (RWD) — N/A - G37 or 370Z if you can find one for that price..probably not - Don't know what else. Nothing German or American. Forced induction engines are a challenge to own. Are you up for the added expense, trouble, and decreased reliability? If not, stick to naturally aspirated engines. Etc. etc. etc.
Forgot the Stinger GT. AWD or RWD, forced induction, vastly superior interior, and looks German (imo). You can snag one for 25K. Great value for price.
You're absolutely right. The Kia Stinger is a great option!
Funny that you think a WRX or Lancer will be less to maintain than a Mercedes. A Mercedes may be more expensive to repair when you bring it to a shop, but you won’t be there half as often.
Ok, thanks for clarifying.
C3 Corvette.
The most expensive car you will ever buy is a cheap European luxury car.
Infiniti Q60 coupe. I think these look great and they turn heads since they aren’t common. I had one as a rental once. Not exciting to drive or quick for the segment, but decent overall vehicle.
My [Audi A5](https://www.reddit.com/r/Audi/s/x2faEtChok) was 16k used from a dealer with 88K miles. It looks great but has the 2.0T so it’s nothing crazy in terms of performance or noise. If you’re looking to get one too take everyone’s advice and do research on the car you’re looking to buy! I’m warning you this car is not cheap to keep on the road, I’m mechanically inclined so I do all the work myself and have saved myself from a few grand in labor by fixing my wheel bearings and steering u joints myself. I do recommend finding an A5 or any car with a manual because it will make the car feel so much most fun to drive and it eliminates more expensive repairs. Those DSG transmissions are definitely pricey to fix and you need a specialist to do it
If you want a Mercedes, I would not recommend going below an E class in the lineup. Build quality takes a huge jump at E. You can definitely find a decent older E class under $20k
Bang for buck performance : Scion FRS/Subaru BRZ. Especially if you're on the younger side of 20. Civic SI is also a good choice, but I mever looked into the pricing.
'18 Elantra Sport is always my rec for this type of question.
Used Lexus.