Pricing and thoughts on '94 E320?

[PC Dave]

I just gave some advice to a friend, and I'd welcome anybody's thoughts on it. She's in the middle of a divorce, not a car person, not certain of her cash position going forward. The lease on her Audi A4 wagon is up in a couple of months, and she's asked me for advice on a replacement. She likes German cars, but her big points were that it had to be relatively inexpensive and have a warranty - i.e. she's afraid of unexpected, potentially large expenses. I initially suggested looking at leasing a VW - Rabbit, Jetta, Passat, based on how much she wanted to spend. I think they're decent cars, they "feel" German, and you can usually get good lease deals on them.

She called last night saying that a friend of the family died and left a '94 E320with 42k miles, California car, pristine and perfectly maintained. She originally said they wanted $6k for it, now they're saying that was a mistake, the actual price is $10k. I haven't shopped these for a while, but it seemed to me that $6k was an excellent deal, $10k is fully priced and more. I'm aware of the gasket leak and wire harness issues, are there any other endemic problems with these cars? I'm concerned that while she would be getting a great car, it's not the right choice for someone who doesn't work on their own car, isn't that familiar with cars, and is concerned about unexpected repair bills. I think they're very durable and well made, but little things do pop up, and at 12-13 years old age-related issues are likely to start rearing their head. I'd send her to Enrique at MR MB Motors in LA, which would at least obviate the "ruthless mechanic screwing over unknowing woman" issue, but I still don't think it's the right car for her in her situation. Anybody agree or disagree?

[suginami]

I'm with you. A 12 - 13 year old car is going to have issues. Period.

Plus, age is just as hard on a car as miles.

Also, $6K is full retail value on a car like this, even with the miles. $10K is a pipe dream.

[A. Rosich]

Just my personal opinion: Taking into account all of your friend's issues, I would recommend her a Volvo station wagon.

Being a wagon lover for many years, I do really like Volvo wagons. They are safe, solid as a tank, and most importantly, very reliable. Price wise she would be able to find a recent model year Volvo for the same price of a 10 year old Merc.

Volvos somehow have a little German flavor built quality (being European) and they feel a little better than a Volkswagen or any Japanese equivalent.

I know, I know, there image is not so great, but recently they have leap years ahead in some issues like exterior design. A V40 or a V70 should do the trick. Anyway, I have never riden more comfortable front seats than a Volvo's (even compared to my S 500's).

[suginami]

Yes, the Volvo's are great.

My wife drives a 2000 S70 sedan, which is the last year of that body style. This sedan started out in the early 90's as an 850, and was facelifted and got an interior upgrade in 1998, and the badge was changed to S70, the wagons changed to V70.

I would highly recommend any of the 1998 and newer S70 / V70 and 2001 - present V70 wagons. We haven't had one problem to speak of with our car, which has about 85,000 miles on the clock.