Well, it's mid-life crisis time (actually, it's overdue), and since I have always wanted to own a Benz, now may be the time. I'm looking at 2001-2002 E320/E430s, usually with between 25K and 40K miles on them. These fit well within my budget (a new one is definitely out of the question--I am also into computers, photography, and remodeling my house). I live in Sacramento, CA...a nice, sprawling urban area of 2million, with easy access to mountains, the coast, and, of course, the valley. The E-Class is a good fit. I see a lot of them on the road here.

I guess my question is, after reading Consumer Reports, JD Power, Edmunds, etc. am I looking at cars, or projects? I have absolutely no problem with routine maintenance, and the like. I don't want this message to come off negatively--I am actually quit excited about buying one of these beasts, and living with it for many, many miles (my computer jones handles my fetish for newness). Is this reasonable? I really would rather spend the money on an E Class rather than, say, a new Honda. They just don't move me.

I'm looking for "over coffee, for your own good, here's my opinion" input from people that know.

Thanks in advance,
Cheers,
Mark Taber

 

i have an older e320 (94 model year), by maintaining it well, it has given me 150k miles Thank God. they are good cars (the e-class) quite comfortable and the occasional power when you need it. If you dont mind the extra gas prices i would go for the e430, but if you do..then e320 all the way. The only projects that you will encounter is if you get a lemon. I personally think after 95 or so, mb just dropped off the map in reliablitly and now recently its on the rise again. hopefully you will get a good one. Good luck

j-mang

 

Quite right.
One of the reason is that Mercedes had to deal with new/cheaper competition (eg. Lexus) and and dropped quality and engineering.
Cars were then developed and built according to bean-counters accountants instead of engineers.
The W124 (up to 1995) were built like tanks, over-engineered , no compromised were made.

 

I do have an 03 E320 4 sale here is the link in case your interested.In case you live where it snows I also have a set of snow tires to accompany the vehicle.

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...ag=1&cardist=0

If this link doesnt work I can also email you the link. jvc19762003@yahoo.com