I like cool "second cars". But I am not a gear head. I dont like turning a wrench. I like machines to work.
Ive wanted a Mercedes for while. Been a longtime admirer.
Been lurking on Craigslist and Ebay for one of the following....but hey....i would like to hear from YOU before I click "BUY" on anything....
From new to old, this is my "Maybe a Benz" list....
1. Late 90's early 2000's E320 Wagon - I like wagons. I like the look of the early 2000's. I see +100k milers out there from $3800 up. I understand these are the Chrysler years. Does that mean "run away" in German?
2. 90's SL convertible - I see them late 90's from $5k to $8k. I love the design. Love the idea of a V12. Remember seeing a journalist roll one at the Japan auto show when they came out at 100 mph+ and he walked away. Cool factor is a 10 but the seating capacity does not fit me well. Regardless, me likey!
3. Late 90's S Class - I like the BIG car. Man these are cheap too. Just a big darn Mercedes and I think they had V12s sometimes too.
4. SL Class EARLY 90's - Or the 560 SEL. Dig it.
5. 300 Series wagons from the late 70's early 80's. Love the diesel!!
Anyway. The field is wide open. If I have anything there that is crazy or widely known to be garbage, please let me know. Thank you!!
Ive wanted a Mercedes for while. Been a longtime admirer.
Been lurking on Craigslist and Ebay for one of the following....but hey....i would like to hear from YOU before I click "BUY" on anything....
From new to old, this is my "Maybe a Benz" list....
1. Late 90's early 2000's E320 Wagon - I like wagons. I like the look of the early 2000's. I see +100k milers out there from $3800 up. I understand these are the Chrysler years. Does that mean "run away" in German?
2. 90's SL convertible - I see them late 90's from $5k to $8k. I love the design. Love the idea of a V12. Remember seeing a journalist roll one at the Japan auto show when they came out at 100 mph+ and he walked away. Cool factor is a 10 but the seating capacity does not fit me well. Regardless, me likey!
3. Late 90's S Class - I like the BIG car. Man these are cheap too. Just a big darn Mercedes and I think they had V12s sometimes too.
4. SL Class EARLY 90's - Or the 560 SEL. Dig it.
5. 300 Series wagons from the late 70's early 80's. Love the diesel!!
Anyway. The field is wide open. If I have anything there that is crazy or widely known to be garbage, please let me know. Thank you!!
mrbobby
Super Member
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Jan 21, 2026
Judging from the price ranges you tell us about, I would avoid the V12's. Maintenance is not too bad but repairs can be brutal.
Newbie
I'm buying a C55 AMG next week personally.
It seems that the good ol' 5.4 can last a long time if it's treated properly.
You read more like a supercharged V8, I'd say E55 AMG. Your breaking the 400 usable hp mark with those stock. But probably just out of your budget considering the first few choices.
It seems that the good ol' 5.4 can last a long time if it's treated properly.
You read more like a supercharged V8, I'd say E55 AMG. Your breaking the 400 usable hp mark with those stock. But probably just out of your budget considering the first few choices.
Senior Member
Given the choices you listed, I would go with #5 for reliability and lower cost to repair. The newer they are, the more electronics and 'stuff' to go wrong and the more expensive to fix.
And as stated above, be prepared for a big repair bill at some point if you go to a V-12
And as stated above, be prepared for a big repair bill at some point if you go to a V-12
