When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I just bought a 2010 E550 4matic (has almost every available package) with 95k miles for 7.5k. Zero rust and no problems, but the owner didn't have very good maintenance records. The guy I bought it off, wasn't scamming me or anything but it was initially listed for 11k. He was extremely wealthy, and said he just gave me it for a lot cheaper cause his family didn't need it anymore. I am hoping to take it to a dealer/mechanic to get it looked over thoroughly, but is there anything I should go ahead and do in the meantime? I am 17 and this is my first car, which is quite crazy. But I love it and I am okay with the price of maintenance and repairs too.
2023 E 450 Sedan. 2018 GLC 300. 2013 E 350 Coupe (retired)
If you are religious pray for good fortune. I would probably change the oil, find out if transmission and plugs have been done. Inspect engine air filter, check tire pressure, get brakes inspected, and enjoy!!
Last edited by smiles201; Oct 23, 2025 at 12:59 PM.
I am thinking about it. How much do you think I could sell it for? Its in really good condition except for like two tears in the drivers seat and a couple scratches in the exterior paint.
I am thinking about it. How much do you think I could sell it for? Its in really good condition except for like two tears in the drivers seat and a couple scratches in the exterior paint.
was the previous owner getting any bites at 11,000?
get that mechanic to check the car over and if there's no obvious major issues that's a selling point
Congratulations! Book a service appointment at the local Mercedes specialist for your 4Matic transmission & differentials - Ask for their complementary multipoint inspection.
They will produce a sort of status report. This can help guide your maintenance to the various systems. Don't expect this sheet to be comprehensive with all priorities.
That's why you're specifically requesting 4Matic oils right now. Learn to be proactive with timely maintenance.
Last edited by CaliBenzDriver; Oct 23, 2025 at 01:28 PM.
I waiter and host at the moment, and I make around 600-800 a week depending on how much I want to work. I usually work like 25-40 hours. My school work is easy because its all online, and I am finishing my senior year of high school. I already have a decent amount in long term savings. I am also looking at getting another part time job until I go to college. (My college will be almost completely free except for maybe 3k a year or less). I do pay for everything myself, but at the moment I have very low expenses because I live with my parents and they still pay for groceries and things like that. That is my financial background for the most part, but I am doing okay for 17.
The owner said he replaced the front air suspension, but after looking at it, it was only one of the sides which seemed odd to me, because typically if you do one, you do both. After a few weeks, I was pretty sure there was a small leak on the passengers back side, so i went ahead and bought the two rear air springs and a valve block to replace as preventative. I know I eventually will probably need to do the one front one he left undone. The previous owner only had it for like 20k miles because it was for his daughter who left for college away from home, so they didn't need it. They said they would just buy her a new car once she finishes the year out.
Last edited by Nate Allen; Oct 23, 2025 at 01:32 PM.
Reason: more information
Okay, thanks. Yes it was. It was listed for like 30 hours on marketplace, and it said like "this listing is hot." I contacted the guy and drove with my mom that day four hours away and bought it.
You don't want your nest egg long-term savings to end up paying for this vehicle, particularly if you can mitigate that by getting a newer, more reliable vehicle. This vehicle does not fit into your financial prudence that you have already developed. This goes against the grain of all of the good financial decisions you've made thus far. You're 17 years old and you're already thinking very wisely especially if you're still talking to me about selling this car and getting something more reliable, that speaks to your maturity, and I appreciate that you love the brand Mercedes and back in 2010, This was an amazing vehicle to have.
You're spot on: things like the air Matic system will hose you long-term and other things like axles and transmission and 4matic transfer case system, and then of course the engine
Yes, thank you. I appreciate your opinion. I am still thinking of selling it because, because I feel like it would be better in the long run. I am still able to use my parent's car at the moment as well, so I feel like I should probably get rid of it. But every time I drive it, I love it and it makes me to keep it more and more haha. I am the only one in my family who enjoys cars so we own older beater cars like a 2012 civic and things like that, so driving this is amazing. Thank you a lot. I appreciate it.
Yes, thank you. I appreciate your opinion. I am still thinking of selling it because, because I feel like it would be better in the long run. I am still able to use my parent's car at the moment as well, so I feel like I should probably get rid of it. But every time I drive it, I love it and it makes me to keep it more and more haha. I am the only one in my family who enjoys cars so we own older beater cars like a 2012 civic and things like that, so driving this is amazing. Thank you a lot. I appreciate it.
I appreciate you dude - I wish I had your wisdom at 17.
I see you in a brand new German sports sedan in your future - plan on it.
2023 E 450 Sedan. 2018 GLC 300. 2013 E 350 Coupe (retired)
My first car was el cheapo, but if you enjoy the car and it is worth the financial commitment and risk, hold on. If you need a big repair, fix it and sell if you want. If you can live with taking a financial hit, work more hours and live and learn. Life is meant to be enjoyed! Make your own rules, maybe you like working more if you know the money isnt just for saving but also for driving an older luxury car. I don't mind spending extra for a nice car. I don't like big bills but I can easily afford it. I never thought about cars at your age.
Wait - your young? If you are mechanically inclined have at it. They are getting more and more affordable to keep running (granted, with some junk yard parts maybe). This depends on if your car has air ride or not.......
Last edited by OldManAndHisCar; Oct 23, 2025 at 03:19 PM.
I plan on being mechanically inclined because I enjoy this type of stuff. I am 17 so I don't have much experience yet but I am a very hands-on person. I started building computers and things like that when I was eleven, so I find it somewhat similar, but I know cars are much more advanced and expensive haha. I take my time and do a lot more research when I do something to my car rather my pc.
First of all, the w212 is the best looking E-class Mercedes ever made especially the one with the hockey stick DRLs in front. The true 5.5L engine is one of the most reliable one.
I have one of these 2010 model beasts and will never let it go. It has over 190000 miles on the clock. Engine still does not burn a drop of oil that I change at every 5000 miles, filter at 10000 miles.
The biggest job with the car was to replace the air springs in rear and struts in front when the car was about ten years old. Your car is 15 years old so it is likely the springs/struts have already been replaced. If the previous owner had MB service the car they should be able to print service history for it.
Recently I had problems with air tubes to the multicontour driver’s seat, first at the seat itself and then at the pressure reservoir. The air tubing is just getting brittle with age and brims leaks. Easy fixes though.
Year 2010 was the first year for W212 here in the U.S. (started a year earlier in Europe) and I feel the quality of the workmanship was better than later model years. I think 2011 was still good before they started saving money building these, like they went to smaller brakes in front.
I waiter and host at the moment, and I make around 600-800 a week depending on how much I want to work. I usually work like 25-40 hours. My school work is easy because its all online, and I am finishing my senior year of high school. I already have a decent amount in long term savings. I am also looking at getting another part time job until I go to college. (My college will be almost completely free except for maybe 3k a year or less). I do pay for everything myself, but at the moment I have very low expenses because I live with my parents and they still pay for groceries and things like that. That is my financial background for the most part, but I am doing okay for 17.
The owner said he replaced the front air suspension, but after looking at it, it was only one of the sides which seemed odd to me, because typically if you do one, you do both. After a few weeks, I was pretty sure there was a small leak on the passengers back side, so i went ahead and bought the two rear air springs and a valve block to replace as preventative. I know I eventually will probably need to do the one front one he left undone. The previous owner only had it for like 20k miles because it was for his daughter who left for college away from home, so they didn't need it. They said they would just buy her a new car once she finishes the year out.
That's admirable, but don't waste all your saving on a car......as others said, it's going to be an expensive thing to own. GL buddy
Yes, I absolutely love it. Mine almost the exact one as yours but I have the tan interior. Its the elegance once, but I want to do the sport grille in the front like yours is too. It makes it look like 7 years newer I feel like.
If I may suggest Nate :
Don't let this car pull your financial down in the long run, as it will guarantee to do so as it gets older.
I can imagine the driving pleasure...yep, can't deny that but when it harm you wallet by much, that is when the pain bites.
Congrats, however the reliable the car is it's still more than 10 years old . I love your enthusiastic approach and attitude to buy a like that
Those must be more reliable than M278s too , 4 MATIC for some is something not necessary but I disagree .
Those are not Ferraris in maintenance wise nor W221's V12 engine , but still requires more $$$ to maintain it and please don't use cheap aftermarket parts to fix it otherwise it would cost you more than you would use OEM parts
Happy Driving
This is what you need to be very careful of with all of our engines. Quite a few times now I have gone to do one thing...break a small plastic part by doing not much more than looking at it. There are many cooling lines that will just break (leaving parts in the block that you have to get out). Just yesterday while changing plugs and coils I broke this one....dont know when or how - but I did.
nothing to do with model year... teenager, first car, limited resources, should NOT be spending money on bling-bling.
Yeah, but a freaking sound system wtih 430 sub woofers...or, near me...the kids in trucks that are 96" off the ground with LED lights in their wheels and 12" chrome exhausts...those are okay.
When I was 18 I had a $9,000 bicycle...when I was 25 I had a $200k home theater (in my $330/mo apartment). Who the hell are you or I to say where someone should spend their money? Good on this kid...it is not for us to decide what does and does not have value for another person.
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.
