Noticed a number of '03 E320 and E500 on dealer lots in my area. Pricing is generally in the high-40's to mid-50's with mileage anywhere from 7,500 to 18,000. Are these good deals or am I better off with a new 2004 because these cars loaded with first year problems?

 

Some of these are going to be the Navigation (or lack of..) buybacks. Nothing wrong with these cars. MB simply could not perform on providing Navigation on 2003 cars. They had presold the Navigation on some cars to be installed later. Couldn't get the job done. They stepped up to the plate and gave us new 2003's with Navigation from the very last run of 2003's.

If that is what you are seeing...they a probably very good cars.

 

Navagation, active headlights and a seven speed transmission would be reason enough for me to buy an 04........ Do what feels right....

 

price for a 2003 320 should be in the low 40's (if not high 30's) depending on mileage/options, and in the high 40's/low 50s for a 500. Consider that people are getting brand new 2004s @ 5000 below msrp and @ invoice, so you may not be saving as much as you think by going used; hope this helps, good luck;

ps. besides the availability of command and nav., I noticed the seats are a lot more confortable in the 2004s for some reason; as far as problems/reliability, I doubt the '03's are any less reliable than the '04s, especially since these are preowned and the small electrical glitches, etc have probably already been taken care of;