Based on this forum, I have decided on a 94-95 E-Class in black. I have found an E-320, 65000 miles, with all books and records and a recent head gasket. Price is $12500. Car is very clean. Should I jump or negotiate? What price would be considered a good deal for this car? Any opinion appreciated, thanks-CJ.

I would go for it! I will try to lower the price but, realistically, you are NOT going to find too many cars in that condition for less price. I would still have an inspection for peace of mind. YOu can do a search in the internet with bluebook.com, autotrader.com but the prices there are averages only. The condition and records of the car will alter the price tremendously. This is specially true for MB's.
Good luck!

__________________
J.H.
'86 300E

Probably not the aspect you're looking for, but my 560SL is the first black car I've purchased. My parents had a black car when I was in high school and I had forgotten why I didn't want a black car for years. I literally have to wash my SL every week (or two if I let it get scruffy looking).

Don't get me wrong, I love my SL, but I hate washing it all of the time. I don't know what colors were available in '94-'95, but even Black Pearl hides dirt a lot better than pure Black.

Just a thought.

__________________
Mike Heath
1988 560SL Black/Palomino
1988 300SEL Black Pearl/Burgandy
1984 500SEC Anthracite Grey/Palomino

I would buy it.

Certainly try and negotiate because it wouldn't hurt. You have nothing to lose.

The full price is certainly a fair price anyway. You will likely never find another E320 with that low mileage and a new head gasket.

The head gasket repair alone is about a $1,500 job.

__________________
Paul S.

2001 E430, Bourdeaux Red, Oyster interior.
79,200 miles.

1973 280SE 4.5, 170,000 miles. 568 Signal Red, Black MB Tex. "The Red Baron".

When looking for my E I searched for nearl 3 months, but the car I bought was the first one with complete records, well cared for and in great condition. I paid a premium for it but haven't had any problems with it at all.

If you've found similar jump at the chance to get it, you won't regret it.

Definitely take others advice and get the car checked by a good MB Mechanic before purchasing. Should cost $250 but worth the peace of mind. If problems are found you can use it to bring down the price.

Good luck and if purchased we expect details!

__________________
Afshin

Current:
02 C32 AMG

Previous:
92 500E
84 190E 2.3 5 Spd

I bought the car this weekend. I ran a carfax report and that came back good. The records show wiring harness and head gasket were replaced. The service book records ended at 22500, but there were additional paper records of major services done. There were a couple of gaps where the owner said he couldn't find the paperwork. The car is is hard to tell from brand new on the interior, couldn't even find a scuff in the leather. The exterior has one small door ding which was there when I inspected it and now has a scuff on the left rear bumper and trim thanks to a careless parallel parking job on a city street. (This happened 30 minutes after I bought the car while I was eating lunch). The car runs very strong, no leaks no vibrations and is extremely quiet. Sunroof operation is slow and I am worried that it may stop working. Winter package and premium stereo were included. original window sticker said $46,500 new. I bought the car from the second owner who seemed a little less diligent in his record keeping. Original owner changed the oil 4 times in 14000 miles so I feel that the car was probably broken in well. I took a gamble and did not get a ppi, I hope my gut feeling holds true. I plan on taking this car to a dealer and having the next maintenece service done asap. Final price was $11,000 negotiated down due to some missing service records and slow working sunroof. Any shop recomendations (dealer or otherwise) in the Chicago area? Thanks-CJ

Good job. Sounds like a great buy.

On the sunroof, I'm pretty sure all you need is to lubricate the tracks that the sunroof glides on.

The tracks get dry and the sunroof will almost get stuck or not move at all.

If you get the service done, point it out.

Believe me, it happened to me once, and after lubrication, it moved like normal.

__________________
Paul S.

2001 E430, Bourdeaux Red, Oyster interior.
79,200 miles.

1973 280SE 4.5, 170,000 miles. 568 Signal Red, Black MB Tex. "The Red Baron".