Like everyone else, we love new cars. Why wouldn't we? Driving the very latest models, with technology and drivetrain innovations that never fail to astound is fantastic. We've gotten used to driving cars with 200hp that will easily do 50mpg. It's automotive nirvana. However, we're not stupid. Every day we hear stories of people losing their jobs and being forced to hand back the company car. A tough motor for tough times is what's called for, then.
Apart from the resolute shock of losing your job, there's the immediate need to finds a really cheap quality car - and quickly. Luckily, there is a wide and exhaustive line of cars out there looking for an owner. If you've been made redundant, your mind goes into overdrive. The very last thing you want is more worry over a clunker sitting in your driveway.
Step forward people like Werner Niefer and Helmut Werner. Helmut who? Both men became Chairman of Mercedes-Benz in 1989 and 1993, respectively. They became legendary auto leaders, listening to workers' complaints and overseeing the production of bullet-proof cars that are well respected for their quality, excellent reliability and intergalactic Starship Enterprise mile-munching ability. Should you care? You certainly should. Just because budgets are tight, you've no reason not to bag a Benz at silly money. We say, well under €3,000 is possible. Leave the cheap French, Italian or Japanese cars to everyone else.
But really, an old Mercedes? People will talk. And the thing will probably fall apart. Well, possibly yes and definitely no. Choose a well serviced Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W124) from the early nineties (built from 1985 to 1995), or a later W210, and you've got a car that will not only fill the gap until you get back on your feet, but will soldier on for years. These hewn from granite vehicles come from the golden era of Mercedes where over-engineering was the Stuttgart way. Even today, a mint E-Class Cabriolet will set you back around €10,000 - nearly two decades later. Opt for the saloon or the stealth-wealth estate (you're likely to break the €3,000 budget on that one) and you're immediately pointed out as a canny buyer. People may talk, but do remind them that Paul McCartney owned one up to not so long ago. And he's certainly no fool.
Now, mileage. Whatever you've been lead to believe about big miles equalling wear and tear, it still holds true. Although, not nearly as much in a cherished Benz. For instance, we know it's approximately 385,000km to the Moon. It's a bit of a trek, alright, but not for a cosseted mid-nineties E-Class. If you spot one for sale, you are most likely to see recorded miles that look more like the winning lotto numbers. So don't be put off - this is one motor that can take it.
As usual, we recommend you use Cartell.ie to check its history. When you get the service book, ask to see the service invoices and read them. A car's provenance is all. Make a note of the garage that did the work over the years and call them. They may throw some more light on the car than the seller is telling you. Remember, just because you're paying the equivalent of a posh family holiday, you're still entitled to be cautious. Better still - get an independent inspection report or a friendly mechanic to help you out.
One last thing - never, ever buy a manual Benz. Always choose the auto. Try and opt for leather seats and air conditioning, too. If the latter doesn't work, it's a €100 fix. There's no point in slumming it when you've got nearly €3,000 to splash out, right? Sure, the motor tax will be high, but you can offset that against good residuals - yes, even for an old Benz - and low annual servicing costs.
A few years ago, a friend of mine lost his job and he bought an old Benz to tide him over. Luckily he found a new job and got back working. He hung onto the car, though. His comment sums everything up - "Nothing lasts forever. But as for the Benz, the thing seems to go on and on and on..."
I rest my case.