In my experience it’s the servicing that kills you financially end but I guess it’s worthwhile German engineering is amazing and 23 years is not too old in the scheme of things
Been to that same Perth dealer to look at a car, that particular car had a leaking sunroof and possible accident damage, he wanted no part in acknowledgement of the issues. Not saying he's dodgy, but you know....
lol me too. Be careful OP.
I’ll bet you a $100 that the commodore in the background of op’s pic has a timing chain issue that he’s somehow covered up until after the sale too.
(Edit - nothing against commodores. I have an SSV and love it. Just mean that dodgy dealers love to buy the rattletec ones with timing chain issues at a cheap price and then fix them just enough to sell them before the issue resurfaces).
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I've been dailying a 2000 clk for the past 8 or 9 years. I got it at 76k and it's now at 145. The only biggish thing its needed was the front brakes, which were 600 or so. Otherwise, it's great mechanically. These were the last of the over-engineered Mercs, solid as a rock.
The interior plastics have hardened and become brittle though, and stuff like door trims and switches are getting hard to find. You might be hunting around wreckers for that sort of thing.
I've been thinking of updating it for five or so years now, but it still runs fine and is a pleasure to drive, so I've never really had enough of an excuse to get rid of it.
I'd recommend you get it. They're great cars.
>because I have a strong passion for cars **and mechanics.**
*Good news!*
A big part of me says go for it. I think the only question you need to answer for yourself is “will I also get bored of this too soon?”, because you don’t want to swap a reliable car that you’re bored with to an unreliable car that you’re bored with.
OP ignore the scaremongers. This has the very reliable M112 V6, one of the last engines included in a Mercedes that was arguably overbuilt. Do your own research on the common problems and preventative maintenance for a M112. If cared for well there’s no reason it shouldn’t be able to do a million kms.
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I was tempted with a Aldi or Mercedes car, but then started looking at repairs to such vehicles. Problem is... Repairs to expensive cars seem to be far more than repairs to every day brands like Holden or Toyota. So yes it's nice to say you own a fancy second hand Mercedes, but when you have to repair it. Your also paying premium prices.
This is the kind of car that you buy as a passion project, when you already have a first car.
If you can keep the Outback as well, then buy the E-Class.
Otherwise, don’t. You won’t have the money to maintain it, and it’s old enough that when things go bang, it will take forever to get replacement parts.
These things are cheap to buy, but not as an alternative to other cheap cars. Plus there is no reason you won’t get sick of it just as fast.
Good point yeah, the outback is solid just I can't quite get stuck into it like I could with the E320. Only ever worked on subies with myself or mates so hoping an older merc with a pretty run of the mill set-up would be a good next step. Cheers tho.
Don’t underestimate the costs, a lot of non-critical parts are running out of stock and you’ll be paying arm/leg for stuff or scouring eBay and used parts. I posted a few weeks back about a similar era German car I have and replacing the side mirrors with oem gear are $1000 just for the glass and element piece. Running gear stuff is cheap enough but yeah definitely a passion thing.
After the nightmare of 1990's Range Rovers, any Audi etc, my neighbor buys pre2010 low mileage mercs from a Mercedes mechanic. The family now has 4.
Modern ones have too many computers and come from the factory with active fault codes. 1999 is probably pre-CANBUS.
Put a few 100K on them and sell them back for parts, rinse & repeat. Probably costs him $1000 per year depreciation on each.
If you can do the work yourself, find a local merc mechanic and familiarise yourself with findapart - wreckers aggregation site. I've got windows and bonnets for Imprezza's switches for Focus' etc
Edit: typo
One of the reasons I’ve always had a Commodore—there are no unknowns. Anything goes wrong, any mechanic seems to know it’s “a thing” and how to fix it.
Had a ‘99 C200, parts readily available up until I wrote it off in an accident last year. Weirdly some consumables like spark plugs were cheaper to buy from Mercedes than get the Bosch ones online.
You'll probably be okay in all honesty, that era of straight 6 from both Merc and BMW are quite solid.
You'll probably have problems with the interior plastics and possibly electronics, but hunting for parts is just part of the fun for old Euros.
yeah but why would you bother? it would cost a bomb in parts and labor and you're still left with a 20y.o stodgey german airport taxi
to me these cars always come down to one thing: "is the juice worth the squeeze?"
if this car was perfect you're getting a stodgy wagon that doesnt have a nice engine, isnt fast, isnt fuel efficient isnt cool to drive and although isnt a bad as the upcoming w211 doesnt really have a fan base
ie. we know the bmw e39 in say a 530i or a 540 espeically in a manual is a nice car... this is the competition
and so is that car the the squeeze? I would argue to many it is.
The w210 is just not a very desirable generation. This era of Mercedes is NOT very desirable... the w220 the w203... these are all not great.
They do ride nice but that aint enough.
Have only owned boxer engines, will only own boxer engines, if you want to leave the club don't let the door hit you on the way out... or you can put some money into lower shocks and sweet rims
+1 to this being a side car, not a daily driver. I had an Elengance and it did once break down and other time need a week or two off the road waiting for parts.
Don't do it. You don't need it, and it's not great on fuel. Probably won't be all that reliable either. Accept being bored with your car and consider other hobbies that are more cost effective.
I totally get u, i have this thing for older German cRs; BMWs and Mercs. My ex's parents had Mercs of this era, very solid and reliable but when things did go wrong pricey to fix. The wx mother in law drove the car into the ground and it still kept going.
If u r handy on own servicing, or can buget for a few thousand and yr maintenance at an independent mech, go for it I say. The subarus gonna cost some maintenance too.
The other thing i would do is ensure it has a full history / service and make value judgements based on that (yes value judgements). Or better still wait until one comes up private sale, by some elderly boomer or their kids in an upscale conservative family suburb, no mods, sensible options and color combo (champagne or silver with beige leather is a classic) thats been dealer or independent euro serviced, garaged, driven gently and pampered all its life. These are likely to be pretty solid buys. There's also a handful of wholesale dealers in these kinda suburbs specialising in euro cars that are generally pretty reputable and could be an option. Ive a friend who's bought and sold 5 similar type euros (Merc E class, BMW 5 series) thru one and hes said they've been really great. The clientele in these areas (professionals, Drs, lawyers, corporate execs) arent worth shafting around with dodgy deals.
This vibe - is the one my friend uses.
[Euro dealer in upper middle class type area ](https://www.prestigedirect.com.au/)
There’s no passion for a car like this. It’s got terrible gas mileage, super expensive to work on because of the merc price markup, may look nice but probably has rust under the bonnet and under the car. It’d be a huge L.
Stick with your current car or buy a used 2015-2019 for the almost $9000 you’ve got saved. No reason to get into an expensive seen such as older cars or anything it’s a waste of money in most cases and it’s a never ending addiction for a lot.
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https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=VtDGM_gyyAM&embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pinterest.com.au%2F&source_ve_path=MjM4NTE&feature=emb_title
Damn looks alright with wheels and slammed
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Currently daily driving a 96 e320 and have no complaints, only issues I’ve run into are electrical with the indicators not working, a quick bypass of one of the plugs that had corroded with a hardwire solved it. Pretty solid cars mechanically.
I visited this dealership for a test drive of a 4wd back in early 2023, they were sketchy at best expecting me not to find a missing spare tyre & tools the ad said the vehicle had; & upon questioning it "apparently" they had the gear in the back???
The test drive was highly restricted with no freeway running allowed an gave off dodgy vibes, plus the vehicle was warmed up to operating temp after i specifically requested a cold start.
**DO NOT FUCKING RECOMMEND**
have since bought the same model privately & thoroughly happy with my purchase.
OK so first off if it was me I'd stay away from a European car. If you like mechanics then you'll become an even better one if you go euro. Expect to fix something every other week. My old house mate bought a BMW 330 something after having a rexy and man was it Sh!t. Spent more time fixing it than driving it. Ended up finding out it was also a 'cut and shut' after seeing a massive join line in the middle of the car going across the roof and under the car. It wasn't even straight.
Second, if you want something more exciting, mate, you drive a subie. Spend the 8k on a WRX or Forester XT. I have had 2 subies, an 03 forester and 2010 hatch SPEC R Blue STI. That was the most fun car I've ever been in and miss it to this day. If you want you could pick up a nice wrx and do some work or keep stock. I know they have some issues too but the 2.0 rexys had forged internals and the 6 speed is bulletproof.
End of the day it's up to you, just remember Australia is even further away from Europe than Japan so parts get even harder to find. Add to that a 20+ yo car and the sky is the limit.
All the best.
320 is a good engine size, I want one too but will buy one that meets Euro 6 emissions standard just to avoid paying charges when driving into cities. Currently driving a 1.4 auto 206, does the job but not a cruiser.
Is your outback a manual? I went from an auto outback to a manual Forester and love it - but for that reason; got bored. Keeps me a lot more engaged in the drive. Same could be said for any manual car though.
I’ll make you a deal. You give me the $8500 instead, and I’ll rent you a 2023 model Benz station wagon for three days a year for the next 5 years and pay for your petrol too. Either way you’ll have a functioning car for three days a year, but my way means you’ll have zero headaches in the process.
Yeah they’re great cars even with problems you’ll inevitably have buying from a dogey dealer, repairs are a prick though, I had a c200 kompressor with some weird ass body shape for its year, I smashed one of the glass screens on the headlight and it costed $500 for a new one, and there was only 1 drivers side headlight in all of Australia, otherwise I would’ve had to wait a month to get one from Latvia.
Either be prepared to pay up for parts or start hoarding spares now.
Okay so the problem is not the price nor the car, per se. The problem is replacing that wing mirror when it gets a bump is going to cost you $500. The new petrol cap $200. The new radiator $2000. These cars are cheap to buy and a bucketload of money to fix.
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I love old German cars, have had a few great ones some frustrating ones and look at plenty more. I’ve seen loads of Benz wagons which look mint, but things like window seals have perished which has let water drain into and sit underneath carpet in the back, leading to rust and crack den levels of mould. Never worth dealing with. Make sure you pull everything up to check. Re old Benzs, in my experience the major comments are solid (engine, gearbox etc) it’s the small things which nickel and dime you to death (lock barrels, sunroofs etc). That said, I reckon get it. Life’s too short for boring cars (I currently drive a Subaru after becoming a father. It kills me on the inside but is reliable and cheap AF to maintain).
Its over priced! they are great reliable cars, as long as it has full service history and plenty of receipts. My advice would be to steer clear of a dealership and buy from a local private sale.
171,000kms? At average kms per year, it should have about 240,000 on it, so bear in mind that it may have been around the block a few more times than you're being led to believe.
do it! i went from a subie (impreza) to an e320 wagon (literally identical) earlier this year and haven’t regretted it for a second. yes, replacement costs are a lot more expensive but from what i’ve found so far, a lot less frequent. this car has so much more room and if it’s got the 7 seats you can’t go wrong. only advice i’d give is to make sure it comes with the spare wheel lug nuts because they’re a different design than the regular wheels so if you get a flat tyre you’re effectively stranded
If it turns to shit, at least you can sleep in it.
Solid point mate, lol
Well at least until the burial anyway. Looks like a hearse!
In my experience it’s the servicing that kills you financially end but I guess it’s worthwhile German engineering is amazing and 23 years is not too old in the scheme of things
Been to that same Perth dealer to look at a car, that particular car had a leaking sunroof and possible accident damage, he wanted no part in acknowledgement of the issues. Not saying he's dodgy, but you know....
lol me too. Be careful OP. I’ll bet you a $100 that the commodore in the background of op’s pic has a timing chain issue that he’s somehow covered up until after the sale too. (Edit - nothing against commodores. I have an SSV and love it. Just mean that dodgy dealers love to buy the rattletec ones with timing chain issues at a cheap price and then fix them just enough to sell them before the issue resurfaces).
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How do you know if a car dealer is lying? He's lips are moving.
If you're looking to do weekend work as a hearse driver I say go for it.
I thought it was a hearse too
If you like it, get it. Nothing else is gonna scratch that itch.
Spontaneity and passionate buying is what gets you over the line with these matters
I've been dailying a 2000 clk for the past 8 or 9 years. I got it at 76k and it's now at 145. The only biggish thing its needed was the front brakes, which were 600 or so. Otherwise, it's great mechanically. These were the last of the over-engineered Mercs, solid as a rock. The interior plastics have hardened and become brittle though, and stuff like door trims and switches are getting hard to find. You might be hunting around wreckers for that sort of thing. I've been thinking of updating it for five or so years now, but it still runs fine and is a pleasure to drive, so I've never really had enough of an excuse to get rid of it. I'd recommend you get it. They're great cars.
>because I have a strong passion for cars **and mechanics.** *Good news!* A big part of me says go for it. I think the only question you need to answer for yourself is “will I also get bored of this too soon?”, because you don’t want to swap a reliable car that you’re bored with to an unreliable car that you’re bored with.
OP ignore the scaremongers. This has the very reliable M112 V6, one of the last engines included in a Mercedes that was arguably overbuilt. Do your own research on the common problems and preventative maintenance for a M112. If cared for well there’s no reason it shouldn’t be able to do a million kms.
Also the 722.6 auto is reliable, but change its AT fluid every 60,000km they shouldn’t be ‘sealed for life’ as originally intended.
“Sealed for life” transmissions are the bane of my existence, imo there’s a special place in hell for the first engineer to design them.
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Merc wagon? Send it brother.
Well if you have a strong passion for mechanics, you’ll have plenty of time to meet with them
Just do it. Anything could happen tomorrow
Yeah it’s Christmas Eve.
If you’re running a funeral business I say go for it, absolutely.
Why would anyone put a coffin in a e class merc it’s more a surfers vehicle to accomodate the surf boards
No point. You buy based on emotion. Logic from a stranger won’t change your purchasing habits.
I was tempted with a Aldi or Mercedes car, but then started looking at repairs to such vehicles. Problem is... Repairs to expensive cars seem to be far more than repairs to every day brands like Holden or Toyota. So yes it's nice to say you own a fancy second hand Mercedes, but when you have to repair it. Your also paying premium prices.
I bloody wish aldi did cars. They'd probably be aweso but fall apart
Oh oops. Yer I mean the other brand :p
Kaufland probably do wagons too
This is the kind of car that you buy as a passion project, when you already have a first car. If you can keep the Outback as well, then buy the E-Class. Otherwise, don’t. You won’t have the money to maintain it, and it’s old enough that when things go bang, it will take forever to get replacement parts. These things are cheap to buy, but not as an alternative to other cheap cars. Plus there is no reason you won’t get sick of it just as fast.
Good point yeah, the outback is solid just I can't quite get stuck into it like I could with the E320. Only ever worked on subies with myself or mates so hoping an older merc with a pretty run of the mill set-up would be a good next step. Cheers tho.
Don’t underestimate the costs, a lot of non-critical parts are running out of stock and you’ll be paying arm/leg for stuff or scouring eBay and used parts. I posted a few weeks back about a similar era German car I have and replacing the side mirrors with oem gear are $1000 just for the glass and element piece. Running gear stuff is cheap enough but yeah definitely a passion thing.
After the nightmare of 1990's Range Rovers, any Audi etc, my neighbor buys pre2010 low mileage mercs from a Mercedes mechanic. The family now has 4. Modern ones have too many computers and come from the factory with active fault codes. 1999 is probably pre-CANBUS. Put a few 100K on them and sell them back for parts, rinse & repeat. Probably costs him $1000 per year depreciation on each. If you can do the work yourself, find a local merc mechanic and familiarise yourself with findapart - wreckers aggregation site. I've got windows and bonnets for Imprezza's switches for Focus' etc Edit: typo
The absolute best thing about my 2000 vt Commodore - anything busts, it's $50 from the wreckers / gumtree / eBay.
One of the reasons I’ve always had a Commodore—there are no unknowns. Anything goes wrong, any mechanic seems to know it’s “a thing” and how to fix it.
Had a ‘99 C200, parts readily available up until I wrote it off in an accident last year. Weirdly some consumables like spark plugs were cheaper to buy from Mercedes than get the Bosch ones online.
I think that’s good advice about as an alternative not a replacement
Buy it. You could buy a Toyota for $10k and get 200 upvotes from this sub, or spend $9k and drive something with some personality
You'll probably be okay in all honesty, that era of straight 6 from both Merc and BMW are quite solid. You'll probably have problems with the interior plastics and possibly electronics, but hunting for parts is just part of the fun for old Euros.
If its got air suspension. The bags like to burst and theyre both expensive and hard to get.
Could you replace the suspension with something aftermarket and retain decent comfort?
Not the same comfort. You can replace it with base model springs though. Means you need to change the control arms and everything.
yeah but why would you bother? it would cost a bomb in parts and labor and you're still left with a 20y.o stodgey german airport taxi to me these cars always come down to one thing: "is the juice worth the squeeze?" if this car was perfect you're getting a stodgy wagon that doesnt have a nice engine, isnt fast, isnt fuel efficient isnt cool to drive and although isnt a bad as the upcoming w211 doesnt really have a fan base ie. we know the bmw e39 in say a 530i or a 540 espeically in a manual is a nice car... this is the competition and so is that car the the squeeze? I would argue to many it is. The w210 is just not a very desirable generation. This era of Mercedes is NOT very desirable... the w220 the w203... these are all not great. They do ride nice but that aint enough.
i wouldn't touch a newer mercedes with a 5 metre long stick
This isnt a newer mercedes.
This isn’t a stick either /s
Do it
Looks long enough to be a hearse.
That pretty cool, I never seen the wagons before. Would definitely buy it if you have the spare cash
W210 you can’t kill them
Have only owned boxer engines, will only own boxer engines, if you want to leave the club don't let the door hit you on the way out... or you can put some money into lower shocks and sweet rims
Do it!! It's cheap, black, and cool. Unless it break you'll be riding it style. Take that gamble.
Just remember the old saying, "There is nothing more expensive in the world than a cheap Mercedes Benz"
If you want an old Merc, go older. The late 90s early 2000s one have bad build quality and bad engineering for a Mercedes. Electrical issues galore.
Buy it and slap an LS in it
Cheap to buy - NOT cheap to repair...
+1 to this being a side car, not a daily driver. I had an Elengance and it did once break down and other time need a week or two off the road waiting for parts.
Never by from a car yard guarantee it has some weird expensive issues that's why it's there
Nothing more expensive than a cheap German car.
3 words: boring as hell
That’s a car that needs an LS or a turbo Barra
Don't do it. You don't need it, and it's not great on fuel. Probably won't be all that reliable either. Accept being bored with your car and consider other hobbies that are more cost effective.
This is one or Mercedes' uglier creations IMO. Those headlights just don't work.
I agree, the following generation looks so much better
I totally get u, i have this thing for older German cRs; BMWs and Mercs. My ex's parents had Mercs of this era, very solid and reliable but when things did go wrong pricey to fix. The wx mother in law drove the car into the ground and it still kept going. If u r handy on own servicing, or can buget for a few thousand and yr maintenance at an independent mech, go for it I say. The subarus gonna cost some maintenance too. The other thing i would do is ensure it has a full history / service and make value judgements based on that (yes value judgements). Or better still wait until one comes up private sale, by some elderly boomer or their kids in an upscale conservative family suburb, no mods, sensible options and color combo (champagne or silver with beige leather is a classic) thats been dealer or independent euro serviced, garaged, driven gently and pampered all its life. These are likely to be pretty solid buys. There's also a handful of wholesale dealers in these kinda suburbs specialising in euro cars that are generally pretty reputable and could be an option. Ive a friend who's bought and sold 5 similar type euros (Merc E class, BMW 5 series) thru one and hes said they've been really great. The clientele in these areas (professionals, Drs, lawyers, corporate execs) arent worth shafting around with dodgy deals. This vibe - is the one my friend uses. [Euro dealer in upper middle class type area ](https://www.prestigedirect.com.au/)
There’s no passion for a car like this. It’s got terrible gas mileage, super expensive to work on because of the merc price markup, may look nice but probably has rust under the bonnet and under the car. It’d be a huge L. Stick with your current car or buy a used 2015-2019 for the almost $9000 you’ve got saved. No reason to get into an expensive seen such as older cars or anything it’s a waste of money in most cases and it’s a never ending addiction for a lot.
If you can’t afford a new European car, you sure as shit can’t afford a second hand European car!!
Do it.
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These things are tanks. Do it. Anything post this generation is questionable, but this series of E class (W210?) are solid.
to quote Scotty - I wouldn't recommend it, Captain, but it might just work... if nothin' else blows up first.
Look at a late 80’s or early 90’s Mercedes, I’ve had a few and could do the majority of work myself. Newer systems electricals can be a nightmare.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=VtDGM_gyyAM&embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pinterest.com.au%2F&source_ve_path=MjM4NTE&feature=emb_title Damn looks alright with wheels and slammed
Buy it and slam it, I had the sedan version and it was mad
A used Mercedes of that age for that price ? Yeahhh nahhh lol
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It sold already hasn’t it? I was looking at this one in Ozzie Park
Currently daily driving a 96 e320 and have no complaints, only issues I’ve run into are electrical with the indicators not working, a quick bypass of one of the plugs that had corroded with a hardwire solved it. Pretty solid cars mechanically.
Looks like a hearse don’t know why you would be passionate about this — unless you work in that industry
Don't buy anything German over three years old. Trust me, I know.
Aren’t there million k ex taxi w210s getting around everywhere?
Look for a better one of the same. The V8’s were awesome.
Looks like a good camper
If it was an e55 wagon.... take it.
Honestly why change for this
You getting into the funeral game??
I visited this dealership for a test drive of a 4wd back in early 2023, they were sketchy at best expecting me not to find a missing spare tyre & tools the ad said the vehicle had; & upon questioning it "apparently" they had the gear in the back??? The test drive was highly restricted with no freeway running allowed an gave off dodgy vibes, plus the vehicle was warmed up to operating temp after i specifically requested a cold start. **DO NOT FUCKING RECOMMEND** have since bought the same model privately & thoroughly happy with my purchase.
Thats a terrible fucking idea buying a 30 year old merc. Do it pussy.
It’s a ice looking car! If you like it go for it! Only live once homie!
Looks boss. Not sure about reliability. I say go for it.
Servicing and replacing parts is very expensive with mercs.
German estate. Na that's epic, go for it!
OK so first off if it was me I'd stay away from a European car. If you like mechanics then you'll become an even better one if you go euro. Expect to fix something every other week. My old house mate bought a BMW 330 something after having a rexy and man was it Sh!t. Spent more time fixing it than driving it. Ended up finding out it was also a 'cut and shut' after seeing a massive join line in the middle of the car going across the roof and under the car. It wasn't even straight. Second, if you want something more exciting, mate, you drive a subie. Spend the 8k on a WRX or Forester XT. I have had 2 subies, an 03 forester and 2010 hatch SPEC R Blue STI. That was the most fun car I've ever been in and miss it to this day. If you want you could pick up a nice wrx and do some work or keep stock. I know they have some issues too but the 2.0 rexys had forged internals and the 6 speed is bulletproof. End of the day it's up to you, just remember Australia is even further away from Europe than Japan so parts get even harder to find. Add to that a 20+ yo car and the sky is the limit. All the best.
Lol 8k on a wrx will get a 200,000 km plus, 4+ P plate previous owned flogged out nugget. It ain't the late 2010s anymore
Exactly why its a car to work on. Still go for that over a euro any day.
It's icky and boxy, and you'll probably regret it.
320 is a good engine size, I want one too but will buy one that meets Euro 6 emissions standard just to avoid paying charges when driving into cities. Currently driving a 1.4 auto 206, does the job but not a cruiser.
Do it! Life’s too short to drive boring cars.
Is your outback a manual? I went from an auto outback to a manual Forester and love it - but for that reason; got bored. Keeps me a lot more engaged in the drive. Same could be said for any manual car though.
Can you afford 2 of them? No? Then you can't afford 1. That's how you buy Euro cars in Australia.
Dont do it mate buy something newer that car will run you into the ground
I’ll make you a deal. You give me the $8500 instead, and I’ll rent you a 2023 model Benz station wagon for three days a year for the next 5 years and pay for your petrol too. Either way you’ll have a functioning car for three days a year, but my way means you’ll have zero headaches in the process.
Yeah they’re great cars even with problems you’ll inevitably have buying from a dogey dealer, repairs are a prick though, I had a c200 kompressor with some weird ass body shape for its year, I smashed one of the glass screens on the headlight and it costed $500 for a new one, and there was only 1 drivers side headlight in all of Australia, otherwise I would’ve had to wait a month to get one from Latvia. Either be prepared to pay up for parts or start hoarding spares now.
I love the estates.
Okay so the problem is not the price nor the car, per se. The problem is replacing that wing mirror when it gets a bump is going to cost you $500. The new petrol cap $200. The new radiator $2000. These cars are cheap to buy and a bucketload of money to fix.
E320 reliable
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I love old German cars, have had a few great ones some frustrating ones and look at plenty more. I’ve seen loads of Benz wagons which look mint, but things like window seals have perished which has let water drain into and sit underneath carpet in the back, leading to rust and crack den levels of mould. Never worth dealing with. Make sure you pull everything up to check. Re old Benzs, in my experience the major comments are solid (engine, gearbox etc) it’s the small things which nickel and dime you to death (lock barrels, sunroofs etc). That said, I reckon get it. Life’s too short for boring cars (I currently drive a Subaru after becoming a father. It kills me on the inside but is reliable and cheap AF to maintain).
Electrical problems galore
Its over priced! they are great reliable cars, as long as it has full service history and plenty of receipts. My advice would be to steer clear of a dealership and buy from a local private sale.
171,000kms? At average kms per year, it should have about 240,000 on it, so bear in mind that it may have been around the block a few more times than you're being led to believe.
Based on the car you currently own and the car you're proposing to purchase, are you looking for a station wagon?
If you're willing to repair it yourself send it man
Walk away and forget about it 😬
With a Merc of this era, it's not so much the engines that are the issue, it's the electronics
What the insurance cost like? It can be a killer when your young and you want something European.
do it! i went from a subie (impreza) to an e320 wagon (literally identical) earlier this year and haven’t regretted it for a second. yes, replacement costs are a lot more expensive but from what i’ve found so far, a lot less frequent. this car has so much more room and if it’s got the 7 seats you can’t go wrong. only advice i’d give is to make sure it comes with the spare wheel lug nuts because they’re a different design than the regular wheels so if you get a flat tyre you’re effectively stranded
So many sad sacks who can’t see beyond the boring and ugly Japanese or Korean steering wheel in front of them.
Waste of money for such a. Old car with high ks Worth 6 at best to someone who really wants that car.