'99 E320 4matic questions
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'99 E320 4matic questions
A friend of mine is selling his '99 E320 4matic wagon, with 50,000 miles (about $20,000). My wife's car is a '97 Subaru Outback and is due to be replaced. We like the Subaru AWD but with a child seat in back there is no leg room, we don't need an SUV and my wife is not into the minivan thing. Having never owned MB I have the following questions-
1-Are there known mechanical "Quirks" with the MB wagon?
2-What is a reasonable lifespan for an MB 4matic (I have 135,000 on the Subaru, still solid)?
3-What would an extended Starmark warranty cost?
4-Any other input would be helpful. My main concern is is greatly increased maintenence costs with the MB.
Thanks.
1-Are there known mechanical "Quirks" with the MB wagon?
2-What is a reasonable lifespan for an MB 4matic (I have 135,000 on the Subaru, still solid)?
3-What would an extended Starmark warranty cost?
4-Any other input would be helpful. My main concern is is greatly increased maintenence costs with the MB.
Thanks.
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From: Philadelphia area
2010 ML550, 2010 E350 4M, 1966 Corvette Convt C2
You will like the vehicle over your Subru even though the Subry is a good vehicle. Life of the MB is a variable and depends upon maint during its life span. It will cost you a bit more to maintain however the offset is greatly increased safety, comfort and better ride with more room. I would guess that a reasonably maintained MB will live to at least 200K miles. The deciding factor on its life is a major repair comes up and is it economical to fix or get rid of it. Its the same for your Subru and I believe that that decision will be based upon do you want to replace/rebuild the engine due to an oil pump failure.
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Thanks for the reply, thats just the type of info I am looking for. I don't think I would get into it if I can't get a warranty to 100,000. I am willing to pay a bit more to maintain if I get another 50,000 miles of usability and the advantages you mentioned. To me it just seems like a better vehicle than a minivan/suv.
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From: Philadelphia area
2010 ML550, 2010 E350 4M, 1966 Corvette Convt C2
One other thing, Starmark warranty is avaiable only on used vehicles that are purchased from an MB dealer thAt meet the criteria for this warranty. There are aftermarket warranties available but in my opinion they are not all solid companies. If I were in your position I would have the car checked out by a dealer and then go with it without a warranty. What are you afraid of??
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Starmark warranty noted. My major concern is needing to replace something major out of warranty, or getting nickel and dimed a few hundred at a time. I realize also, as this would be a private sale I may not get much sympathy at the dealer if, for example, a tranny component failed at 60,000.
As I mentioned earlier I have not owned a MB before and am doing my research, for example some of the Volvo awd's ate tires faster than normal. Do they need to be at the dealer every 10,000 miles for a $500 "inspection" list? Are they relatively trouble free, can some of the maintenence be done by a competent home mechanic (myself), what sort of milage can be expected?
Thanks in advance.
As I mentioned earlier I have not owned a MB before and am doing my research, for example some of the Volvo awd's ate tires faster than normal. Do they need to be at the dealer every 10,000 miles for a $500 "inspection" list? Are they relatively trouble free, can some of the maintenence be done by a competent home mechanic (myself), what sort of milage can be expected?
Thanks in advance.
