There's an 05 E320 CDI w/39K miles on it for about $13K @ a dealer in Little Rock, Arkansas.

It can be found on AutoTrader dot com. It's White over black interior IIRC.

These cars get 40 or better mpg on the HWY, so it's pretty cheap to drive 'em home.

Pre-Purchase checklist
 

Without looking at the whole thread, is there a comprehensive pre-purchase checklist made up yet? I know there are the big ones: black death, SBC brake system, springs etc. I would like to see a "bullet point" type list that I can print up and have with me to check off as I inspect a car. Also, it seems pretty easy to check the condition of the injector seals by just removing the plastic cover, but how about the other items? I don't think a seller would mind if I removed the cover to inspect the injectors, but jacking up the car and removing wheels in his driveway might be too much to ask for. Most places that I will find cars available, are several hours away, and I would have no place to take a car for inspection. I know I could probably set up something in advance with a local independent repair facility if I am seriously considering a certain car. However, I am mainly interested in inspecting it with my own eyes, and am willing to learn what to look for. I am looking forward to joining the CDI Club, but also need to exercise patience so I get the best car for my money. Thanks, Rich

Why so much less than others?
 

I saw this, and it is much less than others I have seen
https://neworleans.craigslist.org/ctd/5946471328.html
Is it the mileage?

2007 MERCEDES E320 CDI 4DR DIESEL - $5950 (428 VETERANS BLVD METAIRIE LA)

2007 MERCEDES

fuel: diesel
title status: clean
transmission: automatic

more ads by this user
AUTO AC ALL POWER LEATHER SUNROOF NAVIGATION BOES RADIO SUPER CLEAN RUNS AND DRIVES GREAT HAS GREAT SERVICE RECORDS AT MERCEDES DEALER CLEAN CARFAX 2 OWNERS NO ACCIDENTS 178510 MILES ON IT NO TEXING CALL CHARLIE 504 427 5931

Cheap, but has a trans problem
 

This one in NC has a trans problem. The guy changed the fluid, and the problem started. He will probably take 4K for it.
2006 Mercedes Benz 3.2i turbo diesel,needs transmission repair otherwise car is in great shape inside and out. has 174k miles, and best mpg in its class,asking $ 4.500 or B/O, 704-615-8465

Is there anyone near Monroe NC that can look at it for me?

I haven't seen a check list for this specific model. It shouldn't take too long to do a quick review of the thread and jot down one. Looks like you know about the important issues.

Did the W211 have the 722.9 transmission? If so that transmission will be toast if anything other than the special, extracted from unicorn poo, MB proprietary fluid is used.

I saw an eBay listing for a W212 E350 Bluetec, where the seller was a third party car lot, they had a statement that said "every car gets an oil and filter change before we sell it". I cringed, since I am quite certain they did not use the 229.51 oil and fleece filter as called for in the MB guidelines.

I am not sure what trans is in an '05, but the guy said he used the correct fluid called for.

722.6 but it has a different self learning controller which may need to be reset

The 2007 is a V6. Priced right, given the miles, for what you're looking for.

I guess the value/price really goes down fast as the miles go up. That is the least expensive '07 I have seen.

If this car has truly been serviced regularly it will have lots of life left even at 180k.

If you decide to pursue this, and the records reflect that the oil cooler seals have been done, it would be a good deal.

It's a third party car lot, so you should be able to negotiate down to the low 5s paying cash, or have them include free shipping to CA for the advertised price. Or get a cheap ticket to MSY and drive it back yourself.

Thanks, but I would be afraid of buying a car without seeing it with my own eyes, or at least having someone that knows what to look for (and I trust), inspect it before I haggle for the best deal. If this car was any color but silver or black, I would probably pursue it vigorously. Being bright silver, I will pass.

ROLLGUY,

jay_bob is right in his last post. But as you said, I would not buy sight unseen either. Could be a helluva good 07!

Since miles don't bother you, I would search by price first. I'm adverse to the sellers on CL, so, I would enter your search parameters on AutoTrader.com & cars.com. You'll receive instant email alerts when a CDI meets your criteria.

Regards miles, higher mileage cars freak out many sellers, and they list them below KBB or NADA book published pricing, because their audience of buyers is limited. That's where you can make buys.

I set my maximum mileage @ 45K, so, I'm hardly ever getting alerts. My scope is National. I don't want to miss something.

Wow, this thread is all over the place.

Bought 2005 CDI from a *cough* forum member in late 2013 for ~$13k with 120k miles. At about 150K now.

Had several frustrating issues upon delivery to Maryland (drive from the middle of the country). Had asked about all of these before purchase, and here they were in my driveway. Assume these can be considered typical failure items:
1. Thermostat stuck open,
2. Lower ball joints creaking, but most other suspension points greased via grease needle to try to cover that...,
3. One non-functional power door lock,
4. EGR malfunctioned twice on the drive to Maryland, went into limp home.

The surprise [undisclosed], but still normal failure items:
1. Blower motor noisy in cold weather,
2. Air bag light stuck on due to failure of seat weight sensor

Since then, mostly a trouble-free ownership. Following MB's recommended service plus ~30k Tranny flushes. So have done water pump, pulleys, etc. now. Changed out most of the low pressure diesel lines as they were starting to crack.

Only unexpected failures have been:
1. 1 dead glow plug in winter of 2015,
2. Clunking I can't track down during some turns. Replaced upper ball joints, sway bar end links, and a thrust arm that looked worn.,
3. Occasional surged, particularly at low speeds. UK boards seem to attribute this to the transmission. Mine correlates with external temperatures, and I have a flush coming up...so we shall see.

Overall a good, roomy, comfortable, economical car, with a good bit of power.

Probably should bypass the EGR, but that keeps falling off my list.