Getting an E320 or E420
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Joined: Feb 2003
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From: Detroit
95 ford escort
Getting an E320 or E420
Okay, I wish to get one and working towards it. My budget is $22,000. What do you guys feel I can get for fair value? Year, Mileage, Condition, ETC...
Has anyone ever driven the E320 and E420, is the experience seriously different? I heard the E420 feels much smoother, but the performance is just around .2 seconds different, If I recall correctly, the V6 in the E320 seems to be much stronger and better than the V8 in the E420 in terms of reliability.
Has anyone ever driven the E320 and E420, is the experience seriously different? I heard the E420 feels much smoother, but the performance is just around .2 seconds different, If I recall correctly, the V6 in the E320 seems to be much stronger and better than the V8 in the E420 in terms of reliability.
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From: Raleigh, NC
1997 E420 Sport
both engines are extremely solid and proven so you shouldn't have issues if you choose a well cared for vehicle. In my opinion, it really comes down to whether you want an 8 cyl luxury sedan or not. If you don't care, then buy the version you find that offers the best vehicle at the best price. If you do alot of city driving and mileage is important, the E320 will use less gas. If you do alot of highway driving, the E420 can actually get better gas mileage. I have an E420 and I wouldn't trade it for anything; I love having the V-8's power, sound, etc... You'r right that both seem close in performance at the low end but the E320 does not go from 60-100+ like the E420 does. All the standard Es are a little piggish off the line due to their weight and gearing, however, from a rolling start or in normal driving, you'll feel the difference of the V-8.
For 22K, you should be able to find an 97 E420 with less than 50-60K miles on it from what I've seen. That money will buy a newer E320 (98 and maybe 99) with about the same miles. If you're buying from a dealer it will be more.
For 22K, you should be able to find an 97 E420 with less than 50-60K miles on it from what I've seen. That money will buy a newer E320 (98 and maybe 99) with about the same miles. If you're buying from a dealer it will be more.
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Joined: Feb 2003
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From: Detroit
95 ford escort
Originally posted by aglasgow
both engines are extremely solid and proven so you shouldn't have issues if you choose a well cared for vehicle. In my opinion, it really comes down to whether you want an 8 cyl luxury sedan or not. If you don't care, then buy the version you find that offers the best vehicle at the best price. If you do alot of city driving and mileage is important, the E320 will use less gas. If you do alot of highway driving, the E420 can actually get better gas mileage. I have an E420 and I wouldn't trade it for anything; I love having the V-8's power, sound, etc... You'r right that both seem close in performance at the low end but the E320 does not go from 60-100+ like the E420 does. All the standard Es are a little piggish off the line due to their weight and gearing, however, from a rolling start or in normal driving, you'll feel the difference of the V-8.
For 22K, you should be able to find an 97 E420 with less than 50-60K miles on it from what I've seen. That money will buy a newer E320 (98 and maybe 99) with about the same miles. If you're buying from a dealer it will be more.
both engines are extremely solid and proven so you shouldn't have issues if you choose a well cared for vehicle. In my opinion, it really comes down to whether you want an 8 cyl luxury sedan or not. If you don't care, then buy the version you find that offers the best vehicle at the best price. If you do alot of city driving and mileage is important, the E320 will use less gas. If you do alot of highway driving, the E420 can actually get better gas mileage. I have an E420 and I wouldn't trade it for anything; I love having the V-8's power, sound, etc... You'r right that both seem close in performance at the low end but the E320 does not go from 60-100+ like the E420 does. All the standard Es are a little piggish off the line due to their weight and gearing, however, from a rolling start or in normal driving, you'll feel the difference of the V-8.
For 22K, you should be able to find an 97 E420 with less than 50-60K miles on it from what I've seen. That money will buy a newer E320 (98 and maybe 99) with about the same miles. If you're buying from a dealer it will be more.
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From: Detroit
95 ford escort
Originally posted by Hank
If you're looking into engine modding, my advice is not to get the Inline-6 3.2L or the V8 4.2L. Not many modding options except for Renntech.
If you're looking into engine modding, my advice is not to get the Inline-6 3.2L or the V8 4.2L. Not many modding options except for Renntech.
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Joined: Jan 2003
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From: South Florida
2007 C230 Sport
How about the E430?
Just purchased a '98' E430 36,000 miles $20k two months ago. Very satisfied. I did months of research before I bought it. So, far nothing passes me but Benz's and troopers. I really like the 8-cyl it flies on demand. Not much of a price difference between 320's & 430's, so why not go for the extra juice a 430 can produce!
Good Luck
Good Luck
