Most reliable older models
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 2
Likes: 1
From: Georgia
2013Eclass
Most reliable older models
Hoping someone can suggest which older models are most reliable. I’ve owned 2002 Clk coupe, a ML550, SL 550 all early 2000 models. The SL 550 was a cream puff I lost in a divorce however the CLK was later found to have been in a flood and covered up by the dealer. After ownership I found water lines in the truck which totally gave it away. I ended up trading the CLK and the ML in for a brand new 2010 at the time. I’m looking to purchase another Benz but are there certain year models that are better than others? I heard the 2012 models are pretty reliable however I found some posts on the internet where there were problems with warped rotors. Any suggestions? I love classics of course preferably a convertible since my children are grown and I don’t drive much... around 6,000 miles a year. Just looking for the best in reliability ... I do understand there will he upkeep and more than likely expensive parts and service but if I could find the right car it definitely would be worth it.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 14,668
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From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
Welcome!
Pretty broad question. You mentioned a convertible. Here are things I look for:
- avoid the first model year of a new platform, engine or transmission
- inverse of the above: I look for vehicles with engines and transmissions that have been produced in high numbers for a long time
- avoid diesels in North America. Unreliable since the introduction of ultra low sulfur diesel fuel and concomitant emissions regulations
- avoid highest performance models, if longevity is your goal. If your goal is to go fast, the high performance models are the way to go.
- condition is more important to me than mileage. I would avoid rough looking low mileage vehicle, and would not be deterred from a higher mileage vehicle that was obviously well maintained.
Pretty broad question. You mentioned a convertible. Here are things I look for:
- avoid the first model year of a new platform, engine or transmission
- inverse of the above: I look for vehicles with engines and transmissions that have been produced in high numbers for a long time
- avoid diesels in North America. Unreliable since the introduction of ultra low sulfur diesel fuel and concomitant emissions regulations
- avoid highest performance models, if longevity is your goal. If your goal is to go fast, the high performance models are the way to go.
- condition is more important to me than mileage. I would avoid rough looking low mileage vehicle, and would not be deterred from a higher mileage vehicle that was obviously well maintained.
