Help with road trip auto
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 3
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e320
Help with road trip auto
Hello,
I’m brand new to the form and looking to purchase a 1997 Mercedes e320 or S500. Due to the economic downturn, I sadly had to sell my 04 BMW 5451 and wife’s 07 Volvo XC90 V8. We currently have a 09 Nissan Altima. My concerns are road trips with the family, the Altima dose not have the feel of weight, safety & performance I would like in a family car. I would appreciate your options on the two MB's.
Thank you,
JCobalt
I’m brand new to the form and looking to purchase a 1997 Mercedes e320 or S500. Due to the economic downturn, I sadly had to sell my 04 BMW 5451 and wife’s 07 Volvo XC90 V8. We currently have a 09 Nissan Altima. My concerns are road trips with the family, the Altima dose not have the feel of weight, safety & performance I would like in a family car. I would appreciate your options on the two MB's.
Thank you,
JCobalt
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 6,189
Likes: 242
From: Albuquerque
'10 CL550, '12 GL550
NEVER buy a used S-class.
The truest thing that can be said about an S-class is that if you can't afford to own a new one you can't afford to own any of them. They are Mercedes' technology leaders and are very cutting edge.
(Note: this is about the same as the BMW 7-series: BMW CCA tech editor suggests only folks that should own one of those are BMW techs.)
As for the E-class, you're looking at the W210 generation and the "facelifted" models, i.e. 2000-2002 are much better than the '96-'99 versions.
The truest thing that can be said about an S-class is that if you can't afford to own a new one you can't afford to own any of them. They are Mercedes' technology leaders and are very cutting edge.
(Note: this is about the same as the BMW 7-series: BMW CCA tech editor suggests only folks that should own one of those are BMW techs.)
As for the E-class, you're looking at the W210 generation and the "facelifted" models, i.e. 2000-2002 are much better than the '96-'99 versions.
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 58
Likes: 0
From: Tornado Alley, OK
2003 Dodge Ram 1500 SLT
Go with the e-class!
The 1997 W210 E320 has the same engine as my 1994 W124 E320.
M104 Inline6, 220HP and a really good gas milage.
Watch out for rust - front strut mounts, frame, doors, trunk etc.
W210 can have a lot of rust!!!
Buy only with a correct service book when all services are done by MB.
Check the recalls.
I have to agree with ikchris. If you have the budget, look for a e-class from 2001 to 2002.
Good luck!
The 1997 W210 E320 has the same engine as my 1994 W124 E320.
M104 Inline6, 220HP and a really good gas milage.
Watch out for rust - front strut mounts, frame, doors, trunk etc.
W210 can have a lot of rust!!!
Buy only with a correct service book when all services are done by MB.
Check the recalls.
I have to agree with ikchris. If you have the budget, look for a e-class from 2001 to 2002.
Good luck!
Last edited by Jochen; Sep 9, 2010 at 02:53 AM.
