Am I nuts buying a 2000-2002 E320 with over 100K on the odometer. - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

djart · #1 06-16-2009, 05:06 PM

I recently wrecked my 2002 Subaru WRX with 120k with my six month old son in the car.

I was not paying attention in stop and go traffic hit pickup truck and snapped the less than 48hour old timing belt I just spent $850 installing at the dealer. The body damage and the snapped timing belt totaled the car! I now have about $7000 to spend!

I do all my own maintenance on my car. I have done Brakes and installed new Air conditioner compressor on the Subaru! With exception the timing belt I thought I should let someone with insurance do that and I thought the receipt from the dealer installed belt would help with resale!

I have a little Benz experience with my Grandfathers mint 87 grey 420SEL. Did trany oil filter change yes both converter and transmission, checked chain guilds, basic oil change ect.

I love the build quality and want a car I can have for at least 4 to 5 years. The user groups are as nutz about the Banz cars as the Subaru people are with theirs! I feel with the user groups i should be able to handle most repairs.

My questions are.

1. Can I expect another 100,000 miles out of the car with out major failure? I count major failure as a repair costing over $1000.
2. Can a better than average DYI person handle most Benz issues?
4. Has anyone regretted a after 100K purchase of a 2000 to 2002 E Class?

Many thanks

Arthur