A friend of mine is looking at buying a 1996 E320 67K for $25,000 VS a 1999 E320 43K for $35,000.

What is the scoop on reliability, repairs between these two cars. I say go for the 1996.

What are your thoughts????

i would opt for the more current engine. i believe it's the older I6 in the '96 vs the V6 which is now used on all their platforms. nothing wrong with the I6 (check the head gasket) although i would think hard about the $9k difference...

__________________
joE
1993 300e-2.8 - gone now <sigh>
"Do not adjust your mind, it's reality that's malfunctioning"
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Assuming that both cars have been equally well cared for, consider this. The newer car is still covered by a MB warranty. He could buy it, take it to a dealer and have them go over it with a fine-toothed comb. Most repairs would be on MB. He should be glad that it is a '99 as opposed to a '00. they made a lot of changes in '00 and I think they took some quality out of the car.

If either car is coming from a dealer, why not ask them to Starmark it first?