This forum have been very informative! We are looking at purchasing a 1999 e320 4matic wagon. It has 178,000 miles and was a fleet vehicle for most of its history. My husband and I are not sure of what we should be looking for or if we should not even consider such a purchase.

High mileage does not scare us as 3 of our 4 vehicles have over 200,000 miles. I would like the vehicle for the extra space so we do not have to drive the suburban! No one we know has ever owned a mercedes, so I guess I am looking for some advise...

Thanks!

 

Glad to hear you both are considering a Mercedes as your next vehicle.I purchased my e320 (not a 4matic) about a year and a half ago with about 166,*** miles on it for $5600 and currently has approximately 179,*** miles on it.

Ever since ive had it i have never experienced any mechanical problems and to this day my car runs like a champ. I mean there are typical problems with the model, for example poorly designed window regulators and other minor issues, but compared to other cars, e-class mercedes are awesome vehicles.

They have sufficient power and an abundance of luxury features. The W210 model (96-2002, e-class) is considered to be one of the last true Mercedes that were manufactured straight from Germany. Most of the newer mercedes are manufactured here in the States and their quality has been reduced. Even more so, with Chrysler taking over

So what is the price they are selling the vehicle for if you dont mind me asking.

 

We test drove it about two weeks ago and they were asking $5999. It suffered mild hail damage (we could not really see any!), and the price is now $5,250.

 

Get the car fully inspected at a qualified MB shop (not just any shop). Get the service records from the dealership if available. Check for rust. If everything checks out, that price is okay.

 

This is quite incorrect. The only Mercedes manufactured in the USA are the M and ML class. MB do have some plants in places like South Africa for other markets, but everything else that is currently exported to the USA comes out of the German factories. Certainly all of the sedans like the C, E, and S-Class do. Neither did Chrysler have any significant input into MB's product line and the take-over was in the opposite direction. (Thankfully now history)

In fact the W210 was one of the first of the new style Mercedes not "over-engineered" in the "true Mercedes" classic tradition.

Chris

 

Correct, they have an assembly plant for the ML in Vance, Alabama. I think they also make the R-Class and GL-Class in the US. But as Chris stated, the C, E, and S are all made by German robots!

 

Hello again!

Well the car we were considering was sold, but is now available again! My husband is afraid this car will need to be fixed constantly. He wants a Volvo Cross Country, I want the Mercedes for its roominess. Are they reliable or should we forget it? Maybe we need marital counseling??? Or maybe we'll buy two vehicles???

Any help would be appreciated...

 

If it was sold how did it become available again so soon? Buyer's remorse? Problems? Again, get it thoroughly inspected by an MB shop first.

 

I would be suspicious of a car that was sold and is now available again, would make me think someone found a problem.

We bought the 430 for exactly the reason you are looking, more room (plus I would'nt be seen dead in a min van/people carrier).

They are great cars but just be sure to get it well inspected and that it has a good service history. Depending on where you are or where the car has come from do check for rust. Good luck!

Oh and the volvo cross country is not even in the same league.

 

MN. there is no way you should buy a local mb with that many miles.It most likely is a rust bucket.What are they asking for it?Might be worth 2grand as a parts car.
How much is you budget for a 4matic?
ohlord

 

I agree and would question why it is available again on this particular vehicle. But on the subject of the w210 model, I too was a little cautious when I got my e430 due to just having a 2nd child and wife stopped working full time but just keep researching and ask owners. You will find that these are great cars.I have had no trouble out of mine and was actually surprised what little I have done and paid (indy shop) for maintance. A radiologist friend of mine bought hers new in 96' still drives it everyday, no major issues besides routine maintance, way over 200,000 on it. Matter of fact, when lookin at a used xc90 for my wife, the sales pitch used was that Volvo motors are known for their longevity and reliability in miles second to, guess who -Mercedes!!
Plus, where I live, their are plenty of Indy shops that advertise that they can work on Mercedes, where as only one dealership for Volvo $$$. This might come into play for you too in your decision. Good luck

 

Thanks to everyone who has written advise! We decided not to buy the vehicle. The guy who was going to buy it didn't have the $, so did not get the car. We have decided to wait to find the right car without so many questions about the car. I am convinced that this would be a good car for me but my husband still thinks it may appear to uppity! I don't understand how a used Mercedes seems worse than someone driving a new $50,000 Suburban!