[Merzatt]

After 20 years of ownership, I handed the keys to my son to drive back in October. Well, he rear ended another car yesterday. I am afraid there is enough damage to call it total loss. I saw the car today at the tow park, probably the last time. 😞 I will probably get a check for 3k after 1k deductible. With this budget, what kind of car can I buy that is as safe as a W163? There are not many W163 left on the market.

 

[mattml430]

After 20 years of ownership, I handed the keys to my son to drive back in October. Well, he rear ended another car yesterday. I am afraid there is enough damage to call it total loss. I saw the car today at the tow park, probably the last time. I will probably get a check for 3k after 1k deductible. With this budget, what kind of car can I buy that is as safe as a W163? There are not many W163 left on the market.

Aww man that sucks after all the years of looking after it, that is sad. As long as your son is ok that’s most important. At least if he’s ok you can give him a kick up the ass.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[khomer2]

Ah, sorry to here about your w163 loss.
Certainly happy to know that no one was hurt.
Young'ems - I think we all go thru this scenario to some degree.

I think you'll be able to find a decent w163 replacement and with your veteran skills...a cake walk, eh?

Maybe pound cake, but still.

 

[Rick_In_Tas]

Sorry for your loss. Glad your son is OK. YOUR choice of vehicle may have just saved him from serious injury or worse. Well done, Dad!

The whole car insurance thing is a racket. It makes no allowances for people who care for their cars. You get "averaged down" to everyone else who sees cars as "A to B". I'm trying to arrange an agreed price with my insurer. Not having a lot of luck .


Good luck with your search.

 

[Witek_M]

With this budget, what kind of car can I buy that is as safe as a W163? There are not many W163 left on the market.

That is sad news.😤
I have always admired your dedication to keep that vehicle in perfect running order.
I do not have kids so my personal recommendation does not count. Bus pass would be one of them.

 

[gward75]

You might be interested in this ML350 that recently sold as proof of higher value?

No Reserve: 43k-Mile 2005 Mercedes-Benz ML350 Special Edition

Bid for the chance to own a No Reserve: 43k-Mile 2005 Mercedes-Benz ML350 Special Edition at auction with Bring a Trailer, the home of the best vintage and classic cars online. Lot #96,852.

bringatrailer.com

sold less than a month ago

 

[Merzatt]

Insurance claimed that value of my perfectly running ML is 3,400. It had 219,000k miles. I cannot find another W163 for this price range on Craigslist, Ebay, Cars or Carguru.com.

 

[04ML500]

Honestly that sounds about right, here’s a comp from my corner of the world: 2002 Mercedes ml320 - cars & trucks - by owner - vehicle automotive...

I would buy another one, if there’s a stronger value proposition out there I’m unaware of it.