Got a new job and will be carpooling with my wife a lot less. I already drive my C43/55 on days we can't carpool but that's maybe once every week or two.

Well, I'm starting a new job that will likely mean more days of driving myself. I'm really torn on what to do. Remember, my chassis has 310k miles on it but the engine only has 140k. The interior is in shockingly good shape for having over 300k miles, but the car has some issues that I'd need to work out before I start driving it on 100 mile commutes 2-3 times per week. It's still not wanting to start. New crank sensor and sprayed permatex anti seize on the flywheel and it still wants to take 100 tries of turning the key before it starts. I still have a weird suspension issue where it wants to pull hard to the side whenever I accelerate (it scares people when they experience it the first time). I've got a wheel bearing or bushing or something going bad in the front right because when I'm turning I can feel it almost grinding but neither me nor my indie mechanic know what it could be. My heat now only comes out the passenger side while the driver side blows ice cold. My blinkers randomly do not work. My rear defrost randomly does not work. And eventually I need to buy ALL new suspension components and repaint the car.

I prefer to do things DIY but I can't tear it down and do the things it needs because I have to rely on it to get me to work once per week.

So I've been considering getting something I've always wanted: an E-class wagon! A 2001-2002 E320 wagon in decent shape is around $3k to 3,500 USD and they are very reliable. Huge interior with lots of space for the kids and the dogs. I'm pretty sure if I get one I can convince my wife to sell her 2015 Jeep Compass and "upgrade" to a similar wagon (or just claim mine?).

So I'm torn, my friends. What would you do? Dump money into your beloved w202 AMG and put many more miles on it or get the $3k wagon? If my car was a low-miles collector status I would stop driving it to preserve it, but I have over 300k so to just keep driving it and enjoying it would also make sense. Either way, I'm keeping my w202 forever.

 

Describing the issues you have with your 43 and despite the high mileage, I would get something else for a daily driver and slowly work on the 43 to get her back in top condition. If rust has not settled in, then it may be worth getting some cash to get things working again as they should do.

 

yeah i agree with dr. b, sounds like there are a few too many issues for that commute. particularly the bearing. go for the wagon if you love it. i took my wife out to see some volvos, she really really loves those, i guess they are considered uber in the ukraine. we found a 2008 150k mi v70 for 4700$ beautiful car really, ran great, interior 9/10 exterior 9/10 wheels 6/10 but it wasn't the AWD so we didnt move on it.

keep us posted

 

Get the E430 4-matic wagon and drop the 55 motor in it. 55 motor + AWD + wagon =

EDIT: Never mind, it seems the E430 wagons were not imported to NA

 

do you really want to invest money in a w210 rustbucket used for daily commutes?
within 2 winters of use this car will probably vaporize into dust!

seriously, the w124 is so much better but it's an older design.
a late 1995 E320 or E420 from w124 series is a great car.

good luck finding the car you desire.

 

There's nothing worst then breaking down in traffic...drive the car that's reliable!
Just my thoughts
2MERKS

 

but if you have to breakdown, its nice to break down in a mercedes

 

Then you'll be the laughingstock! "Hey, dude seen the ride on a flatbed" !

 

I would get a reliable daily driver then fix the c43... that's just me