Looking for a rust free wagon, what to get? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

New2MB · #1 11-16-2005, 11:13 AM

I am so impressed by my 300SDL that I've decided to get an MB wagon for the wife. She's currently driving a Blazer so this will be a big step up.

I would like to spend $6k to $8k.

There are two things I can't decide; gas or diesel and how old? Realistically, I won't be making any biodiesel so that isn't a factor. I figure with diesel prices so high and diesel at the pump being kind of hard to find she would be better off with a gas engine. I was thinking a mid 90's vintage would be good but I know very little about the various years and implications with each. Higher mpg good, speed is not a priority.

Let me know what you think, thanks!

boneheaddoctor · #2 11-16-2005, 11:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by New2MB

I am so impressed by my 300SDL that I've decided to get an MB wagon for the wife. She's currently driving a Blazer so this will be a big step up.

I would like to spend $6k to $8k.

There are two things I can't decide; gas or diesel and how old? Realistically, I won't be making any biodiesel so that isn't a factor. I figure with diesel prices so high and diesel at the pump being kind of hard to find she would be better off with a gas engine. I was thinking a mid 90's vintage would be good but I know very little about the various years and implications with each. Higher mpg good, speed is not a priority.

Let me know what you think, thanks!

Diesel prices rise in the winter and drop in the summer .......usually anyway. (in relation to the cost of Gasolene)

Pete Burton · #3 11-16-2005, 12:02 PM

Where are you located? If I was shopping for a MB wagon for my wife I would try to get a 4-matic, which unfortunately is only available in gas.

New2MB · #4 11-16-2005, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pete Burton

Where are you located? If I was shopping for a MB wagon for my wife I would try to get a 4-matic, which unfortunately is only available in gas.

I'm in Michigan.

Pete Burton · #5 11-16-2005, 01:08 PM

I lived in Warren for a year or so, don't think you need 4WD there. With all the salt they use there you'd think the big 3 (..or is it 2 now?) were subsidizing it. Plus, not much hills. If you're rural though, it might be nice. Gets cold enough, sure you take into account starting issues. Really, I'd look hardest at rust. You've heard about the spring perch failures, right?

New2MB · #6 11-16-2005, 01:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pete Burton

I lived in Warren for a year or so, don't think you need 4WD there. With all the salt they use there you'd think the big 3 (..or is it 2 now?) were subsidizing it. Plus, not much hills. If you're rural though, it might be nice. Gets cold enough, sure you take into account starting issues. Really, I'd look hardest at rust. You've heard about the spring perch failures, right?

4WD is nice but you really only use it a few days out of the year, the rest of the time you're paying for it in maintenance and mpg's. I was hoping to buy the car from a different location so it wouldn't be covered in rust until I drove it for a winter.

Hadn't heard about the spring perch failures, I'll take note of that when looking at wagons.

Pete Burton · #7 11-16-2005, 01:18 PM

search "spring perch" here and tech forum. You're wise looking outside the rust belt, especially if you plan to keep for long term. Good luck!

New2MB · #8 11-16-2005, 01:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pete Burton

search "spring perch" here and tech forum. You're wise looking outside the rust belt, especially if you plan to keep for long term. Good luck!

I drove to NYC from michigan twice (long story) to get my first MB. It was absolutely worth it and I feel justified in my long distance trip everytime I easily remove a rust free bolt while the poor PB has to just sit on the shelf.

andmoon · #9 11-16-2005, 01:32 PM

Rust free diesel wagons are hard to find and the good ones cost a lot more than gassers....I think for the $ saved in buying an equvalent condition gasser you could drive many thousands of miles.

Now who is selling a clean diesel wagon?

New2MB · #10 11-16-2005, 01:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by andmoon

Rust free diesel wagons are hard to find and the good ones cost a lot more than gassers....I think for the $ saved in buying an equvalent condition gasser you could drive many thousands of miles.

Now who is selling a clean diesel wagon?

I'm not opposed to a gasser, she'll probably complain that she can't find diesel anywhere.

andmoon · #11 11-16-2005, 02:45 PM

Skip the earlier 4matics. I think the 92 plus 3.2 motors are better than the 3.0s but be aware they had biodegradeable wire harnesses that tend to short out if touched.

New2MB · #12 11-16-2005, 03:19 PM

I'm liking the E320, the mid 90's seem like they're in my price range. Anything particularly troublesome other than the disappearing wire harness? Now I just have to figure out where to get one.