Hello everyone. Once again I'm back with a 2017 E300 4Matic that I go to pick up tomorrow. I haven't had a Mercedes for about 8 years now, but decided to jump back in. My last one was a 2000 CLK430 that ran perfectly for about 10 years until I got into an accident with it and totaled it. The W213 that I'm buying has 39,000 miles on it, one owner, in Colorado, like I am, and has always been Mercedes serviced. I'm buying it from the Mercedes dealer that originally sold it and did most all of the service in it's life, including the A service they just did before the sale to me. The only thing I see on the Carfax report other than regular services is a fuel leak and fuel line replaced about 3 years ago. What should I look for when I go pick it up tomorrow (might end up being Saturday at the latest)? Can anyone tell me what issues I can expect to arise? Drivability? Tire wear? Suspension? Electrical issues? Thank you in advance, as I know from my previous Mercedes that this forum is invaluable!! I'm offered a Route 66 extended warranty through my credit union who financed it. Any ideas about that? I have always done my own work on my cars as I started my adult life as a Ford Tech trained and employed back in the 70's but quit for a better job. But I can still wrench well and have a lot of tools. Any scan tools that seem to be best for this model? I will post pictures once I pick it up from the Mercedes dealer. Thanks again, everyone!!

 

I don't believe that there are any specific issues with the W213 other than the fuel leak issue. I have an '18 E300 fully loaded that I factory ordered in March 2017 and took delivery in July 2017. After a door hinge replacement at delivery, I've had a soft close door that needed repair, battery replaced once and wipers replaced once in addition to factory recommended A & B services. That's it. I've owned Mercedes cars since the 1960's and IMO this E300 is one of the best.

 

Thanks for the reply! Unfortunately, right after I wrote this thread, the deal fell through due to some body damage issue that was just discovered!! I was ready to go pick it up, but it looks like I'll be back to square one looking for an E300. They look like awesome cars! Luckily there are a lot of them around with low miles so finding one that I like shouldn't be too much of an issue. I'll try again once I find another one!

 

I’m a Car Expert: 3 Reasons I’d Never Buy a Used Car From a Dealership

see: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/m-car...130034364.html

 

I'd never buy a used car or a "demonstrator" under any circumstances.

 

As I posted in another thread, after Covid, dealers were not allowed to buy leased cars at the buy back price. Leased cars go to auction.

That means all Mercedes CPO cars are either demonstraters, cars used by salesmen and/or staff, trade ins or cars bought at auction.

 

I've had 2 W213s. 2018 and 2921, so both pre and post facelift. One had to have the backup camera replaced, and one had to have that mesh area above the dash gauges resecured. Both done without hassle under warranty. No other problems. I don't drive too many miles but do drive nearly everyday.

 

Since your current car is an 8 cylinder, you may be disappointed by a 4 cylinder E300. You may wish to concentrate on E400s and E450s only. As I recall, all 2017s in the US were E300s. So, you would have to find a 2018 E400. For 2019 and later years, the 6 cylinder cars were E450s.

My wife has a 2018 E400 wagon, and it's been the most trouble-free car we've ever owned. The only warranty repair we had was replacement of the drivers' seat switch.

We have nearly 37k miles on ours and are still on the original brake pads. I replaced the original tires earlier this year, but we could have gotten another 5k miles out of them. If you're looking at cars with over 30k miles, make sure the transmission service has been done and the rear differential fluid has been changed. Most owners probably overlook these maintenance items.

 

I'd definitely go for an E400 or 450. It's still not clear if the 4 cylinder engines have the durability that 6-s have - some of the C-class 4 cylinders (27x) have failed.

I wouldn't buy 2021 or newer - 2021 was when MBUX came in (and COMAND went out). The buttons (COMAND) are much better that the early MBUX touch controls.

Maybe the 2023's got better, but my 2021 requires me to place my finger in exactly the right spot to get the desired result.

 

I lean toward buying CPO (certified) cars from my dealer.

My son bought a 2019 C300 CPO - got a "free" extra year of warranty and bought another 2 years for $2745.

Had an engine problem with it in 2024 which would have cost $3100 to fix. Fixed for $0.

I bought a 2021 E350 in 2023 and my warranty runs until 2029. I hope I don't have to use it, but I like to keep my cars a long time without excessive added cost.

 

In December 2023, before my warranty expired I bought a Mercedes Extended warranty, 3 years. 75,000 ,,miles for $2250.

You have to shop around.

 

What range of pricing are you seeing? Ive been checking on the value of mine and these carvana type places are offering around 21k. Mines got 40,600 miles.