Owning a luxury car like Mercedes-Benz is something few can afford. Those that do understand that they are in an enviable consumer class, one which allows them to travel with style, speed, and comfort not experienced by the average driver.

Though a new Mercedes-Benz will carry a price tag that sends most people packing, these vehicles are actually more affordable than most assume, that is… If they’re willing to consider the used market.

Mercedes-Benz vehicles are made to last. And they do, meaning that a used Benz won’t be tremendously difficult to find. And when you do, the price might surprise you.

Here are a few tips.

They’re Affordable, the More Work You Can Do Yourself

This tip will be second nature to any Benz enthusiast. Even if you’ve never actually done mechanical work on one of these complex machines, many readers will already have done the deep geek digging that only true Benz obsessives If you already have an understanding of how these vehicles work, you may be able to complete repairs to a used Benz yourself. “Broken” Benzes, from the previous decade or so, can often be had for four figures. Of course, the underlying problems may be big or small, and you may not be able to diagnose the mechanical issues until the car is yours free and clear. However, if you know what you’re doing, you’ll be able to drive a Benz for shockingly little.

They Are Made to Be Easy to Maintain

Even though certain parts can break your budget, the actual labor required to maintain a Benz isn’t high. These are well-engineered vehicles, and good engineers appreciate machines that can be assembled and maintained with ease. That’s the Benz line of mechanics in a nutshell: plenty of room for tool clearance and as few as possible systems. If you can fix a mid-grade Honda, you can fix a Benz. Even if you don’t do the work yourself, this one trait will lower your bill at the mechanic by loads.

Even Buying Used, You’ll Rule the Road

A used Benz is far better than what just about everybody else is driving. Buy what you can afford, fix it so that it’s at the top of its game, and feel good about what you drive. You’ll likely own it free and clear, meaning that car insurance and regular maintenance is all you’ll have to worry about, and you’ll have a great time with a car like this. Some insurers, like belairdirect, even offer discounts based on your driving habits.

There is a ton of great reasons to buy Benz used. It’s more affordable, sure, but most people don’t realize just how much value you’re getting for the price. Benzes age better than just about any other vehicle in their class. They’re timeless in their design, and at no point will a Benz feel out of date or unimpressive to passersby. It’ll drive like a dream for decades, properly maintained, and the money you save from buying new might allow you to add a second or third to your garage once you’ve got the hang of owning a used Mercedes-Benz.