Need Help Choosing An E-Class
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
1995 E-320
Need Help Choosing An E-Class
Hello,
I really like the w124 e-class cars, especially the 1994-1995 models. I'm looking to buy one soon but need some advice from you all. Any recommendations, suggestions would be appreciated.
Which should I get the e320 or e420?
Are these cars reliable or is it problematic? Trouble spots?
Are these cars expensive to maintain?
Any other experiences would be great. Thanks!
I really like the w124 e-class cars, especially the 1994-1995 models. I'm looking to buy one soon but need some advice from you all. Any recommendations, suggestions would be appreciated.
Which should I get the e320 or e420?
Are these cars reliable or is it problematic? Trouble spots?
Are these cars expensive to maintain?
Any other experiences would be great. Thanks!
Member
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 184
Likes: 1
From: Montreal, Canada
260E , 1989 (for now)
If budget is not an issue, I would recommend a one owner 1995 E420 with less than 5,000 original miles on it. But these are hard to come by.
E320: Rock solid, good power,comfortable cruiser. Will last 300K easy with proper maintenance.
E420: just like a 320 with more power. A little bit more expensive to maintain (engine).
whatever the one you choose, have it checked by a knowledgable Mercedes mechanic. Things to check: Oil leak at engine (head gasket, front engine cover) wiring harness, A/C (very very expensive to fix if the evaporator is bad).
In my opinion, it is almost always better to buy the best car possible instead of bying a lousy example with the intent of fixing it later.
The key for longivity with those cars.is proper maintenance. You should look for a car with a full maintenance record. If you let these car go (not following the proper maintemance schedule), you'll pay dearly in repairs. yes, it is more expensive to maintain than a 1995 Honda civic but it's a different car.
jackD
E320: Rock solid, good power,comfortable cruiser. Will last 300K easy with proper maintenance.
E420: just like a 320 with more power. A little bit more expensive to maintain (engine).
whatever the one you choose, have it checked by a knowledgable Mercedes mechanic. Things to check: Oil leak at engine (head gasket, front engine cover) wiring harness, A/C (very very expensive to fix if the evaporator is bad).
In my opinion, it is almost always better to buy the best car possible instead of bying a lousy example with the intent of fixing it later.
The key for longivity with those cars.is proper maintenance. You should look for a car with a full maintenance record. If you let these car go (not following the proper maintemance schedule), you'll pay dearly in repairs. yes, it is more expensive to maintain than a 1995 Honda civic but it's a different car.
jackD
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 625
Likes: 6
The E320 has plenty of power, either 94 or 95. BUT, be VERY careful with this engine (104). There are 2 main issues.. the head gasket and the wiring harness. If you find a car you love (and these 2 years are GREAT cars) ask for if the wiring harness and/or the head gasket have been replaced. Mercedes has an extended warranty on the harness (upto 150K miles, no charge for the harness just labour to install......no more than 3 hrs). As for the head gasket, if you can't do it yourself then watch out, it ain't cheap!! So, if you find the car of your dreams and these items have not been replaced (ask for proof) deduct $1000 for the harness and $2000 for the head gasket. When those are replaced you will have a fantastic car.
Good luck
Brian
Good luck
Brian
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 38
Likes: 1
From: Seattle
2008 S63
I'd go with the E420.
Both are great cars... any mercedes is going to be more expensive to fix than a honda or domestic, but they are well worth it.
I have 220,000 miles on mine and haven't had any problems with it.
95 1 owner with less than 5000 miles? Good luck trying to find that one
Both are great cars... any mercedes is going to be more expensive to fix than a honda or domestic, but they are well worth it.
I have 220,000 miles on mine and haven't had any problems with it.
95 1 owner with less than 5000 miles? Good luck trying to find that one
Member
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 184
Likes: 1
From: Montreal, Canada
260E , 1989 (for now)
How about an beatifull 1995 Cabrio with 30,000 real original documented miles on it. Still has it's original tires. It was given by the owner of a Mercedes dealership to his wife as a birthday gift.
Color is deep wine red, tan interior, brownish top. All possible options.
Price: $CAN49,000. (about US$32,000.) A real beauty.
JackD
Color is deep wine red, tan interior, brownish top. All possible options.
Price: $CAN49,000. (about US$32,000.) A real beauty.
JackD
