Quote:
Originally Posted by centroid1
I did a little bit of maintenance when I had the 240D. I'm not sure I have the time to this time.
I see that the 2009 E350 are in the $24k range. So maybe that's not a good example. So what is ?
|
Well, the build quality and quality control is unfortunately NOT so great on the e class Mercedes Benzes from model year 2000-2009 compared to earlier and later E class cars for 2009 and up, but 2010 to date are pretty good cars.
If you get one, best to go to a Mercedes Benz dealer and get a Certified Pre Owned one. It costsd more but it will have been cherry picked, well serviced and warranted, all services up to date, so you could buy with confidence. if you do this be sure and ask for the actual work order to see what was done to the car, the Mercedes Benz VMI, (vehicle master inquiry) if you can get one, it shows all dealer history with the car, and helps you avoid one that had problems under warranty.
A CARFAX and/or Autocheck would be mandatory;
Leased units tend to obviously have usually only the basic required services done as the people that lease them aren't fanatic about caring for a car they most likely won't keep at lease's end; and why should they?
A pretty good bet on the LOW end of your budget would be a really nice w124 E class from 1986 to 1995, as these beauties are the very last of the iconic Bruno Sacco styled cars, build to a cost no object standard of build quality control.
Look for a good well kept unit, preferably no more than 3 to 4 owner, with books and records.
For 1993-1995 ones make sure the wiring harness is NOT the biodegradable one, and the AC blows icy cold.
They great cars, I LOVE my Red Plum, my last year of the w124, the top of the line E420 with a lively and peppy V8, it is well balanced, reliable and quite fast. Mine's jazzed up a bit with a Remus exhaust, AMG 17" monoblocks, a Lorinser spoiler, a factory skid plate and a warning triangle. Sadly I may have to sell it in the fall as I have too many cars; but I honestly ought to keep it though, I think. It is such a pleasure to enjoy, maintain and drive.
With good care, they can last almost forever, parts easily available, safe, reliable, and engineered to be mechanic friendly.