# Older Luxury or Newer Economy? **URL:** \ **Category:** General Discussion\ **Created:** [September 28, 2009, 2:00pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/older-luxury-or-newer-economy/37267 "2009-09-28T14:00:47Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 4\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![lobocita](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/f9ae1b/32.png) [@lobocita](https://community.cartalk.com/u/lobocita)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2009, 5:49am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/older-luxury-or-newer-economy/37267/21 "2009-09-30T05:49:43Z")
I have similar question. I have a Ford Escape that I love, will not give it up. But I do need to get a sedan, to transport my elderly mother (she can’t get into the Escape). So, since it is just for weekends, I thought I might have some fun and get like a 1989 450SL or whatever the model was back then. Could pick it up for $7500 and just take her for Sunday drives. But what I don’t know is whether I am in for a world of frustration. I might be better off buying a current sedan (chevy malibu, chrysler 300, or hyundai)… any advice? I saw the movie Beaches again and she is driving away in a 1989 BMW 2-door Convertible and I just lust after it. ---
**Author:** ![mcparadise](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/mcparadise/32/32_2.png) [@mcparadise](https://community.cartalk.com/u/mcparadise)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2009, 9:59am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/older-luxury-or-newer-economy/37267/22 "2009-09-30T09:59:46Z")
You’d be much better off if you posted this as a separate question. More people would respond. You’re attaching your question to another post that is dying out. Good luck with that. Be that as it may; ANY used 450SL, regardless of the price you pay, will be a financial nightmare. You might think you’re getting a bargain at $7,500, but I’ll bet you will easily double your money in the first year to eighteen months. And that’s just the start. Same applies, to a slightly lesser degree, to an older BMW. I don’t know what your financial position is, but let me suggest this: if you’re not a rich person, stay away from any of the Euro-brands. They are all EXTREMELY expensive to own and maintain. There are no exceptions. If, on the other hand, money is no object, by all means, buy and enjoy a fine car, such as a BMW or a Mercedes Benz. If you can afford the luxury I wish you well. Your mother will love you if you pick her up in a Mercedes. She will probably love you just as much, however, if you pick her up in an Accord or Camry. I guess the question is; are you buying a sedan for your mother or for yourself? ---
**Author:** ![bscar](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/bscar/32/34_2.png) [@bscar](https://community.cartalk.com/u/bscar)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2009, 10:57pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/older-luxury-or-newer-economy/37267/23 "2009-09-30T22:57:59Z")
> You might think you’re getting a bargain at $7,500, but Didn’t one poster say “there’s no such thing as a cheap Mercedes” On topic: the Malibu is a good choice, as one poster just mentioned. Check out Buick or Pontiac as well. ---
**Author:** ![mrb3990](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/13edae/32.png) [@mrb3990](https://community.cartalk.com/u/mrb3990)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2009, 1:22am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/older-luxury-or-newer-economy/37267/24 "2009-10-01T01:22:09Z")
How about a Toyota Avalon? They are a bit classier than Camry’s and come with leather and alot of bells and whistles. You can drive them forever. I have a 1997 Avalon with 227,000 miles that I have driven for over two years and put 60,000 miles on with very little maintenance. [Previous page](https://community.cartalk.com/t/older-luxury-or-newer-economy/37267.md?page=1)