E350 4matic Wagon buying advice needed
#26
Here it is our Wagon: amg package (1,5cm lowered suspensions) that makes the car "stiff and sporty" but still pretty confortable imho,R18 245/45 amg rims for summer and R17 245/45v for wintertime.
The cargo space is so vast that I had to buy a dog-carrier for our Vizsla in order to find him ; you won't be dissapointed with this super wagon which has one of the biggest trunk of the class.
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Pghbenz (11-02-2016)
#27
Ok......lots of help needed! Lol. After a week of discussion with the wife, I am fearful I am losing the battle to add the WAGON as my multi-purpose vehicle and dog transporter. As stated before, my last vehicle was a SIENNA limited, which I recently sold due to a major tranny repair at 8 years old and 120000 miles. I am fortunate enough in that I am not in desperate need yet to replace it. After looking at new SIENNA AWD vans with a sticker of $42k and with the sour taste left in my mouth for the failing of the last one I babied, the Benz seemed to me to be EXACTLY my choice! I will add that I am a blue collar stiff just looking to buy the best vehicle I can to get the most bang for my buck. Add to that...there are no real vehicles out there that fit our needs, other than a van or a wagon. So......my choice has to be rock solid here since I do not have dollar bills growing on a tree in the backyard! Lol. With all this being said, I am convinced that a 2011-2014 E wagon is the way to go. My wife is not so enthusiastic it is a wise choice. I will say, my wife is an internet researcher and has zero'Ed in on the negatives more than the positives. I do not fault her detective skills as it has served us well for years. So, a week of the following questions and analysis from her about Mercedes in general, and my answers, are as follows: any help would be appreciated to help convince her!
HER: The routine maintenance on Mercedes in general will be more than we have ever paid on our LIMITED 2006 AVALON. Oil changes, lubrications, etc are hundreds of dollars and in order to be able to maintain this vehicle to the standards Mercedes expects, for it to last, and to be able to confidently have a vehicle such as this to someday sell, it will require a great amount of money to fulfill these "B" service reminders popping up at every mileage interval. We change the oils and rotate the tires and pretty much that has been it for an AVALON that has cost us nothing really to own for 10 years. I read where a replacement battery for a Mercedes costs $300 due to it requiring a special type!
ME: I am looking at CPO'd wagons with a track record of reliability and loyalty from those whom have owned them. The model year vehicle I am looking at will still have a balance of a factory warranty and if bought through a dealership, will also have an additional coverage added to it, and if bought from a non Mercedes dealership, there are third party warranties to ease your mind beyond the end of warranty. As for maintenance and general wear and tear items (batteries...pads...oil changes....,) we can find an independent foreign car repair shop in our area to perform these routine functions for a fraction of the cost of a dealer, as we do with our AVALON and did with our van!
HER: because this is considered a luxury brand wagon with expensive replacement parts, our insurance will rise dramatically, because an insurance company will know any accident incurred will require more money to repair this type of vehicle with all its technology and bells and whistles.
ME: with the safety options and bells and whistles on this vehicle and with it not being brand new, but rather a few years old, I would hope an insurance company would recognize the benefit of those options in preventing accidents and that it would be no more than insuring any other vehicle with similar features we might get.
HER: this vehicle is not practical for winters in that it sits so low that any chunks of ice or heavy snow lying on the road will do damage to the low front end and low stance of the entire vehicle.
ME: the 2016 doesn't look any lower than our AVALON or SIENNA which both served us well and without damage for so many years of Pittsburgh weathers. The 4matic is a feature we have not ever had and will serve us better than just front wheel drives we are accustomed to.
HER: why buy a 3 year old wagon for perhaps $40k, when we can buy brand new of something else (Subaru...another van...or some other dog friendly vehicle. A 3 year old Mercedes should still not be so much money and so close to being out of warranty.
ME: the fact that a 3 year old vehicle still commands such a high value is a testament to the quality and demand for these wagons, for the value it presents. I would rather have a 3 year old incredibly engineered and safe vehicle worth 40k rather than spend 41k on another van or 6 cylinder Subaru wagon which will be worth only 20k next year and even far less should I have to trade it in 4 years from now. A $70k vehicle , nearly new for $40k is a smart buy in my eyes and not only that, will make my mouth water at the pure beauty and pride of owning it as it sits in my driveway. Something a van never did!
HER: if my company sees me drive to work in this Mercedes wagon, I will never get another raise!
ME: no good comeback to that one. Lol
HER: are you sure this is no "middle age" phase you are going thru with wishing to own a MERCEDES???
ME: IT IS A FRICKING WAGON!!!! Mercedes makes other vehicles I could purchase to illustrate a middle age phase for god's sake. AMG!!!!
So fellow forum friends......HELP ME!
HER: The routine maintenance on Mercedes in general will be more than we have ever paid on our LIMITED 2006 AVALON. Oil changes, lubrications, etc are hundreds of dollars and in order to be able to maintain this vehicle to the standards Mercedes expects, for it to last, and to be able to confidently have a vehicle such as this to someday sell, it will require a great amount of money to fulfill these "B" service reminders popping up at every mileage interval. We change the oils and rotate the tires and pretty much that has been it for an AVALON that has cost us nothing really to own for 10 years. I read where a replacement battery for a Mercedes costs $300 due to it requiring a special type!
ME: I am looking at CPO'd wagons with a track record of reliability and loyalty from those whom have owned them. The model year vehicle I am looking at will still have a balance of a factory warranty and if bought through a dealership, will also have an additional coverage added to it, and if bought from a non Mercedes dealership, there are third party warranties to ease your mind beyond the end of warranty. As for maintenance and general wear and tear items (batteries...pads...oil changes....,) we can find an independent foreign car repair shop in our area to perform these routine functions for a fraction of the cost of a dealer, as we do with our AVALON and did with our van!
HER: because this is considered a luxury brand wagon with expensive replacement parts, our insurance will rise dramatically, because an insurance company will know any accident incurred will require more money to repair this type of vehicle with all its technology and bells and whistles.
ME: with the safety options and bells and whistles on this vehicle and with it not being brand new, but rather a few years old, I would hope an insurance company would recognize the benefit of those options in preventing accidents and that it would be no more than insuring any other vehicle with similar features we might get.
HER: this vehicle is not practical for winters in that it sits so low that any chunks of ice or heavy snow lying on the road will do damage to the low front end and low stance of the entire vehicle.
ME: the 2016 doesn't look any lower than our AVALON or SIENNA which both served us well and without damage for so many years of Pittsburgh weathers. The 4matic is a feature we have not ever had and will serve us better than just front wheel drives we are accustomed to.
HER: why buy a 3 year old wagon for perhaps $40k, when we can buy brand new of something else (Subaru...another van...or some other dog friendly vehicle. A 3 year old Mercedes should still not be so much money and so close to being out of warranty.
ME: the fact that a 3 year old vehicle still commands such a high value is a testament to the quality and demand for these wagons, for the value it presents. I would rather have a 3 year old incredibly engineered and safe vehicle worth 40k rather than spend 41k on another van or 6 cylinder Subaru wagon which will be worth only 20k next year and even far less should I have to trade it in 4 years from now. A $70k vehicle , nearly new for $40k is a smart buy in my eyes and not only that, will make my mouth water at the pure beauty and pride of owning it as it sits in my driveway. Something a van never did!
HER: if my company sees me drive to work in this Mercedes wagon, I will never get another raise!
ME: no good comeback to that one. Lol
HER: are you sure this is no "middle age" phase you are going thru with wishing to own a MERCEDES???
ME: IT IS A FRICKING WAGON!!!! Mercedes makes other vehicles I could purchase to illustrate a middle age phase for god's sake. AMG!!!!
So fellow forum friends......HELP ME!
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Pghbenz (11-02-2016)
#29
Ok......lots of help needed! Lol. After a week of discussion with the wife, I am fearful I am losing the battle to add the WAGON as my multi-purpose vehicle and dog transporter. As stated before, my last vehicle was a SIENNA limited, which I recently sold due to a major tranny repair at 8 years old and 120000 miles. I am fortunate enough in that I am not in desperate need yet to replace it. After looking at new SIENNA AWD vans with a sticker of $42k and with the sour taste left in my mouth for the failing of the last one I babied, the Benz seemed to me to be EXACTLY my choice! I will add that I am a blue collar stiff just looking to buy the best vehicle I can to get the most bang for my buck. Add to that...there are no real vehicles out there that fit our needs, other than a van or a wagon. So......my choice has to be rock solid here since I do not have dollar bills growing on a tree in the backyard! Lol. With all this being said, I am convinced that a 2011-2014 E wagon is the way to go. My wife is not so enthusiastic it is a wise choice. I will say, my wife is an internet researcher and has zero'Ed in on the negatives more than the positives. I do not fault her detective skills as it has served us well for years. So, a week of the following questions and analysis from her about Mercedes in general, and my answers, are as follows: any help would be appreciated to help convince her! HER: The routine maintenance on Mercedes in general will be more than we have ever paid on our LIMITED 2006 AVALON. Oil changes, lubrications, etc are hundreds of dollars and in order to be able to maintain this vehicle to the standards Mercedes expects, for it to last, and to be able to confidently have a vehicle such as this to someday sell, it will require a great amount of money to fulfill these "B" service reminders popping up at every mileage interval. We change the oils and rotate the tires and pretty much that has been it for an AVALON that has cost us nothing really to own for 10 years. I read where a replacement battery for a Mercedes costs $300 due to it requiring a special type! ME: I am looking at CPO'd wagons with a track record of reliability and loyalty from those whom have owned them. The model year vehicle I am looking at will still have a balance of a factory warranty and if bought through a dealership, will also have an additional coverage added to it, and if bought from a non Mercedes dealership, there are third party warranties to ease your mind beyond the end of warranty. As for maintenance and general wear and tear items (batteries...pads...oil changes....,) we can find an independent foreign car repair shop in our area to perform these routine functions for a fraction of the cost of a dealer, as we do with our AVALON and did with our van! HER: because this is considered a luxury brand wagon with expensive replacement parts, our insurance will rise dramatically, because an insurance company will know any accident incurred will require more money to repair this type of vehicle with all its technology and bells and whistles. ME: with the safety options and bells and whistles on this vehicle and with it not being brand new, but rather a few years old, I would hope an insurance company would recognize the benefit of those options in preventing accidents and that it would be no more than insuring any other vehicle with similar features we might get. HER: this vehicle is not practical for winters in that it sits so low that any chunks of ice or heavy snow lying on the road will do damage to the low front end and low stance of the entire vehicle. ME: the 2016 doesn't look any lower than our AVALON or SIENNA which both served us well and without damage for so many years of Pittsburgh weathers. The 4matic is a feature we have not ever had and will serve us better than just front wheel drives we are accustomed to. HER: why buy a 3 year old wagon for perhaps $40k, when we can buy brand new of something else (Subaru...another van...or some other dog friendly vehicle. A 3 year old Mercedes should still not be so much money and so close to being out of warranty. ME: the fact that a 3 year old vehicle still commands such a high value is a testament to the quality and demand for these wagons, for the value it presents. I would rather have a 3 year old incredibly engineered and safe vehicle worth 40k rather than spend 41k on another van or 6 cylinder Subaru wagon which will be worth only 20k next year and even far less should I have to trade it in 4 years from now. A $70k vehicle , nearly new for $40k is a smart buy in my eyes and not only that, will make my mouth water at the pure beauty and pride of owning it as it sits in my driveway. Something a van never did! HER: if my company sees me drive to work in this Mercedes wagon, I will never get another raise! ME: no good comeback to that one. Lol HER: are you sure this is no "middle age" phase you are going thru with wishing to own a MERCEDES??? ME: IT IS A FRICKING WAGON!!!! Mercedes makes other vehicles I could purchase to illustrate a middle age phase for god's sake. AMG!!!! So fellow forum friends......HELP ME!
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Pghbenz (11-02-2016)
#30
I also do a lot of internet research, and I believe your wife makes one mistake. For every one negative review or complaint, there are 99 other that are happy and keep quiet. I also believe luxury car drivers are more critical of their cars.
In terms of cost, yes, they are more expensive than a Toyota, but then you are not driving a Toyota. There are alternatives to services at the dealer. The best is for her to test drive the car herself. My logic has always been that a "well taken care" luxury car (after depreciation!) is a better buy than some econobox that is new. Al least I am smiling when I get to work in the morning.
I have purchased the extended factory warranty and prepaid service plan on my CPO. Once these expire and I had no issues, I will keep the car and do some of the work myself. I also have a 28 year old S class that I do most of the repairs myself.
Hope this helps!
In terms of cost, yes, they are more expensive than a Toyota, but then you are not driving a Toyota. There are alternatives to services at the dealer. The best is for her to test drive the car herself. My logic has always been that a "well taken care" luxury car (after depreciation!) is a better buy than some econobox that is new. Al least I am smiling when I get to work in the morning.
I have purchased the extended factory warranty and prepaid service plan on my CPO. Once these expire and I had no issues, I will keep the car and do some of the work myself. I also have a 28 year old S class that I do most of the repairs myself.
Hope this helps!
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Pghbenz (11-02-2016)
#32
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 25
Likes: 2
2002 W210 2WD Wagon, 2011 F150, Mazda 6, Miata 10th AE, 94 MR2 Turbo, Beechcraft A36
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burbsdad (11-14-2016)
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designzio (11-02-2016)
#37
may I ask what search tool(s) you used? I'm in the same boat, and MB CPO site killed the national wide search option. TIA.
#38
and always rem: happy wife, happy life, unless you have access to frequent Bangkok trips.
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Pghbenz (11-03-2016)
#40
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Pghbenz (11-20-2016)
#43
Love my 2013 wagon and imo a much better choice over the over rated suv
Untitled by supralx570, on Flickr
Untitled by supralx570, on Flickr
#44
thanks dude. you got a great deal, i feels.
buy all the cars you want for the next few years before getting married, open offshore bank account, sign a pre-nup, you know, the usu.
buy all the cars you want for the next few years before getting married, open offshore bank account, sign a pre-nup, you know, the usu.
#45
Agreed! In 10 months of ownership I've moved a grandfather clock, desk and chest of drawers none of which would have fit in an SUV
Yesterday we traveled 11 hours to pick up a rescue beagle. The car was SO smooth and comfortable for such a long day and special
trip. As you can see, we drove over 500 miles and averaged 31.4 mpg. Pretty good for a V6 4Matic!
Yesterday we traveled 11 hours to pick up a rescue beagle. The car was SO smooth and comfortable for such a long day and special
trip. As you can see, we drove over 500 miles and averaged 31.4 mpg. Pretty good for a V6 4Matic!
#47
What speed do you typically drive on the freeway? I had the cruise on 85mph for most of my trip. I imagine my mpg wasn't close to yours.
#48
We generally follow the speed limit. The car also has Distronic Plus which I think also adds to better fuel economy with smoother operation.
#49
I have a 2016 e 400 wagon. This is my 10th Benz and best one yet. My last car was a 2014 e550 sedan. Lots of power but no space for 4 sets of golf clubs. Before that I had a 2011 ml Good cargo space but prefer the ride of a sedan. With the wagon I got both. Good luck with your searching. I will try to post a pic or two but I am not hat good at doing that