I just found out that my 1998 E320 (with 136,000 miles) will need a new transmission which I believe makes it cost prohibitive to keep. I feel like I just lost a loved one, but that's another issue. Anyway, I am looking at buying another mercedes and I am looking at a 2003 E500 with 61,000 miles. Is that too many miles, and how much do you all think I will have to spend per year assuming the car is in good condition?

The reason I ask is that I am trying to convince my wife to let me get another mercedes and I need to reassure her that it won't become too expensive to maintain. Before the transmission went out in the 1998 E320 (which, did I mention, I thought of as a loved one), I had sunk about $2,500 in repairs just a few months back. So, will a 2003 E500 with 61,000 miles, in good condition, remain free from being a money pit? And if so, for how long?

I know I am asking these questions in a sort of vacuum, but any insights would be awesome and help me deal with my recent loss!


Thanks