Elvis_Presley

I live in Saint Paul, MN. When I had kids, I sold the classic Porsche and bought a minivan. The minivan is worn out and now I'm after a 210 wagon--half way between the minivan and the porsche.
I'm afraid any local car will have rust. I prefer to get one which hasn't starting rusting yet, since it will get plenty of chance to do so up here, and I'd love to keep it for ten years. Plus i think all the very cold starts cause more wear.
If anybody knows of a car I should consider, I would very much appreciate you letting me know. Also, I would be willing to compensate someone for their trouble if you would be wiling to look at it for me. I don't have a lot of money but it would save me tons of trouble. I've been through the process of taking multiple trips to california to look at porsches and can't afford the time or the money anymore.
The only two options it must have are the third row seat and the 4matic drivetrain.
Thanks so much!
PS. any hints on looking for rust? I know around the hatch handle, but what about underneath? There is a north dakota car an hour away i may go look at. the dealer claims no rust, but I'm skeptical. I guess there is a chance it was kept in the garage every winter!

ohlord

are another nice option in your climate.
What's the budget?

Elvis_Presley

yeah-- heated seats would be awesome!
I've seen 99 wagons with 100k go for 6500. There are ads out there for 01's and 02's for under 9 asking. I'm hoping to get an 01, 02, 0r 03 with user 100k for under $10k. Is that reasonable?
It's crazy how the 210's haven't held their value! They also seem to stay on the lots awhile. I will probably get more than 7k for my 01 odyssey wagon with 150k miles and it was around 22k when new.
My wife is really into the idea of a mercedes--which totally surprised me.
Ben

RichardM98

For starters, I'll mention what Ohlord didn't get to yet -- Inspect, Inspect, Inspect! If you don't feel comfortable with the brand get a professional mechanic. A thorough inspection will cost ~$200 and include a written report. Of course, you have to weed out the bad apples first yourself.

The good news is that W210's are very well made, safe (5 star front, 4 star side) and pretty economical on gas (18-19 town, 28-30 highway). However, it is a luxury car and proper maintenance isn't necessarily cheap. If you can do some of the regular stuff yourself and just use an independent mechanic ($$) or the dealer ($$$) for the tough stuff, it's not too bad. There is plenty of DIY information here and elsewhere on the web if you are so inclined.

Check the 'Read Me First' thread above for tips on some of the problems you MAY encounter.

Heated seats would be nice but I wouldn't make it a deal breaker even in St.Paul. The cars heater warms up pretty fast thanks to the radiator bypass. BTW, note that the 4Matic is a little more maintenance, a little more gas consumption and a little higher cost but worth it in some conditions. It was an option on early models but became standard at some point.

As for rust the main problem areas on the W210 are the underside of the doors and the underside of the tailgate handle. Another spot to check is the recess which holds the battery. It's under the right rear seat. Tilt the seat cushion forward and remove the felt covered panel.

Welcome to the forum and don't be afraid to ask questions as you go though the buying process. We all like to help spend money -- if it's someone elses.

Elvis_Presley

there is a nice looking car in central florida. Would that be a good, rust free location, or does the humidity promote rust?
Ben

RichardM98

Someone out here in New York recently bought a sight unseen W210 from a dealership in Florida and paid a bit of a premium IMO. The car arrived and he was very happy. So it can happen.

I'm sure you know that it's a bit of a crap shoot when buying that way. Like any thing on say eBay some people describe it honestly and others rationalize their judgement of the condition.

Private party sales offer the most savings but the greatest potential risk. I wouldn't assume a car from Florida is rust free even if you have a Carfax report showing it never left the state. But generally cars being owned and driven in states with snow and use salt on the roads are more suspect. After Katrina cars from New Orleans started showing up as far away as New England.

Elvis_Presley

there are a couple of nice cars on bay. there's a 2000 from florida with only 46k on it. What would you offer for it? Another one from texas with the same miles but not a 4matic. i really wouldn't car about the 4matic, but i live in minnesota. My cars now are front wheel drive and i run snow tires. I've ever driven a rwd car in the snow! I'm from north carolina...

Elvis_Presley

Oh yeah--2 more questions. Would i have to pay a luxury tax on a 200-2003 E320?
Also, how were the mid 90's 4matic wagons? There are some nice ones out there.

ohlord

generation 4matic w124 you want to steer away from. The cars are bullet proof the 4matic was a failure.
Buy private party,stay away from ebay cars a lot of junk cars there with people bidding stupid
look California

RichardM98

I'm from Michigan originally so I've driven on my share of snow and ice but in SoCal about the only snow I see is when I go to Mammoth skiing.

The value is based on condition and features so it's pretty hard to say. Some people are willing to spend extra for a low mileage car but since a well cared for W210 can do 200-250K something around 100K is not much to worry about.

We have owners out here who swear by snow tires and chains instead of 4Matic so I think you can get by depending on how much bad conditions you need to drive in. FYI, the early W210s transmission is an auto with 'manual' electronic shifting and a special switch which lets you automatically start out in 2nd gear for better traction on snow and ice.

Not sure about a luxury tax. Is that a Minnesota thing? Many years ago we had a luxury tax in the US (10%?) but it was only on certain new items.

Early W124 (E320's) up to MY 1995(?) had some issues with the 4Matic. It was redesigned when the 1998 wagon came out. So stick to 4Matics after 1997 to avoid those issues.

Also the W210's had a 'face lift' in 2000. Some changes were steering wheel control buttons, an optional Navigation system with a large display screen and side air bags in the rear seats. There were other minor changes and the exterior lower body panels such as the front and rear bumper and side moulding was different.

Elvis_Presley

The luxury tax was on the website of a dealer in florida. I wish I could find the link again. I was surprised by it as well.
There are many things I don't like about living in minnesota. The snow, ice, and salt are among them. If I lived in a better climate, I probably would only be drive 20 + year old cars.

joemonet

Im the original owner. I bought the car here in california new from RAB Motors in San Rafael.

On Otocber 11, a lady hit me head on damaging the drivers side of the vehicle.

Nav, bose, v60 intergrated phone, cd changer,heated seats etc...

asking $4500