Hello forum, I am about to buy an annual car or day registration of the compact class. I have the following consideration: Option 1: Example calculation: car approx. 17000 Euro, 1 year, 10000km on it. I should be able to drive for about 10 years (15000km/a) and have maintenance costs of X. After 10 years the car is probably still 2-3k value. Makes under the balance expenditures of approx. 17k – 3k = 14k + repairs/maintenance etc. for 10 years Option 2: However, now also the ghost in my Instead, head around to get me a used car of a slightly higher category. So e.g. Mercedes A class, Volvo or Audi A3 These are also rather compact class but from the price already higher and felt something more valuable. Besides, I like the three very well. Supposed for 15K you get a well equipped Mercedes with 3-4 years and 50-60k kilometers. Drives this then 5 years instead of 10 and then sells it again for say 5-6k -> 15K – 6K = 9000 Euro plus repairs/maintenance The difference is that you have two weights for option 2 over 10 years (may be before or at a disadvantage) and just drive used cars instead of almost new ones. In addition, possibly higher workshop costs are coming to you? Are my thoughts so far right? I know that a car always means loss and doesn’t want to compare it exactly to the euro…but so Pi I want to see what a similar investment can be made. How are the maintenance costs/workshop prices of Mercedes and Auto compared to Ford/Opel etc? Thank you