1997 E420 - Buy it or not?
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Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Chicago, IL
1997 E420
1997 E420 - Buy it or not?
I just drove an E420 at an MB dealer. It has 60k on the clock and the service is up to date but it had some issues. I fell it still might be a decent deal. Here are the problems:
1. Slight idle stumble occurred once while waiting at a stoplight. Lasted 2 seconds, did not occur again.
2. Cruise control stalk broken off.
3. Switch between the driver's side window switches was broken off.
4. Creak from drivers seat in hard right turns
5. Rust spot around trunk lock
6. Front right fender 0.25 inch out of alignment, no evidence of any other damage.
7. Louder idle than the E320s I've driven. Sounds the same when driving at speed.
Without any repairs I can get the car for $17,000. Should I move forward with it? Are the idle issues normal for the 420?
Thanks in advance for your advice,
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Geoff Stigler
Getting an E class
1. Slight idle stumble occurred once while waiting at a stoplight. Lasted 2 seconds, did not occur again.
2. Cruise control stalk broken off.
3. Switch between the driver's side window switches was broken off.
4. Creak from drivers seat in hard right turns
5. Rust spot around trunk lock
6. Front right fender 0.25 inch out of alignment, no evidence of any other damage.
7. Louder idle than the E320s I've driven. Sounds the same when driving at speed.
Without any repairs I can get the car for $17,000. Should I move forward with it? Are the idle issues normal for the 420?
Thanks in advance for your advice,
__________________
Geoff Stigler
Getting an E class
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From: South Pasadena FL
2002 S600 Designo
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Joined: Aug 2003
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From: California
1997 E420, 1983 300D
that sounds like a pretty good deal as far as mileage/price goes but it sounds pretty beat up. who breaks off a cruise control stalk?! may indicate deeper issues with past drivers. i'm suprised a dealer would sell it with obvious flaws, my local dealer gets the car as close to perfect as possible before putting it on the lot. I love my 420, though i've spent some serious cash to get it in shape.
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Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 152
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Yes, my car is still for sale. Here is a link to some pics and information about the car:
http://www.mercedesshop.com/shopforu...threadid=71723
The only issue that the car you mention has that is common is noise from the driver's seat. My seat does not creak, but it does click once or twice during my twenty five minute drive to work. My car has had none of the other issues you mention.
http://www.mercedesshop.com/shopforu...threadid=71723
The only issue that the car you mention has that is common is noise from the driver's seat. My seat does not creak, but it does click once or twice during my twenty five minute drive to work. My car has had none of the other issues you mention.
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Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 187
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Re: 1997 E420 - Buy it or not?
Originally posted by gstigler
I just drove an E420 at an MB dealer. It has 60k on the clock and the service is up to date but it had some issues. I fell it still might be a decent deal. Here are the problems:
1. Slight idle stumble occurred once while waiting at a stoplight. Lasted 2 seconds, did not occur again.
2. Cruise control stalk broken off.
3. Switch between the driver's side window switches was broken off.
4. Creak from drivers seat in hard right turns
5. Rust spot around trunk lock
6. Front right fender 0.25 inch out of alignment, no evidence of any other damage.
7. Louder idle than the E320s I've driven. Sounds the same when driving at speed.
Without any repairs I can get the car for $17,000. Should I move forward with it? Are the idle issues normal for the 420?
Thanks in advance for your advice,
__________________
Geoff Stigler
Getting an E class
I just drove an E420 at an MB dealer. It has 60k on the clock and the service is up to date but it had some issues. I fell it still might be a decent deal. Here are the problems:
1. Slight idle stumble occurred once while waiting at a stoplight. Lasted 2 seconds, did not occur again.
2. Cruise control stalk broken off.
3. Switch between the driver's side window switches was broken off.
4. Creak from drivers seat in hard right turns
5. Rust spot around trunk lock
6. Front right fender 0.25 inch out of alignment, no evidence of any other damage.
7. Louder idle than the E320s I've driven. Sounds the same when driving at speed.
Without any repairs I can get the car for $17,000. Should I move forward with it? Are the idle issues normal for the 420?
Thanks in advance for your advice,
__________________
Geoff Stigler
Getting an E class
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Thread Starter
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Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Chicago, IL
1997 E420
Thanks for your replies. I looked at the car again this afternoon and decided to pass. It drove great and many of the problems were fixible. I think the price would've dropped to $16k but I would rather have a car that I'm happy with. The ultimate reason was the sound indide the cabin at idle. It was just too loud, not such that there was something seriously wrong with the car but definately not like most Mercedes.
I'm going ot open my search up to the 96 or 97 E320 as well.
Thanks again for helping keep me level headed.
I'm going ot open my search up to the 96 or 97 E320 as well.
Thanks again for helping keep me level headed.
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Joined: Oct 2002
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From: Columbia, SC
E300
Originally posted by gstigler
Thanks for your replies. I looked at the car again this afternoon and decided to pass. It drove great and many of the problems were fixible. I think the price would've dropped to $16k but I would rather have a car that I'm happy with. The ultimate reason was the sound indide the cabin at idle. It was just too loud, not such that there was something seriously wrong with the car but definately not like most Mercedes.
I'm going ot open my search up to the 96 or 97 E320 as well.
Thanks again for helping keep me level headed.
Thanks for your replies. I looked at the car again this afternoon and decided to pass. It drove great and many of the problems were fixible. I think the price would've dropped to $16k but I would rather have a car that I'm happy with. The ultimate reason was the sound indide the cabin at idle. It was just too loud, not such that there was something seriously wrong with the car but definately not like most Mercedes.
I'm going ot open my search up to the 96 or 97 E320 as well.
Thanks again for helping keep me level headed.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 111
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From: Chicago, IL
1997 E420
I've seriously considered the diesel on many occasions but the I find the price premium artificially high. When MB was still building it, a used E300 would go for 20% less that an E320. now the opposite is true. Gas mileage is certainly a plus.
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From: HK (but constantly travelling)
98 W210 Advantgarde
Just a suggestion - stalk this forum every now and then, observe the post ****** (or just do a search on the forum for their past posts) and wait for one to sell. Reason being you'll get a feel of how the previous owner would have treated the car and the problems encountered. Many of the regulars are here because they care - both for their own cars and others rides. You jsut missed Benz's which he was recently selling for only 14K (OK it was green and had a checked interior but it was in good nick I'm sure, LOL). Many good deals and good owners around - don't rush. My $0.02
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Joined: Jan 2002
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From: Cleveland, OH
1999 Mercedes E300 TurboDiesel
Gstigler - the E300 should cost more than the 320 IMO....its the last of it's kind imported, it will be at least twice as durable as the gas engine, and it makes more torque and mpg than the 320... I highly suggest a 98-99 with the turbo.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 379
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From: Cleveland, OH
1999 Mercedes E300 TurboDiesel
Gstigler - the E300 should cost more than the 320 IMO....its the last of it's kind imported, it will be at least twice as durable as the gas engine, and it makes more torque and mpg than the 320... I highly suggest a 98-99 with the turbo.
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From: ATL
E420
Sounds too beat up for $17k. I am selling my 97 E420 and it's just about perfect. Just turned 60k is dark green / tan leather and has new Michelins (H). Mine is listed on Autotrader.com with pic. Use 30269 zip for search. Asking ~$21K.
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From: Orlando, Florida
2000 F-150 XLT Sport Crew Cab
Originally posted by DWM
Sounds too beat up for $17k. I am selling my 97 E420 and it's just about perfect. Just turned 60k is dark green / tan leather and has new Michelins (H). Mine is listed on Autotrader.com with pic. Use 30269 zip for search. Asking ~$21K.
Sounds too beat up for $17k. I am selling my 97 E420 and it's just about perfect. Just turned 60k is dark green / tan leather and has new Michelins (H). Mine is listed on Autotrader.com with pic. Use 30269 zip for search. Asking ~$21K.
Sorry I had to do it
60k or not...it's still a 97.I just sold my benz....Had 6 month old interior in it...Everything came from a pace car. Talk about sweet interior.....They make jokes cause they did not like my head rests
I loved them cause I know what it ment. 
I was selling it for 14K but actually sold it for 14,500 on ebay in 9 hours 
Keep your eyes open.....If you have any questions i'll be more then happy to help.
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From: ATL
E420
No hard feelings, but that price is very competitive in the Atlanta area (private owner - not wholesale of course). 2 weeks ago CARMAX offered me $17k saying that was whet they were buying them for at wholesale, so I am comfortable with the price....
I guess you could get one for $16k with a broken crusie control and rusted trunk lock but I'd rather have one mint.....and beside, I love the car and secretly don't want to sell but the wife is pushing me on it a little.
I guess you could get one for $16k with a broken crusie control and rusted trunk lock but I'd rather have one mint.....and beside, I love the car and secretly don't want to sell but the wife is pushing me on it a little.
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E320 CDI
Bend the dealer over. Tell them you will take the car if they fix what is broken and go through everything to your satisfaction BEFORE any money changes hands. You will find out if the dealer is motivated to move cars or not.
