Hello! New to the forum, and looking at E350 Wagons. I’m comparing two- a medium spec 2014 with 100k miles and a 2016 high spec with less than 40k miles. The main difference is that the 2014 was fully maintained at MB dealer and priced at $20K, where the 2016 has no records, not maintained at dealer and priced at $34K. Realize that the 2016 is a slightly updated car, but it is worth the $14K difference?

 

No, not at a $14000 difference. I bought my 2016 Sedan (not a wagon) with less than half the mileage for the same price you're quoted for the 2016 wagon. And my car was only 30 months old when purchased, while your prospect is now more than 4 years old.

All the 2016 Sedans for sale here (well under 20,000 miles) are selling for around $25K. https://www.texascarsdirect.com/sear...&Model=E-Class

Just my opinion, but I feel there is less demand for wagons vs sedans. Most in need of a wagon's utility now consider SUVs instead (sad as that is to say). Note the link above offers only sedans, no wagons. Obviously they feel there is no market for them. They do sell MB SUVs.

Get the 2016 for under $26,000 and you would be on to something. I would not pay any premium for a wagon.

Not sure I would buy a Mercedes with 100K miles, either. Probably not. Edit: No, wait, I'm sure I wouldn't...

 

Not worth $14,000 more. Maybe $4,000 sure. But common $14,000 for 2 more years? And only 60,000 miles less.

 

No worries about the lack of records?

 

I bought over a dozen of high mileage MB and never worry about the records.
I do my own inspection and buy mostly diesels though.
For me crucial in MB purchase is paint condition. When I can deal with mechanical repairs easy, there is no way to restore MB paint quality without exceeding car value.

 

I'm not sure sedan pricing is all that comparable to wagons as the latter has a higher sticker. MB's current configuration tool shows a $12,000 difference in starting price. There can also be a large pricing difference between what you describe as mid and high spec. A two year newer car, with less than half the miles and the addition of ventilated leather, lighting package and distronic would certainly be worth the $14,000 price difference to me. If it were me I would keep waiting until I could have low miles, high spec, and service records.

 

Nope, no worries at all. I can guarantee an oil change on my driveway is just as good as one at the dealer. Maybe better.

CARFAX records are only slightly better than no records. And participation in CARFAX by dealers is voluntary. Some dealers update diligently, some only on certain things, and others don't participate at all.

 

From what I have seen the wagons/estates do command a premium over the sedans. I would not put them on par with each other in terms of value. Apples to oranges.

 

With just 40k, there's really not much it needs that require records like transmission flush or spark plugs. For 2016, I believe you can get Apple Carplay/Android Auto, that was the first year it was available on an E class. Other than that, not much difference. Just negotiate the price down. The loaded cars are usually more fun to drive, if it has the driver assistance package or lighting package, those are decent ones to get as they're not very common.

 

Will the 2016 be eligible for factory warranty - ELW?
Also, you mentioned high spec'ed. what is missing in the Distronic Plus and Lightning?

Things I got used to:
1. Distronic Plus
2. 360 Deg Camera
3. Multicontour Massage seat with massage.
4. People who had leather will not go back to MB-TEX in what I read here around.


Did the comfort level increased in 2016 seating?
Also, you can get 3-pack Prepaid maintenance for vehicles under 80k miles only - which saves around 300-500 when compared to doing it individually. Please check about that and others can help the difference between PPM vs paying on your own.

I'm leaning towards the 2016 and see if you could get the current history of this vehicle (I need to read your post again).

 

If you are willing to spend into the mid-thirty thousand to low forty thousand range, why not get a CPO? Then you get records, the remaining factory warranty, and another year of CPO unlimited mileage warranty.

On the other hand, you are probably unlikely to spend 14k on the 100k mile car that a pre-purchase inspection won't catch. That could be a good deal if you don't mind a little living on the edge. And if you are capable of doing some repairs and diagnostics yourself, then all the more reason why the older car might be fine. On the other hand, if you're the type who doesn't do his own service, I'm back to recommending CPO.