I am leaning heavily towards the 97 E420 for all around value and utility. I will also seriously consider the 97 E320 since its engine/transmission etc. are similar or identical to the W124’s, and I won’t have to learn a whole new system.

Benz 300, I wouldn’t say the 260E is underpowered for day to day driving. My only issue, which I am addressing in another thread, is a one to two second lag in acceleration. Other than that, it is a nimble, fast-enough car.

Also, to address Margey’s comments, it is pretty fuel efficient, giving me 440 highway miles per thankful (without using the reserve) which comes to about 29/30 mpg – same as a 4-cyl Toyota Camry I drove for a few months.

Margey, we are indeed lucky to have such “cheap” fuel (though at $2.50+ per gallon, many would dispute its cheapness) and equally cheap cars. I am curious; have fuel prices in Ireland increased much in the past two or three years?

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2008 E350 4matic / Black/Anthracite

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Gone but not Forgotten:
2001 E430 4matic, 206,xxx miles, Black/Charcoal
1995 E320, 252,xxx miles, Black/Grey
1989 260E, 223,00 miles, Black/Black