Was a dilemma in my mind since a long time actually - and yes up till a few years ago, my answer would be comfortably that new is the way to go. But yeah even if we are not talking about Mercs or luxury cars, so many desirable cars of the past are now quite cheap - especially hidden power gems like the previous generation Civics, and the CR-V too which was a city favourite for a long time. Even now owners are reluctant to let go of them. And yes too many Superbs, Lauras, 3-Series, Passats and even the Yeti have me itching to get one of them. Even 2015 or 2016 models of Mercs are touching 12 to 15 lakh rupees. I've found a Q7 for 17! That's almost too good to be true. Big turnoff? Ownership. I mean the reliability is there, but yeah when it goes wrong you need to go deep to shell out. And whats worse is that there's no proper support apart from the companies. In UK and the US, you have full time industries running just for supplying classic parts, including these old cars. Be it TVRs and VeeDubs, you can certainly find parts for Beemers and Mercs, considering so many previous generations examples on road. And people run them for the thrill of it. I guess the culture needs to be developed here, of owning them for the pleasure rather than thinking of them as just a discount option. I've seen far too many hideous wraps and paint jobs transforming these gems to hideous four wheelers. Developing the culture of old wheels may not seem necessary with these cars, but what about our Indian classics? The Ambassador, M800, the Esteem, first gen Swifts, City VTECs, our own treasures are in neglect (I've missed a few I think). So one cannot expect a rapid move, with far too many youth now looking for wheels. Most will prefer Android Auto over air suspension. I'm sympathetic to both causes, so yeah I'd keep a modern vehicle, along with a modern classic. Wavering between a Superb TSI, a 3-Series and an M5 E60. One can hope you find parking for them, which even money can't buy
I couldn't agree with you more. You've perfectly summarized the situation. There are way too many amazing older cars available now. I own a 2003 CR-V which I just can't let go off cuz it's such a treat to drive despite the lousy fuel average. A...
Always wanted one of those CR-Vs. I guess it was the upper middle class 'you have arrived' car of its time, backed by the Honda badge which was a more exciting thing back then
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Was a dilemma in my mind since a long time actually - and yes up till a few years ago, my answer would be comfortably that new is the way to go. But yeah even if we are not talking about Mercs or luxury cars, so many desirable cars of the past are now quite cheap - especially hidden power gems like the previous generation Civics, and the CR-V too which was a city favourite for a long time. Even now owners are reluctant to let go of them. And yes too many Superbs, Lauras, 3-Series, Passats and even the Yeti have me itching to get one of them. Even 2015 or 2016 models of Mercs are touching 12 to 15 lakh rupees. I've found a Q7 for 17! That's almost too good to be true. Big turnoff? Ownership. I mean the reliability is there, but yeah when it goes wrong you need to go deep to shell out. And whats worse is that there's no proper support apart from the companies. In UK and the US, you have full time industries running just for supplying classic parts, including these old cars. Be it TVRs and VeeDubs, you can certainly find parts for Beemers and Mercs, considering so many previous generations examples on road. And people run them for the thrill of it. I guess the culture needs to be developed here, of owning them for the pleasure rather than thinking of them as just a discount option. I've seen far too many hideous wraps and paint jobs transforming these gems to hideous four wheelers. Developing the culture of old wheels may not seem necessary with these cars, but what about our Indian classics? The Ambassador, M800, the Esteem, first gen Swifts, City VTECs, our own treasures are in neglect (I've missed a few I think). So one cannot expect a rapid move, with far too many youth now looking for wheels. Most will prefer Android Auto over air suspension. I'm sympathetic to both causes, so yeah I'd keep a modern vehicle, along with a modern classic. Wavering between a Superb TSI, a 3-Series and an M5 E60. One can hope you find parking for them, which even money can't buy
I couldn't agree with you more. You've perfectly summarized the situation. There are way too many amazing older cars available now. I own a 2003 CR-V which I just can't let go off cuz it's such a treat to drive despite the lousy fuel average. A...
Read moreAlways wanted one of those CR-Vs. I guess it was the upper middle class 'you have arrived' car of its time, backed by the Honda badge which was a more exciting thing back then
I would buy the Merc. What would you buy? @tribe
Me too, for sure!
I just sent a copy of your call above.
I have a Renault KWID and a Honda Jazz, my next vehicle is Mercedes. No crossovers in between.
Sounds like a great plan. You already have the reliable daily drivers so Mercedes will make for a great prestige vehicle to have
Thanks, I love my Kwid for daily commute to work. I should have opted for automatic, its milage is great though.
If I am getting a good value, then hell yes. A Merc or a Beemer under 15 Lks will have wayy better build quality than cheap tin cans.
Very true
I would buy the Merc. What would you buy? @tribe
Merc.