gi_jon31b

I had a 2002 S500 that unfortunately got totaled so I'm looking for the best bang for my buck and I'm looking at an E-class now. I don't know what questions I should be asking or what I should look for when test driving the car. Here's exactly what I'm looking at:

http://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/ctd/5526680940.html

What do you all think? Is it a good deal? Does it seem to be too good of a deal? what should I be concerned about?

I appreciate any assistance you can offer.

kajtek1

That should give you few starting points
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/gene...nspection.html

gi_jon31b

Thank you for the link. Should I be concerned about the price being so low?

Beverly Sharp

One should always be cautious when buying a used car (harmless as a dove, but wise as a serpent), particularly if the asking price seems low for the car, but this one looks very nice w/ reasonable mileage. Do a Carfax report on it, get a reputable INDEPENDENT mechanic to go over it, and if it's clean and you hear/feel no strange sounds and/or driving oddities, I'd seriously consider it.

kajtek1

Buying used car, especially one that is over 10 years old is an art.
Good part, W210 doesn't have any $3000 maintenance items newer models like to have, but still suspension rebuild can cost good money.
So first on test drive take the car to empty lot and make couple of thigh donuts to check CV joints. Than visually check boots, flex disks, joints.
Than reading codes.
You have the list. If you really want to follow, the inspection might take couple of days.

gi_jon31b

I really appreciate the help. I did a car fax and here's what I can see:

gi_jon31b

kajtek1

Nice carfax. Not too many service stations report to carfax.
Looks to me that AC was worked on several times and "somehow" once dealer start messing with system, the problems never stop, so take a close look at it.

gi_jon31b

Thank you for all your help. I went with a different car, 2001 E430 4matic