Best MB for Commuter Car. - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

GradyService · #1 11-04-2007, 06:30 PM

After working 6 years since leaving school, I am finally at the point where I can go to college. I have been planning to go at either a nearby private liberal arts college (20 miles away), or at the local university (45 miles away). I will be commuting at least 3 days per week (still working the rest of the time). I need a reasonably fuel efficient, reliable car to do this with, but I still want the luxury and quality of a Mercedes Benz. However, I am unsure which model is the best for doing the job. I was thinking about either a W124 or a W201, or possibly even a W123. Not sure about Gas or Diesel. I don't want to spend more than 5k. (Trying to save up for a older 107 SL for my "personal"

car.)

All advice will be greatly appreciated,
Thanks, Dave

POS · #2 11-04-2007, 06:55 PM

Sounds like money is or will be an issue. I know I had little when I was in college. I would think you're best bet is a w123. And I know most will tell you to go diesel, I'd say get the lowest mileage 280E you can find. They're just as reliable, drive faster with today's traffic, they're 1/2 as much as a diesel, and the low-mileage means the interior will be well-maintained.

TMAllison · #3 11-04-2007, 07:09 PM

In my mind, gas vs diesel doesnt matter so much. Diesel prob still just barely edges out a gasser in terms of fuel cost per mile but with diesel as much or more than super in many locations that becomes less an issue. Diesel engined cars also sell at a premium currently in most markets.

I'd buy the nicest, best maintained car with documented records that you can afford. In the long run it will usually be the cheapest to own regardless of age.

You could do a lot worse than a W124; is nimble with either engine, safe, efficient and pleasant to drive.

Wodnek · #4 11-04-2007, 08:11 PM

You can get a decent 124 for $4-$5,000, either Gas or Diesel.

TheDon · #5 11-04-2007, 09:05 PM

how about a w201 190E? ..

Nate · #6 11-04-2007, 09:15 PM

How about my 89 trofeo, $1800 obo... Gets around 20 intown, dunno interstate but.... $3200 buys alot of gas and parts if you need...

rawr, end shameless plug for my car

~Nate

gqmagic · #7 11-04-2007, 09:33 PM

How about a newer Altima?
It for sure will be more practical and reliable.
wait till you finish school, there will still be plenty MB's to pick from.

MB-Dude · #8 11-04-2007, 10:46 PM

Red Hot Mercedes-Benz 190SL Pedal Car!

Mercedes means quality! Features working steering wheel, high traction rubber tires, powder coat paint, shiny chrome parts, detailed body, padded seat, and adjustable non-slip pedal positions. Very low maintenance, exceptional gas mileage and a convertible, to boot! Low emission should get you a HOV sticker for California Carpool Lanes. And you can’t beat the price for a classic – only $250 at http://www.backtobasicstoys.com/item/productid/7597
What more could you want? And check out the whitewalls!

Although, if you want something a bit less flashy, I'd settle for a nice, clean W123 - the more manual, the better (less stuff to breakdown). Seriously though, you just can't beat the reliability of a W123. They just seem to go forever with simple, routine maintenance.

...But the pedal car has class!

Cheers (with LOL),
Jeff

anthonyb · #9 11-05-2007, 12:46 AM

I'd consider a 4-cylinder or diesel W201, or, if you can afford it, think about a non-supercharged 4-cyl W202. While the W124 is a nice driver, the gas mileage on a 300E at least isn't anything to write home about. I think you could eat up a lot of cash with gas costs. I don't know much about the 190s, but the early C220/C230's get surprisingly good hwy mileage (low to mid 30s) depending on your driving style. I just did a 1000-mile round trip in a '00 C230k and it gave me 28-30 mpg while cruising at 80+, I'd imagine it'd be a couple/few mpg higher at more reasonable speeds.

Either way, try to figure a total-ownership cost for the number of years you'll be commuting to school in your purchase decision.

Skid Row Joe · #10 11-05-2007, 01:51 PM

Diesel -- any of them.

cjlipps · #11 11-05-2007, 02:27 PM

Sounds like you are looking for a mid-term, mission specific car and want it to be fuel efficient, maintenance friendly and comfortable. Look no further than a late 1990's - early 2000's Buick LeSabre (or one of the many similar types). 30 mpg on the highway, bulletproof 3800 engine, good availability of parts and maintenance and fairly cheap to insure. Also, have you checked the most reliable cars list lately? Buick and Lexus tie for #1.

Hatterasguy · #12 11-05-2007, 07:07 PM

Honda Civic/Accord, or Toyota Camry.

I wish I kept my near perfect Camry for school use. School ruins cars, I could have driven it to school for five years then throw what was left away. They don't break, and if they do parts are cheap and you can get them anywhere.

Running Mercedes on a budget is a PITA, they really are not ment for that.

rchase · #13 11-07-2007, 03:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hatterasguy

Honda Civic/Accord, or Toyota Camry.

I wish I kept my near perfect Camry for school use. School ruins cars, I could have driven it to school for five years then throw what was left away. They don't break, and if they do parts are cheap and you can get them anywhere.

Running Mercedes on a budget is a PITA, they really are not ment for that.

Depends on the commute. I commute in my 140 most of the time. While its not the cheapest car in the world being trapped inside some cheap plastic and polyester cloth lined metal coffin on the way to the office just does not appeal to me.

Then again since this is a school situation it might not be advisable to attract the attention of angry goth kids and environazi's. My 140 spends most of its day in a parking deck with the company of other MB's Porsche's and the occasional Ferrari.

If I had to suggest a Mercedes I would suggest a 123 or 126 depending on your commute. Both the 126 and 123 were built before the world went cheap and have good construction quality and comfort.

You can drive an older 123 diesel into the ground and it will just keep going and going and going. I had a friend that had a 123 that they did near zero maint on that kept going and going for years. The rear axles sounded like a train going down the road and there was not a panel on the car that did not have a dent. The only reason it ended up being retired is the hood release eventually broke from them shutting the car down from under the hood for so many years. The only service the car ever saw was an occasional fuel filter when it refused to start. It was on the "everlasting oil change" because of the oil that needed to be added during leaks and never actually had a change done.

The 126's won't put up with that kind of abuse but they have classic styling and a reasonable around town and highway ride if you like a big car.

Japanese cars are great until they hit 200K. They loose virtually all of their resale value at that point and even the most well maintained cars start loosing accessories like crazy at that point like Alternator, A/C compressor Power steering and other bolt on engine items. Japanese cars are great to own from about 70K (where most of the new resale has gone) to about 150K where people start getting afraid to buy them as Japanese buyers don't buy for quality they buy because they are cheapskates. They won't take the abuse that many of the other makes will endure.

P.S. When I say 126 I am thinking more on the lines of a 300SEL or a 300SD with an OM617. Notice there is already a 560SEL.

Hatterasguy · #14 11-07-2007, 05:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rchase

Depends on the commute. I commute in my 140 most of the time. While its not the cheapest car in the world being trapped inside some cheap plastic and polyester cloth lined metal coffin on the way to the office just does not appeal to me.

Then again since this is a school situation it might not be advisable to attract the attention of angry goth kids and environazi's. My 140 spends most of its day in a parking deck with the company of other MB's Porsche's and the occasional Ferrari.

If I had to suggest a Mercedes I would suggest a 123 or 126 depending on your commute. Both the 126 and 123 were built before the world went cheap and have good construction quality and comfort.

You can drive an older 123 diesel into the ground and it will just keep going and going and going. I had a friend that had a 123 that they did near zero maint on that kept going and going for years. The rear axles sounded like a train going down the road and there was not a panel on the car that did not have a dent. The only reason it ended up being retired is the hood release eventually broke from them shutting the car down from under the hood for so many years. The only service the car ever saw was an occasional fuel filter when it refused to start. It was on the "everlasting oil change" because of the oil that needed to be added during leaks and never actually had a change done.

The 126's won't put up with that kind of abuse but they have classic styling and a reasonable around town and highway ride if you like a big car.

Japanese cars are great until they hit 200K. They loose virtually all of their resale value at that point and even the most well maintained cars start loosing accessories like crazy at that point like Alternator, A/C compressor Power steering and other bolt on engine items. Japanese cars are great to own from about 70K (where most of the new resale has gone) to about 150K where people start getting afraid to buy them as Japanese buyers don't buy for quality they buy because they are cheapskates. They won't take the abuse that many of the other makes will endure.

P.S. When I say 126 I am thinking more on the lines of a 300SEL or a 300SD with an OM617. Notice there is already a 560SEL.

Sure but if money is super tight, an M104 needing a head gasket job can be a killer. While a Honda, Toyota, or some GM car can be kept going on a shoe string budget.

Apples and oranges.

andrew540 · #15 11-05-2007, 09:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cjlipps

Sounds like you are looking for a mid-term, mission specific car and want it to be fuel efficient, maintenance friendly and comfortable. Look no further than a late 1990's - early 2000's Buick LeSabre (or one of the many similar types). 30 mpg on the highway, bulletproof 3800 engine, good availability of parts and maintenance and fairly cheap to insure. Also, have you checked the most reliable cars list lately? Buick and Lexus tie for #1.

I would have said toyota or honda too, but the above thread is quite valid. I had my grandfather's old 1987 park avenue, and the car was very reliable, very efficient (high 20's on the highway), smooth and good low-end torque. Granded, the thing wasn't a handler or good braking car, but the maintence was cheap relative to the german cars, and front wheel drive got me through some tough winters. A plus is you can find a late 90's early 00's for cheap- the toyota and honda I was going to recommened carry relatively higher prices comparing cars of similar age and mileage. The car I had was an 87 3800- the newer 3800s only kept getting better and better- one of the oldest and best GM motors- not for absolute power, but for efficiency, reliability, smoothness and low end torque. Simple design- pushrod V6.