10 Best Used Mercedes-Benz Cars Under $20,000

For many, though, the road to Mercedes-Benz ownership needs to start at a much lower price. As walking into a main dealer and picking out a top trim, a brand-new EV such as the class leading Mercedes-Benz EQS450 simply isn’t financially viable. But all is not lost, as plenty of Germanic flair can be bought on a budget.

Thanks in part to the hefty depreciation and the passing of time, there are plenty of tempting used Mercedes-Benz models out there. And by scouring the ads for something exciting or different, these appear to be the 10 best Mercedes-Benz models under $20,000 on the used car market right now.

10 The 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG

Looking like it was honed from a block of pure aggression, the SL55 AMG R230 is a one-mean machine. Sleek, purposely styled and now poised as a superb used car bargain. As, for not a lot of cash, a gearhead gets a whole fistful of horsepower and a raw Germanic attitude.

Relying on a 5.5-liter supercharged V8, the SL55 AMG has 508 hp on tap. This equates to a 0-60 mph dash in just 4.5 seconds, and an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph. Throw in the cool folding metal roof and the SL55 AMG is just one awesome modern classic.

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9 The 1984 Mercedes-Benz 380 SL

For those gearheads who put style and sophisticated appeal ahead of speed, then the Mercedes-Benz 380 SL is the perfect car for them. A classy way to travel, the Mercedes-Benz 380 SL roadster will cruise along any street and draw a huge amount of admiration.

While not the fastest horse in the Mercedes-Benz stable, the 215 hp 3.8-liter V8 under the hood still manages to get the gorgeous roadster to 60 mph in 8 seconds. Effortless, comfortable progress was the order of the day, and the 380 SL had that job covered hands down.

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8 The 2006 Mercedes-Benz R500

One of the best kept used car secrets on the market, the Mercedes-Benz R500 is a plush people carrier that provides plenty of bang for your buck. Not only is it sumptuously appointed with a gorgeous leather interior, but it comes with one of the manufacturer’s finest engines ever.

Sporting a 5.0-liter V8 for power, the R500 gets a generous output of 302 hp, which is few through to all four wheels. This equates to a rather rapid 0-60 mph time of 6.5 seconds. Why fork out for a high-performance SUV when a Mercedes-Benz R500 is a smarter option?!

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7 The 1984 Mercedes-Benz 240D

One of the most reliable, and robust vehicles to have ever rolled off the Mercedes-Benz production line. The venerable Mercedes-Benz W123 is legendary for being almost unbreakable. Often put to work as taxis before then being sent to Africa, this is one sturdy workhorse.

The 240D will never be an exciting car to drive, but it will last. Ideal for those planning to outlive a zombie outbreak or the apocalypse, the 75 hp engine will keep on ticking while the body and mechanical bits take a kick. A car that was built to last, many a 240D soldiers on devoid of issues.

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6 The 2006 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG

For gearheads seeking top-shelf performance, an exquisite and opulent interior, plus the ability to destroy continents on a budget, then there is only one answer. Seek out a Mercedes-Benz S Class W221, then ensure that it has been upgraded by the motoring maestros at AMG.

A leather lined ground based missile, the S65 AMG is one of the fastest and most luxurious ways to cover ground. Its 6.0-liter V12 Bi-turbo engine pumps out 604 hp, launching the executive express to 60 mph in just 4.2 seconds. It will eat most muscle cars for its breakfast.

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5 The 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK 350

A compact luxury oriented SUV with genuine off-roading abilities, the Mercedes-Benz GLK 350 makes for an excellent used purchase. The overtly boxy styling sets it apart from many modern SUVs, and it’s all the better for it. Cutting quite the dash in traffic and catching the eye.

Relying on a sweet 3.5-liter V6 for power, the GLK 350 flexes its generous 268 hp to sprint to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds. That provides ample thrust for everyday motoring, and plenty of prowess for when things get a little muddy. The GLK 350 makes for a very practical daily driver.

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4 The 1983 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3-16

Hugely popular back in the day, the Mercedes-Benz 190E drew plenty of buyers and gained a legion of loyal Mercedes-Benz brand fans. Affordable, reliable and brilliant to drive. The impressive Mercedes-Benz 190E put rivals to shame by offering simply fantastic build quality.

Ideal for a gearhead looking for that 1980s retro feel, the 190E 2.3 8-valve makes a modest 113 hp. What it lacks in power, though, it can easily make up for in presence. A great base for a project, the 190E can be transformed into a brilliant restomod with loads of attitude.

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3 The 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA 45 AMG

Seductively styled, the coupe-like sports sedan makes for a practical performance car. Boasting a 355 hp 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, the CLA 45 can charge to 60 mph in an eye-watering 4.5 seconds. In-gear, acceleration is simply rocket-like and simply grin inducing.

Proving more than enough get-up-and-go for even the most hardened gearhead, the CLA 45 AMG is a very involving machine to pilot. On a favorite section of the road it communicates wonderfully, thrills with ease and just begs for its drivers to fully explore its upper handling limits.

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2 The 1980 Mercedes-Benz 450 SEL

If classic limousines are your thing, then there’s no finer way to travel than the rather expansive Mercedes-Benz 450 SEL. Boasting hydro-pneumatic self-leveling suspension and a 6.8-liter V8 engine, the 450 SEL could effortlessly float along costing its occupants in luxury.

With an equipment list that provided ultimate bragging rights, the 450 SEL came fully loaded and set a benchmark for its segment. Today, the 450 SEL makes for a quirky classic, and is a car that can impress with its wonderfully supple ride and quiet, spacious interior.

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1 The 2010 Mercedes-Benz CL550

Putting just about everything they did well in one place, Mercedes knocked it out of the park with the third generation CL-Class. Its styling was gorgeous, yet muscular. The interior is as comfortable as any limousine, and packed with equipment. Plus, it was great to drive.

Under the hood of the CL550 sits a 5.5-liter V8, making a modest 382hp and 391 lb/ft of torque. When required, this elegant coupe can sprint a path to 60 mph in as little as 5.1 seconds. One of the greatest grand tourers ever released, it’s also an involving car to drive.

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