For the longest time I have loved the body style (See here) of some of the late 80s early 90s MBs and I've decided to get one. One major question I have is reliability and maintenance.

What should I look for when buying a late model Mercedes Benz? I was originally going to purchase a 560 SEL, before I bought my Jeep Cherokee, but I was advised against it due to reliability issues. Are all older Benzes like this? Which models are the best to choose?

Ive got a while before I need it and Im going to continue looking around, thanks for any help you can give me though!

 

That is a good one.
You passed on Mercedes because of reliability issues and bought Jeep instead [sm=bounceybounce.gif]

The more complicated, modern cars have definitely more things in them to go wrong, but the only better brand, that I've heard of is Royce-Rolls.
The 80 and early 90's era cars have no, or little electronics, so are easier to repair by amateur without special equipment, but this might be a difficult choice.
Do you really want a car without air bags and without ABS , when you can afford one?

 

I don't follow, we own 4 Jeeps with well over 100,000 on them. The two I drive have 60,000 and 150,000 with no signs of stopping. And Ive found cars in my price range, and age range, that have ABS and airbags.

 

100,000 miles for most of the Mercedes cars is break-in period.
From my research Jeeps are having one of the worst reliability records in the World. My agent had his new Jeep towed to the shop 3 times in the first year.
Being car enthusiast I drove lot of cars just to get to know them. Now the Mercedes it the only brand of cars, or wagons, that I would consider for my family.
Turn out, that one of the cheapest brand you can drive for long periods as well.
Good luck on your search. Tell us what models you are considering?

 

Hello, when looking at an older benz you have to be very selective. I personally would not agree that they are unreliable. I have owned many older mercedes and they are some of the best built vehicles I have ever driven. It is very important to find a Mercedes that was well maintained throughout it life, if so these car can literally go forever. Service is a key factor in how reliable a car can be. All of the older S-classes are great cars( if that is specifically what you are looking for), just be selective and find one that was well maintained. If you have looked you probably have noticed it is not uncommen for a Mercedes to go well over 200k+ miles, not many cars can do that.
Hope this helps

 

That's unfortunate, the 4.2 / 4.0 I6 can do 300,000 miles without a doubt. I don't know about the V8s, diesels and I4s that Jeep has used though. As for models Im not quite sure, I like that age range in terms of style, and the nicer interiors are definately a plus.
Ill definately have to look at maintenance records. What engines should I look at when choosing the car, are there ones that are more reliable than others? For example I know I'd never buy a Volvo with some V6s but the I5 and I4 are sure bets for reliability.

 

Depends how much you drive.
For lot of annual miles the 2.5 liter diesels are unbeatable.
800 miles on gas tank?
I mean fuel tank

 

hello, well first what kind of car are you looking for? A small fuel efficient mercedes such as a 190 model, a mid size E-class, or a large S-Class? I really would not complain about any certain engine, but I would agree that the diesels are very reliable. If you know more of what type of car you are looking for it might be easier to give you a certain engine size.

 

I think I have narrowed it down to the 190 series with the 2.6L V6, or a 300D. I like the 190 series better from about 1988 to 1991.

 

Well, actually the 190 2.6 liter has an inline 6 cylinder rather than a V6. They are both great reliable cars, I have owned many 190's, they are a great little car. The diesle would also be a good car...I think either or would make a great car.