Hi guys, I'm back after a few years looking to get back into MB

I have options to consider:

'14 E350 4M for $25.5 with 26K miles (no adaptive CC, has lane keep, BSM, ). 4 months remains on warranty.

'15 Hyundai Genesis AWD for $25K with 24K miles full safety tech including adaptive cruise. 5/60 powertrain remains (10/100 only for original owner) 4 months remain on 3/36 bump to bump.

'18 Outback Premium demo 4700 miles, $26K, 4 cyl, cloth, no keyless go (keys are so 100 years ago), Eyesight safety, certified 7/100 powertrain and 30 months remain on the bump to bump.

The first two are competitors and the Gen is surprisingly luxurious and exceptional. E350 is the gold standard. I tossed in the OB a bit in jest but really to point out what $26K can buy nearly new (and I happen to like it).

The E can add a GWC 4/50 bump to bump warranty for $2500. I imagine the Gen has similar extend warranty available.

The Gen is tempting but has far more NHTSA complaints than the E350 (very few in fact) and shockingly the 2017 CRV has far more complaints than either. I don't use that data to make a decision. One can't draw firm conclusions based on 20 complaints vs 50 out of a couple hundred thousand cars.

Extended warranty is great at a cost but can one reasonable expect the E350 be a good car for another 5 years without the extended warranty? Even with the warranty, how often do you guys run to the dealer for unscheduled service. That can get really old.

I'd like some thoughts on this version of the E from current owners. My brother who has an S class said he's through with MB. The air system to power the door locks is $2K to repair not to mention numerous other items that break out of warranty. I had an '87 300E from '92-97 and ran it from 38K to 155K and it was an excellent car. Also had a 2000 S430 which was not so great.

 

I had a 2000 s430 and it was a disaster .. I also had a 300e that was a great car , also a 1996 e320 and a 07 e63 that was fantastic and now I have a 2015 e400 thats new to me and feeling her out as I've only had her for 2 months ... Mercedes has come along way from the dark years of the early 2000s .. I think that the newer mercedes vehicles are night and day from u're old s430 that probably left a nasty taste in ure mouth ..I know it did on mine .. I guess time will tell for both of us !

 

Thanks for that reply, much appreciated.

I also owned a '70 Euro 300SEL 6.3 for a year in '92 and no issues other than flexible front brake lines (cheap fix). Any time you think a capiler is bad because of pulling to one side on an old car , think "flex brake line". Very inexpensive and often the culprit.

I'm leaning towards the E especially with the 4/50 full warranty (I will buy and plan to get the dealer to sell it to me at cost as part of the deal).

One of the reasons I even shopped a 15-18 outback is because in a few years I plan to pass it off to child #2 going to college she will NOT get an E class. Child 1 is taking my '13 Accord this summer.

Whatever I get needs to be a 5 year car. With only 26K miles now and me doing about 10K a year, no reason it can't serve me well based on the miles.

As you said, time will tell. Might make a move this week, I'll holla back.

 

Doesn't sound like you're getting the MB from an MB dealer, otherwise it would be a CPO. Check the vendors in the extended warranty subforum. The MB warranty is better than the aftermarket ones which either have a tendency to not cover items, go out of business or have some kind of deductible. You can get a extnded 7/75 or 7/100k warranty. I think pricing is pretty close to what you were quoted, but maybe a bit higher because it's MB and I think the coverage is better.

 

Thanks for the tip on the vendor's area.