Choosing between a new Toyota Camry & a used Mercedes E-Class

A new or a used car wasn't his concern, as long as the requirements were met.

BHPian CarMaster_059 recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

So this person had just completed his MBA from XLRI 2 years ago. Now, having earned enough Moolah, he wanted to buy his first car with his own money - within a substantial budget of Rs 45 Lakh.

His preferences were:

• Petrol engine
• Good aftersales
• Fairly reliable (he was extremely aware that luxury cars do give issues later on)
• Rear seat comfort
• Soft Ride quality
• Interior build quality

A new or a used car wasn't his concern. Instead, he was concerned only about the 6 points mentioned above.

It didn't take us long enough to shortlist 2 cars: A new Toyota Camry and a 3-year-old Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

An overview of a 3-year-old E-Class:

• 2.0-litre turbo petrol making 184hp and 300Nm of torque.
• 9G-Tronic transmission
• COMAND Online infotainment system with a 12.3-inch display.
• 7 airbags
• 64-colour ambient lighting

An overview of a new Toyota Camry:

• A 2.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine and an electric motor. The hybrid system’s total output is rated at 218hp.
• e-CVT automatic gearbox
• 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• 9-speaker JBL sound system
• 9 airbags

So, it's a head vs heart battle. Someone who wants snob value will go with the E-Class. Someone who's more of a rational thinker will choose the Camry. Which is exactly what we did.

For starters, one cannot argue over the reliability of the Toyota Camry. It's an immensely popular global product from Toyota that reeks of great reliability. E-Class, well, it's a German luxury car. Period. The 2.0 turbo petrol in probability will last even half as long as the 2.5 NA petrol engine of the Camry. The 9-speed gearbox has its fair share of problems and is an extremely complex one to repair or replace. And the electrics of a German car are still not losing their temperamental nature, which is a big cause of worry in a car already over-stuffed with computers. I'd still rate the E-Class above the 5 Series and A6 for peace of mind. But anywhere near the Camry? NO.

Secondly, there's no doubt that in any case, a Toyota will be far cheaper to maintain than a Mercedes-Benz. Moreover, considering even the minutest of the risk involved with buying a used car, A Toyota makes more sense than a used German luxury car if you value reliability and maintenance costs.

Thirdly, a Camry has more than enough features you'll ever need. Reclining seats, 18-inch multi-spoke alloys, LED DRLs, cooled front seats, touch-operated controls in the rear armrest, head-up display, cruise control, three-zone climate control, tyre pressure monitoring system, automatic LED headlamps, LED fog lamps, and electric steering adjust, sunroof, 10-way power-adjustable front seats, wireless charging and a hands-free park assist; sounds more than enough right?

And lastly, what sealed the deal in favour of Toyota was the peace of mind associated with the brand. It's more reliable, far cheaper to maintain, will probably outlast 2 other generations of the E-Class, is supremely comfortable and refined, has sufficient features, is well built, and is extremely efficient which is a must in these days of in-form petrol prices regularly hitting a century.

So I guess doing an MBA has its perks. Plus, it makes us use our head more than the heart, which is never a bad thing, eh?

Here's what BHPian Axe77 had to say on the matter:

So many thoughts in my mind when I read this. Let me start with the cars first.

Given how young he is and the general shift to EVs and hybrids, I would actually suggest towards the used E class to enjoy the best of ICE while he can. It will just feel more special in every way, both to drive, to be driven in and sitting inside the E will bring that sense of occasion that the Camry cannot go toe to toe with. I am assuming since he’s comfortably plonking 45 - 50 on a car, the annual cost of a luxury barge is something he can afford. You haven’t mentioned categorically whether he will mostly be self of chauffeur driven. If he is going to self drive a lot, I would also recommend considering the 530i or even the petrol 6GT if that shape works for him (both used). They will feel more special to drive than the E class. But as an overall luxury sedan, it's the E class all the way.

On an unrelated note, (and please forgive a middle aged man for perhaps philosophising) he seems very young. My only other advice is that this is the time to heavily invest surplus cash and let it enjoy the power of compounding over the next few decades. Depreciating assets may give you the feeling of being rich and some of the more fickle joys that money brings. Being wealthy is when you have the financial freedom to what you want with your time. He is clearly buying into a super luxury product where a Rs 20 lakh Creta / Honda City could perhaps also do the job. Life is fickle and throws many curve balls as you grow older. True wealth comes from being able to have the freedom of time, to do what you want to do without the shackles of your employ.

Here's what GTO had to say on the matter:

Agreed with the choice. Both are a lot of car for anybody's first buy and if the person isn't a 'car guy', he will perhaps enjoy the Camry more. As we've often said before, the current-gen Camry is a Lexus with a T badge. It is very luxurious, comfortable, refined & also (surprisingly) a little fun to drive. A used E-Class would only make sense for the badge and if the person was looking for finer detailing & build. But the Camry wins for him, no doubt. For myself, I'd pick the pre-worshipped Benz.

Just hope he's not stretching himself too thin on the expenditure. While I wish him all the success, again, both of these are a lot of car as the first purchase.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.