I'm sure you've all seen a thread like this 100 times but....

I may be in the market for a sedan. It would have to be older to fit in a quite meager budget +/- $7000 and I'd like something somewhat out of the ordinary, if not reliable. Some thoughts:

Mid 80's big Mercedes like the 420 or 560 sedans. can you talk me out of these?......certainly a front runner (if only in my head)

Early to mid 90s Lexus' (Lexii?) ES and LS

Mid to late 90s Audi A4 - pretty good looking little rides

Of course I'd consider your Hondas and Toyotas (and would probably be smart to buy one) I'd just like to have something that is different.

I'm a little handcuffed in selection because I nearly refuse to buy from a stealership. But I do have time and the intense desire to not be screwed on the deal.

What kind of magic can the MB shop braintrust work for me?

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Pxland

2001 Honda Accord

1995 Jeep Cherokee

1973 MB 280SEL 4.5

In no particular order, a 126 S420, a 94-97 Q45, maybe an early 90's Lexus GS or a 2000 Mercury Grand Marquis

I'd go for a nice E-Class with V8 power. Yes, the W126 and the W140 are nice cars, but for that money you could get a very very nice example of an E420 or 400E.

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-Justin

91 560 SEC AMG - other dogs dd
01 Honda S2000 - dogs dd
07 MB ML320 CDI - dd
16 Lexus IS250 - wifes dd

it's automatic.

That's the kind of advice I need! Keep it coming.

The problem I'm seeing is a lack of E class cars in the western US...I'll keep looking though.

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Pxland

2001 Honda Accord

1995 Jeep Cherokee

1973 MB 280SEL 4.5

How is the back seat room in these smaller sedans? I'm gonna need to stick a carseat in there, and maybe other people. Is that doable?

Edit: Just saw this one...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=4625838804&fromMakeTrack=true

It's kinda close to me. This is a w140 Is that correct? and the 420 is a 126? Help me out

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Pxland

2001 Honda Accord

1995 Jeep Cherokee

1973 MB 280SEL 4.5

The car in the link is a W126. The W140 started in the '92 model year. I also like the idea of a E420/400E, the W124 is a great platform, and the M119 V8 is a fantastic engine.

yeah, that v8 124 is a sweet ride

I own a W124, I'm 5'11" and am comfortable in the back seat for an hour or so. After that it is confining. Looking at W126, I think I could ride in the back seat for a half-day. Fortunately, I do most of the driving and kids do most of the back-seat sitting.

If I had your interest I think I'd go for a #W124 with a V-8. They are simpler and at that price you can get a pretty good W124, I know I did. I bought my '95 E320 for about $7K including TTL. Bought it with 108K miles and have put 20K on the clock with only a tire replacement and a rear window motor (aside from routine oil changes and light bulbs, etc). My car is no rocket sled but it is comfortable and a dependable daily driver.

If I had $10-15K and just had to have a sedan, that's when I'd look for grandma's W126. I have seen one that goes to my wife's church. The owners bought in new in '83 and take it twice year to the dealership for maintenance. Has 90K miles. Diesel. They said the mechanic at the dealership has offered to buy it if they ever want to sell.

B

I am just about 5'10" and I was able to ride in the back for about a 6 hours drive. The only think about the back seats is that if you have a larger person in there, it may be a little hard for them to get out.


There are quite a few 400E/E420's for sale in my area. I'll take a look around and see what happens.


ON a side note, I saw the first 500E in my area the other day. It was on the freeway, and had been debadged, but from the looks, it had the flares, the bumper, as well as that nice lookin back seat...

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-Justin

91 560 SEC AMG - other dogs dd
01 Honda S2000 - dogs dd
07 MB ML320 CDI - dd
16 Lexus IS250 - wifes dd

it's automatic.

Got a carseat in the back of mine, you can fit two 'fit' adults in there as well. Tight, but there's enough room.

Only thing I find about the W124s is that the knee bolsters tend to get in the way for me (6'1"). I can push the seat back farther, but then the dash/wheel seem to be too far. I usually fiddle with the controls until I get a comfortable middle ground.

Which is usually the precise moment that my significant other erases the memory setting.

I'd second a V8 sedan (W124 or 210). My next Benz will probably be a late '90s E420/430. My tech has one for sale, took it for a spin. Fun car. Feels a bit heavier than my 300E, but has a lot more power.

Good luck!

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Chris
2007 E550 4Matic - 61,000 Km - Iridium Silver, black leather, Sport package, Premium 2 package
2007 GL450 4Matic - 62,000 Km - Obsidian Black Metallic, black leather, all options
1998 E430 - sold
1989 300E - 333,000 Km - sold
1977 280E - sold
1971 250 - retired

"And a frign hat. They gave me a hat at the annual benefits meeting. I said. how does this benefit me. I dont have anything from the company.. So they gave me a hat." - TheDon

The first generation Toyota Avalon and second generation Acura Legend are less common than Camrys and Accords. The fourth generation Maxima makes a good family car too.

Having lived with a 91 300SE at sea level, I'd strongly recommend a 420 or 560SEL at altitude.

Sixto

I got an E class and had two car seats in the back with my wife in between them last night.

Tie a couple chickens to the roof and we can head for the border.

Tee hee. It was chaos--she was giving #2 a bottle to get her to sleep before we got to a sitters house then off to a late party. I had her pashimina, purse and other party essentials in the front seat. Wife drove home at 1 am with all three passengers asleep

btw, if you only paid @ $7K for your car, it is the best looking $7K car I have ever seen!

Thanks, I felt pretty good abou it. If I can get my avaricious paws on that 300SD I described above I may let you keep your car after all.

B