Best used in $10K to $16K price range?
 

I'm getting to know the ins and outs of the used Mercedes line up and I'd like to solicit the opinion of you MB experts on what the best used models (performance, reliability, maintenance cost, features, fun) are in the $10K to $16K price range. Any advice you can provide would be much appreciated.

Thank you,

Will

86-1993 300E
94-95 E320
92-95 400E/e420.

All can be had for very good prices in that range, but it depends on which year you get. newer ones cost more.

All are very good cars.

Even the W126 560SEL/SEC, 420SEL, 300SE, and 300SEL are also great cars. Maintenance is the key to a good car, any car, from any manufaturer. LAck of maintenance is the biggest killer of a perfectly good car.

Diesels are also very well priced, and last for a long time.

Others will have their opinions, but if you are looking for a great used benz, you can't go wrong with a w124 chassis. Just make sure it has full service records, because that means the car was maintained properly.

Alon

I'm interested in selling my E320 if you are nearby enough to want to take a look. It is currently getting a new headgasket - should be finished in a couple weeks. Email me if interested.
Jim

that one - better power, fuel economy not bad and no head gasket problems...

I would add to the list:

1. 93 300E - same engine as 94-95 E320, MB just didn't change the name.

2. C220 / C230 / C280 - really starting to come down in price, especially the earlier ones (94-95's). It may be hard to find a nice C280 for under $16,000, unless it has really high mileage.