I was curious what to look out for on 97-99 e430/320 mercedes. I test drove a 98 e430 with 91k on the clock. They were asking 15k for it which seemed reasonable. I was just curious are there general things I need to look at or should I take it to a mercedes dealership to have them check it out?

 

It all depends upon how much you "know" about vehicles.

If it comes with a warranty, make sure you read it very carefully.

If you don't have much experience, it certainly wouldn't hurt to have someone else check it out for you. Sometimes this can work to your advantage, because depending upon how good the vehicle inpection is, they can find things wrong that can help give you some bargaining power.

Mercedes makes a great vehicle, but just keep in mind that "some" parts can be VERY expensive. Even if you perform all of your own maintenance, some of the parts are wayyyy out there price wise.


hope this helps

 

I bought my 99 E320 4-matic wagon a year ago for about $17k with 70+k miles on it.
With the exception of few rock chips it is in showroom condition. I still hesitate to drop few bags on concrete and garbage in it, but it was bought as a work vehicle.
When I was picking it up (long way from home) my biggest concern was tranny, what used to be week point on 4-matics.
Than did acceleration test. Confirmed the speedometer with GPS, took it on back road and nailed it from the stop.
The time was right and now after adding 10.000 miles on it still is.
Make sure all controll lights are working and no burned light bulbs in the cluster ($140 bulb replacement cost)

 

I have built my own engines. My current volvo is turbo so I have moded it with head word, different turbo, etc and mechinical work is simple to me.

Buying replacements for the volvo depending on what they are can get epensive too. I know the car wont have a warranty but is there pretty much something that is typical to go wrong that I can find before I buy the car? I have foudn a e430 with 91k on it with full records from mercedes to this date. Which I think is probably a bonus. It has been driven by an old lady. That title is clear too.

 

It would take really bad luck to go wrong with the car you describe.
On the other hand 430 with 91k on it is hard to image with old lady behind the wheel.
Still good car. When I have suspicions about the engine condition, on the side of the acceleration test, I do compression test.
Those cars have service bulletin on harmonic balancers. Not a biggie and done free of charge.