guillermo

Hello everyone. This is my very first post so I apologize if this gets a little lengthy. I'm now in the process of making my first Mercedes Benz purchase. I know I want an E430 from 1998 -2000 w/ around 50-70k miles. However, I currently own a BMW325 & have no experience w/ Eclasses. Are there any major differences between the 98's- 00's (besides steering wheel, xenon's, & taillights)? What are some issues that may go wrong w/ these cars at this time, etc? Also, I came across a Silver on Black 98 E430 Sport fully loaded w/ 54k miles for $17,900. Is this a good deal? What are some things that I should look for before I buy?
Sorry guys........I know I sound pathetic, but I know nothing about these cars (except for the fact that they look great!) Thanks in advance.

Guillermo

sosh

No major issues on the E's. An issue that I have heard but not experienced is the rear window pully is plastic and has broken. Not major. Having owned 4 BMW's prior to any of my Benz's, I can tell you that you will like the car very much.

guillermo

Do you think that the 98' E420 would be a good deal then (that is listed above? I ran a carfax on it & it came out clean.

Whitey

Welcome to the fam, guillermo. There are just a few typical probs with these cars (no where near as much as the bimmers....I know cuz I upgraded from one too ). This question has been asked quite a number times before and many guys have contributed very detailed responses before so it might be better to do a search or scan thru the pages here - at least you'll get a lot more ideas and it is quicker than waiting around. Good luck!

guillermo

Thanks for the info guys. Whitey, I took your info on the search & found some great information. I noticed that someone said that you should know all service history that has been performed on the car before you buy it....... The car that I was talking about above (SilverE430) does not have all the service records on it. However, are there any other questions that I should ask the seller to qualify this auto as being a "good buy"? Would it be a good buy for $17,900?

Whitey

No prob man! But sorry I can't comment cuz I'm not in the US...good luck on your search.

vraa

See if you can get all the options list and such, it'd be best to try a www.kbb.com check to see if it's worth that much, less, or more.

guillermo

Vraa, already did that & the asking price came out to be cheaper than blue book, but I didnt know how accurate KBB is w/ Benz's. I know they are a little inaccurate when it comes to Bimmers. Just thought I would get an idea from you all. Thanks again.

E55 KEV

Try to negotiatate the price at or near the Trade-In Value which is also listed on KBB.

Xenon HID headlamps are an option on all W210 from 1996 I believe. They usually (always) have the headlamp washers. Start with 1998 and up and get the 2000+ models if possible. Good Luck.

guillermo

E55 Kev, I'm glad you just mentioned the 2000+ thing because I just came across one here locally. Wow......it was nice & I think I may buy it this week. The only thing that threw me off was the "4matic". Does the AWD option take away from the total 275hp of the car? This 00'E430 is loaded w/ 60k & his lowest price is $23,650. If you guys have any advice on this, let me know.

jaflamenco

Honestly buddy, I am a dealer, you ca nfind something better as far as price wise, but price shouldn't be the only deciding factor. Is it "THE CAR" you want to own? but I ca ntell you tomorrow what is a better price for is when I am in the office and book it out . Oh by the way what equipment does it have?

guillermo

The car that I'm interested in pursuing now is a 2000 Silver on Charcoal E430 4matic. It is loaded w/ 6disc changer, heated seats, sunroof, wood int., power everything, & its in immaculate shape. The seller told me that he will let it go for 23,650. Please let me know what you think. Thanks buddy.

guillermo

The car that I'm interested in pursuing now is a 2000 Silver on Charcoal E430 4matic. It is loaded w/ 6disc changer, heated seats, sunroof, wood int., power everything, & its in immaculate shape. The seller told me that he will let it go for 23,650. Please let me know what you think. Thanks buddy.

guillermo

The car that I'm interested in pursuing now is a 2000 Silver on Charcoal E430 4matic. It is loaded w/ 6disc changer, heated seats, sunroof, wood int., power everything, & its in immaculate shape. The seller told me that he will let it go for 23,650. Please let me know what you think. Thanks buddy.

guillermo

Oh yeah..........it has 63k miles. Let me know if you need anything else.

jaflamenco

I need to know whether or not it has sport package, nav, satelite stereo, different options.

guillermo

No sport package, no navi, just the basics listed above. Hope this helps...........I'm just going by what is listed on autotrader.

jaflamenco

do you have the link to it on line?

If so send it, or the VIN.

guillermo

VIN WDBJF83J1YX038201. Thanks buddy.

jaflamenco

I'll let ya know what I find tomorrow... can you find that car online at auto trader.com?

guillermo

Yes, its on autotrader. You want to type in zip code 45230. The car is priced @ $25999. International Motor Company is the seller. Let me know & thanks again for your help.

jaflamenco

hey, if you can get it for that that looks good but talk him down like 250- 300 more just for ****s and giggles. to know you really got a good deal.

Loan value is 26,525=to what a bank would loan on it, it should be loan plus 10% is around trade in) the average amount people put down.
trade value is 29425= around what you should pay for it
retail value is 33725= the most you can sell it for

guillermo

jaflamenco, I just made him an offer for $23,500 & he took it. Looks like I'll be driving my new car home tonight............Thanks for everything guys!!!!!!!

E55 KEV

Hey guillermo, a AWD version is not going to be as quick as a RWD model but you probably will not miss it or can you really tell the difference. If you need AWD get it. Good Luck!

I think the only drawback to AWD is that you will not be able to lower it or modify the suspension.