240D owner seeks daily driver, again - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

UriahT · #1 10-24-2008, 09:30 AM

I would look for a Volvo in your situation-

8-10K is way too much for one in GREAT shape, so you'd have some money left over.

The downside of all the other cars mentioned is how pricey repairs can be, and how hard it is to work on newer computer-driven vehicles yourself. I like a Subaru wagon, but the rear struts go on those all the time, and the engine compartment is silly stuffed.

rstl99 · #2 10-27-2008, 10:14 AM

The Matrix comes up a few times, so will be worth a look. Someone I know just bought a new one so I'll try to have a close look at it, and try it out. I read on the net that the Matrix and the Pontiac Vibe are pretty well the same car. Any truth to that????

The Element has always had a certain utilitarian appeal, but they tend to be pricey on the used market.

Indeed, I may well be served by hunting down a nice 240 specimen. Especially since I have all the manuals, a bunch of parts, and some acquired know-how to repair them. I could buy one, fix it up, and drive mine till it drops then have the other one ready to step in when needed. My 17 year old daughter is thinking of buying a cheap car (I'm trying to discourage her, because of the hard-earned money she'll have to put into it), but I suppose if she does, she might as well get something safe and cheap as an old Volvo. Daddy will become her mechanic, no doubt...

Any insight into whether the current economic situation has created some great opportunities in the used car market?

Cheers.

lutzTD · #3 10-27-2008, 11:12 AM

i absolutely loved my ford explorer. you should be able to pick one up really cheap and use the cost savings to pay for the gas milage difference. I put 150K trouble free miles on it before I sold it to my nephew who drove it 2 mores years before getting slammed by another car at an intersection. the 6 cylinder 2WD version should get low twenties milage wise and the leather interior on the limiteds and eddie bauers are very comfortable.

JimmyL · #4 10-27-2008, 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lutzTD

i absolutely loved my ford explorer. you should be able to pick one up really cheap and use the cost savings to pay for the gas milage difference. I put 150K trouble free miles on it before I sold it to my nephew who drove it 2 mores years before getting slammed by another car at an intersection. the 6 cylinder 2WD version should get low twenties milage wise and the leather interior on the limiteds and eddie bauers are very comfortable.

First off the likely hood of roll over in Explorers is way above average. Second, they get awful fuel mileage, especially considering they have a sixer. I sometimes got 15mpg and don't think I ever got over 20. I've known many many folks that have had these and all report the same.
On another note, I have a buddy who has one with over 320K miles and he has never been into the engine. Almost a miracle to own that engine and not have had to do the head gaskets.....

pj67coll · #5 10-27-2008, 01:11 PM

W126 gasser.

- Peter.

lutzTD · #6 10-27-2008, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyL

First off the likely hood of roll over in Explorers is way above average. Second, they get awful fuel mileage, especially considering they have a sixer. I sometimes got 15mpg and don't think I ever got over 20. I've known many many folks that have had these and all report the same.
On another note, I have a buddy who has one with over 320K miles and he has never been into the engine. Almost a miracle to own that engine and not have had to do the head gaskets.....

my brother got low twenties in his 6 cyl, I got 16 in a V8 with AWD. rollover is more of an issue in ANY SUV, not just the explorer. the explorer issue was traced to tire issues. I just mentioned it because there are a lot more choices out there and a lot of them are american built, not to get into a discussion about pro and cons of any one model or make