New member but regular Benz driver looking at purchasing a W211
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CL55
New member but regular Benz driver looking at purchasing a W211
Hey. So for the last few years I’ve been driving VWs but I’m a Mercedes girl at heart (thanks Dad) I don’t remember a time in my life when we haven’t had at least 1 in the family. We all know from experience there is nothing more expensive than a cheap Benz and I do NOT need another lemon lol. The worst (lemons) being a 2001 S320 cdi which Dad and then I drove from new (demo vehicle) until it pretty much died in 2012 at about 350,000km (so many issues I can’t even remember them all but still an amazing vehicle) and a 2002 CL55 AMG 105,000km which is currently mouldering in our shed with the same sort of, but different lol multiple electronic type and vacuum issues. But man I love this car, it has an endless accelerator ie you run out of road before throttle and it is beautiful inside esp compared to the newer Benz’s.
Anyway I am looking to purchase a pre 2009 E class (has to be a 320 up) because it’s all I can afford atm. Been reading up for the last couple of days and I have a few questions any input will be much appreciated. I am reasonably onto it about vehicles and my husband is a certified mechanic so I just want to clarify what we should look out for especially.
My 2 easiest options (we live in the sticks, ie 45min to anywhere) to view and test drive are
2002 E320 Avantgarde. 149,000 km for $5k which has recently had new engine and trans mounts, a new harmonic balancer and new serpentine belt fitted. All electrics work perfectly (according to seller).
I am a little confused as the year is 2002 which according to my research should be a W210. But vin number says it’s a W211 and it is definitely the new model in looks.
2006 E350. 176,000 km for $6.5k
Seller lists an excellent and regular service history but doesn’t supply much further detail.
I’m think it is the pre facelift version as the grille is curved and not pointed at the bottom but I’m not totally sure, how do you tell and does this mean it’s probably more like the earlier models with all the lemon issues I want to avoid? What else should I find out from seller?
I’m thinking the 2006 350 is probably the better vehicle (other than it’s the wrong colour, and I don’t like the wheels on it much) but does the fact that the 2002 320 has had some reasonably serious maintenance done recently negate that at all?
Thanks for reading and any comments are appreciated.
Anyway I am looking to purchase a pre 2009 E class (has to be a 320 up) because it’s all I can afford atm. Been reading up for the last couple of days and I have a few questions any input will be much appreciated. I am reasonably onto it about vehicles and my husband is a certified mechanic so I just want to clarify what we should look out for especially.
My 2 easiest options (we live in the sticks, ie 45min to anywhere) to view and test drive are
2002 E320 Avantgarde. 149,000 km for $5k which has recently had new engine and trans mounts, a new harmonic balancer and new serpentine belt fitted. All electrics work perfectly (according to seller).
I am a little confused as the year is 2002 which according to my research should be a W210. But vin number says it’s a W211 and it is definitely the new model in looks.
2006 E350. 176,000 km for $6.5k
Seller lists an excellent and regular service history but doesn’t supply much further detail.
I’m think it is the pre facelift version as the grille is curved and not pointed at the bottom but I’m not totally sure, how do you tell and does this mean it’s probably more like the earlier models with all the lemon issues I want to avoid? What else should I find out from seller?
I’m thinking the 2006 350 is probably the better vehicle (other than it’s the wrong colour, and I don’t like the wheels on it much) but does the fact that the 2002 320 has had some reasonably serious maintenance done recently negate that at all?
Thanks for reading and any comments are appreciated.
Last edited by NothingbutaBenz; May 26, 2020 at 09:07 PM. Reason: Title modification including model I want to know about
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 14,666
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From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
Welcome! Please post a photo of the E-Class when it arrives.
Generally it's a good idea to buy the newest, lowest mileage vehicle in your budget that meets your transportation goals. The newer vehicle in your examples has higher mileage than the older vehicle. I recommend continuing your search until you have a better feel for the market in your area. I like to use cargurus for searching.
Generally it's a good idea to buy the newest, lowest mileage vehicle in your budget that meets your transportation goals. The newer vehicle in your examples has higher mileage than the older vehicle. I recommend continuing your search until you have a better feel for the market in your area. I like to use cargurus for searching.
