Looking to buy.
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Newbie
Joined: Dec 2006
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From: Houston, Tx
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Looking to buy.
I'm looking at buying a 95 E420 that's sitting at 122K miles. I know the wiring harness is a weakspot (is this part #124-440-1906?) What else to look for besides the obvious (leaking oil, leaking headlights, and a drifting rear end.) I'm looking for a car that'll last me through my doctorate (about 5-6 years.)
I'll be contacting the seller to see if I can take it to a dealership to have them check it out.
I'll be contacting the seller to see if I can take it to a dealership to have them check it out.
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From: Seattle
1990 300ce
If I were you (this is going to be an unpopular opinion), I would wait until you're finished with your doctorate to buy a benz. These cars are fantastic overall, but they are maintenance-heavy. Unless you have a lot of money in the bank (most doctoral students don't), I'd say get a japanese car. Buy the benz when you're a professor and making a decent salary!!
Good luck!!
Good luck!!
Thread Starter
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From: Houston, Tx
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I am currently making $40K teaching high school, I'll continue working during the first two or three years (the masters portion.) I'm just looking to get rid of the monthly car payment I currently have, sell off the current car and pay cash for the difference and a used car.
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Youngtimer
get it checked out by a proper benz mechanic, and go from there. the only thing i've had to do on mine is change the oil... if the car has been taken care of well, then it will take care of you. just my opinion.
if I can afford to own one, anyone can, believe me..
if I can afford to own one, anyone can, believe me..
Member
Joined: Aug 2006
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From: az
bmw
If I were you (this is going to be an unpopular opinion), I would wait until you're finished with your doctorate to buy a benz. These cars are fantastic overall, but they are maintenance-heavy. Unless you have a lot of money in the bank (most doctoral students don't), I'd say get a japanese car. Buy the benz when you're a professor and making a decent salary!!
Good luck!!
Good luck!!
Good luck and enjoy the search
Last edited by n8nod9it; Dec 21, 2006 at 05:16 PM.
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From: Houston, Texas
Dora the Explorer
Immediate gratification is where it's at! Being smart is for suckers!
ThePhilosopher,
Glad to see another Houstonian on the forum. Let me guess, you live on the west side of town or in Sugarland, right?
Nobody lives near me.
Last edited by mgw_300e; Dec 21, 2006 at 06:47 PM.
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Joined: Feb 2006
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From: Seattle
1990 300ce
I am currently making $40K teaching high school, I'll continue working during the first two or three years (the masters portion.) I'm just looking to get rid of the monthly car payment I currently have, sell off the current car and pay cash for the difference and a used car.
Luckily Uncle Sam is gonna come through with a decent tax return this year, so it should fund my tranny rebuild.
Anyway, back on topic... I would say buying an old mercedes is just kind of a risky move. And if I were in your position, I really wouldn't feel comfortable making that move while working so hard. Even if money isn't an issue at all, taking the car to the shop while you're in school and teaching full time will be a strain.
Just my $.02
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From: Houston, Tx
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I understand where you're coming from, I've been looking at Japanese car. Due to some of the tuner trends, older civics and accords are going with a premium I'm not looking to pay (also the most stolen car in Houston.) I know older BMWs and Benzes both are known as strong long-lasting autos, hence I consider them.
I didn't think it was an attack at all, and you're right I live in Stafford.
I didn't think it was an attack at all, and you're right I live in Stafford.
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Joined: Apr 2006
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From: Houston, Texas
Dora the Explorer
I understand where you're coming from, I've been looking at Japanese car. Due to some of the tuner trends, older civics and accords are going with a premium I'm not looking to pay (also the most stolen car in Houston.) I know older BMWs and Benzes both are known as strong long-lasting autos, hence I consider them.
I didn't think it was an attack at all, and you're right I live in Stafford.
I didn't think it was an attack at all, and you're right I live in Stafford.
I just remembered, Mark lives by me, so I guess I can't say no one does.
One of these days we need a Houston W124 GTG!
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From: Houston,TX
2001 W208A
thanks for remembering me Matt....since you are able to shop and wait, just go slow and wait for the right one (mx history, ect) it's amazing what a fistful of $100's can do to you negotiating power after a detail inspection lists what is needed
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Joined: Feb 2006
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From: Seattle
1990 300ce
ha ha, I hear you man! If I'm gonna recommend any MB for reliability, I'll recommend a w124 diesel. Now those things won't quit. With gas prices as they are, E300D's and 300D's are going for a premium also. But they typically have less problems. MB gassers are less reliable, but they are more fun to drive.
