Hi there


I am thinking of buying my wife a 2004 E500 wagon with 80k on the clock. Its in great condition and has Navi and all the options. The guy wants $17,500. Doe this seem fair?

Is there anything I should double check on the car given the fact there will be no warranty on the car?

 

Price is high ...miles are high..look around lots of 211 wagon/estates to pick from...look at the west coast for it
the market is very soft...a friend just bought a 211 amg 55 with decent miles for 18k

re the inspection run the vin at a dealer mvi for all service history and spend the money for a ppi before you make a offer

 

Run don't walk to the nearest exit.04 E500. E seriesw211 highest recalled car in MB history,from the sbc to electronics to quality issues.
You could pick up a w210 wagon 03 with fewer miles,better car,for under 12K.
The sbc alone if problems arise will run you half that amount on a w211.
Run

 

Stay away from 03-06 W211. Go with the 03 wagon like OHLORD said. Or buy an 07 or newer. 80K on a 4 year old car is very high. The price is also very high.

 

The wagon in 03 was still a w210,so he is okay with looking at that.
04 w211 up run.

 

I am really bummed to hear this- I thought the car was stunning - in really good shape. Are all the 2004s dogs- didnt they fix the issues with recalls etc.

 

I know your bummed to hear that. Not all of the 2004 E are like that. I know a guy who had a 2004 E55 AMG and its beena great car for him. Its just that there where too many issues with that year to even take a chance with one. I would go with the 03 like OHLORD said or just go with a 2007 or newer.

 

As you have read the '04 has had it's issues. As my mechanic puts it "all cars are junk...it just takes some people longer to find out!" The '04 has ride control issues caused by an overstressed wiring harness in the front drivers' wheel well. They also have a problem with the main connector to the rear fuse block not being properly plugged in and causing the car to suddenly die while driving! This harness controls the fuel pump and dash guages. ALL the catalytic converters fail at this mileage! The brake fluid absorbs moisture and will need to be changed. The air mixture box burns out and the front end components wear out by 60K. If you have a 4-matic the differential fluid should be changed by 60K or the car turns harshly at low speeds. Other than that they are still great cars. Just don't pay too much for them.