Why Are Used Vianos So Cheap?
4 Answers
1.Discontinued or Out of Production: The Viano model has been completely discontinued or out of production, so there is no reference price for new vehicles; 2.Longer Usage Years: The used Viano models available are only those produced before the discontinuation, which means they have been used for a longer period, at least 5 years or more; 3.Price: The new Mercedes-Benz Vito, a similar model to the Viano, has a relatively lower price, which serves as a reference for the used car market, naturally making the used Viano cheaper. More related information is as follows: 1.Introduction: The Viano, an MPV business model from Fujian Benz, has not achieved high sales since its launch, according to sales data from Fujian Benz. Positioned as a high-end business vehicle with a relatively high price, the Viano's sales further declined, even described as dismal, with Fujian Benz's annual sales in 2013 being only 12,000 units. 2.Models: The Viano model versions ranged from the 2010 edition to the 2015 edition, meaning five different versions were updated over five years before being discontinued. It was also observed that the prices of these five versions gradually increased, with a 31% rise from the 2010 to the 2015 models.
I've driven a used Viano for many years, and I think the biggest reason it's cheap is that the new car is too expensive. When it first came out, the price was shockingly high, and its value drops significantly after a few years of use. Plus, as an MPV design, it's very practical with its spacious interior, but the fuel consumption is no joke—it's manageable on the highway, but in city traffic with constant stops and starts, the fuel costs really hurt. Maintenance is also a headache; being a Mercedes-Benz brand, parts are hard to find and expensive. For my 2010 model, even a small part replacement could cost hundreds or thousands. Also, nowadays, everyone prefers trendier SUVs, so this kind of business MPV isn't as popular, leading to lower demand and sellers lowering prices to sell quickly. If the car is older, it might have more minor issues, so you need to inspect it carefully when buying used. But it's genuinely great for carrying people and cargo, and if you're on a tight budget but want a lot of space, it's a pretty good deal. In short, it's cheap to buy but be prepared for higher maintenance costs down the line.
As a long-time owner, I believe the affordability of used Vianos stems from several factors. The original new car price was already steep, leading to rapid depreciation upon resale. High maintenance costs are a major factor—Mercedes parts are generally expensive and hard to come by, and specialized repair shops charge premium rates. For instance, I once dealt with a transmission failure, and the repair easily cost over a thousand bucks. Fuel consumption is another drawback; MPV models guzzle gas, resulting in significantly higher fuel expenses compared to regular sedans. The market is fiercely competitive, with SUVs stealing the spotlight, reducing demand for older MPV models like the Viano. Excess inventory naturally drives prices down. Additionally, aging vehicles suffer from declining reliability, making buyers wary of repair risks. Hence, sellers often lower prices for a quick sale. But if you find one in good condition, it can still be a great value as a family car.
For young people like me choosing a used car, the Viano is cheap mainly due to its low market popularity. Its appearance isn't stylish enough, with a somewhat business-like feel, not as eye-catching as new SUVs; it has high fuel consumption, making city driving costly, and maintenance is expensive. The rapid price drop is because luxury brands have high new car prices, significant depreciation, and factors like rising fuel costs lowering its second-hand value. Young people tend to prefer fuel-efficient and economical models, such as hybrids or small SUVs. The Viano's spaciousness is an advantage, but maintenance costs add significantly to long-term expenses. From my perspective, buying it used is cost-effective but not cool.
