The lady who drove a Mercedes to pick up food vouchers.

[Fidel_Castronaut]

A 2003 Merc Kompressor can be picked up for less than £3k depending on mileage.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/search/used/...rt/default

Just because it's a Merc doesn't mean it's automatically a 'luxury' car and hence juxtaposed against someone who is destitute and in need of assistance.

Over here many poorer people drive older mercs. Cars that last are a good investment.

Yup, you're right. It's a false economy to swap a car you've had for x amount of years (and thus probably owe nothing on) for one that will net you some money from the sale of the previous car but a load of problems when it comes to its MOT or service.