i'm kind of new to these forums but i've owned a few mercedes vehicles in the past and would like to purchase another one.

my last mb was a w140 s500 and although i loved the car, it was a little too big and complicated for my taste.

with that said ... i now have the opportunity to purchase a mint 40k mile '93 400e from the original owner. charcoal black on light gray .
the car is nearly flawless and runs like a 40k mile mercedes but with the car market being the way it is, i have no idea how much it's worth.
i also know that cars like this do not come around often and the owner , which i know personally is not really that determined to sell it but he's willing to entertain an offer.

My other option is to keep looking for a 500E for around $10-$12k as this was what i originally intended.

... curious what you folks think is the better move.

 

Everything will be rotten unless it's had unusual maintenance. Typically, with lack of attention (limited driving) comes lack of attention (limited maintenence)

Either way, I can't see this car being worth more than $8k in top condition. Cars with 100-200k miles are in the $2500-$4k range, with full history. I paid $3500 for mine with 160k and I paid too much, and that was with a new harness and ETA.

As you stated, you can get a clean 500E for 10k, and owners of those cars are likely to both drive and maintain them, whereas 400E owners (as was the case with mine's PO) tend to be older and just do the basic stuff as prescribed by their mechanic every 6-12 months

 

My nephew lost the transmission in his Acura this week, so I am trying hard to find him an e400 or 420...I've been looking.

If the car has had evaporator and harness done, and mileage via carfax shows a few K per year...thats a $8-9k car imo.

It's the last year of the pre facelift v8, and maybe so the best of the long line of THAT look. I'd say $6K easy for a 40K mile version of this car in a color I like. (assuming big tasks not performed)

please share the lead if you do not buy

 

I paid a little over $7k for mine three years ago with a bit over 70k miles. One owner car, local dealer maintained. I would think $6-8k would be fair for a 40k mile example if it was properly maintained. I've got 140k on mine now, and drive it every day. It's quiet, comfortable, powerful, and I average 22 mpg. I guess it depends on how you'll use it. I would love to have a 500E, but I wouldn't want it to be a daily driver.

 

Tonight I put a deposit on a 1994 E420 w 70k miles (1 owner, now 79 yrs old)

Won't get a chance to see it for a few weeks, but nephew Royce should like this one.

<added: And it visits the mechanic tomorrow morning, so not a done deal>

 

Just a note...car didn't pass mechanics review, needed a few things right away, so nephew is looking Honda-bound. Was going to spend $5900, its in Scottsdale Az (Phoenix), will likely repeat now on Craigslist.

 

RHW what was wrong with it ?

 

there was a list, started with unchanged harnesses living in 'Zona for 12 yrs and badly leaking steering pump.

The list ended with transmission concerns and there are a few other costly items on list.

Probably, this will result in an eventual lower price, but seller was rigid at $5900 and car + travel + risk...I just could not recommend it. Going to Honda dealership today.

Added: Mechanic said it lookded real good, nice orig paint (smoke silver) and interior in great shape.

 

Sounds like 2-3K in repairs