by Mercedes-Benz E550 with an Extensive Service History
A 2011 Mercedes-Benz E550 4Matic was recently sold at auction for $8,750. The car has 109,600 miles on it, and over the past nine years, over $45,000 has been spent on its maintenance.
Some cars, despite high maintenance costs, continue to attract buyers. Prestige, power, and design often outweigh common sense, even when the long-term costs are obvious.
This is a case where the decision to buy such a car could turn out to be either a bargain or a long list of repairs.
Technical Features and Costs
The 2011 Mercedes-Benz E550 is equipped with a 5.5-liter V8 engine producing 382 horsepower, features 18-inch wheels, Airmatic air suspension, a panoramic sunroof, and a leather interior. However, it is precisely these elements that make it expensive to maintain.
The previous owner meticulously cared for the car, spending money over the last five years on replacing brake discs, shock absorbers, the starter, battery, filters, and much more. The total cost amounted to $45,500, which significantly exceeds its current market value.
The new owner has already performed minor work, such as replacing the camshaft position sensor and oil, and now the car has found a new owner. This demonstrates that even expensive-to-maintain cars can find their enthusiasts at an affordable price.
This example shows how important it is to consider not only the initial cost of the car but also the future costs of its maintenance. Even if a car is sold at an attractive price, its operation may turn out to be significantly more expensive than expected.
