paulybagadonuts

I currently own a 2006 ML, purchased new, it is my first Mercedes. I absolutely love owning an MB and feel privalaged to be a part of this fine Forum.

I have owned many Toyotas and Hondas prior to being able to afford a lugury car and have been happy with my experiences with these brands as well especially due to their level of reliabiliability. There is no way they can compare IMO with the Mercedes comfort and feel but at least I know they are reliable.

That being said, I am currently in the market to replace a second "family" car which will also be available to my 18 yr old son on occassion, as needed.

I am planning on spending around $15K on this "Second Car" and have it narrowed down to 3 vehicles I think will work for me right now.

2005 - 2007 CRV

2005 - 2007 Rav 4

2000 - 2003 E320 or other E class

I am even willing to go a little earlier with the year on an E class as long as the milage stays below 50K or so but I'm not sure what year or model is the best to buy. I'm also considering a C class but guess I should post on another Forum for that.

Just asking for your .02 or any opinions or advice I can get from my neighbors here. I know little more about the E other than it's a classy car and could use your experience to help me make a wise choice.

Have you had any problems with yours?

Is there a year or model I should stay away from?

Is there a year or model I should try to find?

I have the opportunity to go with a dealer to an auction yard tomorrow afternoon and would like to make a move if I see something good.

Thanks in advance for your help.

AlphaWolf

Go with the 2000-2002 W210. The E320 or E430 are both great! That said, the repairs are expensive. I believe there are threads with all the common problems (such as windows regulator, etc).

My sister has a 2005 CRV. Rock solid, never a problem. Might want to consider that if your son is the primary driver.

ohlord

benzworld.org w210 section diy or tips section common w210 issues.
w210 wiki is also good.
low mile is up to 70k even on an 01 if maintained.Inspect,inspect,inspect.
make sure everything works,dash pixels,a/c,trans shifts smooth etc.

E320 will help keep a kid out of trouble,enough to move out but not get real crazy.Easier at the pump also.
Are you a diy person?if not you really need to understand that dealer shops ream you for service and budget that in,or find a good indie shop and buy your parts online.
happy hunting
where are you looking?
ohlord

paulybagadonuts

I was just looking on cars.com to get an idea price wise but I'm headed out to Teterborough tomorrow.

I know about the dealerships, had a bad experience with my new ML already. Not ready to bring that to an indie yet but I do have a guy I can trust with an older model if I go that way.

Quite honestly I haven't had alot of experience with mechanics cause I've never really needed one for anything major. I guess that's why I've stuck with ToyoHonda all these years.

My Father in Law works at a place where I've had maintenance done in the past but just oil changes and basic tune ups.

I expect the same from Mercedes and hope I'm not disapointed. I don't mind spending a little more for maintenance I just don't want to buy a headache.

paulybagadonuts

The car will be replaceing a 1999 CRV that served us well for 9 years so I know the feeling.

I guess I just fell in love with Mercedes since owning one but I know they can be costly.

I'll check out the threads as you suggest. Thanks for the help

ohlord

about a black wagon
For Sale Mercedes E320 Excellent Condition 70k miles probably take 9500 cash.
new haven ct.
always inspect everything.

lkchris

Our E-class is a little newer than you're looking for, but I can report that it's an even better car than our GL which is essentially same as your ML. You won't be disappointed with a W210, either, but as others have urged, get a good one.

paulybagadonuts

to buying a 2001 E430 this afternoon. The paperwork wasn't in order so I might be going back to pull the trigger if I can get it straightened out soon enough.

Car looked in great shape with a clean carfax and 1 owner.

50k miles and pretty clean.

Funny thing... both back windows were not working

I took a look as AlphaWolf suggested and see it's not a big deal to get fixed.

A little more power than I had planned on but the price was in the ballpark around $15k like I'm looking for.

You guys might have a new E owner on your forum soon. I just hope I'm not on here too often looking for help.

I'll keep you posted.

AlphaWolf

Are they the back windows? I had 2 windows regulator replaced under warranty, 1 that I paid around to dealer $125 to fix. I am sure that's it.

ohlord

black,everything works
Mercedes Benz-1999-E320-AWD-Black on Black - $8600
you could buy two
15g is to much for an 01
ohlord

AlphaWolf

Did you get a MB mechanic to thoroughly inspect the car? That's probably the best thing to do w/ a used car.

I checked eBay and for that low mileage seems to be a good price.

AlphaWolf

Ohlord, the vehicle he posted is an E430 with low miles and pristine condition. Is there a link to the vehicle you posted?

ohlord

low miles,but he is looking for a second car and a 99 with 120 k miles and 4matic for 8600 bucks is a deal,he could use,his kid could abuse,and still save some dues

forget where I saw it maybe in my spiders search of craigslist east coast.
it was a recent listing
another
west coast
2002 Mercedes Benz E320 - $12450 63k miles loaded leather black on grey leather,new tires.I might get this one myself and go to charleston sc and sell it for about 30grand if a 00 with 70k plus miles sells for $20,000 down there
ohlord still looking west

husk323

depends on the options, if really full optioned with low miles might be a bargain, but its gas......then again diesels are almost 2x the price of their gas equivalents even with diesel hovering oroung 4.30 a gallon. Its obvious diesels retain their value much greater than the gas models. Not sure why.........