Established in 1926, the origin of the Mercedes-Benz brand traces its roots to 1901, with the introduction of the Benz Patent Motorwagen. Several decades later, Mercedes-Benz has grown into one of the most famous car brands, with highly influential models offering great performance, comfort, and reliability.
Quite remarkably, the highest-mileage sedan in the world in 2024 is a Mercedes. While some of the most expensive Mercedes-Benz models ever are among the most valuable cars in the world, the brand has also built some truly fascinating models that are now available for gearheads on a budget.
Gearheads often have polarizing automotive needs. Hence, this list has been curated for car enthusiasts on the hunt for good-conditioned classic Mercedes models, which are not only cheap but are currently available on the used car market.
1989 Mercedes-Benz G-Class: $27,652
Specs
| Engine | 2.3-liter four-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 94 hp |
| Torque | N/A |
| Layout | Body-on-frame, 4-wheel drive |
| 0-60 MPH | N/A |
| Top speed | 80 mph |
The 1989 G-Class Features A Full-Time Four-Wheel Drive
With its boxy design and body-on-frame construction, it’s quite easy to recognize a G-Wagen, even in a sea of vehicles. A utilitarian and powerful machine, we’ve even seen the Mercedes G-Wagon get reimagined into a crazy hot rod. Of course, that’s only an imagination of the vehicle. However, the 1989 Mercedes-Benz G is a quintessential, yet classic example of the model, and it’s also available on the used market for cheap.
The standard engine powering the 1989 Mercedes-Benz G is the 2.3-liter naturally-aspirated four-cylinder mill that sends out 94 horsepower. The hallmark of the G-Class is its full-time four-wheel drive, and the 1989 model also features three fully-locking differentials.
1987 Mercedes-Benz 240GD – W460: $23,846
Specs
| Engine | 2.4-liter OM616 turbodiesel inline-4 |
| Horsepower | 72 hp |
| Torque | 101 lb-ft |
| Layout | Body-on-frame, 4-wheel drive |
| 0-60 MPH | 31.2 seconds |
| Top speed | 55 mph |
The 1987 240GD Is Powered By A Turbodiesel Engine
HotCars’ Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon hot rod pickup concept puts the X-Class to shame, and it’s only a testament to the incredible possibilities of the awesome model. That said, several factors determine the cost of a used Mercedes-Benz, and these include age, mileage, and the like. Hence, the 1987 Mercedes-Benz 240GD is listed on Classic for an average price of $23,846. Sporting a 2.4-liter OM616 turbodiesel inline-4 engine that sends out 72 horsepower and 101 lb-ft of torque, the 1987 240GD might not be the performance vehicle for the current world automotive demands, but it’s definitely an amazing classic car worth investing in.
1983 Mercedes-Benz E: $14,958
Specs
| Engine | 2.0-liter inline-four |
| Horsepower | 109 hp |
| Torque | 150 lb-ft |
| Layout | Front-engine, rear-wheel drive |
| 0-60 MPH | 10 seconds |
| Top speed | 110 mph |
The 1983 Mercedes-Benz E Was Produced In Different Body Styles
A range of Mercedes executive cars, the E (which later became known as E-Class in 1993) has been in production since as far back as 1953; a production span that birthed this ranked list of the best Mercedes-Benz E-Class model years to buy used. That said, the 1983 Mercedes-Benz E is among the more affordable classic Mercedes a gearhead can own today, thanks to its less than $15,000 average price on Classic.
During its production, the 1983 Mercedes E was offered in different body styles, which included a four-door sedan, five-door station wagon, two-door coupe, and convertible, making it a suitable model for various needs. Also, the model features a range of potent engine options which include four-cylinder, six-cylinder, and diesel engines.
1983 Mercedes-Benz 380SL: $14,325
Specs
| Engine | 3.8-liter V8 |
| Horsepower | 215 hp |
| Torque | 229 lb-ft |
| Layout | Front-engine, rear-wheel drive |
| 0-60 MPH | 10.8 seconds |
| Top speed | 127 mph |
The 1983 Mercedes-Benz 380SL Has A Convertible Top
Succeeding the W113, the R107, also known as the SL, is a sports car designed as a two-seat convertible with a detachable roof. Although the classic Mercedes-Benz R107 SL-Class will be worth a fortune very soon, there are still several examples of the model that are available for cheap.
One such model is the 1983 380SL. According to data from Classic.com, the average used price for a good-condition 1983 Mercedes-Benz 380SL costs about $14,325 – which is among the lowest Mercedes-Benz prices on the used market. The model comes with several luxury amenities, such as wood trim and leather seats, as well as modern comfort features like radio, power windows. Air conditioning was optionally available.
1995 Mercedes-Benz SL500 – R129: $12,564
Specs
| Engine | 5.0-liter V8 |
| Horsepower | 315 hp |
| Torque | 347 lb-ft |
| Layout | Front-engine, rear-wheel drive |
| 0-60 MPH | 6.4 seconds |
| Top speed | 155 mph |
The 1995 SL500 Sends Down 315 HP Through A 5-Speed Automatic Transmission
There are several classic German roadsters gearheads forgot about, but the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class should always ring a bell. Succeeding the R107, over 200,000 units of the SL-Class were produced from 1988 to 2001, and among them is the 1995 SL500. The model is powered by a potent 5.0-liter V8 engine that churns out an output of 315 horsepower and 347 lb-ft. All that power is sent to the rear wheels through a 5-speed automatic transmission.
Furthermore, the model was also fitted with advanced technology features such as an automatic roll bar that’s swiftly deployed during a rollover, and an anti-lock braking system for improved safety. Going by its performance prowess and average used price, the 1995 Mercedes-Benz SL500 should be considered among the best old Mercedes available for cheap.
1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK: $11,048
Spec
| Engine | 3.2-liter V6 |
| Horsepower | 218 hp |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft |
| Layout | Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive |
| 0-60 MPH | 6.2 seconds |
| Top speed | 155 mph |
The 1999 CLK Features Anti-Lock Brakes And Traction Control
Midsize cars offer a balance of size, comfort, features, and fuel efficiency, and all these, and even more, are what the Mercedes-Benz CLK has to offer. Produced only from 1997 to 2009, a new CLK could shake up the automotive scene right now. With its imaginary features and attributes, HotCars’ digitally rendered new Mercedes-Benz CLK-GTR could even rival the Bugatti Chiron SS 300+, if it ever becomes a reality.
Nonetheless, one of the most affordable classic Mercedes gearheads could own this week is a CLK – the 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK. Replacing the E-Class coupe, the 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK is powered primarily by a 3.2-liter V6 that produces 218 horsepower, or optionally with a 4.3-liter V8 producing 275 horsepower, all paired to a five-speed automatic transmission.
1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK: $9,761
Specs
| Engine | 2.3-liter supercharged Inline-4 |
| Horsepower | 185 hp |
| Torque | 207 lb-ft |
| Layout | Front-engine, rear-wheel drive |
| 0-60 MPH | 7.2 seconds |
| Top speed | 143 mph |
The 1999 SLK Features A Power-Retractable Hardtop
A compact executive roadster renowned for its sporty performance and luxurious touches, every gearhead should drive the Mercedes SLK, and the 1999 model is among the cheapest used cars you can buy right now. Equipped with a 2.3-liter supercharged 4-cylinder engine that churns out 185 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque, the 1999 SLK’s powertrain features either a five-speed automatic or manual transmission. The SLK is famous for its power-retractable hardtop, and the 1999 model also boasts a cabin with cool features like a premium sound system and automatic climate control. All these are available on the 1999 SLK for an average used price of $9,761.
1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class: $9,311
Spec
| Engine | 2.2-liter four-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 138 hp |
| Torque | 207 lb-ft |
| Layout | Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive |
| 0-60 MPH | 8.9 seconds |
| Top speed | 141 mph |
The 1996 C-Class Was Available In Three Engine Options
While there are several cheap luxury car alternatives to the 2024 Mercedes-Benz C-Class, gearheads on a budget could still enjoy the awesomeness of the C-Class if they’re willing to lower their gaze. For less than $10,000, the 1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is currently available on the used market, and it boasts impressive features and attributes.
Sold with three engine options, the 1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class came standard with a 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine with 138 horsepower, mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. Other cool features that were standard on the 1996 C-Class include anti-lock brakes and traction control, while a sunroof and leather interior were optionally available.
1980 Mercedes-Benz 450SEL – W116: $7,743
Spec
| Engine | 4.5-liter V8 |
| Horsepower | 180 hp |
| Torque | 240 lb-ft |
| Layout | Front-engine, rear-wheel drive |
| 0-60 MPH | 7.2 seconds |
| Top speed | 147 mph |
The 1980 450SEL’s Power Comes From A 4.5-Liter V8 Engine
The W116 series were the first Mercedes models officially designated as S-Class. Produced from 1972 to 1980, the W116 is designed as a four-door sedan, and it’s considered one of the best Mercedes-Benz S-Class generations to buy used. At an average price of just $7,743, the 1980 Mercedes-Benz 450SEL W116 is among the cheapest classic Mercedes currently available on the market. The model features a luxuriously finished interior with heated seats, optional automatic climate control, plush carpeting, and power windows and locks, among others. Furthermore, for a car produced in the early ‘80s, the 1980 450SEL was offered with advanced technological features like Becker radio and cruise control.
1981 Mercedes-Benz 500SEL – W126: $5,800
Spec
| Engine | 5.0-liter V8 |
| Horsepower | 237 hp |
| Torque | 298 lb-ft |
| Layout | Front-engine, rear-wheel drive |
| 0-60 MPH | 7.6 seconds |
| Top speed | 145 mph |
The 1981 500SEL Uses Four-Speed Automatic Transmission
With the ’70s oil crisis, America needed cars that offered reduced emissions and increased fuel efficiency. Hence, as part of its contribution to the production of efficient cars, Mercedes-Benz launched the W126 in 1979 and the model was produced up till 1991, making it the longest and most successful S-Class model.
Taking a detailed look at the W126, one very affordable model you can snatch off the classic car market right away is the 1981 Mercedes-Benz 500SEL. Featuring a potent 5.0-liter V8 engine, the 1981 500SEL produces a power output of 237 horsepower and 298 lb-ft of torque, sent straight to the rear wheels. Available at an average used price of $5,800, the 1981 Mercedes-Benz 500SEL is the cheapest Mercedes model on our list.
