Mileage? Doesn't matter!: With these used cars, mileage doesn't matter

What does an experienced automotive mechatronics technician, perhaps even a master craftsman, actually drive privately? Just ask! You'll almost always get an answer that ends with "it lasts forever." Of course, the solution to this puzzle always depends on the specific case. However, there is another overlap that applies to 90 percent of all private cars used by mechanics: With all the work in the workshop, your everyday car usually gets very little love – so it has to be tough and durable. Today we're looking at three such candidates. These are cars that aren't bought for their trunk space, quirky colors, or the latest infotainment features, but simply for their mechanical quality. There are no attractive leasing offers or factored-in depreciation here either; those days are long gone.

After all, durability has its reasons. It's not the person who buys a new, short-lived, trendy car every three to five years who drives affordably, but rather the person who, even after many years and hundreds of thousands of kilometers, has no reason to change their vehicle. It's a matter of honor, of course, to want to enjoy a certain level of driving quality throughout all that time.

Our first professional car recommendation is the penultimate generation BMW 5 Series . It has several advantages. The most obvious is the rapid depreciation of once-expensive German luxury cars. After the first 100,000 kilometers are usually racked up by high-level employees in the company, second-hand cars are often also purchased by more affluent private buyers. But after that, at the very latest, their maintenance and image begin to crumble. What was once among the most desirable, most expensive (and, according to our ams tests), also the best new vehicles is losing its luster and glory at an alarming rate, simply because new generations are constantly being replaced from the top to ensure that company car fleets remain state-of-the-art.

Consequently, there's a wide selection of mostly lavishly equipped business BMWs on all car exchanges that cost less than a new subcompact. Anyone who views this with the attitude "new is always better" is seriously mistaken. Except in pristine condition, no new car in this price range stands a chance against the F10 5 Series. In the past, the common objection was that infotainment has made such great strides. In terms of usability, however, these have mostly been regressive steps recently, and anyone who wants to mirror their smartphone in their old car will be happy with retrofit solutions for a few hundred euros.

A diesel engine from mid-2013 onwards is essential for longevity. While gasoline engines have also been considered durable since then, diesels in particular remain remarkably trouble-free even in old age. Because many 5 Series enthusiasts think this way and drive a corresponding model, there are practically no unknown problems anymore that most workshops don't have a thorough understanding of. The three-liter six-cylinder engines in particular (530 d and up, and also the 525 d until 2011) are still a work of art in terms of refinement, sound, and power delivery.

Like any modern diesel car, the 5 Series isn't immune to problems with its emissions control system. However, these are thankfully rare when the car is driven long distances, and they can usually be repaired just as inexpensively as replacing wear parts. Speaking of which: High-quality replacement parts for the chassis and brake system are also available at low prices. Many laypeople are amazed at how affordable, for example, a set of brake discs is for an older German premium vehicle compared to simpler models from some imported brands.

Admittedly, in terms of durability, the difference between this C-Class and the E-Class of the same age (W212) is practically nonexistent – ​​the same applies to the aforementioned 5 Series and the corresponding 3 Series (F10). The reason lies simply in the largely identical engine platform of the mid-size and luxury models, and the same could be applied to the Audi A4 and A6. However, we'll choose the C-Class as an example because the more age-appropriate models tend to offer the most amazing bargains. Well-maintained cars with high mileage can be found for as little as €5,000.

Almost all of them have one thing in common: Under the hood is the 2.1-liter OM651 diesel engine. Mercedes installed the four-cylinder in almost all models between 2008 and 2018. Even giants like the S-Class and the ML were available with it, although the largest numbers are likely to be found in classic sedans and, above all, the Vito and Sprinter vans. The latter, as worn-out tools with age, don't get much attention. Yet it's not uncommon to find examples with seven-figure mileage.

Yes, seven-figure figures – a million kilometers and more. Despite very early problems with the fuel injectors supplied by Delphi (affected models were quickly recalled and converted), hardly any serious or even chronic weaknesses are known in this engine. Depending on the configuration, it produced anything from under 100 hp (in van models) to 204 hp in the 250 CDI, which was used in various model series (even in the SLK). The 220 and 250 CDIs use two turbochargers instead of one. While these aren't necessarily known for problems, they do increase the cost of any repairs if they do occur.

The angular C-Class's exterior is equally solid. The automatic transmissions (manuals are somewhat rarer) benefit from a flush every 60,000 to 100,000 kilometers, and the chassis components exhibit a certain degree of wear typical of the brand. The only problem is the rear axle support. A thick, dimensionally stable powder coating adheres to the pretzel-shaped steel structure. Several Mercedes series had the problem of moisture penetrating between the steel and the coating, sometimes severely weakening the former through rust, without any external evidence. When the MOT inspector then takes a screwdriver to poke around, there are unpleasant surprises. However, Mercedes still treats such disgrace graciously. In some cases, affected axle supports are replaced free of charge, regardless of the vehicle's age.

Overall, as in any case, the condition of the car is what counts. Experts often consider a proven, well-maintained long-distance car with over 300,000 kilometers on the clock to be a better buy than a dubious example with half the mileage. Also, keep in mind that with such mileage, many wear parts have already been replaced, which are still original in "newer" cars.

The third in the group is the Ssangyong Rexton. Since 2022, it's been called the KGM Rexton , which stands for KG Motors, named after the new owner of the Korean manufacturer. Admittedly, given that BMW and Mercedes are considered absolute mainstream models, it seems rather exotic, but there's a reason for that. With a 3.5-ton towing capacity and a ladder frame, it's not a trendy SUV bought for idle reasons, but a genuine workhorse, purchased almost exclusively as a new car by people who intend to use it for work.

The latter usually involves towing heavy trailers, such as those with horses, boats, or even other cars as cargo. This purpose is also often used by technically savvy used car buyers, who otherwise often opt for full-size SUVs from well-known premium manufacturers. While these are generally considered quite durable, they often feature more complex technology such as air suspension or sometimes difficult-to-access V6 engines. The Rexton is almost always powered by a four-cylinder diesel engine with a displacement of 2.2 liters and a cool torque of at least 400 Newton meters. The very common automatic transmission, manufactured under license, corresponds to the 7G-Tronic from Mercedes-Benz, one of the most robust transmissions available.

Sounds like a good recipe, right? Extra-robust technology that lasts a lifetime, paired with a rustic off-roader look. Although: The Rexton doesn't look that rustic in person. While its equally reliable predecessors were rather simple, especially in the interior, the Rexton really makes a statement, shining with high-quality materials and beautiful craftsmanship. Furthermore, Ssangyong/KGM has long been known for a high level of basic equipment, so many Rextons come with leather seats and all sorts of luxury features.

The only downside is that, due to its relatively new model year, true mileage kings are even rarer than among the frequent-driver cars from BMW and Mercedes. The cheapest examples start at around €10,000. That this is still remarkably affordable is demonstrated by the fact that average prices for comparably powerful mainstream SUVs are generally more than twice as high.