jz17

Hello everyone. My name is Jimmy and im new to this forum. I hope im posting this in the correct section and i appreciate all of your help in advance. I'm looking into buying a Mercedes right now. I know the owner and he has taken care of the car well. It is a 2002 Mercedes E320 4matic with 80,000 miles and a cylinder. It is black and is in good condition, no rips or tears, non smoker, no rust, few small scratches, and a knick in the wheel but thats about it. The car has pretty much every option except the navigation (i think). Ive driven it around town before and also taken the car on a three hour trip. It runs and drives good. He says he will give me a deal for $11,000 and i was just wondering if this is a good deal and if not what a good deal would be. I also wanted to get familiar with this forum because if i buy it im sure ill be on here alot. The two problems that i know the car has are: the steering wheel squeeks very quietly if u turn it when driving slow and the air conditioning will blow cold air sometimes and sometimes will not blow any air. Like i said other than that the car is prestine. My other concern is if im going to have to drop alot of money on a big repair coming up. I know he hasnt done the timing chain yet and i know that can be a costly repair. Sorry for the long post. Thank you guys alot for the help, have a good day.

sosh

Timing chain is not an issue. Generally they last to engine overhaul which is a long, long way off. Steering squeak is a known issue and if you wish can be corrected. A/C issue should be looked at. Could be simple or expensive....must be diagnosed. Other issue to look at is the instrument cluster are any digits out or dim? Another is the CATs as they did crack. I would check to see if they have been replaced. Then and again what do you expect for 11K. Its not a new car.

ohlord

is not an issue if the car has been properly maintained.Issues such as a/c can be costly and quickly turn it into a money drain.Be sure he gets it repaired first.You can run the diagnostics onboard and see what is happening in the a/c.Steering wheel creaks can also be minor issues(the typical bushing issue)or it could be major suspension issues.Ball joints etc. Have it all inspected by a pro.A single transfer case issue on a 4 matic can run you thousands.You will also be looking at a major service in the next year or so.So either do diy or start shopping for a good mb indie shop or saving your money.
Good luck,don't fall in love with it before you have it inspected.

C280 Sport

Welcome to the forum. The W210 is a great car. I also have an 02 E320. Do like OHLORD said and have it inspected and find a indie shop otherwise it can cost you an arm and a leg before you know it. Does it have all records? As far as your AC problem I would say have him pay for it get looked at. I have owned many Mercedes before and both my shops have told me that AC issues can = $$$$. My old 300SD Turbo they wanted like $3,000 when the AC blew out at 170,000.

jz17

Thank you guys for the advice. He said he would know off a couple hundred bucks for me to get it checked out and stuff. Say the AC isnt a big problem and everything else is in line is 10500 a good price for this Benz. Thank you again.

ohlord

if you know him.Trust his service history and you have it professionally inspected before you purchase it.If all checks out it will be a good deal.Remember you are going to be a grand lighter on the purchase at the next service.Unless you learn diy,figure in that cost.

Figuero

If the car is A1, then the price is right in line. The most important issue is to make sure the car is as solid as you think it is.

Keep in mind you have a big maintenance schedule coming up at 100k.

Polar Bear

You said it had all options... but if you are not familiar with them it's hard to tell. How many switches are above the climate control? Some options are:

Heated seats (switches next to hazard light switch above climate control system)
Ventilated Seats (integrated with heated seat switch)
Headlamp washers with Xenon HID headlamps (washer switch next in heated seat switch)
Rear sunshade (switch behind gear selector)
Parktronic (switch behind gear selector)
Orthopedic seats (controls on console side of seats)
Phone (in console)
Voice Control (lever opposite cruise control switch)
Rain sensor (underneath rear view mirror)

Should have 6 switches plus hazard light switch if well optioned above climate controls.

I would get the A/C fixed before buying.

Fraser

Indeed. You see far too many ads on cars.com and the ilk where they really don't have all the options, and some have none despite the header!

ejsheltra

Have it gone over at the MB dealer and whatever they come up with subtract from the asking price or have current owner cover it. Go to DIY section and learn the many things you can do for yourself and save big money and gain sense of accomplishment. Most things can be worked out with a little patience and asking questions here. We all help each other and have saved money being a part of this forum. A well maintained Benz will last you a long long time. There is not much else like it on the road especially for 10-11 grand. Good luck and keep us posted on your results.

socalsounds

Car wholesales for $9000, without any hit for reconditioning. Just a thought.

skipsantos

What was your outcome? How did the car look to the mechanic?

jwrii46

99 E320 Wagon I see and read a question "instrument cluster are any digits out or dim" what does this indicate, please?

ohlord

in the display means you either need try repair procedures or replace or have the display rebuilt if it bothers you.

Dim lights behind the display mean you need to pull the cluster with the special hooks and replace the bulb.

jwrii46

Thanks for taking the time to reply. I just thought it may lead to other issues I'll live with the dim pixels, like my brain!