Hi, I would love to own my first Mercedes and I think I may have found one. My choice revolves around buying a used Certified 2012 E350, or buying a used Certified A6 Audi, or buying a brand new car from a less expensive manufacturer for the same amount. My budget is about 30k and there is an E car at my local dealer at an asking price of $35,995. It has the Sport and Premium 1 Packages. It also has some really pretty and costly upgrade wheels which I believe are Mercedes. The car has 31,144 miles. I will be trading in a 2006 Acura TL in fair condition with 135,000 miles so you can see we like to keep our cars and I'm hoping to get even more trouble free use from the Mercedes than I did from the Acura. The story from the salesman about the car is that is was leased by the Sales Manager's son so its gotten the royal service treatment. The car looks perfect. I haven't tried to negotiate a final deal and would appreciate some help in the form of more information for this decision. There is also one monkey wrench in the work so to speak and that is the fact that my heart begs for a fast luxurious car and I'm wondering how risky it would be to go back in years and get an AMG that has been very well cared for and which one would fit my needs. I honestly don't know much about AMGs and am hoping someone can tell me which is the most like a souped up E car from the era that I would have to choose from to stay in my 30k range? I'm guessing that may be back in the stone age! Anyway thanks for your help with this these questions.

 

Look for a 550, and try and hold out for a P2 model. They're out there, be patient... Good luck

 

Airmousam is correct and here is why. I have owned 4 Acuras since 1989, including a TL. They are very reliable cars, although quite boring if truth be told. I had a 6 speed manual Legend Coupe to try and make the experience more exciting, but it wasn't. I have also owned 5 Mercedes in that same period, including an C32 AMG. That was a very powerful car when the Horsepower wars had begun in 2002 and everyone was trying to one-up each other.

I eventually settled into the V8 E-Class cars because they are powerful, reliable and safe. My current car is a 2010 E550 4Matic with P2. This car has close to 400 HP and with the 4 wheel drive it goes like hell even in our bad Chicago winters. I can get 26 MPG on the highway all day with the 7 speed transmission and with my drive dynamic seat I can drive for hours in comfort. I am 6'-3" and this is the Goldilocks car for me.

You need to drive a 2010 or 2011 E550 to understand what I and Airmousam are talking about. It is wicked fast and with this car there is no need to step up to an AMG, unless you are looking for a monster.

The 2010-11 model year are identical and are not turbo charged, unlike the 2012 and newer model. They can easily be bought with the P2, Pano roof, Parktronic, drive dynamic seat, etc for $30K or less.

If you are looking for luxury and performance I recommend stepping up to the E550. You will not be disappointed. They are amazing cars in every way.
Good luck!

 

E550 P2 all the way. should be able to get a 2010 or 2011 in your range. 2012 will be high 30's to low 40's. I was doing the same thing as OP - about $30k budget but wanted a decent lux sport sedan or else I was buying new from a non-lux brand. It came down to the M37 or E550 (which was more rare in my area). E350 didn't do it for me, just like the ES350 and TL. An A6 after the tech redesign (2012?) would be nice, but I found those were overpriced and mostly 2.0T in my area.

AMG is another world. Worth it if you don't mind getting a car a few years older, higher miles. Remember insurance and maintenance cost are higher on AMG.

 

Picked up a 2011 E550 with P2 for $31K last month with 27K miles. Love the vehicle, just be aware that there is the issue of wood trim fading and as long as under original warranty, you can have it replaced for free.
Good luck!

 

wood fading is only an issue for the burl wood (brown), right? I think the black wood is fine.

Mine is burl wood and is faded some. I'm out of warranty so I am screwed on that. But car still looks great. And hauls...

 

I have the ebony wood. No fading whatsoever. I certainly wouldn't let faded trim stop me from buying a great car. Get a discount if necessary.

 

Do yourself a favor and don't test drive an E63 (or S version). I did. Nothing else will compare if performance is high on your list. Well, lucky for you that's not in your price range yet .

 

That is correct- I have the burl wood and is plenty faded but luckily still under the original warranty- MB dealer has ordered the trim and now the wait begins!

 

Since your heart is begging for power than yes, e550 all the way!! I was in the same boat but went for a 2012 e350. 302HP is plenty of power for me plus the additional year with warranty sealed the deal!

 

The W212 chassis have been pretty reliable but to expect it to be more reliable than an Acura is an unlikely proposition. For sure it will likely be more costly.

 

I have an E63. Since you have not owned a Mercedes before, I agree with the above and go with an E550. The E63 has some very very high cost maintenance. ie 700 to 1000.00 dollars for each front brake rotor, Front brake pads 200.00 to 300.00 a set., Tires will also cost a good bit more. And a good low mile 2011 year model E63 will be mid 45k to 59k dollars.

 

The E350 (V6, RWD) is most reliable car M-B sells, but it is only moderately relaible.
Sorry, but the "S", AMG and V8 E550 are not nearly as reliable.
Compared to an Acura, you will be spending much more, especially if you keep a car for 125,000 miles.
Good luck, but don't rush into anything.

 

Buy a CPO E350 that will get you a warranty and a good car. Then with some extra cash get a 2001-2004 SLK32 with low mileage at around 14-15K for some fun.

 

Patience is certainly the key. This car would meet my needs and make budget. Asking the local dealers to put their ears to the ground might work yet there's probably a better way. I'll let you know when good fortune smiles on me.

 

Totally agree. My W212 E350 wagon was new 4 yr ago but has just 55000 kmon it so I re upped the warranty to 100000 and 3 more years. It is pretty decent for the its size speed wise but for real fun I bought a 2001 SLK 320 18 months ago with 61000 km on it. Dumped all fluids, plugs, filters and belts, cleaned up a few cosmetics and the rest is just a blast. Such fun with your clothes on!